LOST SOUVENIR RETURNED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3845, 15 September 1928, Page 3

LOST SOUVENIR RETURNED.

SMITH’S GRATITUDE. Christchurch, September 13. When the crowd crushed about the crew of the Southern Cross after the landing at Wigram Aerodrome, Squadron-Leader Kings - ford Smith’s helmet went missing. He did not mind the loss of the helmet, but pinned on it was a little black cat and silver “Felix” cac, which had been his mascot for seven years. “Smithy” offered a reward of £lO for the return of Felix. The same evening, though, a young woman appeared bringing with her the helmet complete with the Mascot. 'She had found it, and kept it as a souvenir, but as soon as she realised that the flyer valued it she returned it, asking no reward. “Smithy” was so pleased that he promised to use the helmet when flying back to Sydney, and then to autograph it and post it back.

“I wouldn’t lose Felix for worlds,” he said. “Never before have I had a souvenir returned to me, and I think it speaks wonders for the honesty of NeAV Zealand people that. I did get it back.” • “Smithy didn’t give .full expression to his feelings when he lost that mascot of his at the aerodrome on Tuesday morning,” said Mr. W. E. Leadley at the smoke concert given by the Christchurch branch of the R.'S.A. to the flyers last night. Squadron - Leader Kingsford Smith: “It’s all right; I’ve got it back.” “New Zealanders and Aussies, especially Aussies, had a great reputation for souvenir-hunting at the Avar, but I don’t think it Avas a digger that got hold of it,” said Mr. Leadley. “I thought it must have been an Aussie,” commented Squadron-Lea-der Kingsford Smith, to the accompaniment of laughter.