The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1933. AN AERIAL KNIGHT.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1933, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1933. AN AERIAL KNIGHT.

the Australians are accomplishing big clings tnese times in ail walks or lire, i'ne latest to draw attention to tue anility or the race or athletes, is he wiium the Auss.es in their familiarity, call •■■bmitliy.” Sir Quarles Kingsford Smith has achieved another great aerial record in a sphere where he has Ooen busy piling up records during ms ftuventurous career in tile air. ihjs aerial knight is typical of the race he is such an ornament to. He aad veiy modest beginnings, but ambition to succeed in the new pastime to wnicii the war period gave such an uplift. fair Charles set out to attempt oig things, not in ostentation, hut- to aceomplisn achievements which would lead to greater benefits by aerial transport. He has been a great pioneer in airmanship, as his record testifies. All his achievements have been of a solid character, not savouring of tlie “stunt,” but to do big things well. How well he lias done things was testified at the outset when lie made (with Ids companions) the famous three hops across the Pacific. This feat called for all the qualities of the profession, of which for the success of tile crossing, navigation was an essential factor. The intrepid airman had to pick up little dots of islands on the vast Pacific to land and rerue]. To miss the objective was to court disaster on the waste of waters. But with unerring sagacity the true path was followed, and the landing places negotiated. The latest feat in Hying from England to Australia in a new record, almost- a : bare week, sets the pace for others to follow. Sir Charles gave it cut that he was not attempting a record, but his organisation must have been wonderfully good, and the weather most favourable to do the jaunt in the time accomplished, it would appear the flight was a modest preliminary to test out machine and conditions for the aerial race next year, and if some enterprising firm supplies the airman with ail acceptable machine, Sir Charles is certainly the man to do justice to the task and will he a prime favourite in the event, Australia promises to become notable indeed with men of the champion class in all branches of sport. Certainly “Smithy” enters into the fray of dying in the true sporting spirit, and conies through with that lightness of heart and charm of manner which is so typical of the volatile race enjoying the benefit of much genial sunshine. The only “miss” in his career, if such it can be called, was the misadventure in north-west Australia when for the time being, the party was lost. There were those who were unkind enough to say the adventure was a “stunt,” but the privations were too real to encounter them for mere enjoyment’s sake and brief notoriety. The, crowded flying career of Sir Charles lias achievements which were experienced with less distaste and the tempting of distaster and worse, to be believed that any foolish risks were taken on that occasion. One of his cardinal rules appears to be to avoid unnecessary risks and to take no chances. He seems to have that degree of air sense and location which is almost birdlike in its accuracy. To that, and the care and good sense with which his flights are organised. his aerial successes are attributable.