The Flight of the Southern Cross.

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 14, 19 October 1928, Page 7

The Flight of the Southern Cross.

Stirring Tribute Broadcast by 2YA

The following tribute was broadcast by Station 2YA, Wellington, ’ relay from Blenheim, on the occasion of the arrival of the Southern Cross Four stalwart souls, encabined in their ’plane, essayed a task ’twould muke the bravest quail; Through Air’s uncharted space with sure, unerring aim, scorning alike the Tempest and the Dark, Smith, Ulm, and Litchfield with McWilliam flew, brave Pilots of the Unknown Way, On man-made wings above the Tasman deep, and blazed beneath the skies an Appian Trail. QO vasty deep. O great illimitable void conquered at last by man’s indomitable will! ; To-day we greet the conquerers with acclaim, pay homage to the men who soared that mighty span, Laughed at the Thunder, spurned the Lightning’s flash, endured the dread loneliness of impenetrable night, , And with a modest courage, daring even Death, landed triumphant the whole world to thrill. This flight historic. crowned with rich success, flings wide the door of aerial enterprise: Opens to far-flung lands, wide-sundered by the seas, a dawn of radiant hope: Makes sport of Time, cuts Distance to the quick, and with assurance by achievement gained Gives. to mankind 2 boon of priceless worth-the sure. unfettered

transport of the skies.

J.

B.