Air Service
pp. 22-24 · Read in the full issue
For New Trans-Pacific
Harold Gatty Gathers Data in New Zealand
From Our New Zealand Correspondent AUCKLAND, April 2.
A STATEMENT that no definite indica tion could be given as to when Pan- American Airways’ trans-Pacific service between U.S.A. and New Zealand would be commenced, was made by Mr. Harold Gatty. famous aviator, when he reached Wellington by the Maunganui, on March 30, accompanied by other representatives of the company.
Mr. Gatty is still engaged in preliminary investigations, his main concern on the present visit being the provision of wire less and direction finding facilities and questions of weather forecasting. He said that since his last visit to New Zealand in 1935, he had made a tour of the Pacific Islands between Hawaii and Pago Pago which might be used as emergency bases.
The only one of immediate value was Kingman Reef, which should make an ideal stopping place.
The giant Clipper flying boats of Pan- American Airways will make survey flights over the whole route as soon as the preliminary investigations have been com pleted, Mr. Gatty said, but he could not give an indication of when the first flight would commence.
The agreement between the N.Z. Govern ment and P.A. Airways, which gives v the company certain rights to send flying boats to New Zealand for a stated period with out any adverse charges as against other concerns, provides that the service is to start on a commercial basis before the end of this year. If unforeseen difficulties arise, a year’s grace in the inauguration of commercial traffic will be allowed.
Mr. Gatty plans to spend a considerable time in New Zealand gathering data simi lar to that he has prepared among the Pacific Islands. He will also confer with the N.Z. Government about the new ser vice.
Rev. Brother Vincent, a pioneer Marist missionary in Fiji, died at Nailili on March 6, after 47 years’ service in the Colony.
Mr. W. Marston, of Melbourne, sailed for Ocean Island in March to take up a position with the British Phosphate Com mission. He will spend five years there.
Mr. Marston was prominent in Aus tralian athletic circles, being the Vic torian and Australian walking champion.
Mr. James Burns, chairman of direc tors of Messrs. Burns, Philp and Co. Ltd., sailed from Sydney for London by the Strathnaver on March 21. Mr. Burns was accompanied by Mrs. Burns, Miss Mar garet Burns, and Master James Burns.
They will be away for about a year.