Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 11 June 1928, Page 2

Tim iligbt of the birdmen from tlie I’ll ited .States to Australia in three hops via Honolulu and Suva was accomplished safely on Saturday to the great delight of the many thousands who had followed the “Southern Cross” on her record by distance sea trip. Tho stages have been aptly described ns “hops,” which is in keeping with the fact that tho principal actors and leaders of tho feat are Australians, and the hop fits in exactly with the kangaroo, the typical animal of Australia. Tn this great flight- they lur’ a long and anxious time aloft. The middle stage was the most perilous, but tlie last stage proved the most dangerous owing to the severity of the -storm experienced'. Although the cabled news gave much detail of the earlier stages of the flight, the last stage of the aerial journey was brought nearer to us by reason of the fact that the description was told directly over the air by the enterprising broadcasting stations of Australia. Throughout the night of the journey to Brisbane, 215. L. station of Sydney was “on the air,” and a resourceful announcer told his story with interesting connection, and made the passage of engrossing interest to all listencrs-in. In Australia where they would be many thousands of wireless sets working overtime, there must linve lieen many more thousands of people listening to the story of the (light. It was a rare occasion turned to wonderful advantage, and indicated what value applied wireless was to the happenings of life. The broadcasting announcer di: not miss a point- and his stow lievoi became tiresome. The feature of the last stage was the masterly handlii: of the aeroplane in the great slorn area through which tho aviators passed. It was a great ordeal and a most exacting test. It speaks well for the well found nature of the ex|x‘dition that in this, the- greatest obstacle to success, the machine and its mechanics came- through triumphantly. The value of the experiene gained wil prove of great value to aviation, for it was a test which might in a less prepared expedition, liav proved fatal. The rousing welcome given to the aerial voyagers was surely well-earned. Australia lias every reason to lie proud of her sous who have excelled so greatly in this new sphere of bird-like life, j and the welcome wits in keeping with I the occasion, and a credit, to the nation. The British nation may take I pride and pleasure, in the achievement, for once again the race excels in an event which called for the highest qualities which go to the making ol the best in men. With achievements of such a calibre to tlie credit and renown of the British race there is no fear o ftlie rot or deterioration some folk are so prone to glibly proclaim.