ADMIRAL BYRD

Hokitika Guardian, 10 April 1930, Page 6

ADMIRAL BYRD

INTERESTING SPEECHES.

(By Telegraph- -Per Press Association.)

WELLINGTON, April 9,

To be preserved as one of New Zealand’s cherished possessions, a Dominion flag carried by Rear Admiral Byrd on his flight over the South Pole, was returned to the Government by the explorer at the Ministerial luncheon accorded him to-day. “We carried with us across the South Pole the flag of New Zealand, and I now wish to return it to the Government,” said Admiral Byrd, in quietly handing the ensign to the Deputy Leader of the Government (Hon. G. W. Forbes). “This other flag I will take home with me, and present it to the United States Government.” (Applause). The combination of the American and New Zealand flags in the table decoration scheme was noted by the Admiral. “I have been looking,” he said, “the the two flags together on the tables, our’s and your’s. That is how they should be. (Applause.) I hope they always will be. I have no doubt in the world that they will be as far as civilisation and humanity are concerned. We have the same common interests. I take this opportunity of heartily reciprocating the sentiments of goodwill which have been expressed.” In reply, Mr Forbes said the Government was highly honoured in receiving the flag from the hands of Admiral Byrd. It would be treasured as the memento of an hi store event. The Minister asked the Admiral on his return to America to act as an. unofficial ambassador for New Zealand, and to convey to the President and the people of the United States the Dominion’s best wishes for their future prosperity. (Loud applause.)

FUTURE OF AVIATION

New Zealand to England in twelve days is one of the miracles that future development of airship travel will perform, according to Rear Admiral Ryrd. “I believe aviation is more an instrument of peace than an instrument of war,” said the explorer in a reference to the subject at the Ministerial luncheon at Parliament House to-day. “it tends to bring the nations of the world closer together, and to know is to understand. Knowledge lessens criticism. In a few 'years’ time I believe great airships will l)e flying across the Atlantic Ocean, and in a few more across the Pacific. I hope some day to revisit New Zealand in one of those big airships. I believe the development of aviation will cut down your trip to England to twelve days or probably less.” For the aeroplane, however, Admiral Byrd did not predict the same development, although he considers that eventually aeroplanes would be regularly flying across the great oceans with landing stations established at various points en route.