Auckland Route

Preparing the Honolulu- Auckland Route

The coastguard cutter Ithasca left Hono lulu on January 9, taking relief personnel to the aerological observation stations at Baker, Jarvis and Howland Islands. These stations have been established by Pan- American Airways as the first step in the organisation of their new airmail service between Honolulu and Auckland.

The cutter is under the direction of Mr.

W. T. Miller, who is chief of air navigation in the United States Department of Com merce. There are aboard nine Hawaiian youths, who will replace the present per sonnel on the islands. Lieutenant E. W.

Stephens, a naval aerologist, is also on board. He will study the islands and make observations.

The Ithasca will probably visit Kingman Reef (American Samoa) to enable Mr.

Miller.to determine the value of the islands thereabouts for beacon stations on the pro posed air route between Hawaii and New Zealand.