IN THE SWAMP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 6, 8 January 1931, Page 8

IN THE SWAMP.

'PLANE SLIGHTLY DAMAGED

AN UNCONVENTIONAL RECEPTION,

(By Telegraph—"Star's" Special Reporter.)

HOIvOTIKA, this day. The Southern Cross Junior lies in a typical flax swamp. When it came to earth the machine struck the flax bushes, which acted as a sort of break. The bushes are torn up for a distance of 40ft. The 'plane nose-dived and the propeller blades snapped off. The impact must have been cushioned by the peaty nature of the swamp, and the landing could not have been more fortunate under the circumstances. As evidence of the ease with which the machine came to rest, the only damage in addition to the propeller is a broken strut on one wing and, a disabled rudder. Probably the 'plane will be dismantled and then skidded on timber balks over the treacherous swamp. An unconventional reception was accorded the airman this morning. He was presented to the Mayor on the sidewalk. Boys and girls followed him everywhere. A blushing flapper, after shaking hands, said, "Do I get a kiss?" Menzies even nursed a curly-headed baby, which an admiring mother asked him to handle.