AVIATION TASMAN FLIGHT.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1928, Page 2

AVIATION

TASMAN FLIGHT.

N.Z. GOVERNMENT GRANT. £2OOO FOR FLIERS. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)!, WELLINGTON, September 11. The Prime Minister, Hon. J. G. Coates, in the House to-day announced that the Government had decided to make a grant of £2OOO to Kingston! Smith and his companions, in recognition of their wonderful flight. Tho Government laid also made a contribution to the Moucrieff-Hood Fund, so as to provide the widows of the ill-fated airmen with the equivalent of the war-widows’ pension. INVITATION TO QUEEN CITY. AUCKI.AN'I), Sept. 11. The Auckland Harbour Board has telegraphed Captain Kingsford Smith asking that even if tho Southern Cross does not land in Auckland, the machine should circle over the city on its departure oil the return journey. An invitation to visit Auckland lias already been given by the Mayor. Aviation experts consider tho Aero Club’s property at Mangere affords the Southern Cross ample room to land and take-off.

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S CONGRATULATIONS. AVELLINGTON, Sept. 11. The following telegram was despatched by His Excellency the GovernorGeneral this morning: “Kingsford Smith, Southern I Cross, Christchurch: Heartiest congratulations to you and your companions on the conquest of the Tasman by air. AVe all appreciate tho pluck and endurance that have accomplished it:” SOUVENIR. HUNTERS. CHRISTCHURCH, Sept. 11. Once the Southern Cross had landed the crowd went wild and a few rushed the plane for souvenirs, some even tried to scarpe small pieces of paint from the Southern Cross. One man got off with a valuable prize, Captain Kingsford Smith’s flying helmet. It fell off in the jostling rush of the crowd, and somebody has it now. Captain Smith' cares little for the helmet, ffiut ho wants very badly a little mascot, a black cat- which was clapped in it.' Ho is offering a reward of ten pounds for its return.

BRITISH AIRMAN. TO SEEK RECORDS AA'ITH SECRET PLANE. , . LONDON, Sept. 9. Squadron-Leader .T. N. Oakes, a British pilot, will attempt to capture tho endurance record, held by a German. and in the event of success, he will start on a non-stop flight from Capetown to England in an attempt to beat the Italian Rome to Brazil feat. He will use a secret aeroplane which was mentioned in an official wireless message of September 4.

ANDERSON’S FLY. SYDNEY Sept. 11. A message from Camooweal states that Anderson reached there yesterday evening in great heart. He will resume to-day for Darwin. Tho aeroplane which Anderson has named “Old Pioneer” on account of her past achievements, is running like a sewing machine. KEITH ANDERSON CRASHES. SYDNEY, September 12. Advices received from Darwin state Keith Anderson crashed at Pine Creek, fifty miles from Darwin. Government motor-cars left Darwin for his assistance. Both aviators wore unhurt. Tlie machine was badly damaged.