TASMAN AIR SERVICE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24205, 25 January 1940, Page 10

TASMAN AIR SERVICE

WELLINGTON'S CLAIMS FOR BASE RECENT VISIT OF AOTEAROA '(Special to Daily Times) WELLINGTON, Jan. 24. Complete satisfaction with the arrangements made and the facilities provided last week for theTasman Empire Airways flying boat Aotearoa on its first visit to Wellington was expressed at a meeting to-night of the Wellington Harbour Board. The Aotearoa's visit also marked the occasion of the first direct commercial flight from Sydney to Wellington. "Matters are moving our way very nicely," said the chairman (Mr M. A. Elliott), after the question of providing permanent facilities at Wellington had been discussed. The chairman said that nothing was to be gained by forcing the issue, and he assured members of the board he was watching the position very closely. He thought it a little premature at present to do anything. " Those responsible for the Aotearoa making this port the place of arrival on the flight direct from Sydney conveying Lord and Lady Willingdoi\, Senator Mcßride, and .Mrs Mcßride, the Minister of Defence (Mr F. Jones) and Mrs Jones, and other distinguished passengers have asked me to convey to the board their complete satisfaction and thanks for the excellent arrangements that were made for the Aotearoa and the landing of the passengers at Evans Bay," said the chairman. " This flight has proved that Wellington is well suited for, and should be utilised as one of the ports of call for the trans-Tasman air service. The Wellington Harbour Board will continue its efforts with the Government to have this brought about." Mr W. A. Appleton said the board should express appreciation to the Government for its foresight in choosing Wellington as the port of call for a most important flight. Seconding the motion, the chairman said this action would be very appropriate. The general manager was instructed to write to the Prime Minister (Mr M. J. Savage) accordingly The question of permanent facilities being provided was raised by Mr C. H. Chapman, who said the time was now opportune. The chairman said the Government would have to be approached as the cost would be too great for the board to bear alone. The Governments of New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom subsidised the cost of facilities provided for trans-Tasman flying boats in Auckland. Mr W. H. Price said he agreed with Mr Chapman, but he thought any action would be premature before the board knew what was required. . ~ It is a little premature at the present time to do anything, said the chairman, when assuring the board he was watching the position closely. -