PACIFIC SERVICE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 294, 25 September 1935, Page 6

PACIFIC SERVICE

SAN FRANCISCO TO AUCKLAND. PROPOSAL FOR AIR LINE. NEGOTIATIONS IN TRAIN. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Negotiations were commenced some weeks ago by Mr Harold Gatty, on behalf of the Pan-American Airways Corporation, with the New Zealand Government for the right to use Auckland Harbour as the southern terminus of a trans-Pacific service on the 6500-mile route from San Francisco, via Honolulu, Kingman Reef, Pagopago, to Auckland, by flying boat. This would be a southern extension of the Company’s North Pacific 9000mile service to the Philippines. The company asked no financial assistance, hut for the right to operate for 10 years. It is proposed to use Martin or Sikorsky clipper ships. The service would bring San Francisco within three days of Auckland. The company made no proposals as to the Tasman.

No decision has yet been made by the New Zealand Government, which is in consultation with the British and American Govennnents.

Mr Gatty left by the Monterey on Saturday, but has appointed ah attorney to carry on the negotiations.

COMMENT BY MR COATES.

DISCUSSION IN AMERICA

WELLINGTON,. This Day.

Dismissing the proposed Pacific air service, the Minister of Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) said that when he passed through the United States on his return from England lie discussed with the principals of PanAmerican Airways their plans to extend the Pacific service to New Zealand.

“We are keenly interested in the proposals that are being made, and, isolated as we are, we are anxious to improve our communications,” said Mr Coates.