AIR LINK OVER TASMAN

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24985, 20 September 1946, Page 6

AIR LINK OVER TASMAN

REFERENCE TO MELBOURNECHRISTCHURCH ROUTE

Referring, to the proposed air link between Christchurch and Australia, at the annual meeting of the Christchurch Citizens’ Association last evening, the retiring chairman (Mr A. J. Scott) said: “It can now be stated that the credit for successful negotiations with Australian National Airways is due to this association. The reason for the failure to implement the scheme is the hatred of private-enter-prise on the part of the socialist Govd ernments of Australia and New Zealand. This association is not a bit interested in politics, but as citizens we eannot help being angry that political considerations deny us a direct link with the outside world. As it is, the fare from Christchurch to Melbourne is almost £5O, whereas private enterprise has offered a direct service for £5O return. We in Christchurch are entitled to ask our members of Parliament where they stand in this matter. While there was a chance of inducing the Government to agree to this service, this association kept silent „We did not wish to raise any ‘Citizens v. Labour’ issue; but now that the Mayor and council have been rebuffed, we are entitled to let the people know whom to praise and whom to blame." Was Christchurch to submit to having the 2000-ton ship Waitaki as the only direct service with Australia, when Auckland nad an air service six days a week? he asked.