AVIATION IN FIJI

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17239, 21 April 1930, Page 9

AVIATION IN FIJI

AIRWAY COMPANY FORMED KEEN PUBLIC SUPPORT SUVA, April 9. Fiji is the latest country to deVclop an “air-sensc.” Until Kingsford Smith aiul his three companions lauded in Suva on their historic llight across the Pacific in the Southern Cross many of the inhabitants had never seen an aeroplane. About 10 years ago the Government was interested in a scheme to establish mail communication between the main islands, but although a seaplane was imported and the probable routes surveyed, the .undertaking proved impracticable. Ealy this year further impetus to flying was given by Mr. Chalmers, of Ba, whose machine, a Gipsy Moth, is the first privately-owned aeroplane in the group. Air. Chalmers arrived recently in Auckland by the Tofua with his Moth with which he intends doing some flying in New Zealand. The latest development in Fiji is the formation of a company, Fiji Airways, Ltd. At .present the company operates ono aeroplane, a HermesSparton machine, and the pilot is Mr. Fenton, who gained his experience during the war. As yet no provision has been made for an air base, but at low tide the hard beach provides an ideal landing ground. It is the intention of the company to acquire two more Spartans, and these will he fitted with floats. As Suva harbor is on the leeward side of an island and is protected by a barrier reef, it will be ideally suited for a seaplane base. Other centres in the group also afford excellent stretches of water.

Passengers are taken for short flights for a fee, and so popular is the innovation proving that a booking service has been instituted. The scheme has found flavor among all classes of the community. The first Indian to fly in Fiji also has the distinction of being the first Indian born in the group. His parents arrived from India many years ago under the old indenture system.

Besides making short passenger flights, the Hermes-Spartan is available for charter.

Later in the year regular mail and passenger services will be instituted by Fiji Airways, Ltd., and one may expect that in the near future more privately-owned machines will be imported. A further development will probably be the formation of an aero club.

Fiji, with its 250 islands, is much better suited for seaplanes than aeroplanes, and the former will be the type of machine generally employed.