THE “OLD BUS”

Evening Star, Issue 22085, 19 July 1935, Page 7

THE “OLD BUS”

FAMOUS SOUTHERN GROSS FAREWELL TO THE AIR Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright SYDNEY, July 18. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith had a crowded day to-day. He piloted the “ (fid Bus ” over the city for the last time iu brilliant sunshine. Everybody appeared to recall the familiar roar of the engines and gazed proudly skywards at the historic monoplane which has done so much for Australian aviation, and which still seemed to have plenty of life in it. He brought her down gracefully at Richmond Aerodrome and formally handed her over to the Minister of Defence (Mr R. A. Parkhill), who said he was quite sure that the Australian people would applaud the action of the Government in purchasing the Southern Cross, which had done so much for Australia in the hands of the greatest aviator of all time.

Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, who wore an, air commodore’s uniform, attingly replied, and, turning towards the famous machine, saluted and exclaimed, “You old friend, farewell-.” Those who accompanied Sir Charles on the last flight were Lady Kingsford Smith, Captain Taylor, Mr John Stannage, Flying-officer B. Sheil, business associate of Sir Charles, the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour, who represented the citizens of New Zealand, and John Ulm, son of the late Mr Charles Ulm, Sir Charles later sailed on the Aorangi. PLIGHTS OP THE SOUTHERN CROSS. May 31, 1928.—California to Australia. August 11, ■ 1928. —Melbourne to Perth and Sydney. September 10-11, 1928.—Sydney to Christchurch. October 13-14, 1928.—New Plymouth to Sydney. June 25-July 10, 1929.—Sydney to London. June 24, 1930.—Ireland to Newfoundland, June 26, 1930.—Across North America. * April, 1931. —Sydney-Koepang-Syd-ney. January 11, 1933.—Sydney to New Plymouth. March 26, 1933.—Ninety Mile Beach to Sydney. May 15, 1935. —Left Sydney for New Plymouth, but forced to return.