Clipper’s Arrival Marks Start Of Pacific Service

Northern Advocate, 27 December 1937, Page 6

Clipper’s Arrival Marks Start Of Pacific Service

First Mails, Freight Will Be Carried To U.S. On Wednesday

f Special To “Northern Advocate ”l AUCKLAND, This Day. rpHE PAN-AMERICAN AIRWAYS SAMOAN CLIPPER ARRIVED AT 1 AUCKLAND YESTERDAY AFTERNOON AFTER A FLIGHT FROM HONOLULU IN LESS THAN 31 HOURS’ ACTUAL FLYING TIME. THE ARRIVAL OF THE CLIPPER MARKS THE COMMENCEMENT OF A COMMERCIAL SERVICE BETWEEN AUCKLAND AND SAN FRANCISCO.

When the flying-boat leaves at dawn on Wednesday, she will carry the first- air mail and express freight cargo across the Pacific. From January 12, a fortnightly service will be conducted over the route, and, according to Captain Edwin Musick, a passenger service may be in operation within the next few months, utilising giant flying-boats with accommodation for 72 passengers.

There was a large crowd on the waterfront to welcome the flying-boat yesterday afternoon. Every vantage point was occupied and there was a deep-throated murmur from the crowd to herald the Clipper's arrival. The Clipper passed over Russell at ’about 3 o’clock.

Perfect Landing’

The flying-boat made a perfect landing and was brought slowly in to her moorings off the landing stage in Mechanics Bay. Members of the PanAmerican staff, in cream overalls, and assisted by aircraftsmen from the Hobsonville Air Base, handled the lines as the Clipper was brought slowly in to the berthing stage a few minutes later. “Our arrival in Auckland marks the conclusion of our second flight across the South Pacific,” said Captain Musick in an interview. “The purpose of the flight over this important aerial trade route between the United States and New Zealand has been to make a final survey and to inspect ground facilities constructed at various points on the line, since our first round trip survey flight last March.

The Second Stage,

“That important stage of our work is now finished. When we depart from your hospitable shores on Wednesday we will inaugurate a regular air mail and express freight service on a fortnightly schedule between our two countries. This will be another and distinct stage of an important undertaking. “Still another stage of this proposed service in which Pan-American Airways is proud to participate, and which will be inaugurated in due time, is concerned with the large 72passenger trans-oceanic Clippers now being built in Seattle.

“One of the first of these ships, which is nearing completion, has already been named the South Seas Clipper and. she will provide the facilities for the transport of passengers on what should be one of the most important aerial trade routes in the world.

Linking Up Australia.

”It is my understanding,” Captain Musick said, “that Imperial Airways is sending one of its flying-boats across the Tasman Sea from Australia to New Zealand on a route survey mission similar to that which we have just completed across the South Pacific. The objective will be to link Now Zealand and Australia by air.

Those undertakings jointly considered, bring reality to a long-planned programme to tie Australia to the rapidly developing airways system of the world.

“In conclusion, I wish to convey to the people of New Zealand Christmas greetings from all air lines under the American flag.” Captain Musick, in a more informal discussion, spoken of the landing facilities now provided on the trans-Pacific route. At Kingman Reef, the schooner Trade Wind, he said, w'as equipped as a combination of floating working shop, fuelling station. and hotel.

“An Absolute Picture.’

The base at Pago Pago was similar to that 'at Auckland, but he

thought that the landing facilities on the Waitemata had been excellently

planned and that a first-class terminal base had been provided. With a full passenger service in operation the Auckland base would naturally have to be extended.

“Auckland was an 'absolufe picture from the air this afternoon,’’ Captain Mustek said, “and before long, I am certain that passengers from the United States will get the same thrill which we experienced today in coming down on your harbour."