COMMERCIAL AVIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20475, 29 January 1930, Page 14

COMMERCIAL AVIATION.

PROGRESS IN AUSTRALIA.

KINGSFORD SMITH'S PLANS.

HOPES TO FLY THE ATLANTIC

Commercial aviation is making rapid progress in Australia at present, according to Mr. 0. E. Grevatt," of Auckland, who returned from five weeks' holiday in Sydney by the Maunganui yesterday. Ho was accompanied by his family and his father, Mr. W. J. Grevatt, with his family. While in Sydney Mr. C. E. Grevatt took the opportunity of renewing his acquaintance with Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and Flight-Lieutenant C. T. P. Ulm, whom he met in New Zealand. The famous fliers had firmly established an aeroplane passenger service between Sydney «•}<?> Brisbane, Mr. Grevatt said, and short? f contemplated an extension of their activities. "Smith and Ulm are the force behind Australian National Airways," Mr. Grevatt said. "They have four large monopianos, similar to the Southom Cros.s, and run daily services between Sydney and Brisbane, making the trip in 5i hours, The cost is about 50 per cent, greater than that of the railway trip, but travel by aeroplanes means a saving of about 20 hours each way.

"Each aeroplane accommodates eight pa - sengors in a luxurious cabin, fitted with wicker armchairs and the service has become so popular that it is necessary to book, a passage three or four days ahead. Smith and Ulm havo the assistance of specially-chosen pilots, but frequently Ihey take charge of planes themselves to give the public confidence, They hope to start a night service to Melbourne in the near future. The proposal has aroused considerable interest in Australia."

Mr." Grevatt said that Kingsford Smith took his wholo party for a two-hours' flight over Sydney. He was greatly impressed by tho comfort of air travel in tho huge monoplanes. They travelled without any vibration.at all and gave a feeling of perfect safety. Sydney from the air made a wonderful sight.

"I asked Kingsford Smith wlien ho intended to fly to Now Zealand again," Mr. Grevatt said. "He told me that he and Ulni would concentrate on commercial aviatioii in Australia for the next two years. They might then undertake the Atlantic crossing, flying again in the Southern Cross, which is now being thoroughly overhauled at the Fokker works in Amsterdam. He looks forward to another trip to New Zealand. I do not know whether he intends to operate any aviation services in the Dominion."

Mr. Grevatt said that tho Australian customs authorities placed considerable barriers in the way of New Zealanders who wished to take their own cars with them when visiting Australia. He and his father took their cars and before thev could land them each had to deposit £250 with tho customs. The mJney was refunded when they left Australia, but he thought that motorists' organisations on both sides of the Tasman should take up the matter with a view to having the regulation removed. Mr.- Grev&tt added that they motored over 4000 miles in the vicinity 'of Sydney, and found the roads excellent.