AVIATION IN FIJI

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 119, 16 April 1930, Page 8

AVIATION IN FIJI

FORMATION OF COMPANY.

PASSENGER AND MAIL SERVICES.. (By Telegraph—Special to Standard.) AUCKLAND, April 16 Fiji is the latest country to develop an “air sense.” Until Captain Kingsford Smith and his three companions landed in Suva on their historical flight across the 'Pacific, in the Southern Cross, many of the inhabitants had never seen an aeroplane. About ten years ago the Government was interested in a scheme to establish mail communication between the main islands, but .although a seaplane was imported and the probable routes surveyed, the undertaking proved impracticable. . , , Early this year a further impetus to flying was given by Mr Chalmers, - of Ba, whose machine, a Gipsy Moth, is the first privately-owned aeroplane in the group. Mr Chalmers arrived recently in Auckland by the Tofua with his Moth,, with which he intends doing some flying in New Zealand. The latest development in. Fiji is the formation of a company-, Fiji Airways, Limited. At present the company operates one aeropLane, and the pilot is Air Fenton, who gained his experience during the war. As yet no provision has been made for an air base, but at low tide the hard beach provides an ideal landing ground. It is the intention of the company to acquire two more machines and these will be fitted with floats. • As Suva Harbour is on the leeward side of the island, and is protected by a barit will be ideally suited for a seaplane base. Other centres in the group also afford excellent stretches of water. Later in the year regular mail and passenger services will he instituted by Fiji Airways, Limited,; and one may expect that in the near future more privately-owned machines will be imported. Further development will probably be the formation of an Aero Club. ' . , , . , Fiji, with its 250• islands is much better’ suited for seaplanes than aeroplanes, and the former will be the type of machine generally employed.