AIRCRAFT SUPPLY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23320, 13 April 1939, Page 12

AIRCRAFT SUPPLY

NEW ZEALAND SCHEME MANUFACTURE IN DOMINION BRITISH MISSION'S VISIT THE POSSIBILITIES DISCUSSED [BY TELEGBAPn —OWN CORRESPONDENT] WELLINGTON, Wednesday "I hope that as a result of our visit arrangements will shortly be made for the manufacture of aircraft in New Zealand," said Sir S. Hardman Lever, head of the British Air Mission at present visiting the Dominion, Jn an interview to-day. Sir Hardman said he was unable to discuss questions of aerial defence or tho nature of tho talks members of the mission had had with representatives of the Government and the defence authorities, but he would like to express his appreciation of the cordial reception he and his companions had received in tho Dominion.

"I do not want to give tho impression that the manufacture of large aircraft could be undertaken here," he said. "Unless there is a very big output, the manufacture of large machines is not economic, but the construction in New Zealand of aeroplanes of a suitable type would provide a valuable addition to your secondary industries." Scope o! Oivil Aviation Sir Hardman said members of the mission had been greatly impressed by tho development of civil aviation in New Zealand. Conditions in the Dominion lent themselves to flying, and it was obvious that further great advances were possible. Expressing the highest praise for the scenic attractions and the people of Now Zealand, Sir Hardman said he had been impressed by the tremendous loyalty of the whole Dominion. "We feel that, though on tho other side of the earth," he said, "wo have found England again. The thermal region at Wairaki and the Waitomo Caves are simply marvellous, and I intend to spend two or three more days there before I leave New Zealand." Development of Country

The tremendous possibilities for further development in New Zealand were mentioned by Sir Hardman. It seemed to him, ho said, that a larger population was needed. He had also been impressed by the extent of the hydro-electric power reticulation in the Dominion and had no doubt that the cheap power provided .was proving valuable in industry. Sir Hardman will remain in New Zealand until the end of the month, when he will sail from Auckland by the Monterey. Sir Donald Banks will leave for Australia to-morrow night on his way back to England, while AirMarshal Sir Arthur Longmore, the third member of the mission, is remaining in the Dominion to attend tho Pacific Defence Conferenco on Friday.