AVIATION

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 February 1937, Page 8

AVIATION

FRISCO—N.Z. SERVICE. [FEB PBESS ASSOCIATION.] WELLINGTON, February 17. When asked to-day if the statement published in Auckland, that serious difficulties had arisen between the PanAmerican Airways Company and the New Zealand Government, in regard to the Company’s proposal to establish a flying boat service, giving three to four days’ connection between San Francisco and New Zealand, Mr. Harold Gatty, representative of the Company in New Zealand, replied that he had from the very commencement of the negotiations refrained from discussing the nature of discussions publicly, for the Company’s attitude was that it would have been improper to take any step which would unduly stir up public interest, while discussions were in progress. He repeated that the relations between himself and the Government had been, consistently of a friendly nature, and he had personally been treated with the utmost courtesy.

“ I have every hope that the discussions will be concluded satisfactorily very shortly now. An agreement was signed over 15 months ago, and it is perfectly correct that nearly three months ago, three experts of the Company arrived in New Zealand bringing with (hem all the equipment necessary for the establishment of such terminal facilities as are necessary for the reception and overhaul of the machine on the first flights. Those officers of the Company are still in New Zealand awaiting instructions to commence their work. The position is that the Company is ready, and has been ready for many weeks now, to commence exploratory flights down the Pacific. Had it not been for the intervention of the Pacific maritime strike, an altogether unforseen circumstance, experts and all the equipment could have been here many weeks earlier.”

JEAN BATTEN AUCKLAND, February 16. Miss Jean Batten sailed for Sydney by the Awatea, taking her aeroplane with her. She will fly extensively in Australia. Shb said New Zealand’s recognition of her flight, had been wonderful, and she had had a wonderful time. Lady Haig, widow of Earl Haig, also left fd’r Sydney on the Awatea. BRITISH PLANE MISSING [BY CABLE —PBESS ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] ALEXANDRIA, February 15. Since a radio message, “Our oil pressure failing,” was sent out from over the. Mediterranean at 9 o’clock this morning, nothing has been heard of an aeroplane belonging to the British aircraft-carrier Courageous. There were three men in the machine. A search during the day was fruitless.

TRANS-ATLANTIC SERVICE. WASHINGTON, February 15. The appropriations committee of the House of Representatives to-day approved a request for funds to subsidise a trans-Atlantic air mail service starting on November 1. Twice weekly trips between New York and Southampton with giant passenger-carrying flying boats are contemplated. The initial appropriation recommended is about 750,000 dollars, based on a mail subsidy of two dollars a mile. Mr. William Howes, Assistant-Postmaster-General, said that tenders for the mail contract would be invited. The contract would probably be for 10 years. 4 Arrangements with the British Government were ending agreeably. He disclosed that a northern 3500-mile route via Newfoundland would be used for six months, and a southern 5000-mile route via Charleston, Bermuda, and the Azores the other six months. The air mail service would eosi 21 to 25 cents for a half-ounce letter. Colonel Edgar Gorrell, president of the Air Transport. Association of America. said that a 424.-tou aeroplane was being built. It would carry about 60 passengers.

BRI T AIN’S CO-OPERATION. (Received February 17, 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 16. The Imperial Airways, commenting on the United States decision to provide finance for a trans-Atlantic air service, issued a statement that it expects a British company to operate experimental mail services by the time America is ready to begin. The establishment of a pm’senger service will follow as soon as possible. ,