THE SOUTHERN CROSS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 431, 16 January 1933, Page 6

THE SOUTHERN CROSS

GROUNDS READY ARRANGEMENTS COMPLETE FOR VISIT TO ROTORUA GUIDANCE FOR PUBLIG Arrangements for the welcome of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith are now completed. The landing ground on Mrs. W. H. Smith's property at Te Ngae has been prepared through the co-operation of the Rotorua Borough and County Councils, and Mr. R. C. j Smith. Two runways have been | cleared sufficient to operate the Southern Cross. Entrance to the field is from the main Te Ngae Road' just immediately after rounding the washout. Mr. Charles Griffiths and his staff are in charge of the entrance arrangements. No cars are permitted to be parked on the main road. The traffic inspector, together with a number of assistants, will be patrolling the main road and be in charge of the traffic. All cars will be required to go into the landing field and will be parked on a portion of the ground setvaside f for that purpose. Once the 'plane has j been sighted no cars will be permitted to cross the runways, nor will any member of the public be permitted to walk across. Late arrivals with . cars will be diverted to another portion of the landing ground also set aside for the purpose. The internal arrangements are in the hands of Major Dansey, president of the Returned Soldiers' Association, anfi Mr. J. D. A. Painton, the secretary.' They will be assisted by some twenty territorials and boy scouts. The official party which will consist of the mayor, Mr. T. Jackson, the president and executive members of the Aero Club, Major Dansey and Mr. J. D. A. Painton, representing the Returned Soldiers' Association, Mr. H. P. Ford, chairman of the Rotorua County Council, together with the members of both the county and borough councils and their wives, will assemble at that portion of the field set aside for the official party. Immediately the 'plane lands it will taxi to the point reserved for the official party, and as it comes to a standstill it will be surrounded by the territorials and boy scouts and the Maoris, if in attendance, will immediately give their welcome. Thereafter Sir Charles will be introduced to the mayor and the president of the Returned Soldiers' Association and the mayor will give a short address of welcome to Sir Charles and his party. At 2 o'clock Sir Charles will undertake commercial flying. A large number of people have intimated their intention of taking flights. If there is any doubt as to whether the weather will prevent Sir Charles coming through from New Plymouth advices .will be reeeived by the postmaster as early as possible and the "Morning Post" will also receive like notification. As advised previonsly the 'plane is timed to leave New Plymouth about noon and should reach Rotorua any time after one o'cloek. ' In all probability the 'plane will not ' eircle over the town.