ROUND NEW ZEALAND

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 55, 14 September 1928, Page 10

ROUND NEW ZEALAND

IN BRISTOL FIGHTERS AT TRENTHAM TO-MORROW The successful Tasman flyers are assured of a hearty reception when they arrive in Wellington to-morrow, it being anticipated that many will make their way to Trentham in the morning to greet the three Bristol lighters in which the airmen arc making their tour of the Dominion. What the public would have liked best would have been to see at close quarters the Southern Cross itself, of which but a fleeting glimpse was obtained by comparatively few on tho morning that tho giant monoplane completed her historic flight. But that it has been decided cannot be. The risk entailed by landings on un- j suitable an. confined grounds is not warranted, besides which, after her strenuous battling with the elements during those fourteen hours, the Southern Cross needs some overhauling. So it will bo to the gallant airmen without their 'plane that the public of Wellington will accord a welcome to-mor-row. As arrangements stand at present, the three Bristol fighters are expected _to arrive at Trentham from Blenheim, whither they will fly this afternoon from Sockburn, at 10.30 to-morrow morning. In one 'plane will be Squadron Leader Kingsf ord Smith and PlightLioutenant C. T. P. Ulm, Captain Eindlay and Captain Buckley, of the NewZealand Air Force, having charge of the other two 'planes and being accompanied by Mr. H. A. Litchfield and Mr. T. H. M'Williams, navigator and wireless operator respectively of the Southern Cross. To Trentham racecourse the Railway Pepartment will be running special trains at a faro which includes admission to the racecourse, and it may be expected that the rail and motor traffic thither will rival that of any race day. After the airmen have landed, a welcome will be extended to them by representatives of the Government, tho Mayor, members of the City Council, and other prominent citizens also being present. The proceedings will bo more or less informal, and when over the airmen will be motored into the city. The civic reception will be tendered in tho Town Hall on Monday at noon, when the speakers will include the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, the chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board, Councillor W. H. Bennett, and the chairman of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. No individual invitations aro being issued, but all citizens are cordially invited to attend. The Mayor also expresses (he wish that the citizens of Wellington will visit Trentham in large numbers to-morrow to welcome tho flyers on arrival. After the reception an official luncheon will be tendered to tho airmen. To-morrow afternoon the airmen will be the guests of the Wellington Trotting Club at their Spring Meeting at Hutt Park. ' Tho meteorological outlook is at the present time none too favourable for good flying conditions, but whether to bo such as will necessitate an alteration in the programme remains to be seen. Strong north-westifly winds are expected to give place to southerlies, somewhat rough and unsettled weather being anticipated. Meanwhile very complete arrangements have been made by the Railway Department for the transport of the large crowds expected to make tho trip to Trentham. Trains are timed to leave Lambton Station at 8.30 a.m. and 9.25 a.m., and additional trains will be provided as required between thoso times. Particulars are advertised in this issue. MINISTERS TO ATTEND. It is definitely announced that tho Prime Minister will go to Trentham to-morrow to moot the flyers, and in all probability several more members of the Cabinet will also be present. THE AIRMEN'S PROGRAMME. The programme of the Dominion tour is that the airmen in tho three Bristol fighters leave -Sockburn this afternoon for Blenheim, where the night will be spent. Tho Straits will be crossed tomorrow with a landing at Trentham in the morning, tho week-end being spent in Wellington. Oil Tuesday the northern journey will be. resumed, a departure being made for Auckland, with perhaps a visit to Marton and some other towns on the way. Wednesday will be spent in Auckland, the airmen leaving for Rotorua on the following day. A return will be made to Auckland on the Saturday, and then, on the following day, will commence the return flight to Sockburn, which will be reached on the Monday. Subsequently it may be found possible to extend the tour southward, embracing Dunedin and Invercargill in the itinerary. Before starting on tho return flight in the Southern Cross to Australia, the dato of which will be 30th September if tho weather conditions are at all favourable, the airmen desire to have several days in Christchurch to attend to the very necessary business of overhauling the 'plane preparatory for its long journey. The airmen will spend about, a month in Australia and then leave for America personally to thank Captain G. A. Hancock for tho gift of tho Southern Cross. The 'piano may be shipped to Honolulu, and then flown to America. Tho 'plane will eventually be returned to Australia, and will probably find a home in one of the museums.