FIRST SIGHTED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 247, 17 October 1936, Page 10

FIRST SIGHTED.

AT NEW PLYMOUTH. AEROPLANE DIPS IN SALUTE CROWD DISAPPOINTED. Tlio first news of Miss Batten's success in crossing the Tasman in continuation of her epic flight from Great Britain, was received from New Plymouth shortly after 4 p.m. Thousands of people throughout New Zealand were thrilled and delighted, to learn that the intrepid aviatrix had achieved her goal and spanned the most dangerous stretch of ocean on her flight. The message stated thjit Miss Batten had passed over New Plymouth at 4.5 p.m., and had headed straight for Auckland. Thousands who assembled at the New Plymouth airport caught sight of Miss Batten's 'plane shortly alter 4' p.m., and they cheered her lustily as she piloted her machine over their heads, and at 4.4 p.m. dropped to 500 ft in salute. Headed for Auckland. Cheered on her way, Aliss Batten immediately headed her 'plane for Auckland and home, disappointing the crowd by not landing for a few minutes. A naval and an Air Force 'plane rose from the aerodrome in welcome, but Miss Batten did not waste time by diverting her course to fly over New Plymouth itself. After acknowledging her welcome by descending to a low level she headed in the direction of Auckland. Her call was the briefest possible. The large crowd at the aerodrome were distinctly disappointed at not having the opportunity of welcoming the aviatrix at closer quarters, but were delighted in the knowledge that they were the first to have watched the termination of a truly magnificent and hazardous flight. On the journey north the airwoman was reported at several points, her proI gress being cheered by assembled crowds.