AIR IMPRESSIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 222, 19 September 1928, Page 11

AIR IMPRESSIONS.

LEADERS INTERVIEWED. COMMERCIAL POSSIBILITIES.! IRIBUTE TO N.Z. AIR FORCE. AUCKLAND BEST FLYING GROUND. '•Black or white?" asked the waitress as she was preparing the coffee for the airmen in their sitting room at the Grand Hotel while a "Star" representative was getting air impressions from Squadron-Leader Kingsfdld Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Ulm. When the "Star 1, representative was introduced to Kingsford Smith by Mr. Ardell, of tho Internal Affaire Department, and stated his mission, he turned and called, ♦'Come here, Charlie, and help me with the Press." The outstanding point noted during the interview was the alertness of the co-leaders of the transtasman expedition. In their bearing and in their answers they showed smartness to an extreme degree. Their replies to leading questions came sharp and clear and without a moment's hesitation. They showed a deflniteness of ideas that was a joy to tho interviewer. Their quickness of wit impressed, and one came to understand in a few momenta' conversation why these men had been so successful. It is their readiness to meet •very situation as it arises. Hawera-Auckland Hop. When Kingsford Smith was asked what sort of a trip they had as far as Hawera, ho said: "Very cloudy for the first part, but quite clear the last 50 miles. We made good time. We could not posefbly have come on to Auckland yesterday, as tho weather was against us, and tho journey would have occupied at least three hours, while our petrol supply was only sufficient for two and a-half hours. It was blowing hard at Hawera. It was a very strong half-gale, the wind being right in our teeth. "As far as this morning was concerned," continued the airman, "we had a good trip, but we had to get below the clouds for 100 miles or more* soon after wo started. Our flying time was two hoars five minutes, and we averaged close- on 90 miles an hour. We had on landing sufficient petrol in our tanks jor another 50 or (JO miles." Commercial Flying. In reply to a question regarding commercial flying in New Zealand, both Kingaford Smith and Ulm came into the scene, and their replies were in the nature of a duet. They spoke very rapidly, but during the questioning showed an accuracy ' of answer. For instance, when asked how New Zealand compared with other countries, Mr. Ulm answered; "We.have not been in every country in the world, so cannot make a comparison." "Wo ere surprised, ,, said Mr. Smith, "that you are not further advanced in New Zealand. ,, He went on to say that Wellington City Council had taken up the question of commercial flying, and were establishing a municipal aerodrome, and he commended the scheme to Auckland. Mr. Ulm interjected that municipal aerodromes were a common feature of American aviation, and he believed that every city in the world should be so equipped, as flying was beyond the experimental stage, and had become a commercial proposition in other countries. The, site selected by the Wellington City Council was a good one, and a. large expenditure had been authorised. Auckland Landing Grounds. . - "As far as Auckland ia concerned, ,, eaid the squadron-leader, "of course we have not had an opportunity to see the district, but if we have time we are going to have a look round for landing grounds, and there should undoubtedly be plenty." Asked what they thought of Auckland as flying country, both airmen said that from the time they picked up the Waikato River they came over the best flying country they had yet seen in New Zealand. "It beats Chrietchurch, what we hare seen of it," they remarked in unison. » Questioned about the mountainous nature of the Dominion and its effect on flying, Kingefoad Smith said the flying conditions would undoubtedly be rougher, and there would be more "seasickness" here, but the conditions were not such as to prevent regular services being established. Their mission was to help as far as possible In the establishment of commercial services. Air Force Praised. While emphasising the inactivity of New Zealand as far as commercial flying is concerned, Kingsford Smith paid a xery high tribute to the efficiency of the New Zealand Air Force, and made special mention of Major Wilkes and Captains Findlay and Buckley. "I have pleasure in speaking of the efficiency of the equipment," said the squadron-leader. "They have capably organised their small force, which is 100 per cent efficient. I would like to refer to the air officers we have met in this country as our personal friends." In referring to their landing at Ihu"matao aerodrome, Kingsford Smith praised the arrangements and complimented the public upon their orderliness, and in passing remarked that the Blenheim landing ground was the finest they had seen in New Zealand. Tumultuous Receptions. "Tumultuous," said Kingsford Smith, •when asked what he thought of the welcomes extended to him and his companions in New Zealand. "We have been surprised at the wfcrmth of the receptions tendered to us by all classes of the community, and we would like to convey our appreciation to the people of New Zealand." TO-DAY'S FUNCTIONS. The Tasman flyers will not have much time for themselves to-day, a full programme having been arranged in their .honour. After the civic reception at the Town Hall the party was present at the Auckland Commercial Travellers' Club from 12.45 a.m. to 1.10 p.m. Lunch was taken at the Grand Hotel at 1.15. At 4 p.m. the party is due. at the Point ( hevalier School for a children's function, while between 5 and 5.30 p.m. they will attend the Officers' Club for a reception. At 5.30 another reception will be accorded them at the Auckland Club, and at 6.30 p.m. the airmen will be present at the Aero Club's official dinner at the Grand. Afterwards they will go to a cabaret party at DisMaai.