AIR SERVICE TO AUSTRALIA

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18372, 4 May 1925, Page 8

AIR SERVICE TO AUSTRALIA

.;. —- AtJCKLANfiEft OFFERED PILOT'S COMMISSION. (SPBCUL TO "TOT PEESS.") AUCKLAND, May 3. An indication of activity of the British Air Ministry in regard to the institution of an air service between Britain and the East and Australia, is evidenced by a cabled offer of ft position in the airship branch to Captain George F. Meager, of Auckland. It is the intention of the Ministry to carry out experimental flights in connexion with the proposed servico to the Far East and Australia, and Captain Meager will doubtless be asked to command one of the vessels.

Throughout the period of the war Captain Meager was attached to the airship branch, and he was singled out for the piloting of a type of vessel that the Italian Government produced. Mo brought a number of these airships from Italy to England and subsequently received several decorations at the hands of both the British and the Italian Governments. Captain Meager is n man of ability, and has a knowledge of French and Italian, as well as a smattering of several other languages. That lie has been asked to return to England i g n it indication that he built up a reputation for solid work. Like manv other demobilised ofßeers he came to 'Sevr Zoaiaud to try his luck, and for the p» B t eighteen months he has been assistant traffic inspector under the Auckland City ConneiL He holds th« A.ir Force Cross, the Order of the Crown of Italy and the Croee Di Gnerra, He is a young man of about 30 and is 0 f a quiet, retiring disposition, In Association football circles in Auckland he has become a familiar figure, and as a player he will be missed. He leaves almost immediately.to take up his new position,. - ■ •