AIR SERVICE TO U. S.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 301, 21 December 1945, Page 5

AIR SERVICE TO U. S.

N.Z. AND AUSTRALIA TO INVESTIGATE MR. SULLIVAN COMMENTS ONOTHER CURRENT PROBLEMS. (P.A..) Auckland, Dec. 20. “Subject to concurrence by the United Kingdom we intend to set up a Tripartite Commission, representing the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, to make the necessary investigations and report to the three Governments on the steps necessary, for the establishment o f an air service between Australia, New Zealand and the United States,” said the Minister of Supply. Mr. Sullivan, on his return from Australia to-day. “Nothing can be decided until the Commission which will control service has reported its recommendations to the Governments concerned.” Asked his view of the prospect of an R.A.F. Transport Command Pacific sendee be.ng resumed, following requests from Australia and New Zealand, the Minister said there was a big gap at present and every effort had been made to ensure the temporary resumption of the service. Such a service was very costly. However, Australia and New Zealand were now awaiting the British decision. “The position concerning motor tyres remains very difficult.” Mr. Sullivan continued. “There may he some relief but the position is just, as acute in Australia as it is here. The question of further supplies of Australianmade tyres to New Zealand was discussed, and we have made our representations. I am assured that the Australians will do whatever they reasonably can and will help us as far as possible. It does not matter where we try to get tyros, whether it be in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia or the United States, the situation remains difficult.” he added. “The whole position arises from the rubber shortage, which has not boon relieved by synthetic manufacture to a degree enough to affect us.” Discussing tobacco supplies, Mr. Sullivan said there was no shortage of tobacco leaf in New Zealand, but the difficulty was to get it converted into cigarettes. He understood the Minister of Customs, Mr. Nash, had recently granted all applicat .ons made for private licences to import cigarettes.

The Minister said he had not yet seen anything of the reported proposal by lhe lnvercarg.lt Returned Services’’ Association that recently discharged servicemen should bo guaranteed, for at least six months after discharge, a weekly ration of tobacco or cigarettes.