Chathams Air Service

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31375, 22 May 1967, Page 10

Chathams Air Service

Sir,—l learn that an air service is to be run by the R.N.ZA.F. from Wellington to the Chathams every three weeks. Why Wellington? With all our trading ties, schooling, accountancy, and legal connexions in Christchurch, why should we be put to the inconvenience of spending a night in Wellington? Will the air fare be now adjusted to a realistic figure instead of £4O return now charged compared to the ser vice ran by Qantas to Norfolk Island (half as far again) for £39 8s return, first class, with everything from caviare to cognac free? The air distance is the same as from Auckland t' Christchurch, so why not a comparable figure? Third, will the Public Service still have first priority for seats as at present, or will it be done as it is in New Zealand—first come, first served?—Yours, P. A. SMITH.

May 4, 1967. [The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Seath) replies: “I have read your correspondent’s letter with interest Briefly, the arrangements for the interim service to be' provided by the R.N.ZA.F. will be similar to those that applied to the Sunderland service. As I have already announced in the press, discussions are at present taking place with air and sea operators on proposals for a limited commercial service operated by a civil airline which would take over from the R.N.Z.A.F. later in the year, but I am not as yet able to give any indication of the terms and conditions on which this service will operate.”]