TASMAN FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 1 May 1931, Page 7

TASMAN FLIGHT

CHICHESTER’S EFFORT. EXCITEMENT AT NORFOLK. AUCKLAND. April 28. “They loved him. They thought he was so brave,” said an Auckland woman when on her arrival fro in Norfolk island this morning she was asked [io\v the inhabitants of the island regarded -Ur F. C. Chichester, who made Norfolk his first stop in his attempt to fly from New Zealand to Australia, Although it is a month to-day since Chichester took off on his flight, which was to have been the first solo air crossing of the Tasman from West to East, it was not until this morning that a detailed account of the airmail’s landing at Norfolk was brought to Auckland. The steamer Hikurangi, which arrived from the island, is the first vessel to make the trip to Norfolk since Chichester’s departure from New Zealand. The arrival of an aeroplane at Norfolk Island caused intense excitement. Excepting those of their number who had visited Sydney or Auckland, tho islanders had never seen an aeroplane, and it caused even a greater stir than did the arrival of the first motor-car seven or eight years ago. Norfolk’s welcome to the airman is besT told in the Auckland woman’s own words. An Exciting Day. “They went mad,” she said. “It was the first real excitement they had had for years, and they were like a lot of children. Islanders often go long distances off the island in their boats, but there are always two 01 three, of tlum together, and they thought a man who could fly in the air alone was something to marvel at. The news of his arrival spread like wildfire, and within half an hour the entire population had congregated at Cascades, where he landed. All tho time that Chichester was at the island he and his machine were objects o.’ the inhabitants’ admiring gaze, and the ordinary work of the day was forgotten. When he left they gave him an enthusiastic send off, and they were genuinely sorry, when they heard that ho had met with trouble at Lord Hove Island.

“There was no official welcome for Chichester. The inhabitants bad heard that he does not favour that kind of thing, but the enthusiasm of the crowd must have told him how delighted the people were to sec him. ITe was the hero of the hour, and people tumbled over themselves in their eagerness to shake his hand. Effect on Horses. “Horses on the island gave the airmail a very different welcome. To them the aeroplane was a new terror, and they were frightened out of their lives. Severn 1 horses that were tied up outside a store threw their heads high, broke their bridles, and galloped off in panic. Another horse that was pulling a full load up a road from Kingston, took fright, and overturned the cart. The sight of the aeroplane reacted differently on another horse, which sank down on its haunches and defied its rider to make it get up again.

“Tt was a pity that Chichester was such a retiring man,” said the Auckland woman. “Tf lie had wanted it lie could have been feted everywhere. The inhabitants were very anxious to bold a ball in bis honour, but it was not bis wish that they should do so. but they will never forget him.”