VACANT CHAIR

"COBBER" KAIN'S MESS

SOLICITUDE OF SUPERIOR

HOW AIR ACE DIED

{By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.)

LONDON, June 11

It is learned that Flying Officer "Cobber" Kain crashed and was killed instantly when a wing-tip of his Hurricane fighter touched the ground while he was flying over an aerodrome.

His death occurred only a few hours after he had been informed that he was being posted to England for special duties as an instructor. He wanted to stay in France, but the] authorities judged that his brilliant service had earned him a spell of home duty. The aviation writer of "The Times," paying a tribute to Kain, says: "This tall, big-boned New Zealander was known affectionately to his associates as the "mad devil." It was undoubtedly this streak of recklessness, controlled by cool thinking, which gave him so many victories in such a- short time. The name of Kain is permanently inscribed among the great air fighters." (Received June 12, 10 a.m.) LONDON, June 11. A member of the staff of the Australian Associated Press who was recently in France writes: "Today, 24 hours after the announcement of 'Cobber' Kain's death, I received an autographed card from this ace written in the famous Maxims restaurant in Paris where 'Cobber' was entertained by Australians and New Zealanders be-j fore joining his squadron on the eve of his fatal crash "I first met 'Cobber' when he limped into his squadron's mess behind the Maginot Line after his amazing parachute escape last March. His casual 'Blow me down,' when he saw the gallery of correspondents waiting to interview him, became the customary greeting among all pilots and correspondents on the Western Front. "He died on the very day that orders were received for him to go to Britain as an instructor. His comrades recovered 'Cobber's' tiki mascot from the : wreckage and hung it in the mess room overlooking ,a vacant chair and upturned glass. "During ten months of continuous j patrol 'Cobber' shot down 40 planes. He remarked a few weeks ago, 'I really do not know how many now. I guess I have lost count, but it must be over 30.' "LIONISED EVERYWHERE." " 'Cobber' was lionised wherever he went and received a tumultuous greeting when he recently visited London on short leave. His squadron leader later remarked, 'He can stand a lot because he is a steady sort of chap, but this publicity may upset him.' Thereupon he deliberately 'grounded' 'Cobber' for a fortnight on his return Ito France. He did not want 'Cobber' to get reckless in trying to live up to his reputation. When 'Cobber' was thoroughly 'browned-off he was sent on patrol again. "The circumstances of his death were sad, but it was a hero's death." The London newspapers all pay tribute to Kain. "The Star" is typical: "One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name. 'Cobber' had many glorious hours of intense and exhilarating activity. His end puts the seal on the war services of Britain's first air ace. He belongs to a new race of young men who think and act at speeds hitherto inconceivable but who possess the old virtues of pluck, nerve, and humanity. "He has gone to his end after a short period in which he brought glory to his own Dominion and nobly and cheerfully served the cause of the Allies."