TASMAN AIR LINK

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23470, 6 October 1939, Page 6

TASMAN AIR LINK

DOUBTS ABOUT SERVICE CHANGES DUE TO WAR USES FOR NEW AIRCRAFT [BT TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL RF.PORTF.R] "WELLINGTON, Thursday Prospects of the Tasman air service being operated in view of war having begun were discussed in the House of Hepres«ntatives early this morning during the committee stages of the Finance Bill No. 2. Speakers emphasised the potential value to New Zealand of the three modified Empire-type fly.ng-boats built for the service in connection with the patrolling of trade routes and general reconnaissance. The question was raised by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, who asked the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Tvasli, whether there was a likelihood of the service not being operated. He said he had understood the Postmaster-General, the Hon. F. Jones, to say that it was planned to begin in November. May Not Get all Aircraft Mr. Jones: Was that not before the war began? _ Mj\ Nash: The service may still ne run, but the war entirely changes the circumstances. , "The chances are," Mr. Nash added, "that, because we have one of the aircraft here, we may not get the other two If tliev are required elsewhere they will be' taken. The service would be running now otherwise. The lit. Hon. J. G. Coates (Opposition—Jvaipara) said the machines would bo of great value to New Zealand if they could be obtained. They would be an important addition to the aircraft available, particularly on account of their range. Mr. Nash: We are still trying to get the three machines, provided tliev are not required elsewhere. Mr. Coates: I think everyone would feel happier if these three machines were here. I think they are almost essential equipment. Giving Security to Shipping Mr. Jones: If we can get them we will be only too pleased to have them. Mr. Coates said New Zealand had to do all she could to provide ample security for passenger ships and later for troopships. He did not think the absence of the machines from England would matter, because the aircraft were not fighters or bombers. They were really reconnaissance machines of tremendous importance for spotting purposes, and if they were available they would give a. measure of security, to which lie thought the country was entitled if it had to send troops overseas.

Mr. Nash mentioned that, in the event of the service being begun, it •was unlikely that passengers ivould be carried in the present circumstances.