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Two particular areas are at present under survey —the first at Pakuranga, in the East Tamaki district, and trie second at Mangere, north of the present aerodrome. A close examination of the engineering, operational, and financial factors involved in this project is being made, and it should soon be possible to reach a decision on the site most suitable for development. Rotorua. —Plans for an aerodrome located near Hinemoa Point are being finalized. Construction work may commence this winter. Wellington. -General proposals for the development of Rongotai as an airport suitable for internal air services have been formulated and announced by Government. These will call for the construction of an airstrip 300 ft. wide and 4,770 ft. long, extending from Lyall Bay to a reclaimed area in Evans Bay. Evans Bay. —Plans to develop Evans Bay to a limited extent as an alternate to Mechanics Bay are in course of preparation. Tiniaru. —Land has been acquired for the construction of an aerodrome at Levels to replace the existing aerodrome at Salt Water Creek. 3. Development op Existing Aerodromes (a) Construction An assessment of air service requirements for the proposed Royal tour emphasized the need for the further development of the aerodromes used by the internal air services ; and, in fact, presented a fixed date by which certain minimum development had to be completed. At those aerodromes proposed to be used for the Royal flight works selected were accordingly given a high priority, and extensions to give strips, each of length 5,000 ft., were carried out at New Plymouth, Paraparaumu, Gisborne, Napier, Nelson, Taieri, and Waitaki. Other development works carried out during the past year have been of a very minor nature. (b) Planning Plans for the further development of Harewood (Christchurch) and of Palmerston North are in-hand. Surveys to determine the manner in which the Invercargill airport may most economically and conveniently be developed, are also Hearing completion. General development schemes at other aerodromes have been prepared, although no immediate action is contemplated. 4. Maintenance The cost of maintenance of 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 £275,000. 5. Night Flying No new installation has yet been completed, nor, in fact, any work on the ground carried out, but equipment is on order, both locally and overseas, with a view to installing — (a) Permanent airport lighting at Whenuapai and Ohakea Aerodromes ; (b) Temporary airport lighting at Paraparaumu, Woodbourne, Harewood, Palmerston. North, Nelson, Waitaki, and Taieri Aerodromes.

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