AIR TRAVEL

Otago Witness, Issue 4039, 11 August 1931, Page 23

AIR TRAVEL

SOME POSSIBILITIES DISCUSSED. Air G. S. Kirby, of Dunedin, paid a business visit to Cromwell, travelling by air in one of the Otago Aero Club’s machines, and. on his return, he made reference to the possibilities which were made apparent to him as a result of his experience.

“ The idea that in the not very distant future one may enjoy week-ends at Wanaka, as one now docs at Karitane or * down the Bay,’ is not beyond the bounds of possibility,’’ said Air -Kirby. “ By a plane leaving the Taieri Aerodrome at noon on a Saturday, one could, in good weather, be in time to have lunch at Wanaka, have Saturday and Sunday there, and return on Alonday morning in time for work. I understand that in a modern, elosed-in plane with room for a pilot and two passengers the cost of the trip would be less than the cost by car. To those few wiio have already developed what is known as ‘ air sense ’ these possibilities may appear common place, but to the great majority, as to myself, they must still appear fantastic and unreal. In these times of financial difficulties, additional taxation and general depression, it is refreshing to be able to turn one’s thoughts into a new channel and to take a fleeting glimpse into the possibilities of the future, and it is interesting to meet with those who are entitled to be called pioneers, and who are blazing new trails in readiness for the return of better times.

“In England and elsewhere to-day the aeroplane is, of course, no longer regarded as unusual, has emerged from the novelty stage, and is rapidly becoming of great commercial value, and in some cases its use is almost a necessity. Speeds up to 240 miles an hour are* obtained, and the safety factor is receiving considerable attention. It is significant that the Transport Bill now being considered by a Select Committee of the House contains provisions for the control of air services The Otago Aero Club is deserving of great credit for the important work it is carrying out. and one looks forward with interest to the future development of air services as a necessary adjunct to our existing transport facilities." , The journey to Cromwell occupied an hour and a-half, and the return journey, which was made by way of the Cromwell Gorge, took a much shorter time. A stop was made at Alexandra, and the Taieri Aerodrome was reached 35 minutes after leaving that town. Mr Kirby accompanied Pilot E. J. Hope in one machine, and another plane was flown by Flight-lieutenant T. W. White.