AIRWAYS SERVICE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 177, 28 June 1937, Page 2

AIRWAYS SERVICE

WELLINGTON AND AUCKLAND. OFFICIAL OPENING. Marking the inauguration of the first air commercial service between Wellington and Auckland, via Palmerston North and New Plymouth, ail official function, at which the Government and aviation authorities were represened, was held in Palmerston North on Saturday, when tributes were paid to the commercial enterprise of Union Airways, Ltd., in pioneering this service, together with the Palmerston North-Dunedin service, commenced well over a year ago and since continued with complete absence of accidents and remarkable regularity of schedule. Those present included Hon. P. Fraser (aeting-Prime Minister), Hon. F. Jones (Minister of Defence), Hon. R. Semple (Minister of Transport), Mr C. G. White (acting-chairman of directors of Union Airways). Mr Justice Ostler, Wing-Commander Hon. R. A. Cockrane, A.F.C., Wing-Commander T. M. Wilkes, Mr J. N. Greenland (general manager of the Union Steam Ship Company). Mr T. C. A. Hislop (Mayor of Wellington), Hon. J. McLeod, M.L.C.. Mr W. Green (a director of Union Airways), Sir Alexander Roberts (.also a director), Mr G. H. Macklev (General Manager of Railways), Mr M. G. McCaul (president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce), Mr P. E. Pattrick (chairman of the Wellington Chamber), Mr Moye Stephens (te6t pilot for the Lockheed Aircraft Co.), Mr C. T. Jarvis (secretary of Union Airways), Mr J. Hodgens, M.P., Mr A. E. Mansford (Mayor), Mr D. Collis (chairman oi the Kairanga County Council) and city and county councillors, also representatives of Mi bon Aerodrome. Incorporated, the Manawatu Aero Club and other bodies. Following the loyal toast, 1-Ton. IFraser read a cablegram received from Mr R. A. Falla (chairman of directors of Union Airways and of the Union Steam Ship Company), now in England. who offered his felicitations on the important occasion. The Minister commented that he would not recapitulate the remarkable record of Union Airways, hut lie doubted if, anywhere in the world, any company had a better flight record, with freedom from accidents. It appeared that Auckland, Wellington and New Plymouth, through the service, would become suburbs of Palmerston North, the centre of the organisation. Mr Fraser added that the members of Cabinet were pleased to bo able to participate in such an important occasion. lie paid a tribute, on behalf of the Government, to the civil aviation pioneers who had built up the air sentiment of the country, through their devotion of intense thought and study to the problem. The Minister congratulated Union Airways on their enterprise in launching their Palmerston NorthDunedin and Wellington-Auckland services. He fielded that this opened up a, wonderful field of speculation for the future, and he was convinced that the Wellington-Auckland route would he as successful, as sure and as safe a service as those already operated. I lie occasion of the opening of the latest service would he long remembered m the annals of New Zealand aviation. It marked a decided advance in the history and welfare of the Dominion. Hon R. Semple joined with the act-ing-Prime Minister in offering his personal congratulations to Union Airways Ltd. He said it would ho admitted that New Zealand, with its mountainous country, fogs and prevailing winds was not the easiest of countries for fliers. Mr Harold Gatty had informed the speaker that New Zealand pilots would measure up in standard with those of any part of tho world. The Minister briefly traversed tho remarkable development of aviation to the distance and speed achievements of the present day. Tt would not ho long, lie predicted, before passengers could breakfast in AN eliington or Palmerston North, and have dinner in Svdnev. Tasman flight pioneers like the ‘late Sir Charles Kingsford Smith and Messrs Ulm and O’Hara, had made the supremo sacrifice, as had the late Squadron-Leader M. C. McGregor, the most courageous pilot New Zealand had ever possessed. The New Zealand Government was making every endearour to provide, adequate ground services for aviation in New Zealand. GREAT DEVELOPMENTS.

Up to March 31, 1937, Mr Semple added, the amount of £036,260 had been spent on the development of 38 aerodromes and 12 emergency landing fields in New Zealand. Twelve more aerodromes and 42 emergency aerodromes were contemplated or in course of construction, the estimated cost involved in completing these being £619,650. The Minister added that through the introduction of mechanised efforts, a saving of £140,000 was being made in the construction of the Blenheim Aerodrome alone, and. it was being completed many months earlier than was possible with manual work. Offering his congratulations to Union Airways, Ltd. Mr Semple wished the company all the success in the world, adding that it was conducting a marvellous service, and that all its pilots, with the exception of one, were New Zealanders. Outlining the steps taken by the Government to promote aviation in New Zealand, Hon. F. Jones stated that it had separated the civil and military branches, and was establishing a military ' aerodrome twenty miles northwest of Palmerston North. It was intended to establish radio telephones at the principal aerodromes and to install radio direction finders and beacons. Some a-35,000 was being spent this year in providing this equipment. The Minister paid a tribute to the ability of the pilots and the efficiency of the ground organisation of air commercial services. The weekly average of air mail services in New Zealand was 20,000 letters—not what it should he—but an improvement was expected. The Minister added that he regretted the late Squadron-Leader McGregor and Colonel Falla were not present at the function to mark the inauguration of the service. OBJECTS OF COMPANY. Mr C. G. White, acting-chairman of Union Airwavs', Ltd.. briefly returned thanks for the reception accorded the company's service and for ilie interest taken in it. He expressed appreciation, of the support received from Milson Aerodrome, Incorporated, and the Palmerston North City Council. It was evident that Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Auckland and Wellington had shown tremendous enthusiasm for aviation The stand taken by Cabinet regarding trans-Pacific shipping and the operation of trans-Tasman air services, was appreciated by the Union Steam Ship Company, of which Union Airways was a subsidiary organisation. He commented that the mere object of financial profit was ancillary to the company’s realisation of its duties in providing for New Zealand . an air transport service comparable with its ocean-going steamer system. Mr White commented that, in bis opinion, air services could be provided for the remote places of the Dominion at one tithe the cost of road services. While the company’s ’planes could use the Rongota' aerodrome in perfect safety. except possibly in exceptional weather. Wellington should not remain stagnant, but should do its utmost to progress

in aviation. Union Airways, seeking every aid possible, were eiative of the services given b. Public Works Department and Government in preparing aeiodroi ! >( and providing beam wireless facilities : The watchwords of the company”/ service were safety and service. It was a scion of the organisation which for over sixty years had led in New Zealand’s sea transport. A\ bile magnifying the successful operations of Union Airways, said Mr White, they must not minimise the work of other organisations conducting air services in New Zealand. Mr White said that the late Squadron-Leader McGregor and Mr M. Clarke (general manager of Union Airways) had largely been responsible for the inauguration of the company’s services in New Zealand. Mr White then presented Messrs Fraser, Semole and Jones with suitably inscribed silver salvers commemorating' the inauguration of the service, the Ministers acknowledging the presentations. Congratulating Union Airways, Ltd., Mr Mansford said that the company had maintained a remarkable regularity of service (99.05 per cent.) on the Palmerston North-Dunedin route, and had shown marked administrative ability and efficiency. The Mayor extended a cordial welcome to the visitors on behalf of the citizens' of Palmerston North, and gave an assurance of the continued co-oneration of the City Council with the company. Mr Hislop said that the day marked a great event in the evolution of Hie transport system of the country, He gave an assurance that every endeavour would be made to develop: Rongotai aerodrome in order to provide for the largest ’planes and paid a warm tribute to the commercial interprise and courage of Union Airways, Ltd. Sir Alexander Roberts, on behalf of Mr Gilmour, the Mayor of New Plymouth, who had to depart before the termination of the function to connect with the AVellington-Auckland service, read a message of congratulation from the latter. The function concluded with the National Anthem and cheers for the company. ARRIVAL OF ’PLANE. Piloted by Commander B. A. Blythe, chief pilot of the company, with Commander G. R. White as second officer, the Kotare left Auckland at 10 a.m. and arrived at New Plymouth within an hour, picking up as passengers the Mayor (Mr E. R. C. Gilmour)who was having his first flight, and Mr S. G. Smith, M.P. Fifteen minutes later the ’plane took off for Palmerston North. Slie arrived shortly ai'tcr_ noon to meet her sister ship, the Ivuaka. flown by Commanders A. G. Geraintand C. M. Duthie, from Rongotai aerodrome, Wellington. Subsequent to the luncheon, the ’plane from Auckland resumed the journey to Wellington, while the northbound 'plane continued on to Auckland. INAUGURATION AT AUCKLAND. Ter Press Association. AUCKLAND. Juno 26. In steady rain, commercial air transport between Auckland and AAollingtou was inaugurated this morning at Mangers aerodrome, when, prior to tho departure for the south, one of the Union Airways Lockheed Eloetra monoplanes was named by the Mayor of Auckland (Sir Ernest Davis) and the service was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Defence (Hon. 11.I 1 . Jones) in the presence of 50 or CO enthusiasts. The Mayor undraped the flags from the nose of the machine to reveal the name Ivuaka in scarlet letters. Unusually heavy rain from tho early morning had prevented the large attendance which was anticipated. AVitli a fidl complement of passengers, including Mr Jones,, the Ivuaka took off at 10.24 and speedily disappeared in a southerly direction.

KOTARE CHRISTENED

CEREMONY AT WELLINGTON. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 2<L The ceremony of christening the Ko-> tare took place at the Rongotai aero- _ drome this morning and the machine left at 11.30 for Palmerston North with the guests for the ceremony,at Milson, The guests and visitors were welcomed at Rongotai by Sir Alex Roberts. Hon. P. Fraser, in a short speech, congratulated Union Airways upon its enterprise and efficiency and extended the best of wishes for the success and prosperity of the service. The christening ceremony was performed by the Mayor (Mr T. C. A. Hislop). SERVICE INAUGURATED. SHIPS WELL PATRONISED. Per Press Association. i AUCKLAND, Juno 27. Ideal weather prevailed to-day for a commencement of a regular Auck-land-Weilington air service. At five minutes past midday the Kotare took off at Mangere with three passengers and about 5000 letters, weighing approximately 731 b. Tho north bound ship Kuaka arrived at Mangere from Wellington? with ten passengers, a full complement, and about 5000 letters. . Passengers who arrived from tho south included a number who are the first to fiv by the commercial services from Christchurch and Dunedin to Auckland in a day. The mail bags were delivered to the Chief Post Office shortly after four o’clock and sorting commenced immediately. RONGOTAI AERODROME. REGRET AT DEFEAT OF LOAN< Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 26. A statement that Wellington had made a great mistake in rejecting the . Rongotai aerodrome development loan, proposal, and those who worked actively for its defeat did a grave disservice to the cause of aviation in New Zealand, was made by the Minister of Transport (Hon. R. Semple), speaking at the christening ceremony of the new Union Airwavs airliner Kotare. Mr Semple said that Wellington must have an airport adequate to all future needs and in recognition of that fact the Government had ojtcred the City Council a subsidy of £70.000 towards improvement of Rongotai. 1 be people of Wellington turned down the Government’s offer. “1 am exceedingly sorry that they did so, for they did not understand the requirements of the future, while those who actively worked for defeat of the proposal did a grave disservice to their citv and the cause of aviation in New Zealand,” the Minister concluded.