AIR SERVICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22318, 16 January 1936, Page 11

AIR SERVICE

INAUGURAL FLIGHT OFFICIALS AND GUESTS OPENING OF UNION LINE [by telegraph—press association! CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday Exactly 011 time the Union Airways aeroplane Karoro cut out her engines above Wigram aerodrome this morning and glided down to a perfect landing. On board were guests and officials of the company 011 an inauguration flight. The Karoro glided up to the Canterbury Aero Club's section of the field and her passengers disembarked for a cup of tea before proceeding on to Blenheim and Palmerston North, where a ceremony was held this afternoon.

The Karoro took off from Dunedin at 8.30 a.m. and arrived at Wigram at 10 o'clock. The party from Dunedin included the l?ev. E. T. Cox, Mayor of Dunedin; Mr. W. B. Cunningham, manager of the Dunedin branch of the Union Company; Mr. I{. Halstead, general manager of John Mill and Company; Mr. F. Tyson, manager of the Dunedin branch of the New Zealand Shipping Company; Mr. W. Shepherd and Mr. J. P. Marlow, officials of the Dunedin Aero Club; and Mr. H. M. Smith, of the Dunedin Star. The pilot was Mr. A. G. Gerraiul, with Mr. A. V. Jury as assistant pilot and wireless operator.

At Christchurch Messrs. Cunningham, Halstead and Tyson disembarked and their places were taken by Mr. Clive Crozier, president of the Canterbury Aero C'lub; Mr. I'. R. Climic, secretary of the club; Mr. R. K. Palmer, who made a running commentary on the flight over the air; and Mr. W. Glasgow. CEREMONY AT MILSON CARRIAGE OF MAIL MATTER GOVERNMENT'S INTENTIONS [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION'] PALMERSTON NORTH, Wednesday After almost continuous rain since early on Monday the weather was fine for the inauguration of the Union Airways service between Falmerston North and Duncdin.

The Postmaster-General, the Hon. F. Jones, arrived at 11.30 a.m. in a Miles Falcon aeroplane from "Wellington. He performed the christening ceremony of the machines in the afternoon at Milson aerodrome, where a big air pageant was held. At noon the City Council and the Kairanga County Council tendered an official luncheon to the officials of the company, the Postmaster-General, and mauv other visitors.

In speaking at the luncheon Mr. Jones said that when matters of greater importance were cleared away the Cabinet intended to go fully into the question of aviation in all its aspects. It was evident from the extension to civil aviation that was taking place that action must be taken to bring about a greater measure of co-oidination. Fortyfour aerodromes and 60 emergency landing grounds were among the facilities to serve the main routes and contemplated routes. Of the former seven were, more or less completed, 33 were under construction and 20 would be placed under construction almost immediately. At present 2100 men were employed on the works. "We have got to make flving safer than travelling in a motorcar," said the Minister. He added that the aim of the Government would be to provide a meteorological service which would be adequate to meet all ; demands. .... In regard to the carriage of air mails, Mr. Jones said the Cabinet would decide the action to be taken when more pressing problems were out of the way. There were financial circumstances involved and they must remember that the present rate of postage was very low and the Government was anxious to maintain penny postage. ''We are anxious, however, to give the most efficient service to the community." said the Minister, "and if it is possible to provide for people of New Zealand an air mail service at no greatly increased cost, I feel sure that it will be done." FUNCTION AT BLENHEIM IMPORTANCE ON AIR ROUTE [BY TELECRAFH —PRESS ASSOCIATION*] BLENHEIM. Wednesday Woodbourne aerodrome was the scene of an f unction this afternoon, when the Union Airways liner Karoro arrived from Palmerston North to inaugurate the trunk air service. The company's big machines have been in. and out of Blenheim • for i some weeks and are now no novelty, but, nevertheless, the function, whicli was arranged by the Marlborough Aero Club, attracted a surprisingly large attendance. The Karoro arrived on time, closely attended, by one of Cook Strait Airways machines, which had also attended the inauguration ceremony at Palmerston North. Anions the Karoro's passengeis to and from Palmerston Nortluwere 'I ho Mayor, Mr. John Stevenson, Mr. ]•]. P. Meachen, M.P., Mr. A. A. MacNab, president of the Marlborough Aero Club, and .Mr. M. McKenzie. the club s vice-president Mr. Mac Nab extended the club s best wishes to the new service, and the aeroplanes departed for Christchurch and Nelson respectively. The importance of Blenheim as a junction in the air services "was stressed during the; function, it being stated that when the services were in lull swing*l2 aii f liners would be calling at Blenheim each day. For a consider all o period the private traffic in and out ol Blenheim has averaged 80 to 90 aeioplanes a month. ROUND TRIP COMPLETED RECEPTION AT DUNEDIN [by TELEGRAPH —OWN correspondent] DUNEDIN, Wednesday The Union Airways machine completed the round trip from Duncdin o Palmerston North and back when l .arrived hero at 7.15 p.m. The aeioplane was welcomed at the North 'l'aieri aerodromo by about 1000 people. In the course of a brief official lun<tion, the hope was expressed that Dunedin would shortly have an airpoit °u the harbour foreshore adjacent to the business urea of the city. Dunedin -business men express themselves as being strongly in favour of the proposal of the Canterbury Chamber or Commerce that mails should be carried by Union Airwavs on its trunk service.