THE SOUTHERN CROSS AVIATORS.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXIX, Issue 5329, 21 September 1928, Page 2

THE SOUTHERN CROSS AVIATORS.

It is sa,fe to say that at no time in the history of New Zealand has so much excitement tyid interest been awakeped as by the arrival of the Tasman Flyers. At no time, in the histqry of aviation has the- Press of the Dominion given so much space and pictorial prominence to air matters as during the past few days. It would seem that everybody—man woman, or child —is interested in the famous flyers of the Pacific-Tasman. The visit of the Southern Cross has produced a wonderful s'ght. a;nd widespread enthusiasm. It is to, be hoped that the spirit of enterprise associated with tliis flight from Australia will be productive of much good in stirring a desire to keep in touch with th© activities of the world of flying. The Wellington Domin'qw, speaking of the visit of the flyers to that city, says : No,t even Royalty has created scenes of more: frenzied enthusiasm than, those which have marked the public appearances in Wellington City of the Pacific-Tasman flyers. Squadron-Lead-er Kingsford Smith, Flight-Lieutenant C. T. P. Ulm, and their companions, Messrs A. H. Litchfield and T. H. McWilliams. Whenever they leave their hotel they are almost mobbed by people who wish to shake hands and personally congratulate them on their remarkable, exploit in the air ; and yet, with it all, their boyish modesty and deprecation of all the fuss only serve to increase the admiration they compel. Pioneers an|d heroes, they fully deserve the. homage that is being given them ip such a generqus and spontaneous manner, for. they have done the thing that has never been done and have, proved tq our eyes tihat the conquest of the ait’ by .man is a very real thing, an accomplishment, of vast, portent in the domain of travel and transport.