TASMAN FLYERS

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1928, Page 4

TASMAN FLYERS

GOING BACK TO U.S.A. (Australian Press Association). (United Service). . , SYBNEY, October 15. Smith and Ulm to-day showed , not the slightest sign of their gruelling and perilous Tasman flight. in an interview, Smith said: “Our future plans are not definite. We are going ,to America before long, primarily to thank the donor of the Southern Gross for all lie has done for us. We may fly part of the way but will not flv all the way. Possibly we shall fly from Honolulu. We are accepting an invitation to attend the International Aeronautical Conference at Washington in Hecember. We don’t want to talk of ocean flights for some time. Theoretically, I don’t believe in making them with land machines.” Smith paid a warm tribute to the skill of McWilliam and Litchfield. He added: “Mae did wonderful work.” The Southern Cross leader found words inadequate to express his appreciation of the New Zealand people and Government. He added : “ Even when I lost a “fiver” at the races on some horse that run up a lane, they insisted on refunding it ! That’s hospitality if you like.”

MR COATES’S CONGRATULATIONS

WELLNGTON, October 15. One of the first messages to be received by Squadron Leader Ivingstford Smith after the Southern Cross reached its destination was from the Prime .Minister, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, as follows: “New Zealand heartily congratulates you and your companions on the successful accomplishment ofthe return trip across the Tasman. AVe are delighted to know you have rived safely, and we extend our gd(J wishes for your future efforts in promoting the progress of aviation, towards which you have already so largely contributed.”