IN INTERESTS OF SCIENCE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 462, 18 September 1928, Page 1

IN INTERESTS OF SCIENCE

FLIGHT TO NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT ENTERTAINS AIRMEN Press Association WELLINGTON, Monday. The Government luncheon to the aviators was attended by some 180 guests, including many members of Parliament. The Prime Minister, in proposing the health o£ the guests of honour, gave a light touch to the proceedings by praising the foresight of the Minister of Finance who, in 1921, had an Act passed providing for the applying of Customs laws and regulations to airships. Mr. H. E. Holland, Leader of the Opposition, also endorsed Mr. Coates's remarks, and added, amid laughter, that if the aviators could only prolong their stay to, say, about two months, he would be delighted to have their assistance in helping him to cover the ground, which would be far fester than any trains. Kingsford Smith paid a high tribute to the men who had assisted him both in his Pacific and Tasman Sights. Part of the delay in Australia -was caused by having to try out two new men. and they had come through 'the test with honour. They had not flown to Now Zealand with the hope of reward, but in the interests of science. They regarded the generous gift the Government had made as a contribution to science, and it would be applied toward the propagation of sane and sound aviation. Flight-Lieutenant Ulm caused renewed merriment by turning to the Prime Minister and saying that if it would be any help to him, they would be glad to convey Mr. Holland to Australia on their return.