TRANS-ATLANTIC AIR MAIL

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 362, 17 February 1937, Page 5

TRANS-ATLANTIC AIR MAIL

AMERICAN SERVICE.

SUBSIDY GRANTED.

New Service To Start In November. Press Association—Copyright. Washington, February 15. The House of Representatives Appropriations Committee to-day ajr proved a request foi- funds to subsidise a trans-Atlantic air mail service starting on November 1, 1937. Twice weekly flights between New York and Southampton with giant passenger-carrying flying boats are contemplated. The initial appropriation recommended was about £150,000, based on a mail subsidy of 10s per mile. Mr William Howes, assistant Post-master-General, said that bidt' for the mail contract would be invited. The contract would probably be for ten years. Mr Howes stated that arrangements with the British Government were in process of finishing agreeably. He disclosed that the northern 3500mile route via Newfoundland would be used for six months of the year and the southern 5000-mile route, via Charleston, Bermuda, and the Azores, for the other six months-. The air mail .service, Mr Howes further explained, would cost from lOd to Is for a half-ounce letter. . Colonel Edgar Gorrell, president of the Transport Association of America, testified that a 42J-ton plane was under construction.. It will carry about 60 passengers.