"A PROUD PRIVILEGE"

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 57, 17 September 1928, Page 5

"A PROUD PRIVILEGE"

. .» ■ SHIPPING MEN'S GUESTS TRIBUTE TO THE FLYERS "Smithy," "Good old Smithy!" And Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith smiled with that wonderful smile of his as ho passed to his scat on Saturday evening in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall where, with his companions, he attended for half an hour the annual smoke concert of the combined shipping companies. The distinguished guests, who were accompanied by Major T. M. Wilkes (Director of Air Services), Mr. D. Ardell (representing the Government), and Captains Findlay and Buckley, were given a rousing reception by the large gathering. SHIPPING COMPANIES' TRIBUTE. The health of the trans-Tasmau flyers was proposed by the chairman, Colonel N. S. Falla, C.M.G., D.S.O. "It is our proud privilege to-night to welcome here guests of much distinction," said Colonel JTalla. "Their time is short, and it is not my place to make a speech, except to say that we wish to add our humble tribute to the admiration they have already earned aud which they will cam further as they go through New Zealand on their triumphal tour." (Applause.) It was not necessary to remind them of the recent ili^ht from Sydney to Now Zealand — tho final stage' of a very wonderful performance. (Applause.) . . They congratulated them very, very heartily indeed, and hoped that they would have a Life return to Australia. "A LOT OF NOISE." When Kingsford Smith rose to reply he was greeted with cheers and applause. It had almost subdued when Ik smiled, und then the cheering was renewed. "That's a wholo lot of noise for a lot of fellows," he at last broke in amidst laughter. "I wish to thank you very, very, very much indeed," ho'said, "for the kind remarks inado about us." He was speaking for his pals when he said that; they had all done a good deal of speaking, "and had sort of run dry of material." He was very pleased to have heard a little reference to Litchfield and M'Williams; they were worthy representatives of the more ancient order of transportation. "As 'Litch' can tell you, navigating an airplane .is a very similar proceeding to navigating a ship. And I can tell you he did it well, because wo hit tho coast within a mile of where ho intended to. And our old friend 'Mac' Well, he always does his stuff well." It was no fault'of M' Williams 'a that the Southern Cross was out of touch with land for a time. To take the radio apparatus to pieces and assemble it again in the storm they had passed through was a remarkable achievement; in fact he thought it had no parallel in tho history of flying. "My partner, Ulm, and I are very very proud to.1 havo two such fine fellows with us," concluded Kingsford Smith.' "We have one or two more trips ahead of us, and then wo shall probably sit down and possibly learn to knit or something like that." (Laughter and applause.) THE WORLD'S WORST SPEAKER. Flight-Lieutenant Ulm followed. "You don't want me," ho said, as ho sat smiling and shaking his head. But they did, and ho spoke. "I am going to steal one of ' Litch's' say,ings" stated tho Plight-Lieutenant. "You know, 'Liteh 1 is a bit of a liar. He says he's the world's worst speaker, and he's not, for I am." (Laughter.) His partner and ho recognised that they owed a tremendous amount to tho ■mcreantilo marine When they first "planned their Pacific flight tho navigation aspect of it received much consideration. The first they learnt about navigation was from two Union Company officers. They had been like a lot of other men before. They knew flying, and navigation they thought they could pick up in a few weeks. It was not flattering them when he said they were a pair of poor fools. (Laughter.) After three weeks or so under W. A. Todd and Litchfield they had learnt a little about navigation, but still did not know much about it. Of course, that was no (reflection upon their instructors. (Laughter.) Continuing, Flight-Lieutenant Ulm paid a tribute to Captain Hancock, "a very wonderful American," who had made their flights possible. On the flight to Australia they had been fortunate in getting Lyon and Warner. Those two were 100 per cent, and without them they would never have got across tho Pacific. It was just tho 'same on the Tasman fliglt. Without Litchfield and M'Williams they would never have got safely across the Tasman. MR. LITCHFIELD S THANKS. Mr, Litchfield said that he was very pleased to see so many representatives of the Union Company present. "I thank you very much for all the nice things you have said about us and about mo. I don't deserve them. The first time I got into the Southern Cross I thought, well, Harry Lyon set up a wonderful precedent; I have got to live up to it. And I have tried hard- 1' Lyon's navigation on the Pacific flight was wonderful. "I felt right at home when I arrived in Wellington," added Mr. Litchfield. "It felt just like coming home. You know, a lot of my time has been spent under the tuition of 'Mac, 1 here. He had a devil of a time putting me through, but he got me through." A, PROUD MOMENT; "It is a very, very proud moment in my life to be with you to-night; to havi returned to Wellington to renew acquaintance with my old friends, aud to make, I hope, many new friends," said Mr. M'Williams. "I am proud to be a member of the Union Steam Ship Company, and I am also veryproud and honoured to have represent"cd New Zealand in this successful flight over the Tasman. There is very little I can say, except to add my thanks to those of my companions for the very hearty welcome you havo given us this evening. ... When I look round and sco how many I know, and, perhaps, many who know me, I am overwhelmed." Eeally, though," concluded the radio operator, "I am quite at a loss what to say." Tho toast was drunk with musical honours. After staying a little longer tho aviators departed, aud loft the hall amidst spontaneous cheering. Colonel Falla thanked them for their kindness In attending, and wished them God Speed on their further travels.