HOME AT LAST

Gisborne Times, Volume LXX, Issue 11128, 12 February 1930, Page 5

HOME AT LAST

RETURN, OF MR. F. c. I CHICHESTER.. '• ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME /TO NOTED AVIATOR. MAYOR’S ECLOCHES ON MAR VMUCOUS SOLO FLIGHT. (Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Fob. 11. A large crowd was gathered at ibo wharf to greet- Mr. F. C. Chi. choster on his arrival by the Maun, giiimi from Sydney. Ho was mot by tho Mayor and the president of the Wellington Aero Club, and a brief official welcome took place m a shed. His plane, which, was perched up amidships, was disembarked. ’This took considerable time, and formed the tail of a procession which proceeded through the principal streets to tho Town Hall, with Mr. Chichester, at the head. The route was thronged. At the Town [liall there wps a tumultuously enthusiastic gathering which had crowded the building out half an hour before the arrival of the airman. The Governor-General was represented by the Hon. W. 15. Taverner, and the Mayor road apologies from both . Sir Joseph Ward and tho Ft. lion. J. CL Contes. Sir Joseph Ward congratulated Mr. Chichester on the wonderful performance achieved by him, and extended a hearty welcome back. He hoped to have the pleasure of meeting him personally.

The •Mayor spoke of the marvellous solo llight. It was only 9 months ago that Mr. Chichester left on a visit to the Old Country. On arrival there he purchased his own ’piano, and after .‘>o hours' tuition toured the Continent. After return, in" to England ho left without previous ;a(nnonncement otic manning;, saving only: “Good-hye, boys, I’m off to Australia.” The Mayor emphasised the greatness of the flight hv n pilot of such short, experience Mi

Taverner, in the course of his remarks, alluded to- Mr. Chichester's interest in aviation prior \o gome lToirie. Hy his personal effort Mr. Chichester had laid a foundation enabling commercial and civil aviation to be proceeded, with in confidence. Mr. Chichester’s reply was very ft’cF. "fie regretted the mishaps of the trip, and said he hoped to have n chance of making the same t v 'P again and hoped to do hotter. TTc thanked them deeply for the wo ! - come.