FAMOUS AIRMAN.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17980, 27 March 1930, Page 5

FAMOUS AIRMAN.

A REMARKABLE SEND-OFF. 1 KINGSFORD SMITH’S NEXT FLIGHT, i Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith left Sydney for America by the Sonoma to complete arrangements for a flight of the Atlantic. Touching scenes were witnessed when “Smithy” bade goodbye to his mother and his fiancee, Miss Mary Powell. His last words as the liner left were: “Good-bye, Mum.” Since Kingsford Smith and his three comrades conquered the. Pacific lie lias been keen to try ttie Atlantic, but plans for the attempt took definite shape only in recent weeks. His co-pilot on the Pacific flight, Flight-Lieutenant C. T. P. Ulm, has not been able to obtain leave from the Australian National Airways, in which “Smithy” and Ulm are leading lights. Chattipg to a Sydney News man before the Sonoma sailed Kingsford j Smith said the Southern Cross was | still in Holland, and he would probably j use the famous machine in this 'attempt. In America he was going to j look around for an airman to take j Ulrn’s place in the crew, hut expected j that some time would be taken before a suitable man was found. Chances of Success. “What do you think of your chances of success?” Smithy was asked by a News man. “Well, that remains to be seen, but I assure you I will see the job through, and am confident of being able to do it," was the reply. “If I succeed it will be the fulfilment of one of my greatest ambitions. It will be my last big flight though, for if I come through this safely I intend to marry and settle down to a comparatively quiet life.” To Be Married in September. “Smithy” added that he expected the flight would be completed within the next five months—the length of his leave from the Australian National Airways. He hoped to be hack in Sydney by September, adding, with a blush, “You/know I am going to be married in that month.” His send-off was one of the most remarkable witnessed on the waterfront for some time. Not only personal friends and Ids family gathered to wish him “God speed,” but unknown admirers also besieged him, anxious to shake him by the hand and give a word of encouragement. With only a few moments to spare before the Sonoma left “Smithy” had great difficulty in separating himself from the crowd to spend the last few moments with his mother and fiancee. Taking his sobbing mother in his arms, “Smithy” tenderly kissed her and told tier “not to worry,” that everything would be all right, and that he would be back to her again in a few months. His bride-to-be, Miss Mary Powell, of Hawtliobe, Victoria, whom “Smithy” met while reluming from America, was very affected. As the Sonoma left the wharf at Circular Quay “Smithy” was seen high up on the boat deck waving lo j tiie immense crowd, which could not | get coloured streamers up to him. j There was a rousing cheer when two 'planes, manned by the aviator’s friends, swept ever the ship.