NATIONAL AIRWAYS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 278, 24 November 1945, Page 3

NATIONAL AIRWAYS

CORPORATION TO BE SET UP BY GOVERNMENT

(P.A.) Parliament Bldgs., Nov. 22. The establishment ot the New Zealand National Airways Corporation, to establish, operate and maintain ail' services w.thm and beyond the Dominion, is provided for by the New Zealand National Airways Bill, introduced in the Houes of Representatives to-night. The Bill gives the Corporation power to take over the assets of ex.stiug companies.

Although the Leader of the Opposition accused the Government of furthering its programme of ultimate Socialism, exchanges over the preliminary stages ot the Bill were brief and the first reading was completed within 10 minutes. z

I take it that this is just one more step by the Government, towards ultimate Socialism,” said Mr. S. G. Holland when the Bill was introduced by Governor-General’s message.” He suggested the Government would grab somebody else’s property and, if previous legislation was any criterion, give those from whom property was expropriated, no right ol appeal aga.nst the price which would be lixed. He suggested that in view of the programme on which the Government had apparently embarked the Prime Minister should announce whose property would be next taken. Perhaps, in view of the reception accorded a previous measure, Government would even at tins late stage think it worth while to. appoint some tribunal which could lix a fair price for the property to be taken over. The session was within a fortnight of its end, and if further measures of this kind were contemplated the country should be given some indication. Mr. F. Jones said the Bill had 34 clauses. It provided for the establishment of the New Zealand National Airways Corporation; which would have live directors, whose term of office would be three years. The Corporation would have power to establish, maintain and operate pie air services of the Dominion, and would have power to take over the assets of existing companies. It would have power, with.the Government’s approval, to operate services outside New Zealand. Other clauses were mostly machinery ones. He did not think the Opposition would have a complaint to fipd with the Bill. Mr. Holland: Who fixes the price at which the assets will be taken over? Mr. Jones: They can be taken compulsorily under the Public Works Act if necessary, but I think we will be able to come Io agreement wil.h regard Io the taking over of the assets of existing companies. .—.