HONOURING THE AIR HEROES

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 210, 30 May 1919, Page 5

HONOURING THE AIR HEROES

HAWKER AND, GRIEVE ENTERTAINED ROYAL INVESTITURE By 'feleffraph-Prcßß ABsociatlon-Oopyrijlit. (liee. May 29, 8.35 p.m.) London, May '28. Hawker and Grieve were entertained ut luncheon at the Savoy Hotel. Mrs, Hawker was the only woman present. General Seely presented the aviators with a cheque 'for .£SOOO, and read greetings from General Trenehard on behalf of the .Air Force. It is noteworthy that the King disregarded red tape and took the earliest opportunity of decorating the aviators. Hawker, responding to the toast of his health, said he had waited impatiently until the people of Newfoundland believed he would never leave. The weather on the British side of the Atlantic was reported to be good, and finallv the conditions were such that, apart'from the question of prize, any man would make the attempt. Grieve explained the difficulties of obtaining bearings of the stars and moon owing to the clouds. The venture would be a valuable lesson for the benefit of future air navigators. .Mr. Fisher (Australian High Commissioner), in toasting the chairman, pointed out that it was not the men who failed. It was the machine. If they hud two engines next time they would succeed.— Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.

INVESTITURE AT BUCKINGHAM. (Rec. May 29, 0.10 p.m.) London, May 26. The King invested Hawker and Grieve with the Air Force Cross. This was the first personal investiture, His Majesty receiving tho airmen at. Buckingham Palace. Immense crowds gave them an ovation in the streets. Subsequently t' lß Queen and the Prince of AVales received them.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA.', (Rec. May 29, 9.40 • p.m.) London, May 28. Hinkler will make an unaccompanied flight to Australia. He expects to start in n few days; otherwise the monsoons will cause a postponement for three months. His preparations are completed. He awaits tho Aero Club's appointment of an official starter at Houuslow Aerodrome, and also an 'examiner at Singanore, where the machine will be checked. 'The machine carries 57J gallons of petrol, sufficient for ten hours'' cruising at a speed of ninety miles an' hour.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.