AIR HEROES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 3 October 1927, Page 5

AIR HEROES

RECEPTION TO SCHNEIDER CUP TEAM OCCUPIES LESS THAN HALF AN HOUR. TRIBUTE TO ITALIANS. (British Official Wireless.) (Received 3, 11.30 a.m.) Rugby, Oct. 2. What most impressed those present at the reception of the Schneider Cup team was that hero worship was discouraged. The reception occupied less than half an hour and little time was occupied in photographing or interviewing. Lieutenant Webster himself said to an interviewer:— “I am not a civilian and can therefore say nothing”; and that was the spirit of the proceedings. Air Vice-Marshal Scarlett said in a little speech: “We sent our team, and we won the cup as a team.” Vice-Marshal Scarlett added: “The generous hospitality of our Italian opponents will always be remembered by us. They are sportsmen and we hope that on the next occasion they will experience far better luck than they did in this contest.” Asked if he thought the limit of speed had been reached, the Air ViceMarshal replied: “I should say certainly not. It is not possible on a triangular course to make the same speed as on a straight course.” BAD WEATHER KEEPS THOUSANDS AWAY. London, Oct. 2. The home-coming of the Schneider Cup winners to Croydon did not lack enthusiasm, but bad weather kept thousands away. The spectators, through rain and mist, watched the approach in arrow formation of the fighting aeroplanes escorting the air liner, from which Lieut. Webster and his companions landed at the appointed time and were greeted with cheers and cries of “Bravo.” They were formally congratulated by Air-Marshall Sir John Salmond and escorted to the pavilion, whore brief speeches wecr made, Lieut. Webster saying he was proud he had won the cup.-—(A. and N.Z.)