THE UNSUCCESSFUL FLY.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1919, Page 2

THE UNSUCCESSFUL FLY.

THE AIRMEN LAND. . WELCOME AT THURSO. (Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, May 26. The Provost of Thurso welcomed Hawker and Grieve on their arrival there. The Provost said that throughout Britain and in every land, the news of their safe deliverance was ringing, and hearts were rejoicing. Though they failed in their gallant purpose, they had achieved great things. Their names

would live for ever in the annals of the Atlantic flight. They had brought new lustre to the daring, endurance and intrepidity of the race. At the spot Lord Kitchener bade farewell to his country, it was now a welcoming point for two other brave sons of the Empire. Major Hawker replied: “I thank you for your kind greetings.”

ONLY ONE INTERVIEW. LONDON, May 26. Major Hawker refused to be ’nter_ viewed, making an exception in the case of one newspaper. I STORY OF THE FLIGHT. LONDON, May 26. The London newspapers publish Major Hawker’s account of the Atlantic flight. It is a straightforward story. The trip was destitute of incident or excitement apart from the engine trouble already described which necessitated the abandonment of the attempt to , reach Ireland. The trouble made the aviators’ turn, in to strike the route which Atlantic vessels frequent. | Provst. Mackay states that the descent was finally made close to the Danish ship [Marie, which sighted the aeroplane. The descent was made a thousand miles from the starting point.

The rescue by the Danish steamer was a perilous affair, owing to a high sea running, but it happily was accomplished after ninety minutes work.

This was the only time the aviators were in any real danger.

The aviators now feel particularly fit, and are in the pink of condition, and highest spirits, anticipating London’s welcome to-night.

MESSAGE FROM ROYALTIES

LONDON, May 26.

King George, in a message to Mrs ■Hawker, says: “I rejoice with you, at your gallant husband’s happy rescue, and I trust he may be long spared to you.”

! Queen Alexandra has sent the following message: “With all my heart I wish you and the nation joy on the safe.ty of. your gallant husband and his companion. I rejoice that it was a ; Danish ship that rescued his precious life.” i WORLD-WIDE REJOICING. A flood of other messages have been received from all parts of the world. ■ The jubilation in Paris exceeds anything witnessed since the armistice. i : WELCOME TO HAWKER. AN ELABORATE RECEPTION. LONDON, May 26. Elaborate arrangements have been made for a reception and welcome to . London when the aviators Hawker and j Grieve arrive. There will bo a great ; welcome at King’s Cross Station by 1 the Mayor and Council of St Pancras. This will be followed by a procession : to the Aero Club, with an escort com- ' posed of many members. A complimentary luncheon will be ! tendered to Hawker and Grieve later ' in the week and on Saturday a fete will be held at Hendon Aerodrome, at which a welcome from ten thousand of the Sopwith aeroplane firm’s employees will take place.

BY HAWKER AND GRIEVE DETAILS OF JOURNEY. (United Service Telegrams).

! (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) | LONDON, May 26. | Hawker interviewed by the “Daily Mail,” said after passing over the New foundlaud fogs, there was a clear sky for four hours and then the visibility became very bad owing to heavy cloud \ banks. Eventually they flew into a : heavy storm with rain squalls, though they were above the clouds, at about fifteen thousand feet altitude. About five and a half hours after the start, owing to the choking of the filter, the temperature of the water cooling tho engines arose. They overcame the difficulty by descending several thousand feet. Everything went well for another few hours, when the circulation pipe, became choked, and the water boiled. Ho realised that they could not rise, witli- ! out using a lot of motor power. After 12) hours they realised they could i not proceed as they were using up power. Then was reached tlie fateful de_ cision to play for safety. They changed their course and began to fly diagon. ally towards the main shipping route, and 2) hours later they sighted a steam, er and sent up distress signals, which were answered promptly. They flew another two miles and landed ahead of the steamer. Tlite sea was exceedingly rough and despite the utmost efforts of the Danish crew, ninety minutes elapsed before they got aboard. At great risk to themselves, the seamen launched a small boat in a heavy gale Tbe machine is probably still afloat Wo had been 14) hours out at 8.30. in tho morning. Grieve states a strong gale drove us steadily northwards. Sometimes it was impossible, owing to be pressure of the masses of clouds to take our bear-, ings. We were two hundred miles off the course and had covered one thousand miles, when we decided to seek a ship.