AIR MAIL SERVICE

Southland Times, Issue 22499, 8 December 1934, Page 7

AIR MAIL SERVICE

AUSTRALIA TO ENGLAND. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Brisbane, December 7. Mail matter for the Australian-Eng-land air service beginnipg on December 10 from Brisbane is so heavy that two planes may be necessary for the first stage of the service, which terminates at Darwin. A special mail bag has been, allotted to the Royal mail in which letters from the Duke of Gloucester and prominent Australian and New Zealand officials are being despatched. DETAILS OF NEW ZEALAND DESPATCHES. (Per United Press Association.) Wellington, December 7. Details concerning the mail sent from New Zealand to connect with the first despatch from Brisbane on December 10 of the New Australia-England air mail service were furnished to-day by the Post Office. The total number of letters forwarded to make the connection was 4216. Of this number no fewer than 3744 were for delivery in Great Britain and Ireland, while 243 were addressed to other Empire countries and 229 to foreign destinations. The support accorded the despatch is regarded as highly satisfactory, seeing that the notice given to the public was unavoidably short, and that the postage cost is fairly high. It is expected that as the service develops progressive reductions in postage will be made, particularly for Empire destinations. In the meantime it is stated the charges are not more than sufficient to cover outgoings. Letters were forwarded by the air mail to 48 different countries in Europe, Africa and the East.