TRIP COMPLETED

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1932, Page 5

TRIP COMPLETED

KINGSFORD SMITH ARRIVES.

BRINGS 71,31 b. OF MAIL

(Australian Press Association.)

DARWIN, January 19.

Kingsford Smith made a perfect j landing here in perfect weather. He said that the Koepang aerodrome was fearfully muddy and there was water there. The grass was very long, ft needed 200 nalves to pull his plane out of the mud before he could move. He was bitterly disappointed at the turning hark yesterday hut he feared landing at Darwin in the dark. Smith said that he lightened the plane at Koepang and discarded everything that was not absolutely necessary. He said lie.had even shaved so as to have less weight! He also carried a minimum of petrol. When crossing the Timor Sea to-day lie passed over the steamer Marella, and saluted her. He was glad to get hack to Australia again, and likewise also were his crew. Smith receiv'd a message from the Civil Aviation Authorities congratulating him en his safe transport of th@ mails both ways. The total weight of mails that he is bringing is 7131b5. He expects the trip to show a slight profit. When questioned about rumours in Sydney that he would possibly he a candidate for the East Sydney Federal House seat, Sniith replied that lie had no intention of entering the political arena, He said that he would attend Signor Mussolini’s Aces Conference if he happened to he in Rome in May,