PIONEER OF THE AIR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 9, Issue 15, 16 October 1945, Page 2

PIONEER OF THE AIR

SIR CHARLES KINGSFORD SMITH

AUSTRALIAN FILM IN PRODUCTION Probably the most gracious tribute paid lo the memory of the late Sir Charles Kingsford Smith was accorded by Australia's premier statesman the lit. Hon. William Morris Hughes, who has re-enacted I'or the Australian film production based on the life of the great llyer, the important part lie personally played in shaping the destiny ol' Sir Charles- Kingsford Smith. Mr Hughes is seen in several important. sequences which recalled many memories ol his historic association with "Smithy." ! Interviewed at the Cinesound J Studios Mr Hughes said: "1 was priI vileged to claim the personal I'riendt ship of the late Sir Charles Kings, lord Smith, and nobody mourned his untimely passing more than I. He excited my admiration as he did the world's, by being the original pathfinder of the airways. the value, of whose flights were never more fully appreciated than during the recent world conflict. "My personal appearance in this Australian film based on the. life of i the late Sir Charles Kingsford Smith is my personal tribute to a friendship, and to a man whose very .spirit will forever be in the hearts of all Australians." Equally familiar to New Zealandcrs, Sir Charles Kingsford Smith made for himself a place in the hearts, of everyone on this side of the Tasman as well as in Australia. He had many friends in the Dominion and his Southern Cross was a familiar sight in New Zealand fUies. Many residents of ' Whakatane will remember him from the occasion some 11 years ago when he landed at Ohope Beach, and using it as a base, made a series, of trips over Whale and White Island. The new film, concerning Kingsford Smith which is at present being produced w T ill no doubt when it is released and screened in New Zealand theatres, bring back poignant memories to many New Zealanders, who were personal friends of "Smithy."