Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1928. TRANS-TASMAN FLIGHT

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 October 1928, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1928. TRANS-TASMAN FLIGHT

yilE main topic of discussion throughout New Zealand and Australia to-day, will be the successful re-crossing of the Tasman Sea by Kingsford Smith and his three colleagues. Few will read the story of the journey, as told so vividly by Ulm, without emotional thrill, accompanied by feelings of thankfulness that all ended well, and pride that Australians and New Zealanders were responsible for so great an achievement. For great it undoubtedly was, all the circumstances considered. The mileage covered was not remarkable in aerial annals, but the constant fight against adverse winds transformed what might have been otherwise normal for airmen, into a real adventure.

Ulm is profuse in his thanks and acknowledgment of services rendered* to the fliers by New Zealand people from Premier to telegraph boy, and it will add to the esteem felt for the airmen, that in the moment ' of triumph, and when fatigued by the strain of the ordeal they had gone through, they remembered the lowest of their helpers as well as the more notable. In that, they set an example that should be generally followed, not only where aerial exploits are concerned, but in all instances where achievements of note depend for success on the help of the unknown workers. It is gratifying to have Dim’s assurance that nothing was omitted in this country to render their stay pleasant and their safe return journey possible. There can be no doubt that the ties of friendship between the Dominion and the Commonwealth have once again been emphasised and strengthened through the incidents connected with the coming and going of Kingsford Smith and his companions. When to-day’s glamour has .waned, and the Tasman flights have become as history, benefits will be garnered if the “air spirit ” created in this country by recent (‘vents, is fostered and utilised. Quite apart from trans-Tasman journeys, Kingsford Smith demonstrated how easy and quick journeys can be made between Dominion towns, lie and Ulm were not. the pioneers in this respect, but the publicity given to their movements drove home to somewhat apathetic New Zealanders the possibilities of ■ civil flying. Ulm, himself, in his j narrative, stresses this fact, and it j

has its special importance. If New Zealand does not make rapid developments, hereafter, in civil aviation, one main object of the Tasman flight project will be unattained, and the money spent, —the cost has been heavy,—will not be a remunerative investment. Every town of importance should now prepare to utilise aerial transport, until New Zealand becomes as advanced in this modern utility as her wealth and status warrant. That would be the only fitting end to the Tasman flights, and it is to be hoped that comparatively soon this object, will lie. attained. It is a matter that Chambers of Commerce might well make their special duty, as it is mostly a business proposition, and one offering good dividends.