TASMAN FLYERS

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1928, Page 5

TASMAN FLYERS

SOUTHERN CROSS. GOES TO BLENHEIM. (By Telegraph—Press Association). CHRISTCHURCH, September 28. As gracefully as she landed on her arrival eighteen days ago, the Southern Gross left Wigram Aerodrome at 2.45 to-day in the presence of a. crowd estimated at twenty-five thousand. The roads to the aerodrome carried an unprecedented stream of traffic. A force of police, aided by cadets and a. detachment of the R.N.V.R. had little difficulty in controlling the crowd, which behaved admirably. They kept patiently behind the barriers until the plane took off, and then all save those in front rushed to the middle of the flying field, cheering'and waving goodbyes. The airmen must have been pleased with this, the most impressive public farewell that the Southern Cross is likely to receive in New Zealand.. A strong south-west wind was blowing, but the sky was clear and the conditions. were good for flying. The aviators arrived on the ground at 1.45, and joined a small party privileged, to witness the laying of a commemoi ation slab by Sir Henry Wigram, to mark the spot where the plane first touched New Zealand soil. This ceremony over they repaired to Captain Findlay’s house, and there donned their flying kit, and got into the plane, and in a few minutes were in the air. They circled over the crowd at a low altitude, flew over the city to the sea, and then up the coast. Those present at the ceremony of laying the commemorative slab of 'white granite, to mark the landing place of the first aeroplane to reach New Zealand from overseas were: Sir Heatqn Rhodes, Major Wilkes (Director of Air Forces), Air Marshal Sir John Salmond (Commander in Chief of the Air Forces of Great Britain), Colonel Smith, M.L.C., and officers of the New Zealand Air Force. The inscription on the stone is: “Here the Southern Cross first touched New Zealand soil, after the pioneer aeroplane flight across the Tasman Sea; Co-Com-manders, Squadron-Leader C. E. Kingsford Smith, M.C., A.^C.; ; Flighh LieutV ‘ "Ulm,,, A.F.C. ’; Crew,’' OG'A. 1 Litchfield ’(Navigator), T. H. McMilliams (Wireless Operator). Date, Uth September, 1928. f They came on the wings of the morning. This stone was laid hr Sir Henry Wigram, lvt.” Sir H. Wigram said he was pleased to be associated with the commemoration of what would rank as one of the great achievements of this wonderful venture, an achievement-. calling fpr high courage, minute attention to detail, and careful forethought. ARRIVAL AT BLENHEIM.

CAUSES GREAT EXCITEMENT. BLENHEIM, September 28. The biggest crowd ever seen in Marlborough, numbering between seven and eight thousand, assembled' this afternoon at a huge paddock on Messrs Fairhall ■ Bros, property, about four miles from Blenheim, from which the Southern Cross is to take off on her return flight over the Tasman, to witness the arrival df the big plane from Christchurch. '.The occasion'saw .marked interest evinced by the whole of the Marlborough public, while large numbers of visitors travelled from Nelson and Wellington, a special excursion trip being run across Cook Strait. The arrangements for the reception of the plane were undertaken by the Marlborough Aero Club, which had the hearty co-operation of the local bodies* the whole organisation being on an ambitious scale, and being carried out without a hitch. The number of motor vehicles parked adjacent to the landing round was without parallel in the history of the district. . THE PLANE SHOWS UP. Intense excitement possessed the crowd when the Southern Cross, a mere speck in the sky, was first picked up. After crossing the hills, the machine flew low over Blenheim, circled round, and, still travelling a a low altitude, set a course along the main highway leading to the landing field. The plane flew the length of the field low over the heads of the waiting throng. Then it banke steeply, and came back into the and made a perfect landing straight down the runway, rising only about one-third of the length of the milelong track prepared for her final ta 'e off for Australia. I Cheer upon cheer burst from the enthusiastic spectators as the whee s touched the ground at exactly sixteen minutes past four, the journey from Christchurch having taken one hour and thirty-one minutes. A FAST TRIP. Leader Smith taxied gently to the front of the big temporary hangar, where the visitors alighted. Aboard the monoplane were: Smith, Ulm, Litchfield, McWilliams, Captain. Buckley, and Mr Cyril G. Johnson, of Auckland, a friend of Smith’s. “Some pace—one thirty-five remarked Smithy as he climbed out ot the cockpit, referring to the speed m which the journey had been made. There was no formal reception, but the crowd gave the airmen and the plane a wonderful welcome. Although strenuous efforts were required on the part of territorials and cadets, the crowd was well-controlled, and the spectators were not allowed to approach too near the machine. Some time late Major Isitt arrived in a. Bristol fighter from Christchurch, and also was accorded a warm welcome by the waiting crowd. .>

The weather throughout the afternoon was fine but cloudy, and a light south-east breeze which prevailed, was all in favour of the fliers.

The distinguished visitors' are the guests of the Aero Club Officers’ Association and the R.S.A. at a smpke conert to-night. ' - To-morrow will be devoted to finalising the preparations for the return flight, when the word is given; but as yet nothing definite is known as to the time or the date of departure, which, as Flight Lieutenant Ulm remarked, will depend alone bn the reports received from Doctor Kidson as to the weather over the Tasman Sea.

PREMIER’S REQUEST TO AIRMEN;* TO TAKE NO RISKS. WELLINGTON,- September 28. The Prime Minister in a letter sent to Leader Kingsford Smith, assures the 1 ’ airmen that New Zealand Will make them its guests as long as they may remain here. Mr Coates’s letter is as follows:—“My colleagues and I wish you to understand very definitely how anxious we are that you and your associates should incur no undue risk in your proposed return flight across the Tasman. We wish you to know that in our view, no consideration should outweigh that of safety in your future plans, and we will be most happy to regard you as our guests for just so long as you may feel it'desirable to remain in New Zealand. Should you consider the shipment of your' machine by sea, we shall be most happy to extend you every possible facility for that purpose. Should you, on the other hand, maintain your, intention of returning by air, we wish to urge upon you that you shouldlconsider nothing except the choice of the most appropriate; time, and shohld regard yourselves as honoured guests" of the country for any length of/time you may remain ; here:”":G. V '.l

The Prime Minister has received the following telegraph from Squadron Leader Kingsford Smith , and Flight Lieut. Ulm: “Sincerely regret impossibility of continuing our tour further south. Have fully informed the Internal Affairs by we yesterday. Again many thanks to yourself and the Govment for the great , assistance and enthusiastic welcomes received throughout the Dominion.” - SYDNEY INTEREST IN FLIERS. Sept - 29 * Aviation . authorities and-? many friends of the Southern Cross fliers; here who have been greatly ■interested in their movements and doings in New Zealand are now looking forward to the rethim flight, probably during the week-end. Complete arrangements have, been naa.de for the landing and every precaution is being taken v The. has |>een delightfully settled lately but |he metr eofologist {predicts r squally, westerlies this evening. Ah energetic ! disturbance is approaching, affecting South Tasmanian Sea. , ,