AIR SERVICE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25129, 16 February 1945, Page 4

AIR SERVICE

EAST COAST ROUTE

A PROVISIONAL LICENCE (0.C.) GISBOFNE, Thursday

The Government's decision to issue a provisional licence to Union Airways to operate an air service between Palmerston North and Auckland, via the east coast, was communicated by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, to the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce today. The news arrived when the chamber executive, which has been active in advocating the reinstatement of the Gisborne air service, was discussing a deputation arranged by the Borough Council to meet the Gisborne and Bay of Plenty members of Parliament this afternoon on the subject of negotiations already started between the Government and the operating company to make a plane available.

GENERAL KIPPENBERGER FOUR AWARDS RECEIVED (Special Correspondent) (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 14 Major-General H. K. Kippenberger received the C.8., C.8.E., D.S.O. and bar from the King at a recent investiture. His Majesty chatted with General Kippenberger for several minutes, congratulating him on his decorations. He said he had heard how General Kippenberger was taken prisoner at Sidi Rezegh in 1941 and also wounded at Cassino. The .King expressed his sympathy and also commented upon General Kippenberger's work in preparation for the repatriation of New Zealand prisoners of war. At the same investiture Air ViceMarshal G. S. Hodson, who served in New Zealand from 1938 to 1943, received the C.B.E. Pi flit-Officer W. D. Smellie, of Dunedin. received the D.F.C.

General Kippon berger subsequently attended a luncheon at the New Zealand Forces Club, where the guests included Mrs Kippenberger and Lady Freyberg.

EROSION PROBLEM HOKITIKA WATERFRONT (0.C.) GREYMOTJTH, Thursday The erosion problem at the Hokitika waterfront is to be dealt with by the Works Department immediately. The Minister of Marine, Mr O'Brien, visited Hokitika yesterday, accompanied by Mr Langbein, inspecting engineer Af' the Works Department, and they met members of the Harbour Board and the Mayor, Mr A. R. Elcock, after an inspection of the damage had been completed.

EARTHQUAKE AT THAMES (0.C.) THAMES, Thursday A sharp earthquake was felt in the Thames district at 4.20 o'clock this morning. Many residents were awakened by the shock, which was preceded by a loud, rumbling noise. A second was felt later. No damage is reported.