N.G. Aviation

Keen Competition in Goldfields Services

A L.THOUGH there have been no not able developments during the month in connection with the proposed merger of aviation transport interests in New Guinea, it has been reported that the aviation interests there have virtually formed themselves into two groups—one representing Guinea Airways Ltd.— Holden’s Air Transport Services Ltd. in terests, and the other, headed by Car penter Airways, the remainder of the aviation companies carrying on the gold fields services.

It is reported that there have been sub stantial concessions made in connection with freight and passenger rates and that competition is keen. A correspondent in Wau says: “Many consignees of goods, when ordering, stipulate freighting to Wau by a particular company, and although the packages as a rule bear the name of the company, in many cases it is disregarded by rival concerns whose pilots seem to have been instructed to carry everything they can lay their hands on. Recently goods carried to Wau by other companies than that authorised, have been refused.

The practice is chiefly confined to freezer goods.”

G.A’S Passenger Insurance

Policy

Another indication of the keen competi tion in New Guinea aviation circles is the new passenger insurance policy offered by Guinea Airways Ltd. which gives pas sengers in possession of a signed flight ticket the following assurance and cover age:— “Our modern and up-to-date workshops at Lae, a staff of high-grade mechanics, and up-to-date aircraft are a sound foundation on which a good Insurance Policy can be built,” stated a circular re cently issued by the Company. “In addi tion, all passengers flying with this Com pany have been insured, and we are now pleased to inform you that under our new Passenger Insurance Policy your interests are adequately protected.

“We have been successful in obtaining the following excellent Passenger Insur ance Policy and that every passenger in possession of a signed Flight Ticket is covered under this Policy free of charge.

"Death or permanent total disablement .. £750 “Permanent partial dis ablement £375 “Temporary total dis ablement (limited to 52 weeks) £6 per week "Temporary partial dis ablement £3 per week "Travelling expenses to hospital up to £2O “Medical and Hospital Fees up to £3O “Additional cover can be arranged at small additional cost, if passengers so desire.”

Mendham Service For Sale

The following appeared in the Sydney Daily Telegraph on August 26; Mr. George Mendham has decided to give up flying in New Guinea. Up there he was known, wholly without justifica tion. as “Crashem and Mendham,” be cause he collected a couple of nasty crashes, although there was 200,000 miles of trouble-free flying in between. But he

always managed to mend ’em—and him self.

Now he has decided to give up his avia tion interests and to sell his ’planes. But that will not prevent him starting up an other aviation business in Australia. He has acquired Mr. de Kantzow’s autogyro on lease, and is now hovering about in that craft.