AIR SERVICES

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 100, 30 April 1938, Page 11

AIR SERVICES

DOMINION TERMINAL

CLAIMS OF AUCKLAND

Although, the Wellington Harbour Board is. actively forwarding its claims to have an overseas air terminal established at Wellington, steps are being taken to see that the position of Auckland is not overlooked, states the "New Zealand Herald" of today. This statement was made yesterday by the chairman of the Auckland Harbour Board, the Hon. T. Bloodworth, M.L.C., in. commenting on the statements made by members of a Wellington deputation 'which waited on the Minister of Marine (the Hon. P. Fraser).

"The very fact that it was' considered necessary to set up a committee to investigate the suitability of Wellington Harbour as a- flying-boat base shows clearly that there is doubt about the matter," Mr. Bloodwovth said. "No such inquiry is needed in the case of Auckland Harbour, where Pan-American Airways has already established its base and where, a few months ago, we had two large flyingboats, British and American, moored at the same time.

"It has already been proved that the Waitemata is suitable as a -terminal for overseas flying-boat services," Mr. Bloodworth continued, "but, for all that, Aucklanders would be foolish if they were to sit back and do nothing. A laudable and determined effort is being made by the commercial, harbour, and: civic authorities in Wellington to establish the claims of that city, and, while their task is rendered more difficult by reason of geographic and other disadvantages, it is for the Auckland authorities and interests to see that before a final decision is made the advantages of the Waitemata are fairly considered." .: ■