EMPIRE AIR MAIL SERVICES

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLI, Issue 20334, 5 February 1936, Page 9

EMPIRE AIR MAIL SERVICES

BRITAIN’S OFFER TO AUSTRALIA COMMONWEALTH PLAN OUTLINED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received February 4, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, February 4 Air Ministry officials express the opinion that every effort should be made to influence Australia to reconsider the original air mail scheme. The Ministry still hopes that a compromise will be reached by which flying boats will be used. In the event of Australia not agreeing to reconsider the question, alternatives should certainly be discussed. AUSTRALIAN VIEWPOINT MINISTER DEFENDS POLICY United Press Association- By Electric Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, February 4. The Hon. R. A. Parkhill (Minister of Defence) addressing his constituents at Mosman, gave a full review of the Commonwealth air policy, and some reasons why the Commonwealth rejected the British Government’s air mail scheme. He said Australia wants to play a full part in the Empire alischeme, but considers that internal development must come first. Two points were offered by Mr Parkhill against the British scheme: (1) That the control of the Darwin-Singa-pore route was commercially and strategically vital to Australia; and (2) that the inland route to Darwin was of greater strategic importance than the coastal route suggested by Britain. Plans Outlined. Mr Parkhill announced the following plans for immediate development: Reduction in the surcharge on overseas letters from 1/6 to 6d. Reduction in the transit time between Singapore arid Brisbane, from four to three days. Affording the fullest possible encouragement to civil aviation, "because of the important part it must play in defence.” Improving the speed frequencies and the carrying capacity of both internal and overseas services. Other proposals for the future development of civil aviation in Australia included: The provision of high speed night flying services between the capital cities. A bi-weekly air mail service to New Zealand. A weekly service between Australia and New Guinea, and the manufacture of aircraft in Australia.