4-2-58 4-2-58 WIGRAM'S FUTURE Alternative Plans Being Considered Three alternative plans are being considered by the Government in examining the future of the R.N.Z.A.F. Station, Wigram. This information was contained in a letter to the Hornby County- Town Committee of the Paparua County Council from the Air Department. The department was replying to the committee's inquiries about the station's future role. The department's letter said that as the Government was examining these plans no definite indication could be given of the station's future role. The committee, the council was told, replied to this letter saying the continued use of Wigram as a flying station was "completely out of keeping with the status of the district and that in view of the schools, factories and homes in the vicinity it should cease to be used as an airfield at the earliest possible date." The report was received by the council. Paparua Council to Seek Explanation Of Road Closing VRITICISM of the action of persons who erected a road block at the corner of Washbourn Road and Vickery Road the day before the Lady Wigram Trophy race and charged 2s be a car for admission was expressed at a meeting of the Paparua County Council last night. No permission to close theíbut as far as could be ascer, road was given The council tained no inspection was made. checked on that last night, then "Drums were across the decided to ask for an explana-road" said Mr J. H. Weaver.i tion from the persons con- "There was definitely a block cerned. and definitely a charge. I had "Just a huge game of bluft," several rings about it that was how the chairman (Mr C. night. A. Campion) described the clos- "I understand there is an ing of the road by persons, who, arrangement with the car club! he said, were not entitled to that another body gets a comdo this and laid themselves mission for handling cars and open to prosecution by the selling programmeg on the day council of the race, but this was the "If every Tom, Dick, and night before, and only a trial." Harry went along and The chairman: It was an closed a road to make a organised body that was making charge, there would he the charge? something wrong with is if "I take it that it was," said we did not prosecute," said Mr Weaver. Mr R. C. Gilberthorpe. "On the day Itself the A member: Close all the roads. road was blocked and only competitors were allowed Drums on Road down." The chairman: In other words, these people took charge The Traffic Department had of the road? been asked to investigate, , said Mr Weaver: That is right. the county clerk (Mr A. Kelly), 5-2-58 7-2-58 11-2-58 TOLL CHARGE FOR RACE TRIAL Club To Approach County Council The collection of a toll on vehicles passing a road block : erected on the corner of Vickerys and Washbourne roads. Paparua, on the evening before the Lady Wigram Trophy motor race January 24, had been made by authorised collectors of the Motor : Racing Club, the club announced after a meeting last evering. The closing of the road and the charging of a toll was discussed at a meeting of the Paparua County Council on Monday even- 'ing when it was decided to investigate ine matter lurther. The secretary of the club (Mr J. Brewer) said last evening that the club had discussed the matter and had issued the following statement: "The collecting ' at Wigram on the Friday night was done by i authorised collectors of the Motór Racing Club. The club intends to seek audience with the Paparua County Council and in the meantime has no further statement to make. Club Apologises For Closing of Road at Wigram An apology has been tendered to the Paparua County Council: by the Motor Racing Club for. the unauthorised closing off of the intersection of Vickerys and Washbourne Roads during the for the Lady Figram Tropicy race. To-day, the secretary of the Club (Mr J. _Brewer) said that the closing of the road had been due to an error on the part of club officials and a verbal apology, to be followed by a written . one, would be made the Council. The money collected had not been for the use of the blockedoff road, but was admission to the aerodrome and the club had been permitted to make this charge by aerodrome officials. CLOSING OF ROAD AT WIGRAM Motor Racing Club Apologises An: apology for the closing of the Vickerys and Washbourne roads intersection during the Friday practice for the Lady Wigram Trophy motor race has been made by the Motor. Racing Club to the Paparua County Council. "The closing of the road was due to an error on the part of club officials," the secretary of the club (Mir 3. Brewer) said yesterday. "The money collected was for admission to the aerodrome (which was authorised by the aerodrome officials), not for the use of the blocked-off road," he said.