TASMAN AIR LINK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23117, 16 August 1938, Page 10

TASMAN AIR LINK

EARLY ACTION LIKELY SERVICE THIS YEAR THE SUGGESTED TERMINAL AUCKLAND'S FUTURE [BY TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER 1 WELLINGTON, Monday The final points in the agreement between the British, Australian and New Zealand Governments for the operation of the Tasman air mail service are expected to be completed in the very near future. No official pronouncement has been made, but it is understood that as a result of the constant interchange of views difficulties have been overcome and that complete plans for the conduct of the service will be arranged some time before there are flying-boats available to undertake the regular Tasman crossing.

The position at present appears to be that the New Zealand Government is entering into a definite agreement with Union Airways so that the company will be given official status in its partnership with Imperial Airways and Qantas Airways for the operation of the Tasman service. There will be also a formal agreement between the three Governments concerned, but it is not yet known whether New Zealand's participation in the scheme will require validating legislation. If Parliamentary sanction is required it will undoubtedly be given this session, as the general anticipation, backed by a statement from the Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, is that the service will bo running before the end of the year. In keeping with previous suggestions, it also seems fairly safe to state that the New Zealand terminal for the Tasman service will be at Auckland.

The transpacific service operated by Pan American Airways is expected to be resumed in the near future and with the operation of the Tasman service Auckland will probably become the most important air junction in the Southern Hemisphere.