HAWKER’S RESCUE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10291, 28 May 1919, Page 5

HAWKER’S RESCUE

PREPARATIONS FOR JUBILATION ROYAL MESSAGES TO MRS HAWKER. WORLD-WIDE ENTHUSIASM. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Australian and X.Z. Cable Association (Received Mav 2”, 9.40 p.hi.j LONDON, May p 6. Elaborate arrangements have been made for the reception and welcome to London when Hawker and Grieve arrive. There will be a great welcome at King’s Cross Station by the Mayor and Council of St. Pancras, followed by a procession to the Aero Club, with an escort composed of many members. A complimentary luncheon will bo tendered to Hawker and Grieve later in the week, and on Saturday a fete will be held at the Hendon aerodrome, at which a welcome from ten thousand -Sopwith 'employees will take place. ICing George, in a message to Mrs Hawker, said; “I rejoice with you at your gallant husband’s happy rescue, and trust he may be long spared to you.” . Queen Alexandra sent a message: “With all my heart I wish you and the nation joy on tho safety of youi gallant husband and his companion. 1 rejoice that it was a Danish ship that rescued his precious life.” A flood of other messages has oofne from all parts of tho world, and the jubilation in Paris exceeds anything witnessed since the Armistice.

WELCOME AT THURSO,

HAWKER LACONIC -AND MODEST.

The Provost of Thurso (the most northern town on the Scottish mainland) welcomed Hawker and Grieve on their arrival there. The Provost said that throughout Britain, and in every land, the news of their safe deliverance was ringing, and hearts were rejoicing. Thougn they failed in their gallant purpose, they had achieved great things. Their names .would, live ‘ for ever in the annals of Atlantic flight. They had brought new lustre to the daring and intrepidity of our race. At this spot Kitchener bade farewell to his country. It was now the welcomingpoint for tno other brave sons of the Empire. Hawker replied: “I thank you for your kind greeting.” Hawker refused interviews, except in the case of one newspaper. . HAWKER INTERVIEWED. ' ■ ; HIS STORY OF THE TRIP. • (Received May 28, 12.10 a.m.) LONDON, May 26. Hawker, interviewed by the “Daily Mail,” said; i—After passing over the Newfoundland fogs there was a clear sky for four hours, then visibility became very bad owing to heavy cloudbanks. Eventually they flew into a heavy sform. with rain-squalls, though ■they were above tho clouds at about 15,000 ft . altitude. About five and ahalf hours after the start, owing to tho choking of the filter and the temperature of tho water cooling, the engines rose. They overcame this difficulty by descending several thousand feet. Everything went Veil for another few hours, when the circulation pipe became choked and the water boiled. Hawker realised that they could not rise without using a lot ,of motor-power. • After. T2§ 'hours; they realised ' they ’could not proceed as they Verb '’using’ up their power. Thou was reached the fateful decision to play for safety. They changed their course and began to fly diagonally toward the main shipping route. Two and a-half hours later they sighted a steamer and sent up distress signals, which were answered promptly. They flew another two miles and landed ahead of the steamer. Tho sea was exceedingly rough, and despite the utmost efforts of tlie Danish crew, ninety .minutes elapsed before they were got aboard. “At great risk to themselves, the seamen launched a small boat in a heavy .tale. Tho machine is probably still afloat. Wo had been 1.4 i hours out at 8.30 in the morning.” Grieve states:—A strong gale drove us steadily northward. Sometimes it was impossible l owing to the pressure of tho mass of clouds to take our bearings. Wo were £OO miles off the course, and had covered a thousand miles when wb decided to seek ship. KING'S INVITATION TO AVIATORS ASTOUNDING RECEPTION I’M HIGHLANDS. HAWKER’S ACCOUNT OF FLIGHT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received May 27, 11.40 p.m.) LONDON, May 117. The King has telegraphed inviting Hawker to Buckingham Palace ou Wednesday, Hawker and Grieve had astonishing receptions at each Highland station passed through, women throwing flowers and kisses to tile aviators, ’• who shook hands with hundreds of men who fought for alliance to enter the train, even when moving.

When the “Daily Mail” informed Mrs Hawker that it was proposed to give her a share of the LIU,OIX) prize, she wrote to Lord Northclilfe, thanking him, but adding; “I cannot and wjil not believe my husband isn't alive.”

Mr Hughes, Australian Premier, telegraphed his congratulations on.thw magnificent attempt of ‘Hawker and Grieve, and their safe return. The congratulations received include a number from trade unions and other Labour organisations. Tho Australian Baud has been ovdot • ed from Salisbury to play Hawker tlrom King’s Cross to tho Aero Club. Australian soldiers will keep the route, and others will march in procession. Hugo crowds are expected. Tho publish * Hawker’s account of his Atlantic flight.' It is a straightforward story, destitute of incident or excitement, apart from the engine trouble already described, which necessitated tho \ abandonment of tho attempt to roach Ireland, and mado the aviators turn in order to strike a route which Atlantic vessels frequent. Provost Maokay states that the descent was finally mado close to the steamer Marie, which sighted the aeroplane a thousand miles from the stinting point. The rescue by the Danish steamer was a perilous affair owing to tho high sea running, but was happily accomplished after ninety minutes’

-work. This was the only time the aviators were in any real danger. They, now feel particular!} - fit, and are m tho pink of condition and the highest spirits, anticipating London's welcome to-night. AN AMERICAN DIRIGIBLE BLEAKS MOORINGS (Received May 27, 9.40 p.m.j ST. JOHN’S (Newfoundland), May 15. An American dirigible, which arrived here, broke 10000 from its moorings, and was blown seaward. It reported' that no one is on board. ENTRY FOR AUSTRALIAN FLIGHT LONDON, May 26. A Sopwith “Dove” aeroplane, with an 60-horse-power Lo Rhone engine, has beer, entered foi the Australian flight. Bert Sinkler, the Australian pilot, hopes to make his final landing at his mother’s home, near Sydney.