WILL HE ENTER?

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 126, 30 May 1934, Page 7

WILL HE ENTER?

MONEY NEEDED.

SMITHY AND AIR RACE.

£3500 Must be Raised Wit Kin

Three Days.

PLANS TALL THROUGH. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Keccived 11.30 a.m.) SYDNEY, this day. Mr. John Stannage, the Sydney representative for Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, stated that unless £3500 is raised within three days, "Smithy" may be unable to start in the Centenary air race. " 'Smithy' had certain plans but unfortunately they have fallen through. He is faced with the necessity of raisin"£3500 to complete the purchase of a machine, and for fuel and transport. The machine will cost £5000, and Sir Macpherson Robertson has given £2000, which will be sufficient for a deposit."

A San Francisco message says the Australian Press Association is informed that Sir Charles Ivingsford Smith plans to buy an aeroplane in America which he is likely to ship to Australia. Thence lie will make a trial flight to England by easy stages to be in readiness for the Centenary race.

The problem of obtaining an airworthiness certificate acceptable to the Australian authorities to permit the importation of his machine may be overcome by flying the 'plane to Canada and obtaining there.

Further entries for the Centenary race, according to a London message, are Laura Ingals, of America, who will fly a Orion, and the Societe Idrovolanti Alta Italia, using a Navoi Marchetta 'plane, also Mr. R. W. Everett, who will fly in the handicap race in a Puss Motli«

A new entrant, states a Sydney cable,, is Warren Penny, aged 23, who will fly a British 'plane.

A Melbourne message says that although only tlireo days remain for the receipt of entries for the Centenary air racc, many flyers whose names have been mentioned as likely to enter have not been nominated so far. Fourteen entries have been received, nine for the speed race and five for the handicap.

TRIUMPH HAILED.

Enthusiastic Receptions for Miss Batten. FLIGHT TO SYDNEY. (Received 2 p.m.) SYDNEY, this day. Miss Jean Batten left Charleville, Queensland, at 9.30 a.m. yesterday, accompanied by the Qantas escorting aeroplane piloted by Captain Bird, and readied Bourke at 12.30 p.m. Captain Bird states that Miss Batten is as accomplished and skilful as any male pilot he has ever known. Tlio girl flyer was given an enthusiastic reception and entertained at luncheon by the Mayor and citizens. Later she continued lier journey to Narramine, 300 miles west of Sydney. Miss Batten was welcomed by one of the largest gatlr rings ever seen in Narramine, where she arrived at 4.50 p.m. The Mayor, Mr. J. Smith, described her as a most courageous girl and a, fine type of New Zealander, whose country was blessed with a healthful and gloiious climate.

"That is very nice of you," smilingly interposed Miss Batten. _ "I am more than pleased to be back in sunny New South Wales."

Elaborate arrangements have been made for Miss Batten's arrival in Sydney about 3 p.m. to-day. Twenty aeroplanes flying in formation will meet her over the city and escort her to Mascot aerodrome.

Members of the Aero Club, the local Mavor and aldermen, representatives of the New South Wales Ministry and the New Zealand Women's Association, also Mr. L. J. Schmitt, New Zealand Trade and Tourist Commissioner, will welcome Miss Batten at Mascot.

Arrangements have been made to enable the young flyer to broadcast the high lights of her flight from England at 8 p.mi to-day (9.30 p.m. New Zealand time).