BERT HINKLER HOME AGAIN.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 28 February 1928, Page 2

BERT HINKLER HOME AGAIN.

Mother and Sisters Watch His Arrival. Delirious Welcome to Bundaberg. SYDNEY, Feb. 27. Bert Hinkler ended Jus long flight at four this afternoon. The last hop from Longreach to Bundaberg was made against a strong head wind. Business was practically at a standstill in Bundaberg after dinner, people gathering on the recreation ground to await the airman’s arrival. Twenty thousand watched him make a perfect landing after ho had circled the town. The crowd was wild with excitement and cheered themselves hoarse. They broke through the cordon of police'and special guards placed to keep the landing space dear, hoisted the flier shoulder high and carried him to the official landing stage. One woman snatched a kiss. The Mayor welcome Mr. Hinkler on behalf of the people of Bundaberg. Replying to the congratulations, the flier, in a short speech, said he was too overcome to say much, but he was mighty glad to be back again in Bundaberg. His mother and sisters watched his arrival. HINKLER HEARD ON THE WIRELESS. A WONDERFUL RECEPTION. WELLINGTON, Last Night The arrival of Bert Hinkler at his home town Bundaberg, Queensland, this evening was broadcast by all the principal Australian broadcast stations through the Queensland Government station 4QG which had a landlinc from the recreation ground Bundaberg to Brisbane. Mr, F. W. Seilens, of Northland, tuned in the Amalgamated Wireless (Australasia) Ltd,, Sydney, short-wave state 2ME 28.5 metres shortly before 6.40 o’clock this evening, New Zealand time, and received with loudspeaker volume a description of Hinkler’s arrival at Bundaberg spoken from the Bundaberg recreation ground. At 6.40 o’clock. New Zealand time. Mr, Seilens could hear the shouting and cheering of the huge crowd as Hinkler appeared in the clouds at a tremendous height, estimated to be about 3000 ft. At 6.45 o’clock the announcer said that Hinkler was circling over the town and recreation ground and then made a beautiful landing. The announcer remarked: “The crowd have rushed him and are now carrying him shoulder high and the bands are striking up “ Sec the Conquering Hero Comes. 1 ’ When the music ceased loud cries could be heard “homo at last.” At 6.57, New Zealand time, Hinkler' appeared on a platform and was greeted by the official party. The Mayor of Bundaberg in a most enthusiastic speech, welcomed and congratulated Australia’s national- hero. Colonel Brinsmead next spoke, followed by the Honorable Mr. M’Cormack, Premier of Queensland, who presented Hinkler with a cheque for £SOO on behalf of the Queensland Government. Other speakers were Mr. Barker, M.L.A., and the secretary, of the Returned Soldiers’ Association’ Hinkler, who was accompanied by his mother and brother, received a tumultuous reception when he stepped forward to reply. He could be heard saying that he was quite overcome by the overwhelming reception and that he was glad to be home again. .