What Do They Know?

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 195, 20 August 1935, Page 6

What Do They Know?

Caustic Comment on Council’s “ Neutrality ”

UNEXPLAINED SILENCE IN AIR ROUTE BATTLE

The monumental silence preserved by the Palmerston North City Council—the most interested of the local bodies concerned in the airways route controversy—was the subject of some caustic comment at yesterday’s meeting of the Transport Co-ordination Board, which was called for tho purpose of rehearing Great Pacific Airways’ application for the inclusion of this city in its Dominion air route.

In the first place the absence of representatives of Palmerston North was commented upon by Mr H. F.O’Leary, counsel for Great Pacific Airways. One could only assume, he said, what had prompted them to take no part. There was this to be said: That if Palmerston North was eliminated from the service of Great Pacific Airways, Ltd.. Palmerston North would still be the terminal for Union Airways, Ltd., and apparently the people of Palmerston North thought it would be an advantage.

There, was also the point that Union Airways was spending considerable mcney in Palmerston North in connection with its service. But whatever the reasons that prompted Palmerston North .to take no part, if Falmerston North was so short-sighted or so attracted by the proposals of the Union Co., that did not end the matter.

It was not. a matter of concern to Palmerston North alone, but to a huge area up to the East Gape, to Wellington, and, it was submitted, to the whole of the North Island and part of the boutli Island. The altitude of Palmerston North did not in any way conclude the matter. Palmerston North’s inclusion, concluded Mr O’Leary, was vital in the successful operation of the trunk air route of Pacific Airways. The company felt it was taking up not merely sectional work, but national work, and that it was entitled to every help that could be given to it. The company was hostile to no one. Jt did not wish to be obstructive, but desired to co-operate. It did appear, however, that the time had arrived when it must fight for its rights and the rights of the rest .of New Zealand.

City Council’s “Neutrality” “I believe,’’ said -Mr J. U’tShea, Wellington City solicitor, “that tho Palmerston North City Council is neutral in this matter. They have been fixed as a terminus for one arterial air route. That means the establishment of workshops and aerodromes and the establishment of an aviation centre.

“May it mean that the transTasman New Zealand terminus may be Palmerston North instead iff New Plymouth? Will the transTasman service company link up with the Union Company? With increased range of aeroplanes will Palmerston North he in practise any further from Australia than New Plymouth? “Who has found the money to extend the Milson aerodrome, and wliat arguments, if any, have been adduced to induce the Palmerston North City Council to staud neutral between Wellington and Palmerston North?’’ asked Mr O’Shea.

Mr O'Shea also suggested that something had been put to Palmerston North which lie and others hud been unable to ‘‘get at” or divine. If there had nol, they could not understand Palmerston North’s attitude. The pusition reminded him of the story of tin old Scots lady who, when she saw 133 boys marching down the street, said

that they were all out of step • except "oor Jock.” All other local bodies 111 any way connected with traffic to Palmerston North had a fixed idea that Palmerston North should ]>: a port of call, but Palmerston North was not

taking any part. “The question is,” said Air O’Shea, ‘‘do they know more than wo do?”

rates without bothering about liic Unemployment Board subsidy. The onlysubsidy lie would favour was that ottered bv the R.S.A.

The Mayor said that tho single man was just us much up against it as the married men and lie would not be a paft.y to any restriction us to who they should employ as set out in the board’s letter. The council had been given good services by the K.B-.A. men in the pasi. lie seconded Cr. Dodgems’ motion.

Cr. Tremaine moved as an amendment that the matter lie referred to the works committee and information obtained in tho meanwhile from the K.y.A. us to what subsidy would be available.

Cr. Hodgens: It would be niggardly to hold the matter over to see what the K.S.A. can do. The council has affirmed a principle and should go ahead with the work. If the E.S.A. can help then the council can give consideration to the matter. But do not let the progress of the work bo dependent on a subsidy from the E.S.A., Cr. Hodgens urged. Cr. Tremaine's amendment teas lost. Cr. Tenncnt then moved as a further amendment that the council affirm the princplo of standard rates of pay on all capital works. Cr. Heatlev seconded and the council agreed without dissent!