CHICHESTER’S FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 30 January 1930, Page 5

CHICHESTER’S FLIGHT

IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND. (Australian Press Association). SYDNEY, Jan. 29. Mr Chichester, the New Zealand airman, left Longreach early this morning, and he expects to arrive at Charloville for lunch. He then goes on to Bourke. To-morrow morning he sets out from Bourke for Narromine, where he will make a halt before the final hop to Sydney. Chichester’s Experience on Sunday at Burnette Downs, Queensland, might have landed him into desperate straits. He got bushed on Sunday, after leaving Burnette Downs. He landed late in the afternoon at a bore, and there he camped for the night alone. On Monday morning he found that he had only Hliree gallons of petrol left, just sufficient for a half hour’s flying. He then decided to fly for fifteen minutes, and, if he located no habitation, to return to his base and await help. He fully epected to have a long wait, but he had plenty of food. After flying for fourteen minutes, however, he saw some buildings' which proved to be thosfe of the Rockland Station, near Camooweal. The airman stayed at Camooweal on Monday. He flew to Longreach on Tuesday, although experienced “Quantas” pilots said they did not think that Chichester would succeed in penetrating the thick belt of rain over Central' Queensland; The New- Zealand airman made a- splendid landing on the rain-soaked Longreach aerodrome.

SYDNEY WELCOME. \ NEW ZEALANDERS’ FUNCTION. ' SYDNEY, Jan. 29. In accordance with instructions from the New Zealand Government, Mr W. R... Blow, the New Zealand Government agent here, lias arranged for a cordial vvelcome ; to Chichester, who is due at. Sydney to-morrow. Mr Blow has invited the Mayor of Mascot to preside at i a ,welcome ceremony at whiph a number of representative New Zealanders, including Dr Purdy and Mr Havyatt, will be present. A convivial gathering will be held in the evening, the arrangements.for which are in the hands of Mr Havyatt and other members of the Ndw Zealand Association. Nearing Sydney. ‘•• -, (Received this day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 30. Chichester is due at Sydney to-day about 3 p.m.' Premier Bavin, who is a New Zeaas • well, as the New Slouth Wales Aero Club will co-operate in the welcome. Sir Joseph Ward’s, cable message of congratulations and pride from New Zealand people, which is published here jp to-day, will be handed to Chichester on, his arrival.

MR SCULLIN’S CONGRATULA. TIONS. .. (Received thiV dav at 8.30. a.m.) -k I . ■'• '‘CANBERRA, Jan. 30. The Prime Minister, Mr Soullin, has telegraphed congratulations to Chichester,. stating: “.Efforts to eclipse Hinkler’s; record,, although unsucessful, are none .the less valuable to aviation. I compliment you on your pluck and determination.’’