H—37

Palmerston North. —Consideration lias been given to the manner in which the Palmerston North Airport (Milson) should ultimately be developed. A layout comprising a single paved runway for use by heavier types of aircraft, together with shorter turf strips for light aircraft, is proposed. Paraparaumu.—The planning of works essential to the continued full-scale operation of Paraparaumu Airport, pending the construction of the new airport for Wellington at Rongotai, has been completed. It is proposed to give priority to certain runway and apron sealing works and to the extension of the operations building. Invercargill.—Preliminary plans providing for the development of this airport to Class E dimensions are in hand. Some of the aerodromes mentioned above are unlikely to be taken beyond the planning stage for many years. Auckland (Mechanics Bay). —The construction of a hardstanding and slipway for use by the Solent flying-boats recently introduced by T.E.A.L. was carried out during the year. The construction by T.E.A.L. of a hangar, store, and an engine-test house was undertaken. Wellington (Evans Bay).—Preliminary plans for the development of Evans Bay as a regular water airport suitable for the operation of Solents in the trans-Tasman service are being considered by Government. Night services by New Zealand National Airways Corpotation commenced during the year, and in order to meet operational requirements Government approval has been given to the installation of airport lighting at the following aerodromes : ' Auckland (Whenuapai) and Ohakea (permanent type). Blenheim (Woodbourne) (semi-permanent type). Paraparaumu and Christchurch (Harewood) (temporary type). Installation work at Whenuapai, Paraparaumu, and Harewood is in progress. For Ohakea and Woodbourne certain items of equipment are still awaited from overseas. The cost of maintaining all aerodromes in New Zealand, with a very few exceptions, has been borne by the Government. Eighty-two aerodromes were involved last year, the cost being approximately £200,000. At Nadi (Fiji) Airport, on behalf of the other interested British Commonwealth Governments, New Zealand has continued to discharge the full responsibility for administration, operation, maintenance, and development. Heavy reconstruction work on the runways was necessary last year, and one runway was almost completely resurfaced. The other runway is receiving similar treatment and will be completed during the next dry season. The heavy programme of work in hand from previous periods, of converting wartime military buildings and installations to those required for a major civil airport, has been virtually completed, and construction has commenced on the erection of eighteen houses for staff. Further surveys, investigation, and planning of the proposed new airport at Suva Point have been carried out, and a preliminary estimate has been presented to the Governments concerned. National Airways Corporation regional Pacific air services have operated through Nadi and Nausori Aerodromes (Fiji), Faleolo Aerodrome (Samoa), Aitutaki and Rarotonga Aerodromes (Cook Group), and Fua'amotu Aerodrome (Tonga). Each of these aerodromes is under the administration of the Civil Aviation Branch , with the New Zealand Ministry of Works undertaking maintenance and general improvements where necessary. No works of a major nature have been undertaken during the past year.

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