AIR LINK BROKEN

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 247, 16 October 1939, Page 2

AIR LINK BROKEN

CISBORNE-OPOTIKI-AUCKLAND SOUTHERN LINK TO -CEASJO ALSO PILOTS AS INSTRUCTORS A little in advance of expectations, the air link between Gisborne and Auckland, via Opotiki and Tauranfea, was broken on Thursday, when Union Airways’ four-enginer air-liiier made its last trip. Previously it had been announced that the last trip would be made on Saturday but the original plan was altered. After taking off from the Opotiki aerodrome on Thursday morning, the big plane flew well over the Otara district and then turned towards the the aerodrome again, flying at- a fair height, as the .machine flew over the aerodrome it suddenly dived low down and then rose steeply again, as a farewell salute. The machine then flew over the town at a low altitude. The service has now been suspended indefinitely owing to the Government taking over the company’s Do Havillaud planes- for instructional purposes. The company has been advised that the Gisborne-Napier-Palmcrston North service also will have tejs be suspended as from October 25, in furtherance of the Government's development of airtraining facilities in connection with tbo general war effort. -Gisborne will lie thrown hack tijjon road and rail services for communication with outside centres, after having enjoyed the benefits of speedier travel for '.several years in the case-el the southward air link. According to the present plans, Union Airways will continue to operate a skeleton service between Auckland and Dunedin with the Lockheed 'Electros which comprise an important portion of its fleet, and which are not to be taken over by the Government in the meantime. One difficulty in handling this service will arise irom the fact that a- majority of the company’s pilots have been placed on the Air Force Reserve, and will lie employed as instructor in the Air Force. It. is possible that all commercial aviation will cease in the not far distantfuture owing to Jack of pilots.