HINKLER COMES HOME

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 128, 28 February 1928, Page 9

HINKLER COMES HOME

TUMULTUOUSLY RECEIVED BY TWENTY THOUSAND PEOPLE SCENES OF WILD EXCITEMENT “MIGHTY GLAD TO BE BACK AGAIN IN BUNDABERG” By Telegraph.—Press Association.— Copyright. (Rec. February 27, 10.50 p.m.) Brisbane, February 27. Hinkler ended his long flight at four o’clock this afternoon. The last hop from Longreach to Bundaberg was made against a strong head wind. Business was practically at a standstill in Bundaberg after noon, people gathering on the recreation ground to await the airman’s arrival. Twenty thousand watched him make a perfect landing after hs had circled the town. The crowd became wild with excitement, cheered themselves hoarse, and broke through the cordon of police and special guards placed to keep the landing space clear. They hoisted the flier shoulder high and carried him to the official landing stage, and one woman snatched a kissThe Mayor welcomed Hinkler on behalf of the people of Bundaberg. Replying to the congratulations, Hinkler, in a short speech said he was too overcome to say much, but he was mighty glad to b« back again in Bundaberg. Hinkler’s mother and sisters watched his arrival. BROADCAST DESCRIPTION OF RECEPTION HEARD AT WELLINGTON

The arrival of Hinkler at his home town, Bundaberg, Queensland, last evening, was broadcast by all the principal Australian stations, througn the Queensland Government station, 4QG, which had a land-line from the recreation ground, Bundaberg, to Brisbane. A microphone was placed in a position of vantage on the recreation ground, and the announcer’s voice was carried by land-line to 4QG, Brisbane. Air, F. W. Seilens, of Northland, tuned in the Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia), Limited, Sydney, shortwave station, 2MB, 28.5 metres, shortly before 6.-10 o’clock last evening, New Zealand time, and received with loudspeaker volume a description of Hinkler’s arrival at Bundaberg, spoken from the recreation ground. Airman Sighted. At 6.40 o’clock, New Zealand time, Mr. Seilens could hear the shouting and cheering of the crowd as Hinkler appeared in the clouds at a tremendous height, estimated to be about 3000 feet. At 6.45 o’clock the announcer said that Hinkler was circling over the town and recreation ground, and then made a beautiful landing. The announcer remarked, “The crowd have rushed him—and are now carrying him shoulderhigh. A bag-pipe band has struck up ‘See the Conquering Hero Comes.’ The massed brass bands have now struck up ‘See the Conquering Hero Comes’!” When the music ceased loud cries could be heard “Home at Last.” The Official Greeting. At 6.57, New Zealand time, Hinkler appeared on a platform and was greet-

’ed by the official party. The Mayor of Bundaberg, in a most enthusiastic speech, welcomed and congratulated tire Airman. Colonel Brinsmead next spoke, followed by the Hon. Mr. McCormack, Premier of Queensland, who presented Hinkler with a cheque for £5OO on behalf of the Queensland Government. Other speakers were Air. Barker, M.L.A., and the secretary of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. Hinkler, who was accompanied by his mother and sisters, received a tumultous reception when he stepped forward to reply. He could be heard saying that he was quite overcome by the overwhelming reception, and that he was glad to be home again. Several hundreds of thousands of people in Australia heard all that took place at the Bundaberg recreation ground, as each State had its broadcast station linked up with 4QG, Brisbane, which broadcast perfectly. Station 2YA, Wellington, made a persistent but not altogether successful attempt to rebroadcast 2AIE, Sydney. The short-wave receiving set was located in Wadestown, but apparently the local conditions were unfavourable last evening. PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM THE KING , Rugby, February 26. The King has sent a personal message of congratulation to Hinkler through Lord Stonehaven, GovernorGeneral of Australia.—British Official Wireless.