“RESPONSIBILITY” AND THE TASMAN FLIGHT

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 84, 7 January 1928, Page 3

“RESPONSIBILITY” AND THE TASMAN FLIGHT

Sir, —This proposed hazardous flight over 1460 miles of unfrequented sea (where there are only a few steamers at any time), just for tlie honour and tame of being able to say, “We did it first,” seems to me (a New Zealander) to be a nnrticularly undesirable business for our Government to bo a party to. Apparently if the young men are lucky and get across safely the Government will be pleased to take its_ full share of any popular honour, but if the flight should prove a failure and Captain Kight and his companion lose their lives in a watery grave, the Government apparently wishes to be in the position to repudiate "any responsibility” for such an occurrence. The fact remains that the “responsibility” for the reasonable safety of the New Zealanders’ lives cannot be avoided except bv a definite straight-out refusal of the New Zealand Government to be in any way a party to this risky "stunt.” The Prime Alinister has, however, already gone out of his way to facilitate the proposed flight, and has used his influence with the Australian Government to such an extent that they are now going to permit the flight, although lhey consider it "extremely undesirable.” I sincerely trust that _ there is still time, for a proper realisation of "responsibility” on the part of our Government, and that the flight will be stopped until such time as a suitable amphibian flying machine is available for ths purpose.— I am, etc., SELWYN KING. Wellington, January 5.