Difference between revisions of "Aerodrome Auction"

Revision as of 15:06, 13 September 2009

During the 1950's Edinburgh air base had been established.  Because the Mallala airfield was unsuitable for modern aircraft the appropriate Minister decided to dispose of the land, hangars, houses and other buildings and equipment in 1960.  

What an outcry this caused.

For the years of its operation the RAAF base had boosted travel (the railway station platform had to be lengthened), had fully extended the school's capacity, had brought eager boarders and flat-seekers to the doorsteps of home owners, had swelled congregations, filled the institute functions and had enlivened local business.

In spite of the fact that some of the hangars were leased to the SA Co-operative Bulk Handling Co. to cope with the record grain harvests, the 871 acres was auctioned by Bennett and Fisher Ltd.

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Quoting from The Advertiser 18-12-1961:

"''... the auctioneers and Mallala Pastoral Co. agreed upon the £60,000 price. The pastoral company then instructed the auctioneers to sell the buildings. This lot included 12 fully equipped houses, nissan huts, messes, kitchens, a hospital and sleeping quarters. This sale realised about £33,000 . . .</span

Few traces remain apart from a few old huts and hospital sections etc. still being used on farms as barns.

Related Articles

• RAAF base

External Links

Sources

• The Advertiser
• Mallala Museum research notes
• Life around the Light- District Council of Mallala