First Air Mail Goes South

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 64, 17 March 1936, Page 3

First Air Mail Goes South

HISTORIC EVENT FOR MANAWATU At 5.30 a.m. yesterday, Union Airways air-liner Karoro left Milson airport on the first official air mail flight between Palmerston North and Dunedin. There wero ten bags of a total weight of 751bs soz, their destination being Blenheim 2, Nelson 2, Christchurch 2, Timaru 1, Oamaru 1 and Dunedin 2. The occasion was an historical ono which accounted for the presence of quito a large number of interested spectators and civic heads. Among these were Messrs N. S. Falla (chairman of directors of Union Airways), D. Black (Chief | L’ostmastcr at Palmerston North), A. E. Mansford (Mayor), J. Hodgens, M.P., D. F. Smillie and K. G. Chamberlain' (representing Milson Aerodrome, Incorporated), A. J. Graham and S. 1. McKenzie (president and secretary respectiveely of tho Palmerston North Chamber of Commerce), F. Jackson (president of tho Palmerston North 50,000 Club), N. Leecher and W. A. Waters (representing the Manawatu Aero Club). “Those hero arc privileged to take part in an historical event of Palmerston North and the Manawatu district,” said Mr Mansford, speaking from beside the 'plane. Few could form visions of what the inception of the air mail from Palmerston North might lead to for the Manawatu district. Those who read Frank Read’s “Airships” 30 or 40 years ago had thought that the book was but the expression of empty dreamings, but tho prophecies had come true. Not only were aeroplanes carrying passengers from our own district, but now they wero carrying mails as well, which should be of great benefit to business and professional men. When the Post-master-General (Hon. F. Jones) was in Palmerston North for tho opening ot tho airways service ho had said lie would look into tho possibilities of air mail being carried, and all wefe grateful for the promptness with which he had made his decision. The Mayor congratulated those responsible for the inception of the carriage of air mail and wished the undertaking success. Congratulations were also extended to all concerned in tho undertaking by Mr Hodgens, who .specially mentioned Mr Black as being tho instrument of tho Government in sending off the first air mail. Mr Hodgens said ho could visualise many things at that moment, but it was not for him to give expression to those thoughts, for time was short and it would never do if the first air ihail was delayed by the “windincss” of the member for Palmerston. (Laughter). Tho event of that morning at Milson Aerodrome should go down in tho history of the Dominion, and Mr Hodgens suggested that such a happening could be likened to a shadow, a shadow which was cast before the changes to be brought about by' the Government this year, Mr Hodgens wished good luck to all who were connected with the new service.

Tho Palmerston North 50,000 Club made arrangements for tho iilming of the opening ceremony and the operator secured some very fine results which are tho only films taken of this important •advance in New Zealand. On the occasion of the opening of Union Airways' trunk air service on January 15 the club was able to secure a few hundred feet of film. The club is endeavouring to collect films of important events in the history of tho city.

In connection with the new air-mail servico it is noted that as the 4 a.m. collection of street receivers has now been replaced by an .11 p.m. clearance, correspondence in Palmerston North will connect with the southbound Alain Trunk express and be included in the first delivery in Wellington.

LETTERS PROM THE SOUTH. Yesterday afternoon the Union Airways air-liner, brought the first dispatch of air-mail from southern post offices. The mail arrived at the Palmerston North Chief Post Offieo at 4.12 p.m. and consisted of five bags. Two were from Dunedin and one each from Christchurch, Blenheim and Wellington. Altogether there were nearly 7000 letters, £OOO of which were placed aboard the 6 o’clock express for northern towns.

The stamp collectors ’ quota was 2000 and these will leave again for the south thi3 morning.