TRAVEL BY AIR.

Otago Witness, Issue 3995, 7 October 1930, Page 36

TRAVEL BY AIR.

PROPOSED DOMINION SERVICE. ' GOVERNMENT CHARGED WITH APATHY. AUCKLAND, September 29. Apathy on the part of the Government is cheeking the advance of commercial aviation in New Zealand, according to Auckland business men who are interested in the formation of National Airways, Ltd., a company which proposes to organise regular passenger services by air throughout the Dominion. The promoters do not feel disposed to proceed with the scheme unless Government assistance is available in the form of a mail subsidy.

One. man interested in ‘the proposed company said that the promoters had received a communication from the Post-master-general (Mr J. B. Donald) dealing with the projected issue of an air mail stamp. However, the communication

was very guarded, and nothing was said about the granting of a subsidy. If this were available the company could start “ operations almost immediately. Large passenger aeroplanes would be obtained from a prominent English firm, which had signified its intention of acquiring a considerable holding of shares in the company only if a mail subsidy were granted. Those interested in the promotion of the company have already taken steps to map out air routes in the Dominion It is proposed to run regular passenger services with aeroplanes accommodating 10 passengers between Auckland. Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, while smaller five-passenger aeroplanes would be used for subsidiary services connecting the various provincial towns with the main centres. Without Government assistance, however, nothing will be done.