NEW ZEALAND AIRMAN.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19841, 31 January 1930, Page 11

NEW ZEALAND AIRMAN.

MR CHICHESTER REACHES SYDNEY. ESCORT OF FOURTEEN MACHINES. (UHSTEk PRX99 ASSOCIATION—BY tLECTRIO TELEORAPH—COfYRIGHT.) (Received January 30th, 8.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 30. Mr F. 0. Chichester, escorted by fourteen aeroplanes, arrived at Mascot Aeroarome at 3.55 o'clock this afternoon. He was delayed after leaving Navromine by dense low clouds, and the escorting machines had a great difficulty in locating 1 im.

Mr Chichester, who was looking we'd and nappy, was received by the Mayor of Mascot, Alderman Alexander, the District Superintendent of Aviation, Mr W. E. Blow (New Zealand Government Agent), and other prominent people. Nearly a thousand spectators gave Mr Chichester a rousing cheer. His machine was immediately taken to the General Aircraft Company's workshops for a complete overhaul.

Mr Francis Chichester is the son of the Rev. Charles Chichester, rector of Shirwell, near Barnstaple, North Devon, and is 2S years old. He left Shirwell when 18 to "try his luck" in New Zealand.

JTe returned to England six months ago on a combined holiday and businass visit, and took up flying only throe months ago. He was an apt pupil and learned to fly solo within a few hours. Two weeks later h<s flew from Liverpool to Shirwell, and in the following few days took his sisters and several friends for flights. Later he went on a tour of Europe, visiting France, Germany, and Poland, and it is estimated that during li 13 three months' flying he has covered more than 20,000 miles. Thd aeroplane with which Mr Chichester flew to Australia is a Do Havi!lnnd Moth with a 100-h.p. Gypsy engine, capable of a speed of more than 100 miles an hour. It was specially built for him, and has two extra petrol tanks. With all tanks full it is capable of a 1000 miles non-stop flight.

RECEPTION TO AIRMAN.

HIS DARING PRAISED

(Received January 30th, 10. 00 p.m.)

SYDNEY, January 30. Dr. Purdy and Mr Havyatt also extended hearty greetings from New Zealand to the airman. The State Government was represented, by the Attorney-General, Mr Boyce. The president of the Aero Club, Mr Wiltshire, and the Chief City Commissioner, Mr Garlick, also paid a tribute to his daring venture.

Upon the aeroplane coming to a standstill, a number of New Zealanders present shouldered the aviator and carried him to the club-house steps, where they greeted him with cries of "Haeremai," led by a Maori, The Mayor of Mascot then presented him with an illuminated address.

Mr Chichester, who had a very retiring manner, replied briefly and expressed his hearty appreciation for the reception, but said that he did not deserve the glowing compliments paid to his skill, as any New Zealand or Australian airman would jump at the chance to make this flight.

EXPERIENCES ON THE TRIP

NO FLIGHT TO NEW ZEALAND.

(Received January 30th, 10.50 p.m.)

SYDNEY, January 30

In an interview, Mr Chichester said that ever since Bert Hinklcr broke the record to Australia he was anxious to make an attempt to better it, but he now felt sure that even had he not crashed at Tripoli, be would not have broken Hiukler's record, which he regarded as a great achievement. Questioned as to his experiences, Mr Chichester said that the most exciting ride he ever had was when he was lost near Camooweal, going aloft with only three gallons in the tank. He knew that he could only fly for thirty minutes, so he decided to fly eastwards for fifteen minutes and return if he sighted no habitation. After being in the air fourteen and a half minutes, he saw Rocklands station and came down there. During his stay at the bore overnight, he drank water which he said: "You could stand your boots up in," and his biscuits were petrol-soaked. His longest hop was 870 miles across the North African desert. The stretch from Victoria Point to Singapore was characterised by Mr Chichester as a "dirty run." Here he encountered storms and rain. The maps used by him were most inaccurate. Places he passed over were not shown and places marked on the charts he could not find. His aeroplane had no bank indicator and he flew throughout by compass.

The airman said that he learnt his navigation in the hard school of experience. Before leaving England he had done 150 solo hours of flying. He said that it took twelve instructors to teach him to fly and he had twenty-five hours' tuition before making a solo attempt. Mr Chichester stated emphatically that he would not attempt to fly to New Zealand, as his Moth aeroplane, which incidentally is the first Moth ever flown from England to Australia, has a range of only I-500 miles, and as the distance to New Zealand is 1450, the margin was too small, and it would' be suicidal to make the attempt, but if someone supplied him with a suitable machine he certainly would trv.

Asked what provisions he carried, the aviator said that he had a fourcourse meal aboard. He went on to explain that this comprised biscuits under the petrol tank, sandwiches under the compass, beer and wine.

Questioned as to his future plans, he said that he supposes he would have to work. He will take his aeroplane to New Zealand with him. He had not yet decided when to sail for New Zealand, but expects to leave to-morrow week.

Mr Chichester was taken into the citv by Mr Blow in his car. and will be the guest at several welcoming functions during the week.

FLYER CONGRATULATED

CANBERRA, January 30

The Federal Prime Minister (Mr J. H. Scullin) has telegraphed congratulations to Mr Chichester, stating: "Your efforts to eclipse Hinkler's record, although unsuccessful, arc n° n . e the less valuable to aviation. I compliment you on your pluck and determination."

STORY OF EARLY EXPERIENCES

(Received January 30th. 9.3-j p.m.)

LONDON. January 29

The -'Daily Telegraph" has published exclusively a story from Mr Chichester, written from Tripoli, describing Jus early experiences while on flight, and* how he crossed the Alps in a tiny machine which he calls "Good Old Elijah." The narrative clearly shows evidence of tho Rood spirit and tenacity which enabled him to reach Australia. MESSAGE FROM PRIME MINISTER [THE PRESS Special Service.] WELLINGTON. January 30. The following message has been sent by the Prime Minister (Sir Joseph Ward) and will be received by Mr F. <'. Chichester on his arrival in Sydney today: "The Government and your fellowcitizens in the Dominion send warmest congratulations on the splendid feat which you ha7e accomplished in flying single-handed from England to Australia. The fact that your previous aviation experience was certainly not ex tensive, and indeed much less than that of vour distinguished predecessors on this* long air trail, constitutes a signal tribute to your skill and courage, and ensures a lasting place for your great achievement in the annals of outstanding aerial flights. Moreover, your successful venture will be a valuable stimulus to the air sense of the Dominion."

A MESSAGE FROM CHICHESTER.

On arrival at Danvin, Mr Chichester telegraphed the Shell Company as follows: — . "Darwin.

"Excellent trip, thanks to confidon-o in Shell organisation and high standard of Shell products throughout. "(Signed) CHK'H ESTER. '^