BRISTOL AT CHATHAMS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29803, 21 April 1962, Page 18

BRISTOL AT CHATHAMS

First Landing Satisfactory

The first landing of a Bristol Freighter aircraft on the Chatham Islands 'had created tremendous interest among the islanders, said Mr N. E Kirk, member of Parliament for Lyttelton, in which electorate the Chathams lie, when he returned to Chrstchurch after flying to the islands and back yesterday. Mr Kirk took the opporunity to make the round trip on the R.N.Z.A.F. Bristol Freighter which flew to the islands to bring back Post Office staff

"This flight opened up new possibilities for consideration when Chathams’ transport problems are being examined,” Mr Kirk said. “The islands at present have 12 flights a year by R.N.Z.A.F Sunderland flying-boats, but these will not last for ever, and the need is for an aircraft which can take both passengers and freight.” Although the landing strip at Haupupu. 27 miles from Waitangi, was a little soft, the Bristol had "handled” it very well said Mr Kirk. “In fact, it seemed to go better than the Dakota aircraft," he said.

“The only thing wrong with the Haupupu landing strip is its distance from Waitangi—27 miles, by the route across the Te Whanga lagoon, or 35 miles round it." Mr Kirk said “I understand from the Minister of Transport (Mr McAlpine) that there is no current intention to develop any landing strip r earer Waitangi." Mr Kirk was able to meet, and have discussions with, some of his constituents on the islands yesterday.