UNION AIRWAYS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22778, 14 January 1936, Page 10

UNION AIRWAYS

FURTHER SURVEY FLIGHTS The Union Airways liner Karoro made a return visit to Dunedin from Palmerston North yesterday, piloted by Flightlieutenant A. G. Gerrand. Flying conditions were not good, the clouds lying very low for most of the way, and particularly near Palmerston North and Dunedin. The liner, consequently, had to fly unusually low before visibility could be obtained, and at times it was only about 100 feet above the ground. It is probable that further visits will be made by the other Union air liners to-day or to-morrow if weather conditions are favourable, as the pilots are taking every opportunity to become familiar with the route before the passenger service is instituted on Thursday. THE INAUGURAL FLIGHT BROADCAST DESCRIPTION FROM PLANE (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, January 13. When the trunk air service is inaugurated on Wednesday a broadcast of a type completely new to the Dominion will be carried out from the cabin of the air liner making the flight. A commentator in the machine will describe its progress at frequent intervals during the flight from Palmerston North to Dunedin.

Speeches before the machine loaves will be broadcast from the ground. As soon as the aeroplane takes off the announcer in the machine will begin. One of the two wireless transmitters with which each of the machines is fitted will be used, and signals will be picked, up by the Broadcasting Board’s engineers and relayed through 2YA and, if conditions permit, through the other national stations.

The schedule for the broadcasts is 2 pan., 2.15 p.m., 2.45 pan., 3.15 pan., 3.30 pan., 4.15 p.m., 4.45 p.m., 5.15 p.m. and 0.10 pan. CARRIAGE OF MAILS DECISION NOT YET REACHED (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 13. / The Postmaster-general (Mr F, Jones) stated to-day that the question whether the Union Airways machines would carry mails had not yet been decided. The matter would receive the attention of the Government. ACTION IN CHRISTCHURCH REPRESENTATIONS TO MINISTER (Per United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, January 13. The establishment of an air mail between the North and South Islands is being urged by the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce, which this evening sent the following telegram, signed by the president, Mr F. W. Hobbs, to the Post-master-general:— “ The business community of Christchurch feels very strongly that now that the new air service has been started an air mail should be part of it. .If your department is not already making arrangements for this to be done, this chamber would welcome the opportunity of meeting you to urge the immediate institution of an air mail service.” With an air mail service as proposed, it would he possible to post a letter here at mid-day to catch the aeroplane leaving at 1.12 p.m. and arriving at Palmerston North at 3'.37 p.m., thus connecting with tile Main Trunk express arriving at Auckland early in the morning. A reply posted in Auckland the same evening and carried by the raihvay express would catch the aeroplane at Palmerston North at 8.30 a.m. next day, and arrive in Christchurch at 10.55 a.m. This would reduce the time taken by letters in transit by one-half. This expedition, it is argued, would be of special value in dealing with overseas mail, via Vancouver.