SOLENT SERVICE TO CHATHAMS

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27401, 14 July 1954, Page 10

SOLENT SERVICE TO CHATHAMS

Islanders Concealed About Suspension EFFECT ON FARMING COMMUNITY Excitement among Chatham Islanders, caused by the visit of a Royal New Zealand Air Force Hastings on June 28, quickly turned to dismay al they read in copies of “The Pr 6 ? s , that they were to lose their air link with the mainland by Solent flyingboats, writes a correspondent on the island. . , ~ Last year two-fifths of the island« population travelled to and from the mainland, and this proved the travelmindedness of the islanders, the correspondent says. “But will they be prepared to suffer the discomfort of a cattle boat after experiencing the clean, swift travel offered by the Solent? The businessman will have no option, but the sheepfarmer—and the Chathams is a farming community--likes to travel in comfort when he takes his family to the mainland for their annual holiday. “Each year, too, the Solent made it possible for farmers to meet a S rI J cultural experts, veterinarians, and other workers whose knowledge is unportant to the progress of the Island. “School children will be deprived of dental treatment: regular visits by members of the Health Department will cease; relieving medical practitioners will not be available. These are only a few of the disadvantages to be faced by the residents if the air service ceases. To say the least, it would be a retrograde step,” the correspondent says.