PROPOSED AIR ROUTE

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 December 1946, Page 4

PROPOSED AIR ROUTE

MELBOURNE-CHRISTCHURCH SERVICE AVIATION EXPERTS’ VIEWS No reason why the MelbourneChristchurch air route could not be flown safely, if the Harewood aerodrome was brought up to international standards, a satisfactory alternative airport was provided, and meteoroloigcal service and radio facilities were available, can be seen by the aviation experts of Australian National Airways Pty., Ltd., and Ansett Transport Industries, Ltd. The information is given in a reply by the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce to the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. The company replied that it was endeavouring to obtain the necessary approval to inaugurate a service between Melbourne and New Zealand, including the South Island; but because of the attitude of both the Australian and New Zealand Governments there was little prospect whatever of its being successful in its application. The aerodrome at Christchurch undoubtedly required improvements and bringing up to international standards. Provided the facilities were available, there was no reason why a service to the South Island should not operate as smoothly as a service to the North Island. A suggestion was made by the company that the Melbourne chamber support, wherever possible, any representations for the development of international services from Melbourne; the Melbourne chambei’ gave an assurance of support in its letter. Mr P. L. Hodge said that navigational and meteorological facilities at Harewood were now being attended to, and the City Council was buying land for extra runways. The council decided to send this information to the Melbourne chamber.