SEAPLANE SERVICES

Hokitika Guardian, 14 June 1930, Page 5

SEAPLANE SERVICES

A VISITOR’S PROPHECY

AUCKLAND, June 12

The future importance of the flying boat as distinguished from the aeroplane was emphasised by Flight-Lieut-enant W. Yazie Simons, R.A.F. (retired), who arrived from England today by the Rangitane. •Within three years,” the visitor piirophised, “there will be a regular service between Australia and New Zealand, and the type of craft used will be the flying-boat. It will be the same on all passenger trans-oceanic flights. He suggested a route to Sydney via Lord Howe Island. “New Zealand is an island or rather a group of islands,” ,he..said, “and I am told there is no part much over over 70 miles from the sea. There are, morevover, a good number of suitable harbours.” That being the case, he thought an amphibious craft seemed to be the natural model for New Zealand requirement. Further, the total outlay for a seaplane was less. On dry land only hangar space was necessary, and harbours were free. The cost of a landing ground was hot entailed. Fpr these reasons he saidyahy suggested airport for .a New ;Jsehiahd city should have facilities Afot* hotlv kinds of : aircraft. “Without double facilities in its airports New Zealand is not going to be on the map- from the point of view of aviation,” He declared, hi. Being a man “married to, his call* ling,” Lieut. Vazie Simons was first of all struck not with the beauties of YVaitemata Harbour, but with its suitability- as a seaplane base. The absence of surrounding high hills he maintained made a regularity of air currents. “Well,” he said, as he put away various explanatory 'diagrams, “there seems no doubt that aviation is the greatest thing of this age. To-day it is safer to fly than to cross the streets of London, , j.