Private Air Service To Blenheim Planned

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31984, 10 May 1969, Page 48

Private Air Service To Blenheim Planned

• New Zealand Press Association)

BLENHEIM, May 9.

There are plans for a privately-owned air service between Blenheim and Wellington, according to the president of the Marlborough Chamber of Commerce (Mr G. C. Highet).

The promoters would soon be asking people in Blenheim for support for the running of a 12-seat aircraft over the route, he told a meeting of the chamber in Blenheim last night. The aircraft would provide a more frequent service than the National Airways Corporation gave at present. The meeting was discussing proposed increases in air fares between Blenheim and Wellington. Some members described the proposed increases as “savage.” Mr Highet said the chamber should definitely lodge objec-

tions unless there was an equitable increase. “The overall increase in fares is about 6 per cent,” he said. “But on the BlenheimWellington run it is above 21 per cent. I don’t think N.A.C. cares whether it runs a plane here or not. All I can see is a reduction in flights and a downgrading of both their terminal and the town office.”