FLIGHT TO NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20595, 20 June 1930, Page 12

FLIGHT TO NEW ZEALAND.

PROPOSED NEW FLYING-BOAT

CRITICISM OF THE SCHEME.

Further details in connection with the proposed purchase of a Southampton Super-marine flying-boat, which tho Director of Air Services, Wing-Commander Grant Dalton, will recommend to tho Minister of Defence as an addition to tho New Zealand Air Force fleet, show that the machine would be fitted with twin 450 h.p. Jupiter engines. The opinion that the present time was hardly opportune for the purchase of such a machine was expressed yesterday by Mr. Malcolm Stewart, chairman of tbe Chamber of Commerce. " I think the proposal is quite a good ono if tho funds are available for the purpose," ho said. " It would bo a good advertisement for New Zealand and seeing that it has been recommended by Wing-Commander Dalton it should bo a safe proposal. On the other hand, since tho country is being asked to exercise economy, tho proposal seems rather out of placo in the face of the present economic position." " Any suggestion made by tho Director of Air Services is a good ono and well considered," said Mr. L. W. Swan,, secretary of the Auckland Aero Club. " Personally I' am in agreement with tho proposal to purchase the boat, but speaking as a business man and a ratepayer, I do not think it would bo wise to fly the boat out, as has been tentatively suggested. It is not on the scoro of the extra expenso that I tako that view, but because of the risks entailed of losing the machine in an accident."

Mr. Swan expressed the opinion that no worth-while result would be gainod by flying the boat, since all the officers wero well experienced and would not gain any necessary additional advantage from making tho trip. " Tlieso flights are better left to private enterprise," he saicl.