EARLY START URGED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20060, 5 October 1939, Page 5

EARLY START URGED

TASMAN AIR SERVICE WAR CAUSES DELAY THREE MACHINES NEEDED (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, this day. -Authority is given in the Finance Bill, which was passed by the House of Representatives this morning, for the New Zealand Government to enter iftto an agreement with the Australian and Imperial Governments for the trans-Tasman air service. New Zealand’s proportion of the capital will be borrowed. “Is there any likelihood of the service operating this year?” asked the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton. “I understood that it was to begin this year.” The Hon. F. Jones: That was announced before the war. The Hon. W. Nash said that because of the war the circumstances were entirely changed, though the service might still run. One flying boat was already in New Zealand, and there was a chance of getting another, but if the machines were .required by the United Kingdom Government New Zealand would gladly acquiesce. Substitute for Fonvoy The Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates suggested that while everything depended on the circumstances, he thought that it would be wise and comforting to know that at least one flying boat was in New Zealand. ; Mr Jones: We want three, and are still trying to get them. Mr. Coates: They might be very useful for reconnaissance work between here and Fiji. Everybody will feel happier when those machines are here. They are essential equipment at present. Mr. Jones: We will get them eventually. Mr. Coates added that in ine absence of a convoy, these machines qould iclear ‘the way and provide security for passenger ships and troop f.hsps The planes were not fighting machines, and their absence would not be felt by Britain. They would be of tremendous value for spotting purposes, bringing the security to which New Zealand was entiled if she sent troops overseas.

The clause was passed without further discussion.