HOOD AERODROME

Wairarapa Daily Times, 19 September 1934, Page 5

HOOD AERODROME

IMPROVEMENT SCHEME. BOROUGH COUNCIL GRANT. At the Borough Council meeting last night, Cr. Free, speaking in regard to the aerodrome in Masterton, said that the surface was not suitable for modern aircraft, and that aeroplanes were in danger of sustaining damage, as had been the case in more than one instance. They had obtained a report as to the necessary improvement, and the Government would assist them to a certain extent. About 60 to 80 men would be employed in the proposed work, and about £IO,OOO would be spent in wages over the eight months it would take. From the point of view of the Aero Club the work is not necessary, as they could carry on, but in the interests of district the Wairarapa should have a modern airport. Cr. Free referred to the efforts to establish an aerodrome in Masterton undeij local body ownership. These had failed, and the Hood Aerodrome subsequently had been established privately by the Wairarapa Aero Club. The Government was fully alive to the importance of the position and had approved a scheme whereby the Public Works Department, the Defence Department and the Unemployment Board were cooperating for the improvement of existing aerodromes. A sum of £3OO was required to guarantee the cartage and provision of materials _at the aerodrome. He was of opinion that the scheme should appeal, apart altogether from the welfare of the district, as a means of assisting the relief workers. He asked the Council to agree to guarantee 1 £IOO of the £3OO guarantee required before the work would be put in hand. The Masterton, Mauriccville and Castlepoint County Councils would be asked, and there was every likelihood of their agreeing, to provide the remaining £2OO. If it agreed to the proposal, the Masterton borough would only be asked to find £SO this financial year, and the other £SO next year. Cr. Free explained that he used the word guarantee” because the club had to obtain a euarantee of the money before the work was put in hand. The £IO,OOO for wages would be provided by the Unemployment Board, and the work will be carried out by relief workers under the direction of the Public Works Dein reply to a question, said that the Council had power to contribute to aero clubs. ' . Cr Peacock moved that the Council agree to find £IOO, but not more than £SO this vear. Cr. Low seconded the m< Cr. Russell supported the motion. He had objected previously to borough money going to the aerodrome, but he had since altered his views. Cr. White and Cr. Barr also supported the motion, which was carried.

Cr Free informed a “Daily Times” representative this morning that the Masterton County Council had approved of the scheme, but had not passed the formal resolution at the last meeting, as they wished to look up the authority. The Castlepoint County had agreed, and tlio Mauriccville County have yet to consider the matter.