AIR PERSONNEL

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22204, 23 February 1942, Page 4

AIR PERSONNEL

Delivery Of Mails And Cables IRREGULARITY NO CAUSE FOR UNEASINESS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 21. Several questions in connection with the delivery of mails and cables from New Zealand air personnel serving overseas were answered by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones), who emphasised the fact that irregularities in such communications or even a temporary cessation in the arrival of letters and cables should not cause undue anxiety to next-of-kin in New Zealand. Mr Jones recalled that following the outbreak of war in the Pacific the trans-Pacific air service was suspended and this necessarily resulted in reliance having to be placed mainly on surface dispatches for mails to and from the United Kingdom and Canada, with consequent delays in transmission of up to two months or more. It has not been possible for cable messages to be handled on the basis of the peace-time service, but every effort was made to ensure the quickest possible dispatch and delivery of communications. In some instances delays had occurred by sheer unavoidable circumstances. “Next-of-kin of air personnel may oe assured that lack of news is not an ominous indication that the welfare of the lads serving overseas is not all it should be,” the Minister said. "In the event of casualties, the reports are given immediate priority and next-of-kin are informed without delay. “Next-of-kin may be assured also that everything possible is being done to facilitate the dispatch and delivery of communications.”