MISS JEAN BATTEN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 190, 25 May 1934, Page 5

MISS JEAN BATTEN

"WORST COUNTRY YET."

"COURAGEOUS LADY IS TIRED."

NO RISKS IN AUSTRALIA

(United Press Association—Copyrigut) (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day.

Captain Bird, who is' piloting the 'plane that is escorting Miss Jean Batten, telegraphs from Newcastle Waters: "Very bumpy; for safety have decided against attempting to make Brunette Downs after dark. The courageous little lady considers this is the worst flying country she has tackled, and is tired." DIFFICULTIES OF THE FLIGHT. GRIT AND GRIM DETERMINATION SYDNEY, May 24. Miss Batten's log provides an amazing story of grit and determination. For example, she encountered mon : soonal storms after leaving Rangoon. The rain fell in sheets and swamped the cock-pit. The engine was misfiring and she was unable to see her iristru; ments. Half ari hour, out from Calcutta an oil pipe burst and sprayed everything with Hot oil. The engine was terribly hot, but she was unable to make a forced landing; so carried on. Mr J. A. Lyons (the Prime Minister), has sent a message of hearty congratulation to Miss Batten on behalf of the Commonwealth Government. DELAYED BY WINDS. SYDNEY, May 24. . Miss Batten has reached Newcastle Waters. Strong head winds delayed her progress and she may not reach Sydney until Sunday. ' CONGRATUATED BY THE KING. "HER WONDERFUL FLIGHT." • / j (Received This Day', 11.15 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The congratulations of the King and Queen have been sent to Miss Batten through the Governor-General, who advised her that he had received the following message from the King:— "Please convey to Miss Batten the congratulations of the Queen and myself on her wonderful flight.—George R. 1." TRIBUTES IN ENGLAND. VIRTUE OF PERSEVERANCE. LONDON, May 24. Miss Jean Batten's lone flight to Australia has captured the imagination of the British public, and is the subject of. editorial comment in a majority of newspapers. The "Daily Telegraph" says: "The flight will make one of the most famous pages in the history of flying, and Miss Batten will be the supreme immortal example of the virtue of perseverance." The "Daily Mail" says: "Miss Batten's feat is* an inspiring prelude to the tremendous contest for the Macrobertson Trophy." "The Times" says: "When the new air liner Diana is taking mails to Australia in a "week at a speed of 145 miles an hour, the solitary flight by this accomplished young woman will fall into the category of Channel swimming, or motor-car reliability trials.

LORD BLEDISLOE'S MESSAGE. NEW ZEALAND CONGRATULATIONS. AUCKLAND, May 24. The Governor-General has sent the following message to Miss Jean Batten : "Please accept my warmest congratulations on your highly successful flight. New Zealand is proud ot your notable achievement. > "BLEDISLOE, Governor-General.

The Prime Minister has cabled congratulations on behalf of New Zealand to Miss Jean Batten.