A TIMELY GIFT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 672, 26 October 1933, Page 4

A TIMELY GIFT

■ _ It is not often that public ser- | vices to the State are recognised other than posthumously when the virtues of the deceased always seem to become most apparent. The Australian Government, however, under pressure of public opinion, has decided to make a gift of £3000 to Sir Charles Kingsford Smith in recognition of his outstanding services to aviation and to his country. No one, and Australians least of all, will fail to appreciate the value of the aerial exploration work which "Smithy" has carried out and coming from men who have just voted themselves £10,000 in commemoration of their own services to the nation, this gift of £3000 is the smallest recognition which a Government could give the world's greatest pilot. That is "Smithy's" title now and there will be few who will gainsay his claim. He has never at any stage in his career been a "stunt" flyer seeking puklicity by tempting Providence. "Smithy's" flights have been planned, organised expeditions with definite objectives in view, objectives which with hardly a single execption, have been attained. The honour of knighthood which was recently conferred on the great airman by His Majesty the King, was a well-merited distinction and one which the Australian people took to itself. But even when it was conferred "Smithy" was reported to be reluctant to accept it, not because he did not appreciate it, but because he realised that it must mean heavier calls upon his purse. Commercial aviation, even to a great pilot, is hardly a i lucrative occupation, and al- j though he has always maintain- j ed a sturdy independence of out- ; look, he has never disguised the : fact that he does not enjoy af- i fluence. When he returned from | his recent record-breaking solo | flight from England, public requests were made throughout the country that Sir Charles' ser- j vices should be suitably recog- ! nised by his country. Replying ! to a speech in which references ' of this description were made, "Smithy" said that he "wanted no special treatment and would stand on his own feet." That is J a sentiment to be expected from j a man who has blazed sky trails j round the world, but that is no ; reason why his country should not recognise his services in tangible form. Australians recognise that, in blunt terms, "Smithy" has a market value in other countries that are able to pay it, yet in spite of that fact he has remained always an Australian and has concentrated upon the development of aviation 1 in his country under circumstances which have brought him considerably less ' financial reward than he would have earned abroad. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith has done a great deal to 'enhance the name aird the reputation of his country; he is a 'man of whom not only Australia but the Empire has cause to feel proud. The gift which the Federal Government proposes to make to him is undoubtedly only some of the recognition which his countrymen would give him if they had the means to show it. But quite apart from anything else,Nif this gift from the nation • allows 1 "Smithy" to remain in Australia it will be an excellent investment for his experience and advice as a pioneer of commercial aviation, is wor th infinitely more thaii £3000 to ihe Commonwealth. ' ' * * ,