TASMAN AIR SERVICE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 May 1940, Page 5

TASMAN AIR SERVICE

THE AOTEAROA’S ARRIVAL IN SYDNEY FEDERAL'S GOVERNMENT'S CONGRA9TULATIONS. PASSENGERS ENJOY PLEASANT TRIP. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. SYDNEY. April 30. Forging' the last link in Australia’s chain of aerial connections with the world, the flying-boat Aotearoa alighted at Rose Bay at 1.50 o’clock this afternoon, having inaugurated the longawaited Tasman air mail and' passenger service. The actual landing in beautiful weather was broadcast, together with a two-way conversation with the flying-boat many miles over the sea. The Federal Government .was represented at the arrival by’ the Minister for Air, Mr Fairbairn, who congratulated Captain Burgess, and the representatives of the co-operating companies on the consummation at long last of this important air link between the sister Dominions. Mr Taylor. New Zealand Government Trade Commissioner in Australia, spoke in similar strain with the utmost cordiality and shook hands with the members of the crew. Tributes to the crew were paid by directors of Tasman Empire Airways, Messrs A. S. Rudder, W. H. Fysh and C. G. White, who were passengers in the flying-boat. Mr White also praised the part played by Colonel N. S. Falla in the negotiations. The passengers said the weather generally was very good, the trip being al an average altitude.of 5000 feet. The Aotearoa was extremely steady and comfortable and all the passengers had a feeling of the utmost security.