LONDON’S WELCOME

Hawera Star, Volume L, 6 August 1930, Page 5

LONDON’S WELCOME

MISS JOHNSON FETED

CHEERING. THOUSANDS.

GOVERNMENT’S CONGRATULATIONS. (United Pres» Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright). LONDON, Aug. 4. “L am sick of the sight of photographs in newspapers, sick of my own name. Cannot we drop this person? I find people always imagining she is different from what they expected; cannot we now’ call her Johnny, as she was known in the London Aero Club ? ’ ’ Thus spoke Miss Amy Johnson, facing the vast multitude of welcomers at Croydon aerodrome, from which she departed unknown and unheralded three months ago. She was not the | least perturbed by the crowd, which must in point of numbers and enthusiasm have excelled any welcoming an individual to London. Lord Thomson, on behalf of the Government, said the flight would remain one of the> memorable achievements of 1930.-which had been a young woman’s year. Fired by a spirit of adventure, Amy had contributed to the development of the British commonwealth of , nations. Her lonely progress along a l long trail blazed by intrepid airmen y*7yoars ago and still beset by mysteries and hazards for the most accomplished and most experienced pilots, had been watched with tense and ever-growing interest. Her indomitable resolution compelled respect. Her plucky tenacity would win a way to British hearts, and the people were assembled now to pay tribute to her magnificent Qualities which brought such success. Amy, replying, said she was never so happy as when alone in the silent places of the sky. “These arc my tastes. It requires all my courage to make speeches.) I want to show you by my flying, which I am undertaking to encourage aviation in England, exactly how I love England, how glad I am to be a member of our wonderful Empire, and how deep is my gratitude to everybody.” Amy’s voice was clear and distinct. It was broadcast throughout England. When the air liner on which Johnnie was a passenger crossed the coast it was accompanied by a bewildering array of ’plattes, largo and small, which flew in formation to Croydon, constituting the greatest aerial welcome ever accorded in Britain. Thousands of people who were assembled on the cliffs saw the armada of the air escorting England’s heroine. When the speeches were finished the crowd rushed towards the platform. Amy shook hands with her friends. She was then surrounded by enthusiastic friends and virtually rushed her off her feet totvards the waiting car which was followed by a procession for the aerodrome, Amy waving to the crowd. By then darkness had fallen and the procession continued under the flare of flood lights towards the aerodrome buildings. When Amy emerged from the buildings she was escorted by a dozen policemen. She re-entered ttie car and began a

triumphal journey to London. It was midnight before she reached Grosvenor House after a long drive through /streets lined six deep with cheering The car slowed passing the Cenotaph, to which Amy paid tribute. Progress was difficult through Trafalgar Square and the enthusiasm was intensified at Grosvenor House. Amy was mobbed as she stepped out of the car and forced a way up the steps assisted by the police. Excited girls threw mascots, flow'ers and presents at her. Many tried to kiss her and shake her hands. Women fainted and children were knocked down in the crush. Amy appeared on the balcony and waved thanks to the cheering crowd. “Sydney gave me a tremendous welcome,” Johnnie said, “but London’s has beaten it to-night. It was frightfully bumpj' flying to-day; I hate being a passenger after being a pilot. I have received innumerable offers of marriage throughout the world, but they don’t interest me.” Friends would have kept Amy talking throughout the night, but her parents intervened and marched her off to bed.