TRADE MISSION BY AIR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 146, 2 April 1948, Page 4

TRADE MISSION BY AIR

“FLYING SHOWROOM’S” VISIT •(P.A.) AUCKLAND, April 1. While the “Flying Showroom” Skymaster aeroplane Atlas Sky Merchant was approaching the New Zealand coast during this morning, telephone conversations were carried bn with Auckland. This is believed to be the first time two-way radio telephone conversations have been conducted with New Zealand. The, Sky Merchant is one of the few aeroplanes in the world which has the necessary equipment. “We are looking forward with great anticipation to seeing your beautiful country,” said the public relations officer, (Mr D. F. Davies) speaking from ;the aircraft. “We are going to take ithe plane down to Wellington and will return to Auckland.” At the time the plane was about 250 miles from New Zealand and was travelling at 200 milfes an hour. A message of greeting was transmitted from the plane to the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser)! Mr ;Davies stated on arrival at. Whenuapai at 10.30 a.m. that reception from Auckland was excellent. The leader of the party (Mr F. H. Bedford, jun.) said the purpose of the tour was to investigate business conditions and obtain information through contacts with businessmen. Government officials and others. “This world flight is the forerunner of a new type of commerce between the nations,” he said.