THREE PACIFIC FLIGHTS.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 18 March 1937, Page 7

THREE PACIFIC FLIGHTS.

CUPPER SHIPS AND MRS. EARHART-PUTNAM. ONE OF FORMER ON WAY TO AUCKLAND (By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright) Received Wednesday, 11.5 p.m. SAN FRANCISCO, March 16. The clipper plane which is to make a survey flight to New Zealand will start to-morrow, when Mrs. Amelia Earhart-Putnam will also begin her world flight. The weather forecaster announced that the storm was clearing rapidly, but the planes might encounter northerly cross-winds. Pan-American Airways announced that the Hawaii Clipper, which has been delayed for several days, will also start, which will mean that three planes will be crossing the Pacific. Airways officials said this would tax the communication facilities, but they beHeved an acceptable schedule could be arranged, due to the varying cruising gpeeds of the planes —the New Zealand Clipper, 155 miles an hour; the Hawaii Clipper, 140 miles an hour; and Mrs. Earhart-Putnam's plane, 180 to 190. The three will follow the same route to Honolulu. SAFETY THE FIRST CONSIDERATION AUCKLAND, Last Night. Discussing Pan-American Airways ' proposed San Francisco to Auckland passenger service, Mr. Harold Gatty, who arrived in Auckland to-day, said there were many aspects of the proposed service 1 that could not be discussed until the survey flight ihad been completed, the route proved practical and arrangements made for a regular service. Such matters as schedules, fares, permanent accommodation and headquarters in Auckland and the number of passengers and the weight of mail and cargo to be carried, were all for future consideration. The important matter of the surcharge on the mail was not one for his company's decision, but for arrangement between the interested Governments. "Flying with us is a commercial undertaking and in no sense a stunt or even an adventure," Mr. Gatty i continued. Every possible precaution was taken to ensure safe, regular and swift transport, but it was never the policy .of the company to place any aspect ahead of that of safety." In any case, with air transport so much faster than other means, they could well afford to oe extra careful and take no - chances with the weather, and still give much more rapid service. All the skill of the radio expert, the meteorologist and the engineer were at the disposal of the company, and upon their work, - coupled with the use of the finest j materials for the machines, and the ; choice of veteran pilots of seasoned \ judgment, had been built an excep- - tional safety record. 1 The ground organisation in Auckland is being completed as rapidly as : possible. At the request of the PanAmerican representatives at present in Auckland, the Auckland Harbour Board has made preparations for the provision of moorings for a landing barge between King's wharf and the Devonport vehicular ferry landing. • It is possible that the moorings will be laid to-morrow, and that the barge will be towed .into position shortly afterwards.