SOUTHERN CROSS

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1929, Page 5

SOUTHERN CROSS

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). ROME, July 10. Kingsford Smith, in an interview, said that he was delighted to find that the Southern Cross was two days ahead of the fastest time for the Australia to England flight. He said: ‘.‘We are tired, but we are fit, and I would do it all over again if it were necessary, but if 1 had to repeat the trip I would use a lighter machine. The Southern Cross is extremely heavy when fully loaded, weighing more than six and a-half tons. The majority of the taking-off grounds, if wet or sandy, will not carry that weight. We struck a bamboo pole at Calcutta, which was placed there by some stupid native, when leaving.” LONDON, July 10. The Southern Cross is expected at Croydon at 2 p.m.

ON THE LAST STAGE. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) ROME,-July 10. 'file Southern Cross started for London. at 4.50. Prominent persons interested in aviation and motoring gave a luncheon to Kingsiford Smith and b?«companions at Liarorio airport. Replying to the toast of his health, Kingsford Smith said lie had never seen a better equipped airport. Ho appreciated the reception and would take an early opportunity of returning to Rome. LONDON, July 10. The Southern Cross was over Lyons after ten. Sir S. Brancker has gone to Croyden to assist in the reception. LONDON, July 10. Kingsford Smith wirelessed over Paris; “ All well; expect to reach Croydon at three.” LONDON, July 10. Kingsford wirelessed the Air Ministry: “ We are now heading up through France. Fine and clear here.” , The Southern ( Cross is expected at Croydon aerodrome at 2.40. v NEARING CROYDON. (Received this day at 8.30. a.m.) LONDON, July 10. ‘Kinsfgord Smith wirelessed Croydon: ‘‘Southern Cross heading inland over England. (Loud cheers from the bovs.) Flying beautifully. Expect to land at Croydon in 20 minutes.” j.o is learned that Kingsiford Smith has ordered three Aerolynx monoplanes, fitted with three ArmstrongViddeley engines for the purpose of operating the Australia air service. Kingsford Smith will superintend the construction.

ARRIVED! A RECORD BROKEN. 12 DAYS, 21 HOURS, 18 MINUTES.. THE KING’S MESSAGE. (Received this dav at 10 a.m.l LONDON, July 10. The Southern Cross landed at Croydon at 3.20 p.m. and was welcomed by a big crowd. General lan Hamilton was amongst those present. Kingsford Smith said the log showed the flight occupied exactly 12 days, 21 hours, 18 minutes, from the time they left Derby to the minutes they landed. He expects to remain in England for some weeks. So far the aviators have made no plans for crossing the Atlantic. The Southern Cross made a spectacular landing, just grazing the heads of hundreds of spectators who awaited the fliers. Kingsford Smith stated: “We had lots of minor troubles, hut generally speaking had a good flight.” The King sent a message as follows: “ Please convey to the four airmen my hearrfelt congratulations on their remarkable, successful achievement, after all the hardships and danger they experienced.”