TASMAN FLYERS’ VISIT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 461, 17 September 1928, Page 1

TASMAN FLYERS’ VISIT

Due Auckland After Four (TClock BIG WELCOME PLANNED FOR TO-MORROW THE Tasman flyers, led by Squadron-Leader Kingsford ■» Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Ulm, who are touring New Zealand in three Bristol Fighters, are not now due to land at Ihumata, near Mangere, Auckland, until 4 p.m. or later to-morrow.

This delay of an hour is due to the addition to the programme of an official luncheon at Hawera. The flyers are not expected to leave Hawera until 1.30 p.m., and the flight to Auckland will occupy about two and a-half hours. Auckland cannot extend an aerial welcome as did Christchurch, but it is possible that Mr. D. Mill will take off in his Moth. ORDER OF LANDING Major L. M. Isitt, who is in control of the arrangements in Auckland, stated this morning that the order of landing to-morrow afternoon will be as follows:—First, Captain Findlay with Mr. H. A. Litchfield, navigator of the Southern Cross; second, Captain Buckley, with Mr. T. H. McWilliam, the wireless operator; third, SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith and FlightLieutenant Ulm. The visitors will make their trip to Rotorua in motor-cars. LANDING ARRANGEMENTS To-day the landing area at the Aero Club’s ground at Ihumata is being marked out for the guidance of the three pilots. If necessary a smokecloud will also be used to direct them. Captain J. L. Findlay knows the ground, and possibly will land first. It is specially pointed out to the public that only members of the Aero Club will be allowed on to the airdrome landing ground. This is necessary both for the safety of the airmen and of the public. To ensure that the ground is kept clear the police will be assisted by the Defence Department, who will send out their permanent forces reinforced with a troop of mounted rifles. Yesterday the A.A..A. sign-posted the road from Mangere Bridge at Onehunga to the landing ground, * the signs reading. “Airdrome—Landing Place of Kingsford Smith.” In view of the continued wet weather and the fact that cars will have to be parked on grass at Ihumata to-morrow afternoon, the A.A.A. patrol staff has been instructed to be in attendance, and will give assistance, if it is necessary, to get cars back on to the road. They will also assist in directing the parking. As previously stated, the public can get an excellent view of the landing from a hillside near the airdrome. Members and their families will provide a crowd of some 600 inside the airdrome grounds, and provision has been made to keep them off the land-

ing ground. After landing the visiting planes will be drawn up facing the hillside.

The welcome to the flyers at Ihumata will be a purely informal affair, and the flyers are expected to leave for Auckland by car almost as soon as they leave their machines. WARM WELCOME EXPECTED It is unlikely that Auckland *vill be outdone in the warmth of . its welcome to the Tasman flyers. Many thousands of people are expected to make the trip to the landing ground. Yesterday hundreds of car-owners visited Ihumata and spied out the points of vantage. The Defence Department hopes to provide a band to play before the landing and during the reception. NO HALF-HOLIDAY After having consulted the wish of business men as expressed by the Chamber of Commerce, the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon, stated this morning that he had decided not to make any general request for the observance of a halfholiday to-morrow in honour of the flyers* visit. The late arrival of the visitors has also had its effect on the position. Many thousands of people could not go to Ihumata in any case, and the airmen will reach Auckland some time after 4 p.m., which will enable most of those interested to see them. In view of this, it is expected that a huge gathering will assemble outside the Grand Hotel late in the afternoon to welcome the visitors. OFFICIAL PROGRAMME The official programme remains unaltered, except as to the time of arrival. It is as follows: Tuesday: About 4 p.m., flyers arrive at Ihumata. Wednesday: Noon, civic reception at Town Hall; evening, dinner at Grand Hotel tendered by office-bearers of Aero Club, followed by cabaret party. Thursday: Leave for Rotorua. Saturday: Evening, Aero Club invitation ball at Town Hall. BUS SERVICES ARRANGED To meet the requirements of those people who have no other means of transport to the landing ground at Ihumata to-morrow afternoon when Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith will arrive, the Passenger Transport Company has arranged a special service, details of which are advertised.