BUILDING 'PLANES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 86, 13 April 1939, Page 6

BUILDING 'PLANES.

NEW N.Z. INDUSTRY.

HOPEFUL OUTLOOK.

VISIT OF AIR MISSION. I (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON 7 , Wednesday. "I hope that 'as a result of our visit arrangements will shortly be made for the manufacture of aircraft in Xew Zealand," said Sir S. Hardman Lever, head of the TSritish Air Mission at present visiting the Dominion, in an interview to-day. He said he was unable to discuss questions of aerial defence or the nature of the talks that members of the mission had had with representatives of the Government and the defence authorities, but he would like to express his appreciation of the cordial reception he and his companions had received in the Dominion.

He said he did not want to give the impression that the manufacture of large aircraft could he undertaken here. Unless there was a large output, the manufacture of large machines was not economic, but the construction here of aeroplanes of a suitable type would provide a valuable addition to the secondary industries. of the mission had been greatly impressed liy the development of civil aviation in the Dominion. Conditions lent themselves to flying, and it was obvious that further great advances were possible.

Sir S. Hardman Lever remains in Xew Zealand until the end of the month, sailing from Auckland by the Monterey. Of the other members of the mission. Sir Donald Banks leaves for England via Australia to-morrow, and Air-Mar6hal Sir Arthur Longmore remains for the Pacific Defence Conference on Friday.