News Letter gives a guarded welcome to Lord Nathan's decision
ON the same day as the News Letter reported Lord Nathan's address in Belfast on his plans for Nutt's Corner the paper published an editorial which gave a guarded welcome to the announcement.
"With Lord Nathan's justification of the choice of Nutt's Corner as the main aerodrome serving Belfast and Northern Ireland generally, controversy on the subject must cease," read the editorial.
"Less accessible than Sydenham, it has, he points out, better flying approaches than any other existing site, can be used by Dakota aircraft and such newer types as may be brought into use, and may extended readily to meet all foreseeable needs.
"From Nutt's Corner, he says, can be built up a really effective and useful network of air services to other parts of the United Kingdom, to the Continent and to Prestwick to connect up with the trans-Atlantic air services."
It continued: "As for Sydenham it remains available for charter flights and for private aircraft. With that prospect – and we must assume that the Minister of Civil Aviation was not speaking idly – Northern Ireland – by no means convinced hitherto that it was receiving due consideration, may well be content.
"A further assurance, however, is forthcoming in the appointment of a local advisory council, with right of access to the three British Airways Corporations, as well as the minister himself, for the purpose of making representations on all matters relating to civil aviation here. It will be kept fully informed of all developments, and from it constructive advice will be sought and welcomed."
Concluding the paper's comment and looking forward to the future development of aviation in the Province, the paper remarked: "Although cross Channel services to and from Belfast only are contemplated at present, Lord Nathan foreshadows an ultimate extension to the north west by the utilisation of the airfield at Eglinton. In a reference to the future of Sydenham, he spoke of the transfer of the Short Brother's aircraft manufactory organisation from Rochester, and of a time when Belfast would play as large a part in providing for the Merchant Air Fleet as it has done in the case of the Merchant Navy. May it be so! The development is of sufficient importance to justify hope."
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
