MISS JEAN BATTEN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 305, 24 November 1937, Page 8

MISS JEAN BATTEN.

RECOGNITION OF FLIGHTS. (By Telegraph—Special to ‘Standard”) WELLINGTON, Nov. 24. Speakers from both sides of the House during the debate on the Finance Bill advocated further recognition for Miss Jean Batten than has already been accorded her in the Government grant and the validating of contributions by local bodies to the testimonial fund established by dhe Mayor of Auckland. Noting that one of the clauses in the Bill was to validate the expenditure in connection with the flight of Miss Batten, lit. Hon. G. W. Forbes asked what the Government had done for this noted New Zealand aviatrix as far as her last great flight was concerned. He had been present at the reception tendered her when the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage) had said that the Government would not do less than had been done previously. As validating legislation was being introduced to legalise what the local authorities had done, the Minister should tell the House what the Government had done or was prepared to do. “If she is worthy of recognisition by other countries, surely she is worthy of recognition in this country,” added Mr Forbes.

From the Government side of the House later in the discussion came a suggestion that there should be a more permanent form of recognition of iVliss Batten’s achievements, IMr R.. Coulter, _ declaring that ’ sometiling more should be done than-the monetary testimonial. She should not have to go on making flights more and more hazardous, but should be invited to return to New Zealand and a position should be found for her. Mr S. G. Holland an Opposition speaker, immediately followed with the remark that ho would like to associate himself with what had been said regarding New Zealand’s “flying princess. The suggestion which Mr Coulter had made came well from a bachelor member of the House in respect to a notable spinster.