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Hokitika Guardian, 21 July 1926, Page 2

The long flight of the intrepid airman, Mr Cohham, directs attention once again to the achievements in flying. But long distance (lying is quite the vogue of late. Indeed, it is becoming quite a common event in the Northern Hemisphere in particular. Recently quite a number of airmen belonging to various nationalities, made various essays. and the astonishing success in passing from continent to' continent, to say nothing of the remarkable flights in the North Pole region, was a surprise to all the world. The various achievements were a revelation, and with all the advance made, it is surprising that the gap lietween Australia and New Zealand lias not been covered by aeroplane or seaplane. Some long distance flying has been done over the Australian continent, but about New Zealand the greatest feat achieved has been the traversing of the two Islands. The success in the Northern Hemisphere points to flying as a very practical means in the near future for passenger transport over longer distances than are now practiced. It is little more than a score of years since flying was first attempted. It was thought to he a great achievement when the English Channel was crossed in the air. The war period tended to develop flying more rapidly than any other circumstance, and from the experience gained the crossing of the Atlantic was next attempted. That was something of a lucky experiment, hut since then many far distant aerial trips have been made, and Mr Cohham is not the pioneer of the light- from Britain to Australia. It is regrettable that New Zealand should he lagging so far behind. hut the time cannot he far distant now when airmen will take up the task and accomplish the trip from Australia. It an achievement awaiting some intrepid flying man.

The A'll Blacks maintained their supremacy over New South Wales yesterday and retained the ashes of Rugby football once again. Yesterday’s game was the third of the series, the New Zealanders winning two and losing one. The first game seemed to he lost by want of condition. In that match the All Black forwards were indifferent, hut in the subsequent games asserted their superiority beyond question. The play all through seems to have been of a high order indicating that New Soth Wales is much improved in the art of Rugby. In Ross the Australians a open r to have a wonderful full back who could hardly make a mistake. It is noteworthy in that respect that New Zealand on this tour was without the services of Nepia, the

wonder back of the British tour. One feature of the tour was the weakness in place-kicking. Both teams had great opportunities with free kicks to place gaols, but in the majority of eases the penalties were not registered. All the games were contested in a fine sporting spirit, so that in addition to being good footballers the New Zealanders can rank as good sportsmen, the highest credit of all. New Zealand excels certainly in football, and it is interesting to recall that the present victorious team before departing for Sydney was defeated hy a New Zealand team selected to represent the rest of the Dominion. The country may thus claim that football is its especial forte in Abe sporting arena and the game has done much to bring great credit and renown to New Zealand. It is worthy of note that groat interest inside and outside of the Do.minion is manifested in these tours so that the fame of the country has gone far and wide. The present touring team is to he congratulated on winning the rubber so handsomely and giving added credit to the Dominion in the playing field where its honours aheaciy are so great. i