The Pahiatua Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 1935. A LANDING GROUND.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13089, 24 October 1935, Page 4

The Pahiatua Herald PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING THURSDAY OCTOBER 24, 1935. A LANDING GROUND.

Mention was made by the Town Clerk at a recent meeting; of the .Progressive Association that' this district should make a move in the direction of establishing a landing ground at Pahiatua. The suggestion is a timely one. There is a big programme afoot in .New Zealand for the construction of aviation landing grounds and the extension cf existing aerodromes. Difficulties over the acquisition of land tire being overcome by the extended powers of the Minister to acquire suitable areas for aerodromes and shortly the provinces will be linked up with regular air services. It will be a keen disappointment if Pahiatua is left out of calculations altogether which is quite on. the cards if no move •j»s made locally to show at least that the district- is vitally concerned in such a project. Under the Encouragement of Aviation Act full powers are given to acquire land. In. order that the surroundings of aerodromes made be made safer the Minister is even empowered to require adjoining land owners to. limit the height of trees, masts, buildings, etc., which might become a danger to aeroplanes using the aerodrome. The property owner has the right to appeal against any restrictions to a Magistrate whose decision, however, is final. Thq owner lias a right to claim compensation and in default of mutual agreement the amount may be fixed by arbitration. Any difficulties in this direction here should not be insuperable . The ideal location for a landing ground in Pahiatua is the area utilised previously, on level farm property at the north end of the borough and the local bodies would be well advised to re-open inquiries and negotiate for the rights of this land.