TRAVEL BY AIR

Hokitika Guardian, 11 October 1930, Page 6

TRAVEL BY AIR

AUSTRALIAN ACHIEVEMENTS,

LINKING THE CITIES

NEW ZEALAND’S CHANCES

“I feel quite- sure that tlie time is not far distant alien New Zealand will possess its regular passenger and mail services to all parts of the Dominion, and there is no reason why such an organisation should not be a very profitable investment. I certainly think that public support should be forthcoming to those who are desirous of sponsoring such a. proposition, for there is no doubt that this is to be the future means of transportation for mails and passengers.” Such was tlie opinion expressed by Mr H. 0. Thomas, general manager of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (N.Z.), Ltd., on his return from a business trip.to Australia, during which lie from Sydney to Melbourne by air. “In my opinion,” said Mr Thomas, “the airways will, eventually liaye a serious efFect on the rail and motor services of all progressive countries as a means of safe, speedy, and comfort- . able travel.

“Squadron-Leader Tvingsford Shut'' and Flight-Lieutenant C. P. T. Xflm. joint managing directors, of -Australian National Airways, deserve great credit for the very reliable services, which' they have inaugurated' from Sydney, to Melbourne, and from Sydney to'Brisbane. ■'

POPUL VII MODE OF TRAVEL. ' “So popular is this mode of travel that the Sydney-Bjisbnne service is booked up to capacity several weeks ahead. It is now possible to leave Sydney daily at- 8.15 a.m. and arrive in either Brisbane or Melbourne in time' for lunch, and the sights obtained by the passengers are so magnificent that they are well worth tlie- passage monev alone. The Syd-ney-Melbourne route is recognised as one of the worst flying l routes in the world, as far as bad weather is concerned. But indifferent air conditions hold no terrors for the very, efficient pilots employed hy Australian National Airways., Every morning, punctually at 8.15, the giant threeengined monoplanes, utilised l for the purpose, of conveying the passengers and mails to Melbourne and Brisbane;, leave on their non-stop journeys without tlie slightest hitch. •

“The pilots employed- by the Australasian National Airways are likeable fellows, and from time to time during the trips they supply the travellers with such information ’as is required, regarding various matters in connection with the country which is being traversed, and also any other information requested of them-. -g,... ... 448 MTLES IN FIVE HOURS. Ik

“Each passenger is allowed to ,enfry 301 b-. of baggage free,' and excess luggage may be carried at an additional charge of Is per lb. The; air mileage.’ from Melbourne to Sydney is 448 mile's, and, flying against a head wind, -my trip from Sydney to Melbourne took just under five hours, but. on ‘ the' return journey, with the wind behind us, the trip only occupied four hours. The-pilots, wlio usually fly their planes at- an altitude from 8,000 to 10,000 feet, came down to low altitudes to allow as ‘to see -such town's as Goulburn;-Oa-nberra, and Albury. “From Sydney to Melbourne the fare is £l6 return, and from Sydney to Brisbane £lB 7s 6d return. It is obvious that there is very little difference: between the cost of travelling, by; air and the cost of travelling by train, but, from a time-saving point of view and comfort in travelling, the aeroplane is easily the most advantageous. •

“I questioned the pilots on the possibility' of establishing air mail services in New Zealand similar to those in Australia, and they were all very unanimous in their decision that there was no reason why a reliable organisation could not be built up in New Zealand. As New Zealand possesses very mountainous country, they suggest that the types of . planes used by them would be to New Zealand’s advantage for, should anything happen to one engine, the journey could be safely completed, and if, by any chance, two engines . out of the three failed .to function, then it would he possible for the plane to> land' quite safelv from a heisrht of 9000 to 10,000 feet, for, according to the pilots, they can glide to earth for a distance up to anproxiniatclv 25 miles, from that altitude.”