THE FUTURE OF AVIATION.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXIX, Issue 3097, 13 June 1929, Page 4

THE FUTURE OF AVIATION.

In the course of an address to a large and representative gathering of people at Masterton last Monday, the Minister of Defence (the Hon. T. M. Wilford) spoke most optimistically of the future of civic aviation in New Zealand, and emphasised the importance of being up-to-date in this respect. New Zealand, he said, was very far behind the times in this branch of transport. He declared that before long a town without an aerodrome would be as much, out of the running as a town was at

present if it had no railway station, j These remarks should serve to remind residents of the district that this important matter has received practically no consideration locally. Why should wo not have an aerodrome at Cambridge? Cambridge is admirably situated geographically for such a pur-, pose, being a very handy stopping-place in journeys across the Island, or from Auckland to the Bay of Plenty or Hawkc's Bay. It would also be. a most convenient hbpping-off place for short runs in any direction. There are a number of most suitable level fields in close proximity to the town suitable for an. aerodrome. There can jbe but little doubt that aviation will fOrm a highlyimportant means of transport; and probably of mail service,! in the near future, and every centre that docs not want to be left behind, in the march of progress should make.some step to pro' vide facilities to meet requirements in that connection. We suggest that some interested body —this should come within the scope of the Chamber of Commerce—should take the initiative in this matter, and secure the support of other bodies in order to place the claims of this district before the Director of Aviation.