The Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1948. N.Z. AIR POLICY

Grey River Argus, 6 October 1948, Page 4

The Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1948. N.Z. AIR POLICY

]\[OW that freights in an increasing quantity, as well as passengers, are being transported in New Zealand by aircraft, the demand for services is likely to intensify. It was revealed in yesterday’s discussion on the subject in Parliament that, though there had been some interruption in the Tasman passenger service, this country has had to depend on it far more than upon shipping since the war, and the Minister rightly asked wliy the Opposition should complain only of inability to handle all passenger traffic by air, and ignore the lack of provision on the part of the shipping companies. Taking everything into account, the Dominion’s air enterprise, whether for defence or for commerce, has been a creditable one. It is indeed the success already evident which

prompts agitations for yet larger services and more numerous airfields, On the strength of the remark that nearness to populous centres is a qualification for a large terminal airport in the South Island, which is attributed to one of the visiting British experts, there seems to be a renewal of rivalry. With Wigram and Harewood already serving the province, Canterbury advocates are seeking a very substantial outlay on Hare wood. There also is reported to be a move for a large aerodrome a few miles from Timaru to serve instead of the present field on its southern margin. Southlanders are seeking to have Bluff selected as the base for a flying- boat service with Australia. New airports in the Auckland area are envisaged, while Napier people estimate that their ’drome is suitable for a terminal for aircraft from overseas. In the vicinity of the capital, -where the facilities for land planes are somewhat restricted, there is also a large expenditure projected on enlargements. In addition to the airfields near the centres, feeder services are sought for rural areas, and in the Waikato a new link on the main North Island route has just been established. It may be judged from the extensive demands that even the critics of nationalisation now expect, the State to do what they never would have asked of private enterprise. A sense of

proportion should be cultivated. On the defence side, there also have been complaints, one that the officer staffing is extravagant, and another that training- is yet inadequate. The Minister demonstrated last evening that the financial assistance for clubs is relatively much more generous in the Dominion than it is in Australia, whereas the response to an appeal for recruits is below expectations. As things stand, the Dominion in an emergency would have mainly to rely on the men trained in Avar time, even for a great part- of the reserve, while there is scope for trained men to join the Air Force in various capacities, especially mechanics. The national expenditure on aviation this year will exceed a million, the bulk of it upon airfields and their appurtenances. Services are steadily improving, and with the improved type of craft being obtained for the Tasman service, next year will see travellers much better off as to comfort as well as the safety and the extent of accommodation. The

recommendations of the visiting experts are presumably to be followed up with fresh enterprise on the part of the Government, who have definitely demonstrated their alertness and progressiveness in the matter of expanding civil aviation. As remarked, the

ground for complaint is very limited, whereas the success of the services has prompted exceptional expectations. If there are any territories deserving greater con-

sderation, the West Coast is among these, on account of its

comparative lack of other means of speedy transport. The Hokitika airfield is an. important one, situated in a strategical position, and while the plea is made that tourists might prefer to land near scenic resorts in the North or the South, it may be anticipated that a great many will prefer to fly to Westland as soon as the facilities are completed for larger planes. Competition is certainly keen among various districts for additional facilities, but the Government may be trusted to deal justly with every locality. There will doubtless be considerable interest in its impending measure for charter and taxi services, of which

towns with energetic aero clubs should be able to take advantage.