EXPEDITING MAILS.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1927, Page 4

EXPEDITING MAILS .

ATLANTIC SEABOARD AIR SERVICE. BY TELEGRAPH--PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.}

VANCOUVER. May 18. The Postmaster-General at Ottawa has formally authorised the experiments which are designed to precede the new system for the expedition of British mails from the Atlantic seaboard, which will accelerate the transmission of mails between London and Australia and New Zealand. At the recent session of the Canadian Tedoral Parliament, 75,000 dollars was opreprinted for the purchase of two up-to-date aeroplanes to he used in this service, although others as well will probably lie utilised. The experiments are to he conducted under the direction of the Air Board and they will begin on September Ist., when 'planes will meet the incoming ships at Father Point and have transferred to them the letter mails. Halifax and St. John also figure in the plans. Between Father Point and Quebec it is calculated that eight hours will ho saved by this form of transmission, while from from 12 to 14 hours will be saved between Father Point and Montreal. The Air Board is to provide the landing fields, the air lines and the necessary aids to aerial navigation, while careful note will he taken of meteoro-

logical and other conditions. It is expected that four months will suffice for the tests from the Atlantic ports. By the oiul of the year, in the light of the data secured, tenders for a. regular service will ho called for with the idea that tiie contract shall begin at the opening of the St. Lawrence navigation next year. Tho netv system will iw terially shorten the handling of all local and transcontinental mails to Canada and also the Southern Dominions. Arrangement* for the initial service will go ahead at once in order to provide for a start by September Ist.