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Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 128, 30 April 1940, Page 6

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ISOLATION DIMINISHED. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, April 29. The importance of aviation in bringing countries closer together, not only in distance hut also in friendship and general outlook, was stressed by speakers at a dinner to-night given by the Government in honour of the inauguration of the Tasman air service. The Alinister of Aviation (Hon. F. Jones) presided, and those present included members of the Legislature, Sir Harry Batterbco (High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand), Captain Johnston, of Melbourne, As-sistant-Director-General of Civil Aviation in Australia; Captains J. W. Burgess and O. Garden, of the Aotearoa and tlie Awarua, respectively; and representatives of Tasman Empire Airways and' associated companies. Appreciation of tho assistance given by all who had been connected with tlie negotiations for the Tasman service since it was first mooted in 1934 was expresesd by Air Jones, in proposing the toast of tlie new service. He admitted that the negotiations had extended over a long period, but pointed out that many unforeseen circumstances had arisen to delay their successful conclusion. Air Jones paid a special tribute to tlie efforts of the Prime Alinister (Hon. P. Fraser), whose persistency had resulted in a second flying-boat, the Awarua, being made available for the,-service, Alueh assistance had also been received from representatives of the United Kingdom and Australia. “it is fitting that this service should begin in our Centennial year,” said Air Jones. He drew a contrast between the days of sailing ships and modern aviation, pointing out that the Dominion’s isolation was almost vanishing. With tlie continued increase in speed the country’s isolation would soon become a memory of tlie past. “1 feel sure this most modern method of travel will bring about closer co-operation between Australia and New Zealand in all matters of importance, hut particularly in defence,” the Alinister said. “That also applies to the peoples of other parts of tlie Empire.” The aim -of Tasman Empire Airways to provide the public with the best possible service was stressed by Colonel Falla in replying to the toast. Sir Harry Batterbco said that as one who had been connected with the inauguration of the trans-Atlantic service lie knew the value of an enterprise of this nature. Such a service depended hr its success on tlie goodwill of all concerned, and he was sure the Tasman, service would acli.jve that success. Captain Johnston spoke on behalf of the Australian Government.