QUICK FLIGHT BY SOLENT FROM N.Z. TO SYDNEY

Grey River Argus, 15 November 1949, Page 4

QUICK FLIGHT BY SOLENT FROM N.Z. TO SYDNEY

AUCKLAND, Nov 14. To the strains of Rule Britania,’ the flying-boat Ararangi, the first ol the four Solents built in Britain for Tasman Empire Airways, took off for Sydney at eight o’clock this morning on its first operational flight. The Hags of New Zealand, Australia, and Brtain formed a background to a colourful ceremony, after which the Minister of Civil Aviation, Hon. b Jones pushed the button releasing the Ararangi. Crossing Completed Under Seven Hours (Rec. 9.30). SYDNEY, Nov. 14. The Solent flying-boat, "Ararangi , arrived at Rose Bay, Sydney, to-day, at six minutes past one o’clock. This was six hours 54 minutes after she had left Auckland on the first operational flight of the new planes across the Tasman Sea. Canadian Pacific Service to N.Z. ? WELLINGTON, Nov 14. The posibility of Canadian Pacific Arlines operating to New Zealand was mentioned by the Canadian High Commissioner, Mr R. Rive, who returned to Wellington to-day, after home leave. Mr Rive said that a service to Australia was already operating and that negotiations were now in progress to include Auckland m the route. Canadian planes already called at Suva. “I hope this service will be extended to Auckland in the near future ” said Mr Rive, who added that he was not at liberty to discuss the matter further.