AVIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 30 November 1931, Page 5

AVIATION

HINKLER'S FEAT. THREE NEW RECORDS. SENSATION. OF THE HOUR. (United Press Association—By fOectrio Telegraph —Copyright,.; LONDON, Nowitfbter %S. V , Bert Hinkler's latest exploit is, the sensation of the hour in .London air circles. They had no idea of Iris projected fliglit. Now they know that the great little Australian, whom a few hours before they thought lost in trie Southern Atlantic, is not only sage, hut has established three, records. He, has made the first west to east crossing of thei South Atlantic; the first transAtlantic flight in a light aeroplane and the first trans-South Atlantic flight. The weather the whole way across had blown Hinkler out of his course. There were strong winds. Hinkler' mad® his first landing at Bathurst, in British Gambia, at 1.15 o’clock on Thursday morning, covering the two thousand odd miles across in twenty-two hours. Hie quickly ’refuelled and flew on to St. Louis, where, his Moth plane was overhauled. Hinkler plans to leave St. Louis for England. - FROM FRANCE. PARIS, November 28. Bert Hinkler’s achievement is with enthusiasm in French aviation circles ais an astonishing blend of courage and technical skill. AIR MINISTRY'S PRAISE. LONDON, November 28. Lord Londonderry .has cabled to Bert Hinkler, on behalf of the British Air Council, offering hearty congratulations of h.i,s fine achievement in the solo flight over South America, thus adding to the prestige of Australian airmen and to British aircraft engines. MRS HINKLER’S SURPRISE. ANAWAR® OF ATTEMPT. (Received this day at 9.25 a.ml LONDON, November 29. Hinkler’s wife told the “Evening Standard” that she did not know that her husband was making the attempt across the South Atlantic. She was most surprised and thrilled when .the received the cables saying “Landed at Bathurst, Gambia, O.K. Signed, Bert.” / THE SOUTHERN STAR, SYDNEY, November 29. Air-Commodore O. E. Kingisford Smith has made all arrangements to begin a flight to London with the Southern Star on Monday, picking up the Southern (Sun's mails en route. He is taking Mr F. W. Hewitt, Chief Engineer of the Australian National A irways, as co-pilot. He@ig probably also taking Colonel Brimmead the remainder of the journey to London. The British Post Office ha.s cabled approving and welcoming Smith’s arrangement.