Trans-Pacific by Skymaster
p. 29 · Read in the full issue
Skymaster In Thirty-nine Hours
Suva, Feb. 10.
FIJI saw its first Skymaster ’plane on February 8, when the first of four machines ordered by Australian National Airways, Ltd., landed at Nadi aerodrome, 28 hours (flying-time) out from San Francisco.
The ’plane left again early on Feb ruary 9, non-stop to Melbourne—the first time this long hop has been attempted.
It is reported that the four Skymasters, on order by ANA, are for a trans-Pacific service which the company has offered to run between Sydney and San Fran
cisco. The proposed passenger fare is £l5O Australian between Sydney and San Francisco and £lO5 between Sydney and Honolulu. This is a reduction on pre war fares charged by PAA.
EDITORIAL NOTE: The four Sky masters were ordered from America by ANA for their services between Austra lian capital cities and not for a trans pacific service. The first Skymaster (which arrived in Melbourne 11 hours after its take-off from Nadi) has already had its trial run from Melbourne to Perth. However, about two months ago, when it became evident that Pan- American were making plans for resum ing their service, with a terminus in Sydney instead of Auckland as pre-war, ANA did make an offer to the Common wealth Government. They undertook to operate, with their Skymaster ’planes, an air-service between Sydney and San Francisco, either permanently or until the Dominion and British Governments had got around to agreeing on a Pacific air programme. The Commonwealth Government did not take up the offer.
Interstate airways in Australia are in the process of being nationalised and if this move.should weather an appeal to the High Court, then the new Skymasters will be grabbed by the Commonwealth’s Socialist Government, along with all other airways assets.
The Rev. R. T. Campbell-Williamson has been chosen as a missionary for the Presbyterian Overseas Mission in the New Hebrides.
Mr. D. P. Parry, formerly chief clerk of the Union Steamship Company in Suva, recently was appointed assistant manager of the Wellington Branch of the company.