AMY JOHNSON

Hokitika Guardian, 6 August 1930, Page 6

AMY JOHNSON

: HER ADDRESS TO CROWD. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, Ang. 5. “Cannot we drop this Ariiy Johnson? She is an appalling person. I am sick of the sight of my photographs in the newspapers—sick of my own name. I find, people always imagining that she is different from what they expected. Cannot we now call her “Johnny,” as she was known in London Aero Club.” This said Amy facing vast multitudes of welcomers at Croydon Aerodrome from which she had departed, unknown and unheralded, three months ago. She was cool, charming, and not the least perturbed by a tumultuous welcome which must in point of numbers and enthusiasm, have 'excelled any individual welcome to London. AIR MINISTRY’S TRIBUTE. Lord Thomson., on behalf of the Government, said that Miss Johnson's flight would remain one of the most rhemorable achievements of the year 1930, which had been a young women’s year. Fired by .the‘‘spirit of adventure, Miss. Amy Johnson contributed to the development ,of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Her lonely progress' along the long trail, blazed by intrepid airmen years ago, and still beset by mysteries and hazards for -Gie most accomplished and most experienced pilot, had been watched with tense and ever-growing interest. Her indomitable resolution had compelled respect. Her plucky tenacity had won its way to British hearts, and the people assembled now to paj r a tribute to her magnificent which had brought such success. PATRIOTIC REPLY. Miss Amy Johnson, replying, said that she was never so happy as when 'alone in the silent places of the sky. “These are my tastes,” she said, "ic requires all my courage to make speeches. I want to show you, foy my flying, which 1 am undertaking to enfcouragje aviation in England, exactly' limy T love England, how glad I am Js6-'-jbe a member of our wonderful Empire, and ho tv deep is my gratitude to everybody.” Miss Johnson’s voice was clear and distinct and it was broadcast throughout England. REMARKABLE ENTHUSIASM.

When the air liner carrying "Miss Johnson crossed the coast it was accompanied by a bewildering array of planes, large and small,which flew in formation to Croydon, constituting the greatest aerial welcome ever accorded in Britain. Thousands of people assembled on cliffs and saw this armada of the ,air ■ escorting England’s heroine.

When the speeches were finished, --the“ crowd rushed towards the platform. Miss Johnson shook hands with her friends, and she was then surrounded; by enthusiastic friends, and virtually rushed off her feet towards aif awaiting car, which was followed by a procession, from the aerodrome, Miss Johnson waving to the crowd. By then darkness had fallen, and the procession continued under a flare of Hood lights towards the aerodrome buildings. When Miss Johnson emerged from the buildings, she was escorted by a dozen policemen. She re-entered the car, and began a triumphal journey to London, ft was midnight before ishe reached Grosvelior House, after a long drive through streets lined six deep with cheering crowds. The car slowed up passing ■ the Cenotaph, to which Miss Johnsbn paid tribute. Progress was difficult through Trafalgar Square and the enthusiasm was intensified at Grosvenor House. Miss Johnson was mobbed as she stepped out of the car, and forced Iter way up the steps, assisted by police. Excited girls threw mascots, flowers and presents at her. Many tried to kiss her and shake her hands. Women fainted and children were knocked down in the crush. Miss Johnson appeared on tbe balcony and waved her thanks to the cheering crowd.

In an interview she said; “.Sydney gave me a tremendous welcome, 'but London’s welcome has beaten it tonight. It was frightfully bumpy flying to-day. T bate being a passenger, arter being a pilot. I have received in/numcrable offers of marriage throughout the world, but they do not iutciest me.” Her friends would have kept Miss Johnson talking throughout the night, but her parents intervened and marched her off to bed.