WELLINGTON AMAZED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 456, 11 September 1928, Page 1

WELLINGTON AMAZED

PLANE CIRCLES CITY APPROACHED FROM NORTH Press Association WELLINGTON, To-day. To the amazement of everyone, the Southern Cross appeared over Wellington at 7.15 this morning, approaching from the north. She appeared over the surrounding hills, flying at a comparatively low altitude. People who witnessed the arrival of the machine could not believe that the approaching airplane was the Southern Cross, but their doubts were soon dissipated when it reached Courtenay Place and the powerful three engines could be plainly discerned, as well as the identification lettering on the underpart of the wings, and the peculiar square shape of the fuselage. Pyjama-clad men and women rushed out to give the aviators a cheer, while at the windows of dwellings faces appeared gazing upwards, with incredulity most plainly written on them. Trams stopped, and groups of excited people quickly gathered to discuss the unexpected visit. The sky was overcast, and, the grey clouds being low, the Southern Cross first appeared as a black speck rapidly approaching from the north. Then the noise of her engines was dis- [ cernible above the sound of early morning city traffic. As the airplane approached Wireless Hill, she banked I steeply, then flattened out, and passed | over Courtenay Place tram shelter at j what appeared to be but little over 1,000 feet.

PLANES TAKE OFF TO WELCOME THE FLYERS At 8.40 a.m. the announcer at Wigram Airdrome said that Five Bristol Fighters were taking up formation, and the drone of the motors could be plainly heard over the air. Four machines took off in a nor'easterly direction, but one had difficulty in getting up. A gentle breeze was blowing and visibility was excellent, said the : ’drome announcer. It should be pos- | sible to see the Southern Cross three j miles away. Speeches were made ;by prominent citizens, including the Mayor of Christchurch, the Rev. J. K. Archer, who referred to the extraordinarily speedy passage made by the Southern Cross. Outlining the preparations for welcoming the airmen, the Mayor, the Rev. J. K. Archer, said there would be nothing official at the time of landing, but the flyers would be welcomed unofficially and the men would then be given a cup of tea. The official welcome would taka place to-morrow afternoon. In tbo ; evening the Returned Soldiers’ Assoj ciation would hold a dinner of I come.