TASMAN AIR SERVICE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 68, 17 February 1939, Page 9

TASMAN AIR SERVICE.

UNLIKELY BEFORE JUNE. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Feb. 16. “I do not think we will be able to start the trans-Tasman air service before June, because the Australian Government is not ready,” said the Minister of Finance (Hon. W. Nash), after inspecting the progress made with the construction of the terminal for the service in Mechanics’ Bay. “I think the contractor is getitngon exceptionally well,” said Mr Nash. “If the contractor’s predictions turn out to be true the administrative building and workshops will be ready before the end of next month, in time for our original idea with regard to the trans-Tasman service. “I know Captain J. W. Burgess is coming out, and I hope he will be in charge,” the Minister continued. “I think lie will fly out the first of the three boats, the Aotearoa.” Mr Nash said that, after long negotiations, arrangements for the forming of the company to operate the service, Tasman Empire Airways, Ltd., were nearing completion. Tlie New Zealand Government was now waiting for a reply from England with regard to the articles of association and memorandum of association. It was likely that these would leave England liy air-mail by the end of next week.