AIR SERVICES

Evening Star, Issue 22686, 28 June 1937, Page 16

AIR SERVICES

AUCKLAND-WELLINGTON LINK OPENS CHRISTENING OF HEW UNION PLANES [Per United Press Association.] AUCKLAND, June 26. Before cutting the ribbon to release the new plane Kuaka from the hangar, Air Jones (Minister of Defence) drew attention to the fact that on the Dun-edin-Palmerston North service 99.6 per cent, of the flights had been completed. He also said that in the light of experience they might have to approach Union Airways for an alteration in the time table, but that would depend upon the amount of air mail carried. Mr C. G. White, acting chairman of directors of Union Airways, said that Auckland and Wellington had been brought within three hours of each other, and if it was decided later to have a direct service the time would be cut down by one-third. THE GOVERNMENT’S PART. The concluding function of an eventful day in the history of aviation in New Zealand took place at Palmerston North, when the passengers by the planes from Auckland and Wellington met at dinner as the guests of the company. Those present included Mr Fraser, Mr Semple, and Mr Jones, all of whom paid a tribute to Union Airways in pioneering the service and to the skill of the pilots. Speaking of the Government’s part in the endeavour to foster aviation, Mr Semple stated that up to March 31 the amount spent on the development of 38 aerodromes and 12 emergency landing grounds was £636,260. Twelve more aerodromes and 42 emergency landing grounds were contemplated or were now being constructed, at a cost of £619,650. Mr Jones intimated that £35,000 was being spent to provide radio equipment and beacons. On an average 20,000 letters were sent weekly by air. Mr White, replying on behalf of the company, said that its motto was “ Safety and Service.” Ho presented the three Ministers with engraved silver salvers as a memento of the occasion. REGULAR SERVICE COMMENCED. AUCKLAND, June 27. Ideal weather prevailed to-day for the commencement of the regular service between Auckland and Wellington. At five minutes past midday the Kotare took off at Mangere with three passengers and about 5,000 letters, weighing approximately 731 b. The north-hound ship, the Kuaka, arrived at Mangere from Wellington with 10 passengers, a full complement, and about 6,000 letters. The passengers who arrived from the south included a number who are the first to fly by Commercial Services from Christchurch and Dunedin to Auckland in a day. The mail bags were delivered to the Chief Post Office shortly after 4 o’clock, and the sorting commenced immediately.