THE FLYING PREMIER.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1917, Page 2

THE FLYING PREMIER.

Mr Massey in the Air. (From. Captaia Malcolm Rosa, Official Correspondent with the New Z-in-land Forces in the Field).

After Mr Massey and Sir Jceeph Ward had completed their tour of the trenches on the Somme Front, the cars whisked oil by devious ways through the beautiful uplands to the headquarters of the now famous Royal Fijirg Corps. Of all that was seen there it ia not advisable to give details. We arrived at the vast aerodrome, and aa the Doise of our cars ceased we heard similar noises overhead. Looking up wa saw machines in great uuiabara flying hither and thither, banking gracefully or coming to Barth again with easy, bird-like motion. Oa the level grass lands just behind the huge repair shop and the great hangars a biplane came down from the sky, and, with whirring propeller, skimmed along the ground till it carna to rest beside U 3. Out of this machine stepped a cleanshaven keen-faced General. Divesting himself of bis leather coat and ekuil cap, and his muffler, he haudad them to the Prime Minister cf New Zealand who quickly donned them and took hiß place in the seat just vacated. An attendant set the propeller in motion again, and m less time than it takes to write it the Premier was in the air and flying swiftly beyond the aerodrome. Red-faced with the keen wind of fast movement he came to earth again pleased with hia novol experience. The flying men declare that he was a real “ sport.” During the flight fie bad heard the pilot Bhnuting to him, but had not heard what he was saying. On returning to mother earth he a- kad him what it was all about, “ Oh,” replied the pilot, “ I was only directing your attention to the fact that I was flying with my hands off the controls.” The Prime Minister of New Zealand like the rest of us, will now take off bis bat to the Royal Fying Corps.