HAWKER AND GRIEVE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10293, 30 May 1919, Page 5

HAWKER AND GRIEVE

ENTERTAINED AT THE SAVOY.

KING DECORATES AVIATORS,

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association,

(Received May 20, 8.35 p.m.) LONDON, May 28,

Hawker and Grieve were entertained at luncheon at the Savoy Hotel. Mrs Hawker was the only womaritoresent. Major-General Seely, Air minister, presented the aviators with a\ cheque for £'sooo, and read greetings from General Trenchard on behalf of the Air Force.

It is noteworthy that the King disregarded red tape and took the earliest opportunity of decorating the aviators. Hawker, responding to the toast, said he had waited impatiently until the people of Newfoundland believed ho would never leave. The weather on the British side of the Atlantic was reported to be good, and finally the conditions were such that, apart from the question of prize, any man would make the attempt. Grieve explained tho difficulties in i obtaining bearings from stars or moon owing to clouds. Tho venture would be a valuable lesson for the benefit of future air navigators.

Mr Fisher, High Commissioner for the Commonwealth toasting the chairman, pointed out that it was not the men who failed; it was the machine. If they had two engines next time they would succeed. AVIATORS RECEIVED BY ROYALTY. (Received May 29, 9.40 p.m.) LONDON, May 28. The King invested Hawker and Grieve with the,Air Force Cross. This is the first personal investiture. His Majesty r. is ■' receiving' > the '■ 'airmen : • at Buckingham Palace. Immense crowds gave them an oi'ation in the streets. Subsequently the Queen and Prince of Wales received^them.