AIR SERVICE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 March 1938, Page 6

AIR SERVICE

■- trans*tasman link. WELLINGTON'S CLAIMS FOR BASE /JP.er Press Association —Copyright). WELLINGTON, Alarch 9. Wellington’s claims lor selection as the base of the trans-Tasman air service were advanced by the ciiairman of the Wellington Harbour Board (Air D. J. AlcGowan) when speaking at the annual dinner ot the Wellington Chamber of Commerce last . evening. Expert opinion, ' said Mr AlcGowan, was that Wellington ..was .equal to practically any other ■ port in the world in respect to air facilities, and the .City Council, the iHarbour ..Board, and the Chamber of Commerce would be prepared to abide by the decision of the committee which was investigating the .matter. “This:is. a matter that Ido not want to see forgotten,” said Air AlcGowan. “The Harbour Board, acting ■with the City Council and this chamber, has made, representations to the Government, and on a number of occasions we have received favourable reports regarding the harbour. Air Harold Gatty said that Wellington was equal.to almost any other port in the world, and the Prime Minister -has,stated that Wellington is the logi cal site,' so long as expert opinion is favourable. That is, all that we have ever ; asked or—that there should be an investigation. We will abide by the decision'of the experts. The sue cessfbl manner in which the Centaurus Was . ’handled ‘in Wellington Harbour • in. varying weather, deafly demonstrated that flying-boats of any size can be handled here in a safe and efficient manner.' I feel certain that Wellington’s claims as the principal terminal in the new service cannot be overlooked. lam pleased' to say that the southern ports are behind us in this matter, as they feel that they -will be served better than by a at Auckland.” Gratification at the help that the Wellington 'Chamber of 'Commerce had given 'to -the Wellington City Council .in keeping . important ( ~ .prqb-, ?lb*ps i* before the ' pubic' was .expressed by thp Mayor (Air T. 6. A., liislop)Mr Hislop made particular mention of the efforts; to ; provide; TVeffington with i an up-to-date airport and also to secure ,for . WqUrngton The ..base .4»f, the proposed - trans-Tasman... ~ ajr.• service, j i-.>: "V