SIR KEITH SMITH.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume XII, Issue 3586, 23 September 1920, Page 5

SIR KEITH SMITH.

ARRIVAL AT TAIHAPE

Sir Keith Smith, the world-famed aviator, who made the trip by aeroplane from England to Australia in company wi; h Sir Ross Smith, arrived in Taihape by the express from To Kuiti this morning ' After his arrival, Sir Keith was met by His orship the Mayor and members of the Borough Council His Worship, on behalf of. the citizens, of Taihape, extended a cordial welcome to Sir Keith Smith, and assured him that ‘ hey were very pleased to receive a'Visit from him. During the course of the reception, Sir Keith stated some interesting facts in connection with i he possibilities of aviation geucia.liy and its development along commercial lines. He mentioned that the longest flight over water on his trip was 800 miles, and when questioned as to the possibilities of an Australia to New Zealand flight he said hhe Hfip coulld easily be made; but the commercial advantages were practically nil on account of the cost. The machine he used consumed about fen gallons of ' pc. rol per hour, and as the trip from Australia would occupy about ten or twelve hours, the cost would be too great from a commercial point of view. Regarding petroi! supplies, he said it would be of great assistance if oil could be procured in Australia, and mentioned thai: there was a possibility of supplies being obtained from Papua.

Sir Keith is having a matinee this afternoon, and will deliver a lecture af the King’s Theatre to-night at 7.30 p,m..- He . will afterwards ..attend the Returned Soldiers’ BaTl at the Town Hall, and will leave • to-morrow for Wanganui.