FLYING SERVICE

Marlborough Express, Volume LIV, Issue 127, 1 June 1920, Page 2

FLYING SERVICE

A GISBOBNB PKOJEiOT,

A proposal has been mooted tc establish a company for the inauguration of a flying boat service between Auckland, Gisbornc* and Napier 1 and to extend the- aerial service around the coast of both the North and South Islands should tho circumstances warrant the venture. The proposal was brought forward by Mr Chas. Matthews, chairman o£ the Cook County "Council. He introdm^-d Major S. E. Adams,, who is visiting Gisborno. Major Adams served in the Royal Air Force right through, the war in Franco, and-subsequently in Egypt. He is associated with Captain Seaibrook,, of Auckland. Major Adams declared that tho proposed flying boat service was quite practicable. Already similar services had been inaugurated along the coasts of England, aiid ir' the .service proved a financial success in Ensdand as a hobby, then it should be a success on the East Coast of the North Isiand, where such a service is a necessity. The proposal was to xitilise- a super-flying marine, similar to. that employed on passenger flying services at Home. The boat was capable of carrying a pilot and three passengers, and was abb to fly 450 miles without replenishing, petrol supplies. " The distance from Auckland could be covered in 2£ hours, and to Napier in about an hour. The machine was capable of landing in practically any sea. and after inspecting the conditions locally, he was satisfied that a landing could l>e .effected safely in. the bay, and the machine could either "taxi" up to the Kaiti bridge, or the 'passengers could be ferried ashore by launch. The conditions at Napier were also favorable, whilst at Auckland they were ideal. The machines are fitted with a 160 h.p. Beyjxllmore engine, which is located in the planes above 'the heads of the passengers, the latter being accommodated' in seats in the "boat" itself. Major Adams convjiders the service could carry mails and passengers daily, and the maohine would be capable of flying practically all tho. year'round. Eased on the present taxi fares overland between Gisborne and Na.pier, the service would pay handsomely. •