Trans-Alpine Air Service

Grey River Argus, 19 November 1946, Page 8

Trans-Alpine Air Service

The Westport Borough Council received at last meeting the following communcation from the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce regarding an air service across the South Island: — Messrs J. R. Dench, and L. K. Laugesen of this Chamber have interviewed Sir Leonard Isitt, Chairman of the National Airways Corporation, concerning the matter. While the Corporation is very sympathetic towards the proposed service, the following .salient difficulties were stressed as a bar to its immediate inauguration :— (1) Landing grounds on the West Coast would' have to be improved to cater for the aircraft contemplated. This would necessarily mean alternative landing grounds' as* well as the main terminal aerodrome. (2) Radio navigational aids would have to be installed. (3) Lodestar machines (the type most suitable) would not be available for some months, with the possible exception of two from Australia. (4) Servicing and maintenance. This is felt to be the major problem confronting the expansion of airways in New Zealand at ‘the present moment. It will be realised that this 1 is' a very necessary precedent to the stepping up of existing services or the inauguration of new lines. It was stressed also, that before new 1 lines, could be opened, preference must be given to those already in existence, and it was; estimated that it would be nine to twelve months before the proposed service could be put into operation and then only of course, provided the facilities were available. In view of the remarks of Sir Leonard Isitt, the Committee feels that no further advantage could be gained by holding the proposed Conference, and that it is now a matter for the bodies concerned to endeavour to improve the existing facilities' so as to be ready to press for the service when machines are available, and the Airways Corporation is in a position to consider the service. It would appear that, in order to secure improved services, it is necessary to anticipate the needs of such services in the way of ground facilities, and the district which adopts a progressive policy of preparedness l will be the one to force development in its direction. Under the circumstances', it is not proposed to call this Conference immediately until we have the reactions of your organisation to the above. We shall be glad to have your comments as soon as convenient.