NO STUNTS ALLOWED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 53, 18 March 1937, Page 15

NO STUNTS ALLOWED

— P.resa Asaooiation.)

Pan American Airways Says Safety First JUST A BUSINESS

• (By Telegraph

AUCKLAND, Last Night. Discussing Pan- American Airways ' proposed San Francisco to Auckland passenger service, Mr. Harold Gatty, who' arrived in Auckland to-day, said there were many aspects of the proposed service that could not be discussed until the survey flight ihad been completed, the route proved practical and arrangements made for a regulai service. Such matters- as schedules, fares, permanent accommodation and headquarters in Auckland and the number of passengers and the weight of mail and cargo to be carried, were all for futUre consideration. The important matter of the surcharge on the mail was not one for his company's decision, but for arrangement between the interested Governments. "Flying with ns is a " commereial undertaking and in no sense a stunt or even an adventure,' ' Mr. Gatty continued. ' Every possible precaution was taken to ensure safe, regular and swift transport, but it was never the policy of the company to place any aspect ahead of that of safety. In any case, with air transport so much faster than other means, they could well aflwd to be extra careful and take no chances with the weather, and still give much more rapid service. All tihe skill of the radip expert, the meteorologist and the engineer wpre at the disposal of the company, and upon their work, coupled with the use of • the finest materials for the machines, and the choice of veteran pilots of seasoned judgment, had been built an exceptional safety record. The ground organisation in Auckland is being completed as Tapidly as possible. At the request of the PanAmerican representatives at present in Auckland, the Auckland Harbour Board has made preparations for the provision of moorings for a landing barge between King's wharf and the, Devonport vehicular ferry landing. It is possible that the moorings will be Taid to-morrow, and that the barge will s be towed into position shortly afterwards.