CROWDS AT IHUMATAO.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 222, 19 September 1928, Page 10

CROWDS AT IHUMATAO.

ORDERLY ASSEMBLY *OF TRAFFIC. TENSION OP WAITWG THOUSANDS. Preparation for the reception ©f the flyers at the aerodrome was orderly although it was obvious tliat the crord which gradually tiiickeued to between four and live thousand was in a state of suppressed excitement. There was an absence of traffic complications so con Bpicuous during yesterday's rehearsal* and both the assembly and dispersal of cars from the parking ground was excel lently handled by the traffic officers. It was evident that motorists had profited by their experiences yesterday, and those who made the pilgrimage to the picturesque landing ground overlooking the Manukau that sparkled in the brilliant sunlight, as early as 7.30 o'clock, parked in regular fashion an their own accord. The monotony of waiting was relieved by the arrival of various military officials, local body dignitaries, parties of police to ensure that there was no breaking through of the cordon, the toning up of Mr. Douglas Mifi's Moth, and the taking off of the trim little plane to pick up the Tasman conquerors at Waikato Heads. Periodically eyes were turned skyward, and then four merest specks, silhouetted against the azure blue of an almost cloudless sfcy, were picked up to the south by the crowd almost simultaneously. -Look/' was the-popular cry that was raised as everyone rushed for vantage points on cars, lorries, fences and even ou scattered bales of etanr Then, "There they are." Everyone vat pointing into the blue empyrean, and the instructions changed to thrilled exclamations of admiration as the specks grew larger as the piaucs drew near to their destination. Flying what appeared to be in perfect line, although at varying altitude?, the planes assumed defiuite proportions, and glinted in the sunshine as they came overhead with a roar. The crowd was delirious with delight' wheu Kingsford Smith looped the loop to give them an extra thrill. Boosing cheers, the fluttering of handkerchiefs and flags expressed their approval of the display. But their enthusiasm knew no bounds when the planes taxied into position. Cries of "Good Old Smithy," as Squadron-Leader Kinggford Smith was popularly dubbed, were paled into insignificance by the general warmth of the welcome given the ttyere "Smithy" was the centre of attMetinn! and the smile that he flashed atthe spectators, rivalled that of. the chanains Duchess, and immediately captured thS hearts of all. * m