THE SOUTHERN CROSS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3846, 18 September 1928, Page 3

THE SOUTHERN CROSS.

> RETURN FLIGHT FROM BLENHEIM. After inspecting the grounds suggested by the Marlborough Aero Club, the Tasman flyers decided definitely to make Blenheim their point of departure on the return trip to Australia. Both SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith and Flight-Commander Ulm stated that they had never seen a ground so ideally suited for their purpose. The Southern Cross will land at Blenheim on September 28, and will take off at dawn on September 30, subject of course, to the weather being favourable. It is anticipated that Blenheim will be filled with visitors from Wellington, Nelson, and other parts of New Zealand to witness both the arrival and the departure of the great ’plane. ' LETTER TO MR. COATES DELIVERED BY KINGSFORD SMITH. One of the first acts SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith performed after arrival at Trentham. on Saturday was to deliver to the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates) the letter he carried from Federal Prime Minister (Mr. S. M. Bruce). The letter read as follows: — Canberra, F.C.T., August 30th, 1928. Dear Mr. Coates — Through the courtesy of the two intrepid Australian airmen, Squad-ron-Leader Kingsford Smith and Lieutenant Ulm, I desire to extend to you and, through you, to the people of New' Zealand, our warmest felicitations on the linking of our sister Dominions by air. This achievement marks a new epoch in our history and relations. Its accomplishment alone will tend to draw 7 our peoples closer together. But its deep significance lies in the fact that it points towards a future in which, by regular aerial communication, our two countries will be more firmly united, deriving strength in peace and war from their mutual association. Yours sincerely, S. M. BRUCE, Prime Minister. PUBLIC RECEPTION AT WELLINGTON. The Tasman fliers arrived at Trentham from Blenheim on Saturday morning. As they drew beyond Petone, they were sighted by the waiting crowd at Trentham racecourse at 10.50 a.m. and the last machine was on the ground at 10.56 a.m., Captain Buckley and Mr. Litchfield first, then Capt. Findlay and Mr. McWilliams, and last, Squadron-Commander Smith and Flight-Lieut. Ulm. This machine pulled up* in half the distance taken by the first aviators. They were welcomed by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, Hons. F. J. Rolleston and K. Williams and the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. G. A. Troup). The crew of the Southern Cross were accorded a civic welcome at the wiellington Town Hall at noon yesterday. There was a tremendous crowd in attendance, and the aviators were accorded a rousing reception.

Speeches were made by the Mayor (Mr. Troup), the Prime Minister (Right Hon. J. G. Coates), Mr. Holland, M.P. (Leader of the Opposition), Mr. J. G. Cobbe (chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board), Mr. A. Fletcher (Chamber of Commerce), and Cr. Bennett.

Brief speeches were made in reply by the crew of the Southern Cross, and at the conclusion, cheers were given and “For they are Jolly Good Fellows,” sung. The proceedings concluded with the singing of the National Anthem. EN ROUTE TO AUCKLAND.

To-day the aviators will fly to Hawera and thence to Auckland. Wednesday will be spent in Auckland and Thursday and Friday in Rotorua and Taupo. On Saturday the fliers will return to Auckland and on Sunday will leave for Sockburn. On Sunday (September 30th), the aviators will hop off from Blenheim on the return flight to Sydney.