THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1949. THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27080, 14 May 1949, Page 6

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1949. THE CENTENNIAL HISTORY

Otago is not without a literature of its own, most of it of a scientific or historical nature, but it can safely be said that the publication of Dr McLintock’s “ History of Otago ” is, from the local point of view, an event of unparalleled importance. It was in keeping with the popular tradition of the province that one of the major activities for the celebration of the centennial year should be the recording of the events of the past century of achievement, and it was in keeping with its academical tradition that this history should be the first full, systematic treatment of the subject. Important though the initial decision was, it was the decision on the exact form of the history which made it possible that the potentialities of the proposal should be fully realised. In the past some valuable work had been done ethnologically and in recording and preserving accounts of pre-settlement Otago, and there were also in existence a number of sectional and sectarian histories and anniversary surveys of towns and institutions. What was required 'was the collation of this material, fresh research to authenticate and supplement it, and the philosophical interpretation of it all. For this conception of the provincial history and for the successful execution of the work honour is due to Dr McLintock. This “History of Otago,” it must be remembered, is not an isolated work. There is also being undertaken a series of regional studies, several units of which have been published in the past year, each one filling in with local fact and characteristic colour another area of the map of the province. The authors of these histories and the corrimittees Associated with their production have 'brought an enthusiasm to their work which they must feel is being well rewarded. In addition to his major task, Dr McLintock has been director of these historical publications, a position which was no sinecure. He has had, however, the assistance and encouragement of the Centennial Historical Committee. This “business executive,” as its organiser and chairman, Mr A. C. Cameron, has called it, has proved to be one of the most successful, as it will probably be the longest-lived of the centennial committees. With the publication of the main history, the whole project is now sufficiently advanced for its full worth to be appreciated. When it has been completed it will be seen that an historical archway has been raised with the “History of Otago” as its keystone—a centennial memorial of enduring worth and one which is unique in New Zealand.

THE AIRWAYS MONOPOLY In endorsing a series of remits urging the Government to extend and improve the air services of the country, internal and external, the delegates to the Associated Chambers of Commerce conference have taken official notice of a very apparent need. In many respects the service provided by the Stateowned National Airways Corporation 'is satisfactory. The trunk line from Auckland to Dunedin, which was established by private enterprise, provides an efficient basic service, subject to the limitations imposed by airports far distant from some towns, and by our uncertain weather and the lack of devices which would make flying operations more sure. But while a fair network links the communities of the North Island which are not served by the trunk system, in the South Island connecting links are few and schedules inadequate. The Airways Corporation is at that difficult stage in development of air services at which the primary requirements have been met, but progress must be continued by immensely costly undertakings. Such a case is provided in the demand, which the Associated Chambers supports, for a trans-Tasman air link from Harewood. The Government may well regard this project with small enthusiasm. The bringing of the Harewood airport to international standards must be a big and .expensive job. The fact that private enterprise is confidently expected by the Christchurch community to operate a service, if given the opportunity, cannot reduce the labour and cost of preparation, which the State will be expected to bear. Yet the case for an international airport in the South Island is so compelling that its provision :cannot be interminably delayed. But while there must be understanding of the problems <#f National Airways and the Government as its controlling authority, there is ample ground for criticism of its policy in many phases of its task. Central Otago is now, after much prevarication, to have an air service; but that promised is quite unsuitable to the real needs both of the Central and of Dunedin. The attitude of the Airways Corporation in denying to private enterprise the opportunity to develop services in the Central, when it will not itself provide them, is one of dog-in-the-Inanger, both unbecoming in a State organisation and obstructive of the public interest. Such sharp monopolist practice is impossible to justify. In airways control, as iii other restrictive transport operations and a growing list of State businesses, the Government is placing doctrinaire Socialism ahead of its obligations to the people. Its record as air operator is besmirched by this political intransigence. The conclusion must be reached that NAC is, by instruction from a higher authority, retarding the progress of air services in New Zealand.