AERIAL SERVICES

Hokitika Guardian, 14 January 1920, Page 3

AERIAL SERVICES

POSTAL and DEFENCE

Further experiments are in progress in connection with the proposed establishment of postal air service routes m various parts of the Dominion. Speaking to a N.Z. “Times” representative, the Hon. J. G. Coates, Post-master-General, stated that m Englan such services have already proved a commercial success in cases where ordinary rates have been charged; but, strange to say, where excess rates have been levied the service have not been commercially successful. Up to miles or «to, added Mr Coates the aeroplane could compete to advantage with the telegraph and (he telephone, sb there should be a good future before the postal air service in New Zealand. (<I believe there aro great possibilities in it,’ he said; “though perhaps not so long as our population is little more than a million- If w 0 con ‘“ amalgamate the aeroplane defence service with the postal air service il would, I think lie a very good proposition Our great difficulty at present is the lack of sufficient machines and machines of the right stamp. We must have passenger-carrying ’planes to make a success of it. Each machine must be able to carry at least two passengers in addition to the crew.