TASMAN AIR SERVICE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 129, 13 March 1935, Page 6

TASMAN AIR SERVICE.

KINGSFORD SMITH'S VIEWS. MAILS AND FREIGHT CARRIAGE. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Interviewed on his arrival by the Wanganella, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith said there was a possibility that he would fly the Southern Cross to New Zealand within the next couple of months. He would carry freight if he could get sufficient firms interested to make the flight worth while, and possibly on the .return trip would carry mail and drop it at Lord Howe Island. He indicated that the Southern Cross would make only one more Tasman flight. The "old bus," he said, had earned a rest. 'The flight would bo made with a view to the establishment of a regular service. Sir Charles intends to spend about ten days in New Zealand and thinks the proposed flight with freight will be well supported because of the noyelty. Thereafter he hopes a service will bo maintained. Sir Charles said that if the Governments of Australia and New Zealand decided to go ahead with the establishment of a. regular passenger service across the Tasman it could be started at any time. However, the Australian Government considered the time not opportune at present and he had lost interest in the project for the time being. He still considers Bell Block, near New Plymouth, the best-situated aerodrome for a trans-Tasman service with ( Sydney.

WEEKLY FLIGHTS INTENDED. SYDNEY, March 12. The "Sun" reports that Sir Charles Kingjsford Smith, before leaving for New Zealand, planned a trans-Tasman freight and mail service for an experimental period, beginning in about a month, using the Southern Cross in two-way flights weekly. He would land at New Plymouth. Details of the scheme have already been completed with his representatives here. LEADING PILOT INTERESTED. TYPE OF 'PLANE DISCUSSED. FREMANTLE, March 12. Captain P. G. Taylor, wTio arrived by the Mooltan to-day, said he was specially interested in the proposed trans-Tasman air service. Captain Taylor explained that there was a. special type of seaplane, being manufactured in America which was most suitable for the Australia-New Zealand service, but it was too costly. On the other hand the Fokker 36 landplanes should meet the needs of the service.