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Hokitika Guardian, 9 January 1931, Page 4

“Too low they Ibuild, who build beneath the stars.” Such might be the motto of Pilot Guy Menzies, the hero of 'the hour. When, lie loft Sydney lie kept company with tin' 1 stars, and his a.m«-bit-ion sustained him in his flight. His great ambition was to be the first airmen to make the solo flight of the Tasman Sea. and fortune favouring him. lie was rewarded. Ambition is the spur in m°sfc things, and to win renown in a great feat is a hierh reward. All that is the portion of Mr Menzies. But the older heads are shaking, and nvanv aa-P wivin'-r the risk is too great, but youth will have its way in its day. Tt is good, nevertheless, to see the supertype in the race brought out now and again. Tt may be foolhardy, and would he counted foolhardy, if failure dogcpd the amHtion, but with suceess achieved, fate can he regarded le's harshly .and we may be proud indeed of the victor.' It Is not often in the oaths of peace that, tluf daringly ambitious attempt a great purpose. In war’s alarms, whole nations risk everything to achieve victory, and we do not regard the courage and resources of the combatants, as based on a frivol-

ous foundation, or consider them worthy of derision. Mr Men/.i s’ feat was an outstanding one, and shows ujji.-C again tin: .sLult tin: Australian,, race is made of. Some hard things are said of Australia just now: hut such a feat as is now b'ing acclaimed, gives evidence of the dogged determination bred and/born in the people, and a race with such a prototype is not liitel.v to fail in the end. For an aerial (light, greater difficulties could hardly he anticipated than those facing, the U’rman on the Tasman voyage. 'I hat fact did not. deter the’ llndertaking. The experiences and even late ot others in the task was not a deterrent. Rising superior to all that was besetting, Mi Monzi.es hitched his hopes to the stars, and came through with flying colours. All honour and credit to him, and the people here are proud and honoured in having him! with them, and the opportunitv to do him sendee in recognition of the great deed accomplished.