AMERICAN CABLE NEWS.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 August 1925, Page 3

AMERICAN CABLE NEWS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association ] seaplanes guard. WASHINGTON. August 26. The United States Coastguard Association has requested the Budget Bureau to approve of a five hundred thousand dollar appropriation for the establishment of a seaplane fleet guard. The officers are maintaining that a. fleet would be invaluable tor prohibition enforcement and for the protection of life and navigation and as nil emergency auxiliary tor national defence. They contend that, after the initial cost, the maintenance cost would be comparatively small. Congress seven years ago authorised the Guard to establish t.en seaplane stations along tiie Atlantic and Pacific seaboards, though no money lias over been <6>P'imprinted for planes or hangars It tin' proposal is approved, despite I resident C'oolidge’s appeal for economy. Congress will probably allot the money. Since tho Congressional authonsntin of a fleet of one hundred planes, and of nine thousand officers and guardsmen tho Guardsmen have become fits class' pilots, after taking lessons at Vrmv and Navy stations. In addition to flying far out to sea am spot.ting rum runners, tbe phu.es could duq lines to gtrtvndcd vessels to permit of the operation of breeches buo>s. Ila seaplane fleet would be constantly . service, and always ready for «•'> any emergency.