TASMAN AVIATORS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3847, 20 September 1928, Page 2

TASMAN AVIATORS.

MAORI WELCOME AT HAWERA. Hawera, Sept. 18. A concourse of spectators estimated at 10,000, drawn from all parts of Taranaki, accorded an inspiring ovation to the famous crew of the Southern Cross when they landed at Hawera racecourse at 12.20 on Tuesday. A spectacular feature of the reception was a haka rendered by twenty Maori braves, naked to the Y waist and wearing little else than head adornments of flax, painted with designs, and piu pius dangling from the waist to the knees. The haka was followed by a welcome, voiced fluently, on behalf of the Maori people by the Rev. R. T. Haddon, a direct descendant of Turi, captain of the canoe Aotea. “You are men who have blazed the trail across the chartless skies; we - J are the children of men who blazed a trail across the chartless ocean over a thousand years ago. Therefore, we welcome you, and wish that you may be always prosperous,” said Mr. Haddon. He concluded by draping a presentation piu piu over the shoulders of Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith. Fifty representatives of local bodies throughout the province assembled at a luncheon given the aviators, when the toasts of “Our Guests” and “The Air Force,” sponsored respectively by the Mayor and Air. E. Dixon, president of the Chamber of Commerce. Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and Mr. Litchfield replied, the former commending Hawera on its possession of a good landing ground for aeroplanes. Earlier in the ceremony Airs. A. Illingworth, of Alton, a sister of the late Captain Hood, was presented to the party. SAFE ARRIVAL AT AUCKLAND. Auckland, Sept. 19. In perfect weather the three Bristol ’planes reached the landing ground at Ihumata, ten miles from Auckland, and were welcomed by a large crowd at 9.15 a.m. The ’plane piloted by Captain Findlay landed at 9.21, followed by Captain Buckley’s machine, at 9.20. Two minutes later Squadron-Lead-er Kingsford Smith and FlightLieutenant C. T. P. Ulm landed. Approaching the aerodrome Kingsford .Smith did a loop and a roll and pulled up in a much shorter distance than the other machines. There were great scenes of enthusiasm. The airmen were welcomed by the Alayor of Auckland, Air. G. Bailuon, to whom Kingsford Smith expressed regret at being unable to make Auckland yesterday against a strong wind. From Hawera the trip was very cold. “I am shivering stillfS added Kingsford Smith. “We had clouds at 1000 feet nearly all the way, and we could not go higher. „ In cars decked with bunting and featuring the Australian flowers,' Ihe wattle and waratah, the visiting airmen led a triumphal procession to the city. The whole route was lined with cheering spectators.