CHICHESTER’S FLY

Hokitika Guardian, 31 January 1930, Page 6

CHICHESTER’S FLY

WELCOME >AT SYDNEY. (Australian Press Association) SYDNEY, Jan. 30. Chichester, escorted by fourteen aeroplanes, arrived at the Mascot Aerodrome at 3.55 o’clock this afternoon. He was delayed after leaving Narromine by dense, low clouds. The escorting machines had great difficulty in locating him. Chichester, who was looking well and happy, was received by the Mayor of Mascot, Alderman Alexander, the District 3 Superintendent of Aviation; Mr W. R, Blow (New Zealand Agent) and other prominent people. Nearly a thousand spectators gave Chichester a rousing cheer. His machine was immediately taken to the General Air Craft Company’s workshops, for a complete overhaul. STORY OF THE FLIGHT. INTERESTING INTERVIEW. SYDNEY, Jan. 30. To Mr Chichester Dr Purdy and Mr Kavyatt extended hearty greetings from New Zealand: The State Government was represented by the At-tonjey-General, Mr Boyce-; the President of the Aero Club, Mr Wiltshire; and Chief City Commissioner Garlick, who also paid a tribute to his daring venture. Upon the plane coming to a standstill a number of the New Zealanders present shouldered the aviator and carried him to the club house steps, where-they greeted him with cries of “Haere Miii,” led by a Maori. The Mayor of Mascot then presented him 'with nn illuminated address.

Mr Chichester, who lias a very ietiring manner, replied briefly. He expressed his hearty appreciation of the reception, but said he did not deserve the glowing compliments paid his skill, as any New Zealander or Australian airman would jump at the ’ chance to make this flight. In an interview, Mr' Chichester said that- ever since Hinkler broke the record to Australia, he was anxious to make an attempt to better it, hut he- now felt sure that, even had he not crashed at Tripoli, he would not have broken Bert Hinkler’s record, which lie regarded as a great achievement. Questioned as to his experiences, Chichester said the most exciting ride he ever had was when lie was lost near Camooweal, in Queensland. Going aloft with only the three gallons in his tank, he knew lie could only fly for thirty minutes, so he decided to fly eastwards for fifteen minutes and return if he sighted no habitation. After being in the air fourteen anda half minutes lie saw Rocklands Station, and came down there. During his stay" at the Bore, overnight, he djrak water. yylp,dh,.. hp sa *d could stand your hoots up in;” aiid his biscuits were petrol-soaked. His longest hop was 870 miles across a North African. .desert stretch. However, from Victoria Point to Singapore is characterised by Chichester as “a dirty run.” Here he encountered storms and rain throughout. Tho maps used by him were most inaccurate.. Places that lie passed over were, not shown,' and places marked on the charts he could not find. His plane had no bank indicator, and he flew throughout by the compass. The airman said lie learnt his navigation in the hard school of expeiience. Before leaving England, he had done one hundred and fifty-five solo hours’ flying. He said it took twelve instructors to teach him to fly and he had twenty-five hours’ tuition before making a solo attempt. FLIGHT TO NEW ZEALAND?

Mr Chichester stated emphatically that he would not attempt to fly to New Zealand, a.s his Moth plane, which incidentally is the first Moth ever flown from England to Australia, has a range of. only 1500 miles, and as the distance to New Zealand is 1450 miles, the margin is too small, and it would be suicidal to make the attempt; hut if someone supplied him with a suitable machine lie certainly would try. Asked what provisions he carried, the aviator said he had a four-course meal aboard. He went on to explain that this comprised of biscuits under the petrol tank, sandwiches under the compass, beer and wine. Questioned as to his future plans, he said he supposed he would have to work. He will take his plane to New Zealand with him. He has not yet decided when he will sail for New Zealand, but he expects to leave tomorrow week. Mr Chichester was taken into the city by Mr Blow in his car, and he will be the guest at several welcoming functions during the week. LONDON, Jan. 29. The “Daily Telegraph” has published exclusively a story from Chichester, written from Tripoli, describing his early experiences of the flight, and how he crossed the Alps in his tiny machine, which he calls “Good Old Elijah.” The narrative clearly shows evidence of a good spirit of tenacity which enabled him to reach Australia. SIR JOSEPH WARD’S TRIBUTE. WELLINGTON, Jan. 30. The Prime Minister has sent the following message of congratulation to Mr Chichester on the successful conclusion of his flight: “The Government and your fellow citizens in the Dominion send their warmest congratulations on tlie splendid feat which you have accomplished in fly-

ing single-handed from England to Australia. The fact that your previous aviation experience was certainly not extensive, and indeed much less than that of your distinguished predecessors on the long air trail, constitutes a signal tribute to vour skill an courage, and ensures a lasting place for your great achievement in the annals of outstanding aerial flights. Moreover, your successful venture will be a valuable stimulus to the air sense of the Dominion.”