AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1928, Page 2

AVIATION

TASMAN FLYERS. SPEECHES AT WELCOME. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, September 15. I lie roofs and nil other vantage points wore crowded to-day with people awaiting tbe passage of tbe planes from Blenheim Trenthamwards, which took place about a quarter to eleven in trianglar formation. The sky was very cloudy, and tbe machines soon disappen red, enveloped in their folds. As the}' flew beyond retone they were sighted by the waiting crowd at Trcntham Racecourse at ten to eleven, and tbe last machine was on tho ground at four minutes to eleven.

Captain Buckley and Litchfield landed first, then Captain Findlay and McWilliams, and last Captain Smith and Lieut. Ulm. This machine pulled up in half the distance taken by the other aviators. The airmen were welcomed by Hons. Coates, Rolloston, Williams, anil Mayor Troup, photos taken, and all then going to the stewards’ stand, where addresses were given in the presence of between three and four thousand people, microphones being used.

Mr Coates extended a very hearty welcome to all the fliers. Ho reiharked that the occasion was tinged by a certain sadness when one thought of the attempt seven or eight months ago by Hood and Moncrieff. Though they regretted tho pioneer flight had not been made by those great New Zealand hoys nevertheless they were proud that the fat had been achieved by Australians. He paid a tribute to the forethought, hard work, efficiency, and care to detail which had made the flight possible. He congratulated each of the four individually, and called for cheers, which were roundly given.

Squadron-Leader Smith said ho was sorry that his machine could not make Wellington but the landing place was not suitable. They were overwhelmed by the warmth of their welcome everywhere. He referred to the sacrifice made by Hood and Moncrieff, and said that though they had failed, such flights made other ventures possible and successful. Their failure in no way detracted from the effort they had made. He spoke in high praise of McWilliams and “ Old Leitch,” who had brought them to a point within a mile of the point aimed at. Their flight was successful because it was a combination of tho work of the four men, all specialists.

Mayor Troup spoke of tho wonderful achievement which so greatly had reduced the time between New Zealand and Australia. Lieut. Ulm said McWilliams was chosen, not liesause he was a New Zealander. They wanted the best radio man they could got, and found him in Mac.

Litchfield said he claimed to be half a New Zealander, and half an Australian, and was proud of both. He emphasised the necessity for close cooperation. It was that alone which made,the flight a success. .McWilliams also spoke, and after this there were refreshments, and Mr lan Duncan (President of the Wellington Racing Club) welcomed the aviators. He said the club was highly honoured that they had consented to make use of Trcntham Raceourse.

The aviators attended tho trots at Hutt Park.

Among the letters brought from Australia to New Zealand by the transTasman fliers was one from the Prime Minister of Australia to Mr Coates. This letter was delivered personally to Mr Coates at Trcntham to-djiy, and is as follows: —

“ Through the courtesy of the two intrepid Australian airmen, SquadronLeader Ivingsford Smith and Lieutenant Ulm, I desire to extend to you, and through you, to the people of New Zealand, our warmest felicitations oil the linking of our sister Dominions by air. This achievement marks a new epoch in our history and relations. Its accomplishment alone will tend to draw our peoples closer together, but its deep significance lies in the fact that it points towards a future in which, by regular aerial communication, our two countries will he more firmly united, deriving strength in peace and war from their mutual associations. —S. M. Bruce, Prime Minister.”

DR IvIDSON’S HELP ACKNOWLEDGED. AVELLINGTON, September 16. So far as the Tasman flight is concerned, the man m New Zealand who has- been more directly associated with its success than any other person is Dr Kidson, the Director of the Meteorological" Office. It was not until the annual smoke concert of the Combined Shipping Companies on Saturday night that Dr ICidson had all opportunity of meeting Squadron Leader Ivingsford Smith. Noticing Dr Kidson’s name on the official toast list for the function as the proposer of the toast of “ l lie Navy,” Squadron-Leader Kingkford Smith asked to he introduced to l)r Kidson. The commander of the Southern Cross and Flight-Liout. C. I- D. Ulm both extended their very hearty thanks to Dr Kidson for his assistance and the part he played in the venture, 'through the doctor, they wished to thank all those people who had sent in to the New Zealand Meteorological Office such valuable data which had enabled them to receive so complete reports of the weather conditions in the Tasman Sea from Dr Kidson .

WELCOME AT A SMOKE CONCERT. WELLINGTON, September 16. Enthusiasm ran high when the Tasman airmen paid a brief visit to tho annual concert of the Combined Shipping Companies on Saturday night. As Squadron Leader Ivingsford Smith, Flight-Liout. C. T. D. Ulm, and Messrs H. A. Litchfield, and T. H. McAVillinms entered the hall, rounds of cheers were given for them collectively and individually, and it was some considerable time before the applause momentarily died down and the Chairman (Colonel N. S. Falla, C.M.G., D. 5.0.) was able to propose the health of the distinguished guests. AA’heji Squadron Leader Kingsford Smith rose to reply to fhe welcome there was further cheering, and cries of “Good old Smithy!” He spoke on the same lines as at the previous welcomes.

HINKLER RECALLED. BUNDABERG, September 15. Bert Hinkler received an urgent cable, recalling him to London, and ho is sailing by the Aorangi immediately, with his wife. He had intended to fly hack to London, having just acquired a machine for that purpose.

AID FORCE FLYING ' BOATS. SINGAPORE, Sep., 15. The Air Force flying boats have arrived here. .

THE “ITALIA.” ROAIE, September 15. Tho commission to investigate the “ Italia ” expedition has been appointed. It comprises Admiral Cagni (chairman), General Aemani (Air Chief of the General Stall), and General A'acchelli (Director of the Military Geographical Institute).