MANUFACTURE OF PLANES IN N.Z.

Southland Times, Issue 23791, 13 April 1939, Page 4

MANUFACTURE OF PLANES IN N.Z.

ACTION EXPECTED BY SIR HARDMAN LEVER RESULT OF AIR MISSION’S VISIT (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, April 12. “I hope that as a result of our visit arrangements will shortly be made for the manufacture of aircraft in New Zealand,” said Sir Hardman Lever, head of the British Air Mission, in an interview today. He said that he was unable to discuss questions of aerial defence or the nature of the talks that members of the mission had with representatives of the Government and defence authorities, but he would like to express his appreciation of the cordial reception he and his companions had received in the Dominion. Sir Hardman said that he did not want to give the impression that the manufacture of large aircraft could be undertaken here. Unless there was a large output the manufacture of large machines would not be economic, but the construction here of aeroplanes of a suitable type would prove a valuable addition to secondary industries. Members of the mission had been greatly impressed by the development of civil aviation here. Conditions lent themselves to flying and it was obvious that further great advances were possible. Sir Hardman will remain in New Zealand till the end of the month, sailing from Auckland by the Monterey. Sir Donald Banks, Permanent Undersecretary for Air, leaves for England via Australia tomorrow. Air-Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore, the third member of the mission, will remain for the Pacific Defence Conference on Friday.