AUSTRALIA'S AIR MAILS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18690, 22 April 1924, Page 6

AUSTRALIA'S AIR MAILS.

EAST TO WEST SERVICE. EARLY START EXPECTED. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] SYDNEY. April 10. It is probable that this month will see the commencement of the long-anticipated aerial-mail service between Adelaide and Sydney, thus forging another link in the ambitious East-West scheme. Based upon Che success of the Perth-Derby service, it is now hoped that within the next year it will be possible for a passengeri to fly in regular stages around the west from Brisbane to Derby, or more than half a circuaviation (if such a neologism may be excused), of the continent. Once Che Sydney-Adelaide section is fairly established the Sydney-Brisbane section will quickly follow, and then there will remain only the Adelaide-Perth section, skirting the Great Australian Bight. A contract had been made with the Larkin Aircraft Supply Company, for the aerial mail service between Adelaide and Sydney and Sydney and Brisbane. The contract is to maintain aerial services once weekly each way between Adelaide and Brisbane, alighting at 18 intermediate towns en route. The contractors will be paid at fhe rate of 4s per mile flown, with a maximum. payment of £29,000 over the contract period. No money has been advanced to the company by fhe Federal Government, but the Commonwealth Bank has authorised the company to overdraw to the extent of £13,000. The Government has guaranteed the Commonwealth Bank agai.ist ioss of all or any of this amount. The Government has given a similar guarantee in the case of all other contractors for aerial services, with most beneficial results to the companies, and at no loss to the Government.

The Larkin Aircraft Supply will complete delivery of aeroplanes immediately, and it was anticipated that the company will be able to commence the : ervice between Adelaide and Sydney but not' between Sydney and Brisbane until six months after the commencement of the Sydney-Adelaide section. All the authorised services are designed to serve districts where postal services might be expedited.