IN THE AIR.

Taihape Daily Times, 30 May 1919, Page 5

IN THE AIR.

o HAWKER AND GRIEVE

INVESTED WITH AIR FORCE CROSS.

LONDON, May 28.

The King invested Hawker and Grieve with the Air Force Cross. This is the, first personal investiture His Majesty receiving the airmen at Buckingham Palace. Immense crowds ovationed them in the streets. Subsequently the Queen and the Prince of Wales received them.

ENTERTAINED AT THE SAYOY

LONDON, May 2S

Hawker and Grieve were entertained at luncheon at the Savoy Hotel. Mrs Hawker was the only woman present. General Seeley presented the aviators with a cheque for £SOOO, and read greetings from General Trenchard. on behalf of the Air Force. He said it was noteworthy that the King disregarded red tape, and took the earliest opportunity of decorating the aviators.

j Hawker, responding to a toast, said he had waited impatiently until the. I people of Newfoundland believed he would never leave. The weather on the British side of the Atlantic was reported good, and finally the conditions were such that, apart from the question of tthe prize, any man, would make the attempt. Grieve explained the difficulties of obtaining bearings of stars, and the moon owing to clouds. The venture would be a valuable lssson for the benefit of future air navigators. FLIGHT TO AUSTRALIA. , HINKLER READY TO START. LONDON, May 28. Hinkler will make an unaccompanied flight to Australia. He expects to start,h>. a few days, otherwise monsoons will cause postponement for three months. His/ preparations are completed. He is awaiting the Aero Club's appointment; of a n official starter at

Hounslow aerodrome,, also an examiner at Singapore, where his machine will bo cheeked. The machine carries 75} gallons of petrol, sufficient for ten hours' cruising at a speed of ninety miles per hour.