RECORD FLIGHT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 111, 11 April 1931, Page 9

RECORD FLIGHT

ENGLAND TO AUSTRALIA. KINGSFORD SMITH’S TIME LOWERED. MR C. A. SCOTT’ SSUCOESS. (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) SYDNEY, April 10. A message from Darwin states that Mr Charles Anderson Scott, the young Queensland airman, has completed his record-breaking flight to Australia. He arrived at 5.50 p.m., local time, today, breaking Air Commodore Kingsford Smith’s record of 10i days by more than half a day. . A big crowd awaited his arrival. Flares were ready in’ case they, were necessary. Mr Scott was among the pilots who escorted Miss Amy Johnson from Darwin to Brisbane. On that occasion he made his decision to fly from England to Australia. He told a Sydney journalist that Ire would do the journey in ten days “or bust.” Mr Scott was firjt noticed flying from the north across Shoal Bay. He landed at the aerodrome amid a scene of excitement, the local people cheering enthusiastically: The Government Resident and the Mayor welcomed him on behalf of the Government. Mr Scott was cheerily greeted by old aviation acquaintances. He was offered a whisky and soda, but he said Ire preferred beer. This was not available, so he contented himself with a sarsaparilla and the gift of a cigarette.

The airman stated that he was overjoyed to be on his native soil safe and sound. The last stage was the worst, and lie agreed with Kingsford Smith that the job was a very hard one. He had little or no sleep for ten days, having left England at 4.55 a.m.on April 1, arriving at Darwin nine days 12 hours and 45 minutes later. Kingsford Smith’s record thus was beaten by 14 hours. Mr Scott displayed an inflated lifebelt which he had worn during the latter stages. He carried his baby daughter’s black golliwog as a mascot.

It is uncertain when he will leave Darwin, but it will not he for a day or two. He will then fly to Brisbane leisurely, as he is content with breaking the record.

AIRMAN’S PAST ACHIEVEMENTS. MR SCULLIN’S CONGRATULATIONS. Received April 11. 10.35 a.m. SYDNEY, April 11. In February of 1930, Mr Scott established a Brisbane to Melbourne record for a light aeroplane. He bad a narrow escape from death in 1928, when he flew into a hill in the ranges in South Australia. The ’plane caught fire and was destroyed. Mr Scott suffered a broken jaw and other injuries. He walked a mile to the nearest farm house. His mechanic, Mr George Nutson, was killed. Mr Scott had piloted Air Marshall Salmond 3000 miles over Australia in seven days and was about to return to Queensland when the crash occurred. A message from Canberra savs that Mr J. H. Scullin sent the following message to Mr Scott: “We feel proud of the fact that the coveted honour has fallen to the lot of another Australian. Your notable achievement has once again demonstrated the skill and intrepidity of Australian airmen.” PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE. “WONDERFUL ACHIEVEMENT.” Received April 11, 9 a.m. LONDON. April 10. Mr Ramsay MacDonald telegraphed from Lossiemouth, Scotland, as follows: —“I am delighted that Mr Scott has arrived in Australia and congratulate him on his wonderful achievement.” Sir Malcolm Campbell says: —“Well done, Scott. It was an awfully fine show. His enterprise and determination deserved success.”