FUTURE PLANS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22921, 27 December 1937, Page 11

FUTURE PLANS

PASSENGER SERVICE HUGE NEW FLYING-BOATS CAPTAIN MUSICK'S FORECAST The fact that large 72-passenger flying-boats will shortly be in service on the air route across the Pacific to New Zealand was revealed yesterday by Captain Edwin C. Musick, commander of the Samoan Clipper, in an interview after his arrival in Auckland. One, which has been named the South Seas Clipper, may be flying over the route within the next few months. The latest flight, according to Captain Musick, was entirely devoid of untoward incident. Perfect weather was experienced throughout the trip from Honolulu, which, he said, was made in just under 31 hours' actual flying time. "Our arrival in Auckland marks the conclusion of our second flight across the South Pacific," Captain Musick said. "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. That important stage of our work is now finished.

"When we depart from your hospitable shores on Wednesday morning, 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 duo time, is concerned with the large 72-passenger transoceanic 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 tlie most important aerial trade routes in the world. "It is my understanding," Captain Musick continued, "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 bo to link Australia and New Zealand by air. These undertakings, jointly considered, bring reality to a long-planned programme to tie Australia into the rapidly-develop-ing airways systems of the world. "lu conclusion, I wish to convey to the people of New Zealand Christinas greetings from all airlines under the American flag." In a more informal discussion, Captain Musick spoke of the landing facilities now provided on the transpacific air route. The schooner Tradewind at Kingman Beef, ho said, was equipped as a combination of floating workshop, fuelling-station and hotel. The base at Pago Pago was similar to that at Aucklnad, but he thought that the landing facilities on the Waitemata had been excellently planned, and that a firstclass terminal base had been provided. With a full passenger service in operation, the Auckland base would naturally have to be extended. "Auckland was an absolute picture from the air this afternoon," Captain Musick said, "and before long I am certain that passengers from the United States will get the same thrill which we experienced to-day in coming down on to your harbour."

HEARTY WELCOME RECEPTION BY BOARD VISITORS CONGRATULATED THE HAND OF FRIENDSHIP A brief but hearty official welcome was extended by the Auckland Harbour Board to Captain Musick and officers of the Clipper yesterday afternoon, the speakers being the chairman oi' the board, the Hon. T. Bloodworth, the Mayor of Auckland, Sir Ernest Davis, and the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage. The Minister of Mines, the Hon. P. C. Webb, and the Leader of the Legislative Council, the Hon. M. Fagan, were also present. Mr. Bloodworth said it was his privilege on behalf of the Harbour Board to extend to Captain Musick and his companions a very hearty welcome back to the port of Auckland. "Unfortunately," said Mr. Bloodworth, "you are a few hours too late to spend a merry Christmas with us. but we hope that the days you spend here will be very happy ones. We join in wishing you a very happy New Year and the best of prosperity and success in the regular service you are inaugurating on Wednesday next." A very hearty welcome on behalf of the citizens was extended by Sir Ernest Davis. He said they looked forward to seeing the visitors again and again, and the more often they came the better they would be liked. He congratulated them on the advent of the commercial service this week, and expressed the hope and trust that it would be a success in every possible way. The welcome of the Government and the people of the country was expressed by the Prime Minister. Captain Musick and his men had "done it again," he said, and had placed the hall mark on American efficiency as well as on their own skill. Commercial associations were great, but this was a link in the aviation chain that he hoped would strengthen the ties between the great American people and the people of this country. "I am among those who think that the strongest of all tics are the ties of friendship," said the Prime Minister, "and 1 trust that you, sir, will be spared for long years. Our hearts and minds will always be with you and your crew on the voyages that you have yet to make. On behalf of the Government and people of this country I want to extend to you the right hand of friendship and a thousand welcomes." "We appreciate greatly all the very kind things you have said about us," said Captain Musick. "1 am sure we are very, very glad to be back." Three hearty cheers were given for the captain and his crew.