DELIVERY BY AIR

Chronicle (Levin), 11 June 1946, Page 4

DELIVERY BY AIR

-Press Association

USE FOR EX-R.N.Z.A.F. PLANES AND MEN

R7 / TpJp.nrnnh—

WELLINGTON, June 10. . . , Privately-operated air freight services to overconie some of the difficulties caused by shippiiig delays on the New Zealand' eoast, are suggested_ to the Government in representations just made by ' the New Zealand Manufacturers' Eederation. Letters on the subjec't have been sent to the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Indlistries and Commerce, Defenee and 'Rehabilitation, to wliom the possible use of exR.N.Z.A.F. transport aircraft and erews is mentioned. _ > i "The development of . air freight services in New Zealand was diseussed ' ■«?, at the last rneeting of the Eederation Council, " states the letter to the Prime Minister. " Report, s from overseas countries show that air freight services are being established by private tindertakings and that they are being operated very satisfactorily. "Air transport would be ideally suited for perishahJe goods, allowing them to be widely distributed and put on the market as early as possible. We believe that sucJi services would be widely used by iirnis who handle mer- ; chandise which is iight but of high reiative value. It would ensure quick transport and would obviate much of the liandling involved in inter-island deliveries, such as from Auckland to b'outk Isiand towns and vice versa. "Large quantities of goods which are urgently required are still being delayed by shipping difficulties and, although specially chartered overseas vessels have lifted some of the accumulated eargoes, ihe manufacturers point out that this is oniy a teinporary relief. On the other hand, regular air freight services would be a permanent solution to'present delays and congestion in many lines of goods. "As a result of the war there is a large number of transport ptanes lying idle in New Zealand which would be well suited for air i'reighting. There are also very many well-qualified Air Force pilots who would wetconie the opportunity to take up conimercial flying — our suggestion for air freight services is well worfhy of your fuilest considoration from the rehabilitatiou aspect aione, " the manufacturers declare. "Manufacturers would be glad if you would indicate whelher the Government is prepared to enable private undertakings to inaugurate air freight services by allowing them to obtain suitable aircraft. Failing this, manufacturers are keen to learn whether tlie Government has given any consideration to the matter, and whether it is prepared to take action on the lines suggested here."