The Wanganui Chronicle WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1937. AIR-LINKS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 308, 29 December 1937, Page 6

The Wanganui Chronicle WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1937. AIR - LINKS

r JHE arrival of the Centaurus at Auckland marks yet another step in the progress of aviation comparable to the first crossing of the Pacific by Kingsford Smith and Ulm—which feat was possibly the most outstanding of its kind in the history of aviation—the crossing of the Tasman by the same aviators, and the arrival of the Pan-Pacific airliner on its survey flight. In the matter of first flights, the American aviators in their Clippers have secured the place of prominence, but it must be remembered that aviation is not conditioned by the achievements of pioneers winning first place, or in innovations. Aviation will be settled by the interests of the public. The United States of America should be one of New Zealand’s best customers, but because of the isolationist policy which she pursues the trade runs from America to New Zealand, but not along the reverse route to the same extent as it could, or even as it should. The interest of the American, people is therefore one way, and a one-way traffic is never profitable to a transport system. Ou the other hand, the United Kingdom remains the best customer of this Dominion, and there is no prospect of any other country competing with it for that position. It follows, then, that New Zealand’s interests must continue to be centred upon London rather than upon New York. Traffic between London and New Zealand will continue to be a two-way movement or flow, and for that reason it is desirable that the air-nexus shall be developed.

The flight of the Centaurus will enable the plans to be formulated for future development. It is necessary, however, to remember that the airliner is an essential Empire service, just as is trade and shipping. The world is stepping into a new era when consideration will have to be given to this new means of transportation round the world. It will not be desirable to have trade travelling by one route and country and for transportation for individuals moving through another country. If such is permitted, then it will be detrimental to both trade and travel The canalising of the two in one direction or, alternatively, the opening up of the American market to New Zealand produce must inevitably result if a thought-out national policy is to be pursued. At this early stage in the new aviation era these two alternatives should be impressed upon the public of New Zealand and the public of the United States of America as well.