AIR SERVICE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 1, 2 January 1937, Page 5

AIR SERVICE.

COOK STRAIT COMPANY. SUCCESS OF YEAR'S OPERATIONS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NELSON, Friday. Cook Strait Airways to-day completed its first year of operations. The company's 'planes have carried a total of 12,761 passengers, and flown 248,917 miles, «qual to over ten times round the world. The machines have crossed Cook Strait 2802 times, and since March' 16 have carried 14,6951b of mails, and 19,1841b of freight. These details of the company's operations were given to-day by Mr. E. H. Thomson, managing director.- "Although the traffic exceeded all expectations, very heavy and unforeseen expenditure has had to be met. One item alone, that of wireless, which the company anticipated would be operated by the Government, is costing over £1000 per annum," he said. "The machines, which have a passenger-carrying life of three years, cost the company over £7000 per annum for depreciation. The company had at first estimated that two ground engineers would be necessary, but the staff now consisted of four ground engineers and two assistants. The service was commenced with two pilots, but when the West Coast service is commenced at the end of February the company will have a staff of five pilots. A fourth and further development of the service had necessitated the appointment of two additional pilots, Messrs. G. G Stead and R. N. Kirkup.