AIR PORT IN WANGANUI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 71, Issue 276, 21 November 1928, Page 6

AIR PORT IN WANGANUI

PURCHASE OF SITE URGED DEPUTATION WAITS ON COUNCIL The’ attitude that Wanganui should not lag balnncl in establishing an air port so that it might attract air tYaflfic when it became developed in New Zealand, was taken by a deputation which waited upon the City Council last evening in connection with the purchase of a landing site in Wanganui. Air E. Furlong urged the necessity of a suitable site for an aerodrome m Wanganui being purchased as soon as possible, in view of the public and private interest being taken in flyingA company had been formed in Auckland and had already purchased a machine costing about £4(JOO or £5OOO. ir was proposed that the aeroplane should fly between the North and SQUth islands and, obviously, only the towns equipped with airports were going to get the advantage of the company s activities. The deputation felt that if Wanganui was not prepared to take the air traffic when it arrived it would be difficult for it to establish itself as a port later on. Hawcra had a landing ground, but Wanganui was stated to be a more direct route between Auckland and the South Island than Hawcra was. He asked the Council to take some steps to have the port established. There were only three likely sites that might, at present, be purchased, but, if the securing of a site was delayed, difficulties might arise through the erection of buildings on the properties in view. in reply to Cr. W. Al. Luxford, >jr Forlong stated that the sites referred to were at Castlccliff. Gonvillc and near the Belmont Golf Links The speaker added that the area of the landing ground depended upon its position. It would be somewhere in the vicinity of 50 or 60 acres. On the motion of Ur. \V. AL Falconer, seconded by Cr. J. Alorrison, the matter was referred to the works committee to consult with the deputation and report to the Council at a later date.