AIR MISSION

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 85, 12 April 1939, Page 10

AIR MISSION

LEADER'S HOPES

MANUFACTURE OF PLANES

N.Z. A FLYING COUNTRY

"I hope that as a result of our visit arrangements will shortly be made for the manufacture of aircraft in New Zealand," said Sir Hardman Lever, head of the British Air Mission, in an interview with "The Post" today. Sir Hardman said he was unable to discuss questions of aerial defence or the nature of the talks that the members of the Mission had had with representatives of the Government and the defence authorities, but he would like to express his appreciation of the cordial reception that he and his companions had received in the Dominion.

"I don't want to give the impression that the manufacture of large aircraft could be undertaken here," he said. "Unless there is a very big output manufacture of large machines is not economic, but the construction in New Zealand of aeroplanes of a suitable type would provide a valuable addition to your secondary industries."

Sir Hardman said that members of the Mission had been greatly impressed by the development of civil aviation in New Zealand. Conditions in this country lent themselves to flying and it was obvious that further great advances were possible. "FOUND ENGLAND AGAIN." Expressing the highest praise for the [scenic attractions and the people of New Zealand, Sir Hardman said he had been impressed by the tremendous loyalty of the whole Dominion. "We feel that though on the other side of the earth we have found England again," he said.

"The thermal region at Waireki and the Waitomo Caves are simply marvellous and I intend to spend two or three more days there before I leave New Zealand." Sir Hardman is a keen fisherman and said he had been introduced to New Zealand trout in one of the streams near Rotorua. With such sport available he imagined that every New Zealander must be a fisherman.

The tremendous possibilities for further development in New Zealand were mentioned by Sir Hardman. lt seemed to him, he said, that a larger population was needed. He had also been impressed with the extent of hydro-electric power reticulation m the Dominion and had no doubt that the cheap power provided was proving valuable in industry.

Sir Hardman will remain in New Zealand until the end of the month, when he will sail from Auckland by the Monterey. Sir Donald Banks will leave for Australia tomorrow night on his way back to England, but Air-Mar-shal Sir Arthur Longmore, third member of the Mission, is remaining in the Dominion to attend the Pacific Defence Conference on Friday.