AIR MAIL SERVICE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 100, 8 February 1936, Page 5

AIR MAIL SERVICE.

AUSTRALIA’S COUNTER-PLANS. REASONS FOR IMPERIAL SCHEME (United Press Association— Copyright.) LONDON, February C In the House of Commons the Secretary of State for Air (Sir Philio Sassoon) informed Mr O. E.. Simmonos (Conservative) that he was cons’ cteiiag Australia’s counter-proposals in regard to the air mail. Mr Simmonds: “Is there still hope that Australia will come into tne scheme outlined to the House. Sir Philip Sassoon: “We have always hoped so.” Sir James Parr (High Commisac-net for New Zealand) and the See veary of State for Air called on Lord Sumton (formerly Sir Philip Cunb-f--Lis-ter), with the object (the Australian Associated Press understands) of 11 cussing the effect of Australia s l ejection upon a through service to Louden to New Zealand. “The Sun-Herald” service sought an authoritative analysis ot the Imperial Airways scheme and an authoritative elucidation of the policy behind ti.e scheme. The following e>planation was supplied: The scheme is less convened with control than unity of operation. It is desired for economy, to use the same kind of flying ooats over the whole route from England to Australia and New Zealand. For example it is intended that flying boats normally on the Australian run should be reg stera l in Australia and flown by Australian pilots. A big seaplane depot .vwitl be established in Australia, probably at Sydney. The Commonwealth Government would thus control the flying boats for purposes of airworthiness and also, control the pilots. The primary reasons for desiring to use the seaplane route are operational uniformity, economy of long-range work and convenience in extending the service to New Zealand and later across the Pacific.