AIR SERVICES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20064, 22 March 1935, Page 8

AIR SERVICES

COMPETITION FOR TRUNK LICENSE By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, March 21. The Transport Co-ordination Board resumed its sittings to-day for the consideration of licenses for commercial air services. The most important issue was that of a license for a national trunk service. The other applications were adjourned sine die, except that of Mr Harvie, of Mangere, for an air taxi service, which was struck out at his own request. The applicants for a trunk service were the Unio:> Steam Ship Co. on behalf of Union Airways New Zealand Ltd., and the now amalgamated New Zealand Airlines Ltd. (New Plymouth), Dominion Airways Ltd. (Auckland), and New Zealand Airways Ltd. (Dunedin). Evidence was submitted by a number of local bodies and chambers of commerce. Letters from the Union Steam Ship Co. said that if the license as at present applied for was granted, application would later be made to extend the service to New Plymouth and Auckland in the north and Invercargill in the south, after actual experience of six or, perhaps, 12 months. Efforts to arrange & merger of interests between the contending parties are now being made. This afternoon Squadron Leader Isitt read reports from the Director of Air and Meteorological Services dealing with the possibility of the regular operation of the route. It would be impossible to get into or out of Rongotai, he said, on at least 10 per cent, of days owing to visibility. An alternative aerodrome within a radius of 30 or 40 miles of Wellington was essential. The board will sit again to-morrow. A deputation waited on the Minister of Finance after the sitting of the board and urged that all main centres shouM be covered by any air service licensed. Replying, the Minister agreed that a start should be made in the best way economically possible. It was difficult to see that a service eliminating Auckland and Invercargill could be satisfactory.