H. —40a.

at present. We are fully aware of the importance of Wellington as the capital city and the focal-point of all business interests in the Dominion, but we cannot take the responsibility of allowing Wellington to be a. regular port of call under present conditions. The personal safety of travellers is involved, and, in view of the distance from other landing-grounds, we feel it would be wrong for us to allow pilots to take the risk of landing at Wellington without certain restrictions. We realize the importance of this decision, but we realize also our duty in the matter. With passengers for Wellington on board, or with passengers to pick up, the temptation would be strong to land under dangerous conditions. Ihe aerodrome at Rongotai may be as good as some witnesses say, or it may be capable of improvement, but in addition to it—or in substitution for it—there must be a landing-ground provided at some other place more remote from the dangerous climatic conditions which prevail in Wellington. Such a ground should be sought and prepared for the service. We are informed that Porirua would probably not be satisfactory, but it may be possible to obtain one at Paekakariki. Until such a ground is available, at least for emergency landings, we cannot allow a regular call at Wellington. When the company is formed, we may be able to frame suitable provisions to cover the case meanwhile. We refer to the fact that even at Croydon, where all the latest appliances are in use, it appears it is frequently impossible to land, and an emergency ground is used. Finally, we mention again the third applicant, N.Z. Airways; Ltd. This company has already done some flying, especially in the south, and is entitled to consideration in other directions. It applied for a 'license to cover certain auxiliary routes, as well as for the main service, and for a license for a taxi-service also. We adjourn the application as regards these other routes and the taxi service to enable the company to lodge an amended application for any service that may now be open for it.

Approximate. Cost of Paper—Preparation, not given ; printing (960 copies), £35.

By Authority: G. 11. Loney, Government Printer, Wellington.—l93s.

Price 9d.~]

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