Landing Fields in Pacific

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 98, 29 April 1935, Page 7

Landing Fields in Pacific

United States Makes Survey of Islands

ROUTE FROM HAWAII TO

AUSTRALIA

United Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Sunday, 7.20 p.m. HONOLULU, April 27. The Coastguard cutter Itasca returned to-day after a 500-milo survey trip *of the islands suitable for landingfields between Hawaii and the Antipodes. The survey, completed by Mr -\V. E. Miller, airways expert tor the United States Department of Commerce, was not announced until Ins return. Five army • officers with tno party studied the military phase. Palmyra, Jarvis, Howland, Baker, and Swain Islands are suitable for aircraft bases, according to the commander of the Itasca, Captain W. N. Derby. Mr Miller said the Department of Commerce required the data because of inquiries by American concerns interested in a possible line between the United States and Australia. Swain Island has lagoons suitable for seaplanes, but a dense growth will require extensive work if a landing-field is needed. The other islands are flat and sandy, with slight growth. All these are on a nearly direct route. The sovereignty of Jarvis, Howland and Baker Islands is doubtful; they are claimed by both Britain and America. The others are American territory. The Itasca also called at Pago Pago (Samoa) for a similar survey. All the data is going to the Commerce Department at Washington.

4 ‘ Smithy’s ” Trans-Tasman Flight JUBILEE MAIL TO BE CARRIED Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s transTasman flight, coming as it docs during the King’s Silver Jubilee celebrations, will be utilised, states the Acting Prime Minister (Hon. E. A. Ransom) for a distinctive commemoration in which Australia and New Zealand will be specially concerned. A proposal was received from tho, Commonwealth Government recently that a King’s Silver Jubileo mail should be carried by 'Sir Charles’ aeroplane m both directions, and this was readily agreed to by the New Zealand Government, the arrangements being already in hand by the Director-General of the P. and T. Department. According to present information, the plane will leave Richmond aerodrome, Sydney, on May 14, landing at New Ply-mouth on the morning of the loth. It is expected that the return flight -will commence from Ninety Male Beach at dawn on May 17. Full information for those who wish ■to take advantage of this Silver Jubilcss air-mail, both from Australia and New Zealand and on tho return trip, will be published at an early date.

Airway to West Africa SHIPPING COMPANY AND IMPERIAL AIRWAYS. (British Official Wireless.) Received Sunday, 7 p.m. RUGBY", April 26. Another Empire airway, which will •onnect West Africa with the Imperial air network, is to be inaugurated ui the near future. Arrangements have been concluded between the Elder Dempster Lines and Imperial Airways to form n joint company, to bo known as Elder s Colonial Airways, for the purpose o. operating air services in West Africa. Arrangements are also in hand tor the inauguration this year by Impcrau Airways of an air service from Khartoum to Nigeria, which will provide a through connection from London to Lagos via. Khartoum, Fasher, Fort Amy, Maidugari, Kcno, Kachina and Illoria. Elders’ Colonial Airways will opeinte an extension from this source K Accra, and later to Kumasi and Takorali, as soon as a suitable ground organisation is provided at these places. Later it is hoped to provide a service to Freetown. Other local . services, special charter works, etc., will be dc"’"veloped as the need arises.

Fast Craft For British Air Force SPEED OF NEARLY 300 MILES AN HOUR. .Received Sunday, 7 p.m. LONDON, April 28. The Peoples’ political correspondent learns that 400 fignters and 400 bombers, all capable of a speed of neany 300 miles an hour, will be added to the British Air Force almost immediately.

Germany’s Real Air Strength BRITISH CABINET TO CONSIDER FIGURES. Received Sunday, 7 pan. LONDON, April 28. The Sunday Express says that secret figures of Germany’s real air strength have now been revealed in London and Trill be considered by Cabinet on Monday. It believes that i. new British air expansion programme will be outlined in the House of Commons on Thursday.

Aerodromes in France STEADY DEVELOPMENT CONTINUING. Received Sunday, 7 p.m. PARIS, April 20. France at present has 48 State aerodromes and 47 public and private

’dromes open for public traffic. Collaboration between the Air Force, tlio civil aviation authorities and the municipalities will enable the opening of 23 additional ’dromes and seaplane bases before July. It is hoped to continue development at the present rate.

Aerial Policing in France VIOLATIONS EY FOREIGN AIRCRAFT. PARIS, April 25. The Air Ministry announces that the Grvernmcnt is taking local measures judged necessary for aerial policing forbidden zones on the north-eastern frontier. It says the decision is due to repeated violations :-i forbidden territory by foreign aircraft, who are suspected of taking photographs. A German aeroplano recently flew over Apach aerial station and the new fortifications at Catlenom. Another circled above fortified works at Waldwiesc.