SEGRAVE TROPHY

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1932, Page 6

SEGRAVE TROPHY

A WARD TO HI N KLER

A GREAT ADVENTURE

LONDON, March 22

Aviators the world over will applaud the award, of the .Segrave trophy, established in memory of one of the greatest of Britain's speed kings, to Squadron Leader Hinkler, for his marvellous bight of 10,500 miles in 104 flying hours from New York to London, via the South Atlantic Ocean.

j His exploit was, weighed in the balance against the claims of three j world’s record-breakers during 1931 —Flight Lieutenant Stainforth in the air at 407. - miles an hour, Sir Malcolm • Campbell on land at 246, and Mr Kaye Don on the water at 110. AH three rank as outstanding achievements, far surpassing earlier records; to decide between them is as difficult as the choice that embarrassed Paris of old. The terms of reference state that the trophy should go to the .British subject who 'had accomplished in the period under review the finest demonstration of “the ppssibilities of transport by land, air, or water,” and here may be glimpsed the reason for grading a long distance journey abort speed records over a short course. Already Hinkler's great adventure has received universal acclamation as the chief long distance flight of the year. His transatlantic crossing set three new records in aviation, and overestimation of the courage and determination of the pilot is well-night impossible. When Hinkler began from Port Natal, in 'Brazil, the ocean flight which ended near Bathurst, West Africa, twen-ty-two hours later, lie knew that no light aeroplane had ever llown a similar distance non-stop. Further, he knew that an engine of the type fitted to his “Puss .Moth” monoplane had not previously run continuously in 'flight for the period essential in a liight of 2.000 miles. Aeroplane and motor stuck nobly to the task, driving through terrible storms that tested for hours oil end the strength of the machine ami the stout heart of the power unit. They justified Hinkler's faith, but his high courage in making the attempt, should not lie overlooked on that account.