“SICK OF CRITICISM”

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 187, 7 May 1934, Page 4

“SICK OF CRITICISM”

Kingsford Smith’s Plans For Big Air Race TO FLY AMERICAN PLANE By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, May 5. ‘•l’m sick to death of the adverse criticism levelled at me owing to the fact that I am going to America to select an aeroplane for the Centenary Ait- Race. I am probably a good deal more British than most of my critics, otherwise I would have accepted the 100,000 dollars offered to me to go to America live years ago. It would certainly have entailed the acceptance of American citizenship, but to-day I would in all probability be a millionaire, like Lindbergh.” This statement was feelingly made to-day by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, who is a passenger by the Monterey to Los Angeles. Sir Charles explained that Sir Macpherson Robertson, sponsor of the race, intended the contest to be international in character. ”1 would sooner have a good chance of winning the race in an American machine than no chance of winning it in some other machine that I do not consider suitable for the journey. Originally I intended using a British Comet, to cost £booo, defrayed by a donor whose name I cannot divulge. I found that this type of machine was merely on paper, and that two years .would be necessary to carry out the experiments required to test k for durability, speed, and cruising range. “I am definitely unfavourable to British machines, because the type being built at Home at present is unsuitable for the contest, and it is too late to construct the required machines and carry out the necessary tests." said Sir Charles. “On the other hand, American aeroplanes with high speed and long range are particularly suitable for the centenary race, and if they are not barred, there are bound to be a lot of American entrants. I don’t think the sportsmanship of the controlling body will interfere with the international character of the contest by excluding them. It would not be fair for me to' disclose the detailed plans for the contest, because that would be like a prize fighter telling his opponent where he was going to hit him and, when.