Trans-Tasman Air Service imminent

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 236, 6 October 1936, Page 7

Trans-Tasman Air Service imminent

Plans Approved by Conference

__________ ONLY A MATTER OF "WEEKS

Per Press Assocla-tion. NEW PLYMOUTH, Last Night. A trans-Tasman air service would be inaugurated in the very near future, Captain E. C. Johnston indicated to an official gathering at the New Plymouth airport to-day. Captain Johuslon, who is tho Commonwealth Controller of Civil Aviation, has been engaged in the Air Conference at Wellington and is visiting New Plymouth to inspect the airport. He said the conference’s report would be submitted to the Governments concerned and he was not at liberty to disclose its terms, but his hearers could rest assured that the service would be started in tho very near future. It was already overdue. There were many difficulties but they were not oeyond the capabilities of Australian and New Zealand aviators given proper ground organisation. ‘‘l am convinced the service will be a success financially,” said Captain Johnston. ‘‘The two countries had a great deal in common and tho citizens of bqth would find tho service a safe and speedy means of travel." Ho predicted there would bo a heavy demand for seats. Australia Will Acquiesce FRUIT EMBARGO STAYS. Received Monday, 10 p.m. SYDNEY, Oct. 5. Hon. Archdale Parkhill, Federal Defence Minister, who' returned by the Awatea to-day, told Press interviewers that he was likely to submit the air service proposals debated in New Zealand to the Federal Cabinet this week. He saw no reason why tho whole scheme, which ho believed would be satisfactory to Australia, should not be adopted within a few weeks. He added that he .found fairly general support by the people for the New Zealand Government. The Ministers seemed most earnest and wellmeaning and were working very hard to put their policy into effect beforo the close of the present session.

Mr Parkhill said he also discussed with Hons. P. Fraser and W. Nash the fruit embargo. Mr Nash told him, however, that they were unable to do anything at present. Christchurch to Have ’Drome Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Last Night. A decision to commence tho construction of the city aerodrome at Harewood as soon as possible was mado at a special meeting of tho City Council tonight. Tho works committee was authorised to complete arrangements with the Government on the basis of the offer of a subsidy of £ for £ on the labour cost of me formation. According to a statement mado by tho Mayor the. total cost to the council will be about £30,000. in addition it is estimated tho Government subsidy will ba £O7OO.