AIR SERVICES.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1920, Page 4

AIR SERVICES.

lION COATES INTERVIEWED

[I’EK CRESS ASSOCIATION. —CORYRIGHT.J

WELLINGTON, March 22

Attention has been directed recently to tho possibility of a flight by an aeroplane from New Zealand to Australia. Hon. J. G. Coates, asked for his opinions on this proposal, said tile trip” could not be undertaken by, the machines we have at present in the Dominion. In the lirst place, the engines in tlie machines we already have, are not powerful enough to cover the journey between here and Sydney- It is not so much the weather conditions that prevail across the Tasman Sea. A plane could easily withstand these, but tlie power of the engines and storage capacity for benzine are, as I understand them, the most vital requirements for a. trip of the kind to be made. I must say that for a New Zealand machine, with a New Zealander as pilot to successfully cover the run to Australia, would be a splendid .achievement for this country, and it is a project I am willing to give every assistance, to bring about. But as I say, wo have got to get the machine and this would not be a difficult matter. Agents and experts acting for British and French aeroplane manufacturers seem just--now to be almost as keen to do business *witli this country as are the representatives in New Zealand soliciting business for motor-cars Within the last few weeks several representatives, many with air service during the war, of overseas seaplane firms, have interviewed me championing the reliability of the machines of their firms for mail and other services in New Zealand. Elaborate prospectuses produced are worth perusal, and it amounts to this, that aeroplane building for commercial utilities is rapidly under way and consequently in the not very * distant future, commercial machines will be at work in all enterprising countries in the world. I propose submitting to the Prime Minister and possibly to Cabinet, the whole question of air services in New Zealand with the object of ascertaining tho Government’s intentions in regard to the services.