Trans-Tasman Air Service Nearer

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 304, 26 December 1939, Page 7

Trans-Tasman Air Service Nearer

HON. P. FRASER’S EFFORTS Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Dec. 20. “In spito of tho war the trans-Tas-man air service may be begun shortly, ’ ’ stated the Minister of Education and Health (Hon. P. Fraser) on his return to Wellington to-day from London. “While in Sydney and Melbourne last week I had several interviews with Mr. Menzies and other Ministers and a general desire was expressed for even closer co-operation in the war efforts of both countries as well as in economic and trade relationships generally. 1 assured them that New Zealand would cordially reciprocate any suggestions or proposals on tho lines indicated and that we were prepared to co-operato wholeheartedly in the war efforts of tho two countries as well as in ordinary trade matters. “I think as a result of several conference in London and my discussions with Messrs. Menzies and Holt (Acting Minister for Air) and the officers of the Civil Aviation Department in Melbourne, the commencement of the transTasman air service has been brought appreciably nearer. When 1 arrived m London I was confronted with the disconcerting information that both the United Kingdom and the Australian Governments had decided that the trans-Tasman service should be defiuitely postponed at least until the end of the war. However, on the position as seen by the New Zealand Government being explained both from the transpacific and defence points of view, the United Kingdom altered its attitude, and 1 fully anticipate that both the United Kingdom and the Australian Governments will co-operate in establishing the service, probably on a modified scale.