TASMAN SERVICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 August 1938, Page 6

TASMAN SERVICE

AGREEMENT WITH UNION AIRWAYS FORMATION OF COMPANY. STATEMENT BY PREMIER. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, This Day. The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon M. J. Savage, announced that an agreement has been signed between the Government and Union Airways, providing that the latter act on behalf of the Dominion in the formation, with Imperial Airways and Quantas Airways, of a company to operate an air mail service across the Tasman Sea. This company probably will be known as Tasman-Empire Airways Ltd. An agreement, regarding the formation and the letting of the contract is at present the subject of discussion by cablegram with the British and Australian Governments. It is intended that a triangular service between Auckland, Wellington and Sydney, be carried out as soon as facilities are available in Wellington. The initial terminal will be Auckland. Plans are under way for the construction of a modern base at Auckland and for the establishment of necessary wireless facilities. The New Zealand Government will control 39 per cent of the shares of the new company and the balance will be held in the following proportions: 38 per cent, Imperial Airways; 23 per cent Quantas Airways. Of the directorate of six there will be two representatives of the New Zealand Government. Until arrangements can be made for a call; at Wellington, there will be two flights each way weekly between Auckland and Sydney. Ultimately the ■ service will be thrice weekly each way between New Zealand and Australia to fit in with the SouthamptonSydney service.