LOOKING AHEAD

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIX, Issue 142, 5 June 1929, Page 3

LOOKING AHEAD

DISTRICT AERODROME FAVOURED BY LOCAL BODY REPRESENTATIVES POSSIBLE SITES TO BE EXPLORED. DECISION OF MEETING IN HASTINGS. A conference of representatives of the various local bodies called to meet delegates from the Hawke's Bay Aero Club, was held in Hastings yesterday afternoon. The possibilities of establishing a municipal aerodrome were discussed, and every support is to be given to the proposal. Those present were:—Messrs T. H. Gill (chairman), E. J. W. Hallett, F. Perrin (Chamber of Commerce), Mason Chambers (County Council), G. F. Roach (Mayor of Hastings), Cr. Lyon (Hastings Borough Council), F. R. Field (Farmers’ Union), R. D. Brown. T. E. O'Dowd and Capt. White (Hawke’s Bay Aero Club). Discussion was opened by Mr. O'Dowd, who stated that at a recent meeting of the Chamber of Commerce the question of offering assistance to the Hawke s Bay Aero Club had been mentioned. The impression of the meeting at the time was that perhaps the chamber and local bodies might be induced to help with the fostering of aviation by the establishment of a municipal aerodrome in Hastings. It was fully realised that aviation had come to stay, and it was thought that those districts that would benefit by the progress of aviation should assist. There would be tremendous benefit to certain areas, and for this reason it was advisable to call a meeting of representatives of local bodies to go into the matter with the view to delving into the pros and cons of the suggested municipal aerodrome. Mr. O’Dowd went on to say that the club had an aerodrome and it was sufficient for the club’s own use. However, it fell short of what was required for district use. In years to come it would probably be necessary to cater for many visiting 'planes, and it was thought that the various local bodies would move in this direction and eventually establish a municipal aerodrome. BIG AIR VENTURE. ‘‘The club is not asking for assistance, but feels that the time is opportune for consideration to be given to the foundation of a municipal aerodrome so that the district might be better served in aviation,” stated Capt. White, wno mentioned that there was a possibility of an East Coast air service being established with the view of carrying mails, goods and passengers. Hawera enthusiasts were very keen to establish an intermediate air port at Hawera for the northern air line. It was possible to have a branch line coming through Hastings. This, of course, would only be possible in the event of proper facilities being provided. The air course would be chosen in those territories where service was given. Regarding first-class aerodromes, the Government, he said, had made a statement to the effect that an aerodrome must have 800 yards clearance every way. The club's aerodrome did not meet with these measurements. At present it was about 400 yards one way and 500 yards the other, though actually it was 600 x 600. There were certain obstacles, such as power-lines and trees, that reduced the flying area. The entire block of land, of which the aerodrome was a part, was 100 acres, but this did not permit of a first-class aerodrome, and the only way to make it so would be to take a small portion of the forest reserve. About seven acres of this in one corner would be sufficient to make a first-class ground. SUGGESTED SITES. In endorsing the remarks regarding the necessity of fostering aviation, Mr. Chambers thought that it might be possible to find a site that would be more central to Napier and Hastings. He admitted that the club had a good site, but he was of the opinion that an ideal aerodrome could be established on the Karamu estate on Fernhill road near the polo ground. There were about 3000 acres there and the ground was exceedingly poor for farming. It was the old Ngaruroro river-bed. He did not want to commit the council to anything, but he felt sure the County Council was in sympathy with the movement. Unfortunately the council was able to spend only £100 on unauthorised expenditure, and this amount was already taken up by grants to schools, etc. To expend anything in the way of an aerodrome it would be necessary to obtain authority in the “Washing Up” Bill He was of the opinion that should a ground be obtained consideration should be given to the accommodation of large crowds. Sympathy with the efforts was expressed by Mr. Roach, who was very doubtful about foregoing such an

asset as the forest reserve. He suggested that perhaps accommodation might be obtained on the golf links Capt. White: That is not practicable. We have had protests from that quarter already about flying overhead. Mr. Roach; What? Disturbing the players? Capt. White, with a smile, nodded his head in the affirmative. Continuing. Mr. Roach said that the citizens of Hastings valued their reserves, and to cut up a part of the forest reserve would cause much unrest He was inclined to favour Mr Chambers' suggestion of a bigger area. Cr. Logan said he felt that a committee should explore the district, either by air or by car. and see if there were any areas suitable for an aerodrome. He, too, thought it would be inadvisable to cut up the forest reserve. THE FINANCIAL ASPECT. The financial aspect of the proposal was put forward by Mr. Brown, who pointed out the impossibility of the club buying freehold land. Its suggestion was that the Borough Council and the County Council acquire the freehold between them, and that the maintenance charges be equally divided among the two councils and the club. Aviation was only a “baby” in New Zealand just at present, but in the Home Country it was becoming more and more the traffic means of the age. Almost all towns of over 10,000 of population were providing municipal aerodromes. “We want to be in the swim when the progresses the same in New Zealand,” said Mr. Brown. “The club is looking to the future. It is practically certain that the Government would not make a grant towards the purchase of grounds. Capt. White is going to Wellington shortly to make representations on various matters relating to the club, and he is to ascertain what the Government views on this particular question are. The club needs another machine. There are a number of pilots, or nearly pilots, who are anxious to take the machine out solo, but it cannot be spared. The Government will grant subsidies and assist clubs for machines but not, I think, for the purchase of grounds.” Capt. White mentioned that Stead’s estate would, perhaps, be suitable for an aerodrome.

Mr. Brown pointed out that the suggestion of the club was that the contributing bodies each pay not more than £100 a year. This would enable all maintenance costs to be paid and a sinking fund set aside on say £3000 worth of kind.

Mr. Roach 'was of the opinion that too much was expected of the local bodies. He thought an appeal should be made to the public. Cr. Lyon pointed out that it might be possible to raise a loan under the Town Planning Act. When this matter was being investigated by the Borough Council it was pretty certain that the County Counsil would be associated. QUESTION OF REVENUE. Mr. Gill asked if there would be any revenue gained from a municipal aerodrome. Mr. Brown pointed out that in time there would be privately-owned machines and the only place to house would be the municipal aerodrome. The charge for Moths in the Home Country was £39 a year; this included garaging and servicing. “I think we all agree on the desirability of establishing a municipal aerodrome.” said Mr. Gill. He thought that a committee should be set up to report on sites and so give the meeting something more definite to go on with. He moved in this direction, and on the suggestion of Mr. Perrin he termed the proposed aerodrome a district one. Mr. Lyon seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Chambers then moved that a committee, consisting of Capt. White and Messrs Roach and Gill, be appointed to explore the district and report to a meeting of the representatives in two weeks' time.

This cause was also agreed to. and the meeting adjourned.