AIR SERVICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 237, 6 October 1936, Page 7

AIR SERVICES.

ACROSS TASMAN. Scheme May be Adopted in Few Weeks' Time. MINISTER BACK FROM N.Z. United Press Association.—Copyright. SYDNEY, October 5. Sir Archdale Parkhill, the Commonwealth Minister of Defence, who returned in the Awatea to-day, told representatives of the Press that he would probably submit proposals for an air service which he discussed in New Zealand to the Federal Cabinet this week. Sir Archdale saicl that he saw 110 reason why the whole scheme, which, in his opinion, would be satisfactory to Australia, should not be adopted within a few weeks. The Minister added that he had found fairly general support by the people for the New Zealand Government. The Ministers seemed most earnest and wellmeaning and were working very hard to put their policy into effect before the close of the present session. Sir Arclidale said he had also discussed with the Hon. P. Fraser, Minister of Health, and the Hon. W. Nash, Minister of Finance and Customs, the question of the fruit embargo. Mr. Xash had told him that they were unable to do anything for the present.

IN NEAR FUTURE. AUSTRALIAN OFFICIAL'S VIEW. (By Telegraph. —Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, Monday. Tlj,e trans-Tasman air service would be inaugurated in the very near future, Captain E. C. Johnston, Commonwealth Controller-General of Civil Aviation, indicated to an oflicial gathering at New Plymouth airport to-day. Captain Johnston has been engaged in the air conference at Wellington and is visiting New Plymouth to inspect the airport. Captain Johnston said the conference's report would be submitted to the Governments concerned, and he was not at liberty to disclose its terms, but his hearers could rest assured that a service would be started in the very near future. It was already overdue. There were many difficulties, but they were not bevond the capabilities of Australian and New Zealand aviators, given proper ground organisation. "I am convinced the service will be a success financially," said Captain Johnston. The two countries had a great deal in common. The citizens of both would find the service a safe and speedy means of travel, and he predicted that there would be a heavy demand for seats.