PLANES CHRISTENED

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 137, 26 June 1937, Page 5

PLANES CHRISTENED

— Fress Association.)

Auckland-Wellington Service Inaugurated KUAKA AND KOTARE

I By Telegrapb-

AUCKLAND This Day. In steady rain eommercial air transport betwoen Auckland and Wellington was inaugurated this morning at Mangere aerodrome when, before its departure for the south, one of the Union Airways ' Lockheed Electra monoplanes was named by the Mavor of Auckland, Sir Ernest Davis, and the service was officially inaugurated by the Minister of Defence, the Hon«- F« Jones, in -the presenee of 50 or 60 enthusiasts. The Mayor undraped flaga from the nose of the machine to reveal the name Kuaka in scarlet letters. Unusually heavy rain from the early morning had prevented the large attendance which was anticipated. With a full complement of passengers, including the Minister, Mr Jones, the Kuaka took oif at 10.24 and speedily disappeared in a southerly direetion, The ceremony ci christening the Kotare took place at Rongotai aerodrome this morning (eays a Wellington mossage), and the machine left at 11.30 for Palmerston North with guests for the ceremony at Milson. The guests and visitors were welcomed at Rongotai by Sir Alex Roberts. The acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Praser, in a short speech congratulated Union Airways upon their enterprise and efficiency and extended best wishes fot the sucCesa and pi'osperity of the service. ^ The christening ceremony was performed by the Mayor, Mr T. C. A. Hielop.