AVIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1928, Page 3

AVIATION.

THE RETURN FLIGHT. PREPARING GROUND AT BLENHEIM. By Telegraph—Per Press Association.) BLENHEIM, Sept. 17. The Marlborough Aero Club has lost no time in undertaking the minor improvements required at Fairhall Farm, four miles from Blenheim Post Office, which will be tlio Southern Cross’s' point of departure for Australia, and the power board is in possession of tlio flood lights which will bo used to flood light the wholo area of the groat field all night, thus enabling tlio guards to detect any marauder who may be afoot. This light is so powerful, according to the Power Board’s engineers, that if necessary the flyers could get away from the field before dawn.

A temporary hangar to accommodate the Southern Cross is being built, and it is anticipated that by tlio time she arrives hero on the 28th, the landingfield will lie like a lawn, while every possible facility wul be available for the tuning-up of the great machine. Elaborate arrangements are now being worked out for the control of tlio enormous traffic which is anticipated. It is probable that the Union Company will run special excursions from Wellington'to enable the people to witness the machine's arrival on the 28th, and either return to Wellington that night or remain here to see her depart on the morning of tlio 30th. AIRMEN’S TOUR. WELLINGTON, Sept. 17.

Kingston! Smith officiated in a new function when at the trotting meeting on Saturday he acted as starter in the Stewards’ Handicap and gave the fic-ld an excellent despatch. He and his comrades were received with the usual speeches and enthusiastic welcome by the crowd. To-day they attend a civic reception followed by a government luncheon and later oii/will meet the Re. turned Soldiers Association, They leave to-morrow .for Hawera where they expect to arrive in time for lunch and then depart for Auckland.

CIVIC, RECEPTION. WELLINGTON, Sept. 17

A. civic reception was accorded Kingsford Smith, Ulm, Litchfield and McWilliams to-day. Thousands were unable to gain admission and listened outside to the speeches by means of amplifiers. Speeches were made by Messrs Coates and Holland and Mayor Troup,' and the aviators replied. At one o’clock a State luncheon wop tendered the aviators.

Other speakers were Mr Cobbe (Chairman of the Harbour Board), Mr Fletcher (Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, and W. H. Bennett (Councillor). Hie crowd grew restless and heckled the later speakers. Amidst a tumultuous reception Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith said be never had faced a more enthusiastic crowd. They ,came not as heroes but as friends. The warm feeling between New Zealand and Australia was wonderful.

This' morning they visited Mrs Moncrieff, widow off the gallant aviator, and they regarded this meeting as a great honor. Flight Lieutenant Ulm said they had taken great pains ever the flight, and when they left they knew they would be successful. If they bad not thought so they would not havo come. Flight Lieutenant Ulm urged the peop!e°of Wellington to get liehind the project to establish an air port., McWilliams and Leitchfield also thanked the people for their wonderful reception.