Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10th, 1920. IMPERIAL AIR ROUTES

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1920, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10th, 1920. IMPERIAL AIR ROUTES

In their report on Imperial Air Routes issued as a White Paper the Advisory Committee on Civil Aviation, presided over by Lord Weir, make important and far reaching recommendations in connection with the future prospects of aerial communication between the various parts of the British Empire. The Committee, who in this report deal only with heavier-than-air machines, state that they consider Canada, Newfound, land, South Africa, India, Australia, and New Zealand as the main outlying portions of the British Empire (and to these they add Egypt) requiring their attention, and they confine themselves to the question of the establishment of main trunk lines connecting these porI tions of the Empire with the United

Kingdom by air. The suggestion that the Royal Air Force should he employed for the “testing” of the routes does not find favour with the committee, it being lieled that there are weighty Service objections against the using of the R.F.A. for civil purposes. It is also considered that 1 assistance in the development of commercial aviation could not be permanently expected from the Service sides otherwise than in limited spheres, such as the common use of aerodromes, wireless and meteorological facilities. The committee suggest three possible methods of organising the undertaking:—Operation by the State itself; the constitution of a chartered company combining State and private

capital; and private enterprise, State aided; the last being suggested as the sound method. As to the question of the control of air ports, the committee hold that this is a case for the application of the traditional British method of private initiative and private enterprise, with just such assistance from the State n.s is requisite for the securing of .success. In connection with the Kgypt-India route, the committee con. tend that the nine days taken in tranist hy sea could be reduced by not less than three and a. half days if the transit were made by air, and in the future might be still further reduced. The. committee also consider that it is very desirable that all prohibitory bans on civil aviation, so far as those parts of the British Empire which are under the direct control of the Imperial Government are concerned should be removed at once and that representations be made to the Dominions and India in the same sense. Although the committee point out that they are without enough data: or experience to justify them in recommending any rigid policy involving the immediate planning and initiation of any complete scheme, there is no doubt that there is a future for the development of the air as a new means of civil transport and communication in spite of the present technical, operational, and financial hardships. Notwithstanding these hard ships however, there is no reason why, with satisfactory co-operation, and mu-

tunl understanding between the Government and private enterprise, the far-distant parts of the British Empire should not he brought to our very doors. In connection with Imperial air routes, it is gratifying to recall that Sir Ross Smith, together with his brother, Lieut. Keith Maepherson Smith, and Sergts ,T. M. Bonnet and W. TT. 'Sliiers, accomplished the firrtt flight from Great Britain to Australia. Fly. in" a Viekers-Yimy-Rolls aeroplane they covered the distance of 11,294 miles from Hounslow aerodrome to Port Darwin in just under 23 days, truly a magnificent rerformanee.

This conference of loca] bodies yesterday at the County Chambers relative to hydro-electric possibilities was of the first importance to the well fare of this district Tlie harnessing of rivers and other sources for power is being attempted all over the world, and in this Dominion, there are a plethora of ■ schemes with the same end in view. ' Lake Kanieri is a great natural reser- | voir which has few equals in the Do- ' minion for situation and economy in 1 development. It is situated centrally as regards the distributed of the gene, rated power. It has a service road

already available. It may be augmented with a flow of water which could be used in the first instance as a source of power and then utilised in the Lake itself again for further power at the j station using the outflow water. There would thus be a double plant the one I serving for the other all the purposes I of a standby plant. Tire interesting 1 figures given by Mr Langford yesterday indicated what could be done for an j expenditure of £IOO,OOO spread over ten years. For this very low expenditure the district has an exceptional op. portunit.v to rival and even excel the In rarer centres which will ho spending a

million or more to get the power they want. Tf Mr Langford’s figures are verified and his estimate found to he within what is stated, there is quite an

exceptional opportunity for Westland to forge ahead as a great industrial centre. Cheap power will attract industry, and create employment, which will mean added population, and increased prosperity. The meeting yesterday, resolved to await the arrival of Mr L. Birks, the Government officer to visit the district shortly, and seek advice in that quarter. Thi s was a very proper step and now that the matter has been taken up, it is to be hoped the great project will be follow, ed up keenly with the desire and the ’•intention to utilise the natural resources of the district in the best manner possible. I -_™_ ' ' ■

j Messrs J. Ball,a ntyne ( and Co. of ; Christchurch draw attention to new curtain materials. f The mails which left New Zealand on I the 29th January arrived in London on (■'the sth March 1920.

Messrs M. Houston and Co. offer for sale hv private treaty the well known residential property of Mrs Bevan, with frontages to Sale and Brittan streets.

Donations of refreshments (cakes preferred) are invited for the tea rooms for the Gymkhana on Cass Square on St. Patrick’s Day. The Indies committee will he pleased to receive same at the pavilion any time during the day after 10 a.m.

A euchre tournament will he held this evening in 'St Mary’s Club rooms for which four good prizes will be given. Two valuable aggregate prizes will be presented for the coming season’s tournaments. A dance (with an efficient M.C.) will follow—Advt.

Easter is approaching and the principal local feature for that occasion will he the Westland Racing Club’s autumn

meeting fixed for Easter Wednesday, (April 7th.) The gathering will be for both galloping and trotting horses, and liberal stakes are offered, the aggregate being £6OO. Entries for the meeting close in about a fortnight’s time, March 26th.

Don’t live in the shadow of poor clothing. Poor clothing casts its shadow in front. You see it or you feel it all the time. You feel that other people notice it, and you’re uncomfortable. Good clothing casts its shadow behind; your mind is free and you can hold your head up. The ordinary quality-coats haunt every person. Get one of the beautiful coats that are now showing at Schroder and Co’s, this season.—Advt.

There was a very unanimous feeling expressed at the local bodies’ conference yesterday afternoon that the children should be specially entertained on the occasion of the Royal visit, in order to impress the event on their minds. It was hoped it would be possible to bring the scholars from the distant schools, and u possible it is intended to arrange for their accommodation overnight. Possible arrangements with regard to this end are now being considered.

A meeting of the Westland War Memorial Committee will be held on Cass Square at 6.45 .o’clock to-morrow evening to decide upon the location for the memorial, and the meeting will be continued immediately after at the County Chambers to draw up specifications under which competitive designs will be called for. the-cenotaph. The Finance Committee will meet at the County Chambers at 7.45 o’clock to-morrow evening to arrange for the raising of a sum of not less than £1,509 by voluntary contributions to defray the cost of the proposed memorial. A meeting of the directors of the Hokitika Shipping Coy. was held yesterday when it was shown that the earnings of the s.s. Paeroa for the past six months had been £2277, and the disbursements £2,705. The latter included £B5l for repairs: Further repairs were resolved on, after hearing the master’s report in respect to a new smoke stack and strengthening of the kelson. It was decided also to cast a new propeller, and to make an aft hold to contain 14 tons of cargo. Notice was received of the increased pay to

sailors and firemen by the recent award, and a revision was-made accord, ingly. The directors resolved in order to make some provision to meet tins extra permanent change, that 5s increase be made on freights to the ports. It was decided if the cireumstances were at all favorable to make a : trip to Okarito this week. j The representatives of the local bodies when in conference at the • County Chambers yesterday, conferred also regarding the Royal visit. It was agreed that the local bodies should associate themselves in presenting a

loyal address to the Prince of Wales, and the Mayor, County Chairman, Chairman of Harbor Hoard, and Chairman of School Committee should draft the address for submission to the Minister of Internal Affairs. It was decided to arrange for a children’s treat in connection with the Prince’s visit, and it was resolved to ascertain how far the Canterbury Education Board would assist especially in respect to transit and accommodation for children from a distance. Consideration of a definite programme as postponed till it was ascertained more certainly regarding the Royal tour. I

Washboard Slavery scientifically abolished,—thanks to “No Rubbing” Laundry Help. 1/- packet does seven weekly washings. Deo Bros. —Advt\ A point for good housewives. Always use SHARLAND’S Baking Bonder. Costs least; goes farthest; gives best results. If you catch a cold, you c an’t help it. If you keep a cold its your own fault. “NAZOL” is a safe and certain cure, and gives immediate relief. 1/0. Shine your tan shoes with “TAN-OL” the brilliant polish that won’t rub j off. SrmiLAND’S M ALT VI \KG A R makes delightful salmis. Brewed from | alt and sugar. Free from mineral acids. Conforms le requirements of Food and Drugs Act. All grocers. Bnbios, growing children and, invalids who suffer from six much troubles will find relief in SITABLAND’S FLUID MAON’KSM. larger bottle—lower

When you ask for SHARLAND’S FLUID MAGNESIA don’t tako anything “just as good,” but get S’HARLANDS. Best that money can buy.

Messrs McGruer and Co. distribute with this issue, an inset setting out details of their one shilling sale. In response to a request the Mayor has agreed to declare a public holiday on Wednesday, March 17th, the occasion of the hospital gymkhana. Yesterday there were two fresh cases of influenza (adults) reported at Runanga, one being at Rewanui. The Health Committee met last evening, and on reviewing the situation decided unanimously tluvt it would be advisable for the mines to be closed till Monday. Just opened, the second lot of new season’s millinery, coats and furs. The happy knack of coupling quality and

low price together in all our goods is making our name “ Schroder and Co ” famous for good value. A visit to our emporium will more than repay you. Inspection cordially invited.—Advt. It was mentioned at the local bodies’ conference yesterday that a tender was about to he accepted for the machinery required to generate electric power to work the Otira tunnel. This plant will he used ultimately as an nxuiliary

power or stand-by, the intention Being later to divert Bealey river to a point where it can be used for hydro-electric power, to operate the Mildand railway line between Springfield and Jacksons, including of course the tunnel section. The greatest of all Bargain Sales, McGruer and Co’s, great One Shilling Sale commences Thursday, March 11, and ends Monday, March 15th. All creased, soiled, faded" and overstocked goods will be cleared at the mad price of one shilling. \ou can buy more for a shilling now than a shilling ever bought before. Look out for price list

circulating through this newspaper.— McGruer and Co., Hokitika and Greymouth.—Advt.

Complaints were made at tins office to-day that vehicle traffic over the railway bridge across the Hokitika river was blocked to-day, owing to a crane being used in repair work, necessitating milk and other vehicles having to go round by way of the Kanieri bridge. The special feature of the complaint is , that no public notice of this closing of traffic was given to the public, and it was only the finding of the bridge . blocked that was the first uotificaCon. Surely the matter is one that has been overlooked by •the- authorities.

Recommended lv the morlis*al rro!.,n Vi'.'.'l I’f.’S PI'VV ' 'M’li