JET SERVICE FOR CITY

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29178, 12 April 1960, Page 18

JET SERVICE FOR CITY

‘Help For TEAL And Tourism’

Repeating his claim that if Pan American Airways was allowed Tasman rights and the use of Christchurch .airport it would stimulate air traffic and help Tasman Empire Airways, Ltd., Cr. A. R. Guthrey, chairman of the City Council’s airport committee, said to the standing committee of the South Island Publicity Association last evening: “But I think the stage has come where the Minister feels it is a personal hope of mine.” Mr Guthrey said that Pan American was ready to operate a Boeing 707 jet airliner from Christchurch to Sydney every Thursday within 30 days of getting Tasman rights. Sir Leonard Isitt, chairman of directors ot T.E.A.L. and of N.A.C.. did not seem to be so strongly against the proposals as some others, Cr. Guthrey said. T.E.A.L. would still have complete protection in the North Island. If Pan American was allowed in, Christchurch had the opportunity of becoming a main port of entry and departure for American tourists, he continued. If Christchurch waited until Auckland had an international airport, then it would never get the service. But he did not think Auckland could be fully operational for five years, and in that time there could be established a pattern. That, with the natural growth, would, 'he thought, mean that Christchurch would retain some of the trade. “Tourist Potential”

“I am not out to .run T.E.A.L into the ground,” he continued, “but to promote it. I think New Zealanders should travel by TXAL, or by Qantas or 8.0.A.C. if going further afield. But in the meantime, I am advocating Pan American because they offer a greater potential to tourists coming into the country than the other airlines.” The Minister of Civil Aviation (Mr Mathison) was advised by his departmental heads, said Mr Guthrey. - After commenting that the Minister thought it was a personal issue, he said he would be pleased if the association gave serious thought to a policy statement, perhaps after consulting Sir Leonard Isitt. The proposal could then be put to the Minister, showing that there was a desire to promote T.E.A.L. and tourism.

“We are putting the cart before the horse,” said Mr K. O. M. St. John. "We have not got the type of accommodation needed for the people coming from America. The most important thing is probably not a welter of aircraft coming in, but improved accommodation.” “Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?" asked Cr. Guthrey, who said that there had been a considerable improvement in hotel standards. Mr E. T. Tanner added that local hotels had been doing their best to try to extend accommodation and to cater for the demands .of tourists. Already, a new hotel was increasing its accommodation by 50 per cent, within the next four months.