NELSON-NORTH ISLAND AIR SERVICE

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27012, 11 April 1953, Page 8

NELSON-NORTH ISLAND AIR SERVICE

TRAFFIC TO BE HANDLED BY N.A.C. (New Zealand Press Association) c ka ■ NELSON, April 10. Confidence m the ability of the National Airways Corporation to handle all passenger traffic between Nelson and the North Island after the withdrawal of the steamer Ngaio this month, was expressed by Sir * 2P ar d Isitt, chairman of directors of the corporation, speaking at a meeting of the Nelson Chamber of Commerce.

Points made by Sir Leonard Isitt and other speakers were that the corporation by December, would be able to carry more than 1200 passengers each way in a day at peak periods, involving many non-time-table flights, the corporation may make application to the Air Licensing Authority for a Reduction in the present fare between Wellington and Nelson, and a figure of 55s may be achieved; top priority has been given to Nelson for the installation of night landing equipment, including flare paths, beacon, and leading lights, and that these facilities are likely to be ready for use within three months; a direct service between Nelson and Christchurch would require aircraft with special de-icing equipment, but there would be no operational difficulties about providing a service via Blenheim, or across the Wairau Bar beacon and down the East Coast.

The Nelson Provincial Progress League decided to make representations to the Government urging that the Ngaio be kept in service during the transitionary period, by a subsidy if necessary. The league invited the people of Nelson to send telegrams to the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) supporting that request.