AIR MAIL SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22908, 16 June 1936, Page 10

AIR MAIL SERVICE

EXPERIMENTAL PERIOD EXPIRES

FURTHER THREE MONTHS' TRIAL

(Per United Press Association)

WELLINGTON, June 15

The experimental period of three months for the inland air mail service expires to-day, and although the support accorded it has proved disappointing, a further trial of three months is to be given. The matter was discussed at a Cabinet meeting, and the Postmaster-general, Mr F. Jones, later stated that there would be no change in the conditions, and that it was hoped the further trial would bring about more substantial support for the service.

FIGURES FOR PAST MONTH TENDENCY TOWARDS STABILITY (Special to Daily Times) WELLINGTON, June 15. The latest figures show that business has improved during the past month. During that period the weekly total of letters carried by air was over 13,000, with a marked tendency toward stability. Even the best week's return—l4,6oo letters, weighing 5421 b, was, however, still fur below the initial expectation of business. Indeed, when the service was initiated as an experiment foi a period of three months only, it was calculated by experts that if all' the letters which would be accelerated in delivery were sent by air, over 170,000 a week would be flown. I lie aggregate tor the 12 weeks was 181.220. On several occasions during the first experimental period the Postmaster-gene-ral expressed disappointment with the trial, and there were broad bints that unless business- improved to n very substantial degree, it would be discontinued. Apparently it will be for the community generally to respond in such a way as to secure the permanent maintenance of an inland air mail.