PACIFIC AIR SERVICE

Grey River Argus, 21 September 1937, Page 5

PACIFIC AIR SERVICE

EMERGENCY BASE. TO BE AT BAY OF ISLANDS. [Per Press Association]. AUCKLAND, September 20. An emergency flying-boat base at Russell, with direction finding radio and moorings, in a sheltered spot for use if required, is to be established shortly by the Pan-American Airways according to Mr Harold Gatty, the company’s representative in New Zealand. “We do not plan to make Russell a port of call,” said Mr Gatty, on his return from Wellington, “but we must have some spot sheltered where flying-boats can put into, to weather storms. No connection will be made with the shore at Russell.” He explained that in the event of a storm at Auckland, the flying-boat would merely lie at the moorings until the emergency had passed, and then continue to Auckland. Likely sites for two radio stations, one at Auckland and the other at Russell will be inspected by Mr Gatty shortly. Six members of the company’s staff will arrive at Auckland by the Monterey on October 1. Meanwhile, Mr Gatty will arrange for the construction of a dock and a floating gear at Auckland habour.

AIR LINER CRASHES. NEAR BROKEN HILL. BROKEN HILL, September 20. A mail plane from Sydney crashed while landing, in a fierce dust-storm and gale. Although the plane overturned, the pilot and two passengers escaped with minor injuries.