WONDERFUL INFLUENCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18206, 29 September 1933, Page 7

WONDERFUL INFLUENCE

INTERNATIONAL PLYING ENORMOUS STRIDES AIR MINISTER’S REVIEW (British Official Wireless.) Hoc. 10 a.m. RUGBY, Sept. 28. The Air Minister, Lord Londonderry, introducing to London delegates from some 30 air transport companies attending a conference of the International Air Traffic Association, referred to the vast strides mado in the development of regular air services. In 1928, tho mileage covered by regular air lines throughout the world was about 9000 miles; to-day tho figure stood at over 200,000 miles. In 1928, the number of f miles ■ flown was 34,000,000; this year the. total was expected to reach 100,000,000. •• In Europe alone, there were some 16,000 miles of airways, and over these routes 800 machines were in regular operation.

The Minister maintained that flying was the most civilising and unifying influence in the modern world, and a great instrument for peace. Ho was convinced that-the military aspect of flying would sink into' comparative insignificance beside its far wider and increasing use in every-day, life' as a means of bringing nations ,i,hfo< closer contact; Distance was, perhaps, the greatest enemy of international understanding, aud air travel must naturally he an influence for good if its uses and possibilities were suitably organised.