Suva Call

Fiji Included in PAA Trans-Pacific Service

From Our Own Correspondent SUVA, Sept. 1.

PERHAPS the most interesting devel opment in Suva lately is the appar ently close approach of the date when Pan American Airways’ Clippers will call here.

The new schedule is expected to be inaugurated on October 18, from San Francisco.

Not very much progress has been made with the actual airport construction; but it is understood that, in the initial stages of the service, the Clippers will moor to a barge in Laucala Bay, at the back of Suva, and passengers will be carried to the town by launch. The rea son for choosing Laucala Bay as the landing-ground is that better visibility can be expected there than in Suva Harbour itself.

Eventually, an embankment and a wharf-head will have to be made, but this may be an expensive and a long task, because the shallows extend so far that the wharf-head would have to be a long way offshore.

However, the main thing is to get the service started; and, Mr. Harold Gatty, Auckland manager of PAA, has been spending several weeks here completing all arrangements.

The Suva call, both ways, will be made between Canton Island and Noumea; and, as far as is known, the Clippers will remain overnight at Suva.

The southwards schedule then will be Honolulu to Canton Island, first day; Canton Island to Suva, second day; Suva to Noumea, third day; and Noumea to Auckland, fourth day.

It is reported from NZ that PAA, is seeking Washington’s authority to use Palmyra Island (between Honolulu and Canton Is.) as a re-fuelling base.