"A REAL BUNCH."

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

"A REAL BUNCH."

TRAVELLERS PAY TRIBUTE. BOUSING WELCOME AT CLUB. On a wave of cheering the airmen entered the Commercial Travellers' Club at 1 o'clock to receive an enthusiastic welcome from the president (Mr. W. H. Prentis) and an eager crowd of about 300 club members. On arrival the visitors signed the guests' book and were made honorary members of the club. They were then taken to the large hall upstairs, where the president, in happy vein, gave the toast of the occasion, the health of the Tasman flyers, coupled with the names of Major Isitt, Captain Findlay, and Captain Buckley. The toast was received with cheers and musical honours. To the note of admiration for the achievement of the flyers was added one of good-natured banter, and before the proceedings were far advanced each of the intrepid quartet was being hailed by his popular "name. Sounding a, serious note, SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith asked the commercial travellers of New Zealand to take a keen interest in the progress of flying, and suggested that no members of the community would benefit more in the matter of rapid transit by air. "You have an efficient air force to show you how to fly," he said, "so get into the air and help others also to become airminded." (Cheers.) Flight-Lieutenant Ulni endorsed this advice, and joined with his co-commander in returning thanks for the wonderful welcome accorded to their party. Messrs. Litchfield and McWilliam also expressed their thanks, and each was cheered to the echo. Major Isitt paid tribute to the great achievement of the Southern Cross both in crossing the Pacific and the Tasman. The Mayor (Mr. George Baildon) also spoke briefly. "I have had tho honour of acting on behalf of the Government in escorting many visitors around New Zealand," said Mr Ardell (of the Internal Affairs. Department), "but this is the first time I have had what I call a 'real bunch. . Individually and collectively these men are the finest and most mbdest bunch that could be found in any part of the wwld." (Cheers.) As the airmen left by motor car for 1 luncheon at the Grand Hotel they were cheered by a large waiting crowd.