HAWKER AND GRIEVE.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1919, Page 2

HAWKER AND GRIEVE.

AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE.

(Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.)

LONDON, May 28

The King invested Hawker and Grieve with the Air Force Cross. This is the first personal investiture. His Majesty received both airmen at Buckingham Palace. Immense crowds ovationed them in the streets. Subsequently the Queen and Prince of Wales received thorn.

ENTERTAINED IN LONDON.

LONDON, May 28.

Major Hawker .and Lieut. Grieve were entertained at a luncheon at tho Savoy Hotel. Mrs Hawker was the only woman present. General Seely presented the aviators with a cheque for £SOOO. He read greetings from General Trenchard, on behalf of tho 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 thought he would never leave. The weather on the British side of the Atlantic was reported good, and finally the conditions were such that, apart from the question of the prize, any man would make the attempt. Grieve explained the difficulties of obtaining their bearings from the stars and moon owing to clouds. The venture would be a valuable lesson for the benefit of future air navigators.

Mr. A. Eislier in toasting the chairman, pointed out that it was not tho men who failed, but the machine. If they had two engines next time they would succeed.

EAGER FOR SECOND ATTEMPT.

LONDON, May 27. Hawker, in an interview, said:—“l am willing and eager to attempt, the Atlantic flight again. It depends on the Sopwith Company. The flight can and will be accomplished very soon. We had bad luck. There is no physical strain. The machine and engine proved i perfect. The fault was that we took too many precautions. The machine had been idle for two months, and probably there was a- slight internal ! rusting which caused the choking. I j won’t have filters next time.” j Hawker said he could not understand . why anybody thought that they wero lost. There are as many ships in the Atlantic without wireless as with it. His chief anxiety was to get a message to his wife. The experience was valuable, especially in the matter of navigation.