AIR FLYING.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1927, Page 1

AIR FLYING.

LINDBERGH’S RECEPTION.

[Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, May 29. Nut since aviation began has such a gigantic crowd awaited an aviator as that which greeted Captain Lindbergh. the American, at Croydon. Between one hundred thousand and one hundred and fifty thousand people thronged the field.

Hundreds of police and special officials were present, hut were powerless. The barriers were broken down, first at one point and then at another. Once the entire force of police rushed the danger zone, placing other persons in order to preserve the harriers, and powerful motor cars were also used for the purpose.

Amidst this constant struggle and clamour, Captain Lindbergh arrived, hut he was forced to circle above the aerodrome time and again before landing. He was escorted by seven planes. When he was seen circling, then immediately the struggle with the police broke out anew. The barriers were trampled down, and the people madly rushed to the landing space. No sooner was a cordon re-formed than it was again broken.

Meantime the American’s monoplane had been circling gracefully, but it suddenly descended to a cleared space. Then there was an unrestrained rush to the machine, whereupon Captain Lindbergh rose again at an amazingly acute angle, and ho again circled the field, hut it was too dangerous to land.

The police, however, finally triumphed and Captain Lindberg landed gracefully.

In tlio mad rush of the crowd, women fainted and were trampled down, while Captain Lindbergh dared not leave the cockpit until a motor car had ploughed its way to him. The Captain’s first words Were: “For God’s sake save tlio machine.” He was hauled into the car, which then crawled its way to the reception room, which tlio airman reached in a state of collapse.

The police then returned to rescue Sir Samuel Hoarc (Air Minister) and the American Ambassador who were helpless in tlio centre of the crowd, which demanded that Captain Lindbergh should show himself on the balcony, the crowd promising not to mob him.

Captain Lindbergh then appeared on the balcony, and megaphoned his thanks for this tremendous reception. The journey of Captain Lindbergh to London was typical of the man. He flew- as low as twenty feet, now and again swooping and causing considerable uneasiness to the passing shipping. Then, instead of following the recognised route, ho came up the Thames Valley, taking London completely by surprise. The machine was slightly damaged by the crowd pressing against it. The escorting planes were unable to land at Croydon, and one which had exhausted its petrol was forced to land some miles away.

An hour before Captain Lindbergh arrived a plane carrying four passengers crashed from a height of sixty feet. Two of tlio passengers were sightly injured.

A RUSE THAT AVORKED. LONDON May 30. On Captain Lindbergh’s arrival the officials made plea after plea at Croydon without success to get him through the crowd. Finally an amusing ruse was adopted. A megaphone announced to the crowd: “AYte have got a badly injured woman here. Let us get a motor-car through V The crowd opened up a narrow lane and the cheering was hushed as the car passed hut the supposed woman on the floor of the car was really Captain Lindbergh who thus was able to reach the American Embassy for dinner. LONDON. May 29. Fifty people, including a number of girls, were precipitated through the collapsing roof of a shed at Captain Lindbergh’s reception. Six were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. There were no serious casualties in the crowd, though many had to be treated for fainlings and heart attacks.

AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT. LONDON, May 30. The Daily Telegraph’s aviation expert states that only four Southampton machines will start on the Empire flight in October. Two others will act as reserves and will remain at Singn-

Tlie flight will lie tlio biggest ever undertaken by any Air Sendee. The Southampton flying boats will set out from England for Singapore, under command of AA'ing Commander T. A'. Cave-Tirown-Cavc. The Southamptons have metal hulls and Napier engines. They have a crew of five or six each. The Southamptons will circuit India and Australia, and finally he stationed at Singapore permanently.

Tlie tour includes the AA’est Coast of France, Italy, Malta, Egypt, Baghdad, Karachi, Ceylon, Calcutta, and Singapore; thence to Port Darwin and around Australia by the north-west, west, and south-east coasts, and back to Port Darwin and Singapore. Official receptions and demonstrations will he given at the ports of call.

DE PIXEDO ARRIA’ES. NEAV YORK, May 30. Following a week of conflicting reports it is now definitely established that De Pinedo with his seaplane and crew arrived at Horta Island, Fayal, Azores, in the Italian steamer Supergo, which has been assisting the aviator since ALay 24th and towed the plane, winds and waves combining to delay the arrival. Do Pinedo, interviewed, stated he encountered thick fog and strong headwinds immediately after he left Trepassev and these finally necessitated his alighting on the water near tlie fishing schooner Infante Sagres. He had sufficient petrol to continue the flight if the weather improved, hut as a headwind continued he agreed to be towed. A large crowd greeted him on arrival. He declared he would resume bis flight but must await a mechanic and extra parts from Italy.