FLYING BASE IN ESTUARY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22507, 15 September 1938, Page 9

FLYING BASE IN ESTUARY

ic TTTH EDITOR, OT TH* PEB33. . ■ Sir,—l noticed appearing in your columns recently a letter signed by S. W., Hickmott, In which the writer ■ is suggesting a flying-boat base in the Estuary. While I agree wholeheartedly with the writer- as to the South - Island’s claims for a flying base, I consider the Estuary as totally unsuited for this, purpose. I should like to point out that I consider the writer is wrong in hL remarks that nowhere in the South Island can they land flying-boats of the type to be used shortly between Australia and New Zealand. Here I v. uld draw his attention to the visit in January last of one of the Empire flying-boats, both to Lyttelton, and Dunedin. I should like to mention also that I saw both the landing apd the taking*

off of this flying-boat at Lyttelton, and to my mind there would have been room for 100 such boats to have arrived at the same time. I still maintain that the flying-boat has yet to be built that could not be safely landed in the Lyttelton harbour, and I am afraid that, when that time comes, Auckland, Will also have to make some alterations. With Lyttelton harbour quite suitable and handy, how can we expect £1.000,000 to be spent on the Estuary for such a purpose? Furthermore, it seems quite certain that the Government has not had the slightest idea of establishing the air mail service terminus (trans-Tasman) in any other part of New Zealand than the North Island, and it is quite apparent that Auckland had been decided on months ago. We know by past experiences .that this island need not expect anything of this nature. As there are to be three Tasman crossings each week, thus making three mails weekly, I think that the South Island is justly entitled to at least one landed here direct, and I would suggest that our Progress League, together with all surrounding public bodies, get busy and see that we have at least one weekly direct mail with Australia. For this purpose the Lyttelton harbour is ready to prqvide all facilities immediately these flying-boats are ready to come.

“The South Island will receive equal consideration with the North.” These words were used by the Prime Minister at the civic reception in Christchurch recently. Why not try to have these words turned into action? —Yours, etc SOUTH ISLAND ELECTOR September 13, 1938.