FAREWELL FLIGHT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 197, 19 July 1935, Page 9

FAREWELL FLIGHT.

SOUTHERN CROSS HANDED OVER. SYDNEY, July 18. Sir Charles Kiiigsford Smith had A crowded day to-day. He piloted the “old-bus” over the city for the last time in brilliant sunshine. Evierybody appeared to recall the familiar roar of the engines and gazed proudly skyward at the historic monoplane Southern Cross,,which had done so much for Australian aviation and which still seemed to have plenty of life in it. He brought the ’plane down gracefully at the Richmond aerodrome and formally handed it over to the Minister of Defence (Mr Parkhill), who said he was quite sure the Australian people would applaud the action of the Government in purchasing the Southern Cross, which had done so much for Australia in the hands of the greatest aviator of all time. Sir Charles, who wore an air commodore’s uniform, fittingly replied, and, turning toward the famous machine, saluted and exclaimed: “You old friend, farewell.” Those who accompanied him on the last flight were: Lady Ivingsford Smith, Captain P. G. Taylor, Mr John Stnnnage, Flying-Officer B. Shell, a business associate of Sir Charles, Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour, who represented the citizens of New Zealand, and John Ulm, son of the late Mr Charles Ulm. Sir Charles later sailed in the Aorangi for Auckland.