AIR FREIGHT SERVICES

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24899, 12 June 1946, Page 10

AIR FREIGHT SERVICES

PLAN TO OVERCOME DELAYS SUGGESTION MADE BY MANUFACTURERS Privately operated air vices to overcome some of the aiffleuities caused by shipping delays on tiie New Zealand coast have been suggested to the Government in representations made by the; New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation. Letters on the subject have been sent to the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser), the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones) and the Minister of Rehabilitation (the Hon. C. F. Skinner), to whom the possible use of former Royal New Zealand Air Force transport aircraft and crews is mentioned. ‘"Hie development of air freight services in New Zealand was .discussed at the last meeting of the federations council,” said the letter to the Prime Minister. ‘’Reports from overseas show that air freight services are being established by private undertakings and that they are being operated very satisfactorily. “Air transport would be ideally suited for perishable goods, allowing them to be widely distributed and put on the market as early as possible. We believe that such services would be widely used by firms who handle merchandise which -is light but of high relative value. It would ensure quick transport and would obviate much oi the handling involved in inter-island deliveries, such as from Auckland to South Island towns and vice versa. “As a result of the war there is a large number of transport planes lying idle in New Zeaand which would be well suited for air freighting.. There are also many well-qualified Air Force pilots who would welcome the opportunity to take up commercial flying. Our suggestion for air freight services is well worthy of your consideration from the rehabilitation aspect alone. . , , “Manufacturers would be glad if you would indicate whether the Government is prepared to enable priyaj® undertakings to inaugurate air freight services by allowing them to obtain suitable aircraft. Failing this, manufacturers are keen to learn whether the Government has given any consideration to the matter, and whether it is prepared to take action, on the lines suggested here.”