HONOURS FOR AVIATORS

Shannon News, 27 July 1928, Page 1

HONOURS FOR AVIATORS

QUESTION OF KNIGHTHOODS. I SYDNEY, June '2B. ■ The Prime Minister, Mr Bruce, hatboon attacked in certain influontia l quarters because . Squadron-Leader Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Uhn have not received knighthoods. Such matters are not made, the subject of public controversy, so the public is left in the dark as to whether Mr Bruce is actually responsible. Such a reeommenda- -. tion may have been made. The fact that the two Australians were awarded by the King the Air Cross Medal does not seem to have aroused the enthusiasm it should have, because the award has been granted .roost sparingly. A similar award was made to Mr Hink'er for his solo flight from England to Australia. . It is believed that the British seek to raise thje value of the cross, and in* dications have been given that it will be distributed in future only to those who the most - outstanding feats of aviation. Messrs. Smith and .Ulm are quite satisfied with the award. "We may earn other honours .later," ;i they say. ' / • A suggestion has boon put forward in Australia for an international award to cover such aviation feats as.~th.ose performed by Messrs. Kingsford Smith and Ulm and their American comrades. Such an award, it is suggested, should the League of Nations. • •.-