PACIFIC AIR ROUTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 51, 30 January 1937, Page 5

PACIFIC AIR ROUTES

MR GATTY’S STATEMENT. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Jan. 29. A statement, that it was impossible for plans to be made for his company to undertake a survey flight to New Zealand until it had received word from him of a satisfactory conclusion of the present negotiations with the New Zealand Government, was made to-night by Mr Harold Gatty. Australia and New Zealand representative of Pan-American Airways, and the Douglas Aircraft Corporation Ltd., who is in Wellington. “I have no knowledge of any ’plane in San Francisco being prepared for a survey flight to New Zealand,” he said. “A ’plane that is there is destined, as far as I know, for the Manila-Hong Ivong route. However, I cannot answer for Sail Francisco, It is perfectly true that men were despatched along tlie San Francisco-New Zealand route and preparations have liven made in continuation of the plans that havo been going on for the last year and n-half. As to the possibility of a survey flight down to New Zealand, I disclaim any definite knowledge of it. It is impossible for us to make a flight until negotiations are completed. We have made no secret of your preparations and the rest is entirely dependent upon the decision of the New Zealand Government.” Mr Gatty said he would remain in New Zealand until negotiations were completed one way or the other concerning tlie extension of the agreement allowing the company to fly to New Zealand, which expired on December 31.