Smith’s Mascot

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 394, 30 June 1928, Page 24

Smith’s Mascot

NELLIE STEWART’S PHOTOGRAPH CARRIED BY KINGSFORD SMITH ON FLIGHT ACROSS THE PACIFIC OCEAN

w _ WEET NELL” was the mascot carried by Capv jn tain Kingsford-Smith on his trans-Paciflc flight. wStafraPfit A photograph of Miss l > Nellie Stewart, for years the idol of the theatre-going world of Australia and New Zealand—and a personal friend of Kingsford-Smith — was carried on board the Southern Cross. Miss Stewart was delighted when she heard of her association with the flight. She is at present in ill-health, but wrote the following message to the aviator: “The realisation that our own dear Kingsford-Smith has continued to consider my humble little photograph once more as his mascot—and his permitting it to share in his glorious achievement—makes me the proudest woman, and most grateful one in Australia, not forgetting his mother and father (although it is true he ‘sat upon me’ in the cockpit). “And who knows? Perhaps my staunch faith, which has never once wavered: that he would succeed with anything he attempted, has helped just a wee, wee bit on the right side. “Kingsford knows of this confidence as well as my admiration and miloving thoughts which always go with him. NELLIE STEWART.” Miss Stewart was invited to attend the great gala performance of “Rio Rita,” given in honour of the airman, as guest of Sir Benjamin Fuller. Her illness prevented her accepting the invitation.