AIR MAIL SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 10 December 1934, Page 5

AIR MAIL SERVICE

PLANE LEAVES

LONDON-SYDNEY INAUGURATION.

(United Press Association-—By Electric

Telegraph—Copyright;

LONDON, December 8. *

Tlie “Hengist” the aeroplane inaugurating the Imperial Airways’ Anglo-Australian service,- left to-day, taking off perfectly, within one Ininred yards. The Air Minister, Lord Londonderry, speaking of the inauguiv atin of the Anglo-Australian mail service, said: “IVe ought not he content to rest on the present achievement, hut must press forward and improve and strengthen it to meet the demand which will be made upon us. We have been told by some people that vc ought to learn from other countries how to build' aircraft, • and to run j air lines. As members of a widely scattered Empire, wo have our own' distinctive problem. We do not lack ability and confidence to solve them in our own way. I do not doubt the ultimate success of our endeavours.”

Lord Londonderry handed to Sir Kingsley Wood ‘(Postmaster-General) letters from Their Majesties and tlie Prince of Wales addressed to the Duke of Gloucester, Sir Isa’ac Isaacs, (Australian 'Governor-General), Lord Bledisloe (N.Z. Governor-General), and others from British to Australasian members of Cabinet.

Sir Kingsley Wood recalled tlie opening of the service to Karachi fiveil tid a half years gy. • when eight thousand letters were carried. Today’s service- thither included one hundred 'thousand letters and five hundred pounds in parcels. He said: “I am confident that the forging of tlie vital link in the chain which the Australian service represents will result n a rise of traffic beyond anything vet experienced.” Mr Erie Geddes, responding to compliments to the Imperial Airways Coy. passed by British and Dominion Government representatves, said: “To thoke or us wi'io ten years ago set out to build up Imperial air routes, this occasion has appeared as a dream coming true. Canada'and New Zealand remain to he painted into the picture. I hope it will not be long before they are connected by air from Britain.”'

Kir .James Pqrr said this was .a red letter day i n New Zealand’s history. The air mail won id assist to implement and reinforce the great Ottawa agreement.

Mr McLaren read a message from Mr 8. Bruce (Anustralian High- Commisioner), “from Geneva, describing the oneiiiii.tr of the-service as an epochmaking event in the development ol Empire relations.

Sir Kingsley Wood stamped the Royal letters, and phekages with a special silver stamp. The , Duke and ,Duchess of Kent sent a huge packet for the Duke of Gloucester. ' It-did not fit in the special bag and consequently it was handed to the pilot’s special pare. Lord Stonehaven, Sir Phillip l Sanson, Imperial Airways Coy. officials, and Agouts-Geneivils were present.

After the speeches, the mail was stowed safely in the aeroplane. Besides the letters from T|heir Majesties, their Christmas presents to the Duke of Gloucester were sent direct to the ])l",ne from Sandringham. They are being delivered at. Auckland.