AIR LINK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26777, 21 May 1948, Page 4

AIR LINK

CENTRAL OTAGO AND DUNEDIN e» FRUITGROWING INDUSTRY ADVANTAGES DISCUSSED If any organisation is granted a licence to operate an air service linking Central Otago with Dunedin—or if the Government itself starts a service—the news will be received with enthusiasm by Central Otago fruitgro’wers. Such a service would mean a great deal both to the grower and the consumer. Present transport arrangements are not favourable to an industry which is of the greatest importance to the Otago province. Southern Scenic Airtrips has been concerned in lengthy negotiations with the Government for a licence to conduct an air taxi service, but so far with no result. With suitable types of aircraft—and these should be available—the company would - be able to transport fruit between Central Otago and Dunedin. “ I can assure you that Cromwell residents and fruitgrowers will give full support to an air taxi service or air freight service linking us with Dunedin,” the Mayor of Cromwell, Mr W. Partridge, fold the Daily Times yesterday. “We have asked the Government to grant a licence to Southern Scenic Air Trips which is prepared to operate a service. “ Recalling the men who blazed the trail'in opening up the road routes to Central Otago, for the Government to carry on the work, I am definitely of the opinion that private enterprise should be given a chance to open up

this air service if the Government is not prepared to act," Mr Partridge said. “ We are right after this air service,” said Mr R. S. Kinnaird, of Alexandra, who has been associated for many years with the fruitgrowing industry. Full advantage could be taken of the proposed freight service from the Taieri by an air link with Central Otago, he said. Northern markets, particularly Auckland, were keenly sought by fruitgrowers and in the present circumstances it was felt that full justice was not being done to the fruitfarmer. Shortcomings in the present rail and sea service to the North Island were pointed out by Mr Kinnaird. Even with convenient connections with goods trains at Dunedin, growers were fortunate if their produce reached Auckland in three days. Instances had been known of fruit lying on the Lyttelton wharf until the following night, and there were occasions when the steamer express had not loaded the fruit, which was sold on the Christchurch market.

During the fruit season a night goods train runs from Cromwell to Dunedin. Its time of arrival in Dunedin, however, prevents the fruit reaching that day's market. Central Otago organisations are endeavouring to persuade the Railways Department to arrange the train’s time table differently. Central Otago apricots and cherries are renowned in markets throughout New Zealand, and the provision of an air service would assist growers to keep the reputation of Central Otago to the forefront. As things are at present, fruit has to be picked “ on the firm side” to allow for the lapse between the time the fruit is picked and the time it reaches the market and the consumer. The knowledge that his produce would be transported quickly bv air would enable the grower to pick his fruit- nearer the ripe stage. The result would be more beneficial to grower and purchaser alike;