Triumph Crowns Great Pacific Flight

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6632, 11 June 1928, Page 7

Triumph Crowns Great Pacific Flight

Southern Cross Arrives at Brisbane Continuing on to Sydney Yesterday

' . s' ■’ ~ Total Flying Time Over 88 Hours

Wonderful success has' attended the attempt made by Captain Kingsford Smith and his companions, Ulm, Lyon, and Warner, to fly the Pacific Ocean in the airplane Southern Cross. On Saturday morning, the machine reached Brisbane from Fiji after a somewhat tempestuous journey during the night.

The aviators left Oakland, California, on the morning of Thursday, May 31, for Hawaii, and completed that 2100-mile stage of their trans-Pacific flight in 27 hours 27 minutes. On the Morning of June 3, the Southern Cross hopped off from Hawaii for Fiji, and after encountering heavy storms during the hours of darkness landed at Suva at 2.20 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, the journey of 3:100 miles from the Hawaiian Islands taking 34£ hours to accomplish. On Friday afternoon at 2.52 (Suva time) the fliers set out on the final lap to Brisbane, a distance of 1743 miles direct, and after battling with head winds and storm by which they were driven partially off their course, picked up the Australian coast at Ballina a 100 miles south of Brisbane. The Queensland capital was reached at 10.14 a.m. (East Australian time), the Southern Cross making a perfect landing. The airmen received a, tumultuous welcome. The Southern Cross again hopped off yesterday morning for Sydney, reaching the New South Wales capital at 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon. The actual flying time from Fiji to Brisbane was 21 hours 22 minutes. The total flying time of the flight from Oakland, California, to Sydney was 88 hours 11 minutes.

Plane Almost Got Out Of Control in Terrific Storm FINAL LAP OF THE FLIGHT. United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Sunday, 5.5 p.m. SYDNEY, June 10. Lieutenant Ulm’s account of the flight from Suva to Australia states that between eight and eleven o’clock on Friday night tho ’plane passed through the worst period of tho whole flight. Terrific rainstorms with violent bumps caused great concern, one drop being four hundred feet. They rose to 7500 feet but’ storm conditions still surrounded the ’plane which became difficult to control, sometimes needing two men at the controls. After that the airmen varied the altitude frequently between five hundred and nine thousand feet level. The weather was warmer though the men’s hands and feet were numbed with the cold of the upper air. Land Sighted. At 9.50 am. land was sighted and Navigator Lyon got a shot with a sextant so he was able to figure out their position. Five minutes later the coast line was clear Ballina being just below the ’plane. Lieut. Him says that for the present the party does not desire to announce their plans for the future though they hdpo to fly round Australia. A report was current in Sydney last night that the Southern Cross would fly to Now Zealand, thereafter returning .to Australia and then going to England and across tho Atlantic to America completing the circuit of the •world. Arrival at Sydney. The Southern Cross is expected at Sydney at three o’clock this afternoon and will land at tho Mascot aerodrome where enormous crowds will welcome tho fliers. The weather at present is gloriously fine though cold. Later. The Southern Cross arrived at Sydney at 3 o’plook escorted by a Mascot Air Force squadron. The Federal Minister, the, Hon. Stanley Bruce, in a message to Captain Kingsford Smith sent before ho left Brisbane pays tribute to the airmen’s great achievement and announces that the Federal Government is contributing £SOOO. Lone Morning Vigil. The story of the final part of tho flight from Naselai Sands (Fiji) to Australia from midnight on Friday, when tho last mesage appeared in tho “Times”, till the landing at Brisbane at 10.14 am. on Saturday is briefly told in the following set of wireless messages, tho first of which wore received by Mr. P. J. May, a patient of the Wellington Hospital for tho last 12 months, on his shortwave set, and used by courtesy of the ‘Post”: ‘‘Midnight (12.20 a.m. New Zealand time). —Position Southern Cross latitude 23deg. 12min south, longitude ICGdcg. 21min cast. ‘‘l a.m. (1.15 New Zealand time). — Position Southern Cross 23dcg Ssmin south, ICS deg 22min east; 708 miles to Brisbane. Head winds.

2 a.m. (2.16 a.m. New Zealand time) —Position Southern Cross 24deg 02min south, 164 deg 12min east. “3 a.m. (3.30 a.m. New Zealand time) —Position Southern Cross 24dcg 25min south, 162dcg 43 min cast; 555 miles from Brisbane.

“4 a.m. (4.30 a.m. New Zealand time) —Position Southern- Cross 25deg 52min south, 163 deg 38min (? I'eldog 38min) east; 489 miles from Brisbane." The Secretary of the General Post Office (Mr. G. M’Namara) received the following message from th radio sta-

tious at Wellington and .Awanui on Saturday morning:— ‘‘s a.m. —Position, latitude 25deg 21 min south, longitude IflOdeg 13 min east; 408 miles to go.” At 7 a.m. New Zealand time the airplane was busy on 600 metres with the Brisbane radio station. Nearing The Coast, From Wellington:—‘‘B a.m.: Following from Southern Cross, addressed ‘Sunflight Sydney, begins; ‘Here we are, nearing the Australian coast. Now in good weather after a rotten night. We have been tossed oil our- course so much during the night that I shall not bo surprised if we are quite a distance from Brisbane when we strike coast, unless Warner can get some radio bearings. Cheerio. —Ulm, Southern Cross. From Awanui.—‘‘At 9 a.m. Southern Cross states one and a half hours from Brisbam. Speed 74 knots Alutulc 1000 ft. Revolutions 1530. Visibility excellent.” Last Hours Longest. From Wellington.—‘‘9.ls a.m. Fo'lowin,.; from Southern Cross, addre-wu ‘Sunflight, Sydney’: ‘‘lt is now 8.50 a.m. Suva time, and if my calculations aro correct wc will land in Brisbane about 10.30 Suva time, or between 8.30 and 9.a.m. Brisbane time. These last few hours always seem the longest, and Smithy and self are just aching for a smoke. Altitude 1000 feet, visibility excellent. Air Speed 74 knots. Revolutions 1530. Just strolling along.— Ulm, Southern Cross.” The following message from the Southern Cross Was picked up by the Wellington radio station at 11 a.m.:— ‘‘Sorry late arrival Brisbane. Last night’s storm blew us so far oil course that land first sighted was south of Ballina. Wo’rc on pur way up now.— Ulm.” [Ballina is about 100 miles south of Brisbane.] A Perfect Landing. A Brisbane cable later received state stated that tho Southern Cross made a perfect landing at fourteen minutes past 10 o’clock. Tho Southern Gross was escorted by aeroplanes in triumph to tho lauding ground at the Eaglo Farm Aerodrome and Captain Kinsford Smith and his companions sot foot on Australian soil.

Tho monoplane completed its tram Pacific voyage at 10.14 a.m. after being delayed by storms and wind during tho night. '.l.’ne Southern Cross was sighted l*y the assembled thousands at the aerodrome at 10.7 a.m. It was a minute speck in the south, but as it drew nearer its collossal bulk was seen in contrast to the smaller 'planes. It approached serenely, flying steadily. Thoi, after passing over the ground it circled three, times before landing, The blue and silver monoplane was a wonderful sight. Overhead tho escorting 'planes roared and circled and the terrific din mado hearing impossible. The crowd, which stretched for miles, so it seemed, had commenced cheering as tho monoplane circled above, but when it had taxied to a standstill tho shouting was doubled and tho tooting of hundreds of motor horns added to the clamour. Crowd Simply Mad. Although tho crowd had waited patiently for hours it simply went mad when tho monoplane landed. Despite efficient police control, tho crowd broke in all directions. Valient efforts were mado to keep tho people away from tho Southern Cross. Captain Ivingsford Smith was tho first to alight. His immediate request was for a cigarette. Someone in tho crowd crowned him with a wreath of roses. Everybody was happy and congratulations were showered on tho airmen. Tho aviators made their way to tho city by car through streets jammed

with traffic and lined with thousands of cheering people. Later at the City Hall Captain Kingsford Smith and ‘ his companions were tendered a civic reception. It was a truly memorable occasion. Never has such a gathering of airmen beer seen in Brisbane. The only pity wai the enforced absence of Bert Hinkler who should have been the first to congratulate Captain Kingsford Smith and his companions. Thousands made for the aerodrome which is five miles out of the city, soon after dawn. Following by means of broadcasting the progress of the flight, Brisbane has been thrilled by the wnolo adventure, but the last stage caused great anxiety. Half the city must have sat up on Friday night listening to the story of the Southern Cross battling through the Pacific storm. Silver Wings and Blue. So bad was the weather that the monoplane was forced out of its route and it sighted the Australian coaSt at Ballina, near the iNew South Wales border. This delayed the arrival at Brisbane by an hour, but the crowd was patient enough, although a few people had breakfast as usual. A Brisbane crowd is phlegmatic, but on this occasion they allowed their enthusiasm over the flight to carry them away. Few will forget the inspiring spectacle of the Southern Cross flying towards the landing ground surrounded by six escorting ’planes. When the sun shone on the silver wings and threw into roliet the blue body cries of admiration burst out .

Tho airmen although cheery and happy after rounding off so gloriously the marvelous flight, showed signs of fatigue and facing tho rocking, tumultuous crowd must have been an ordeal. A dense crowd swayed outside the City Hall where tho airmen were received by tho Deputy-Mayor. Tho Governor, Sir John Goodwin, said that Captain Kingsford Smith’s flight was not only a personal triumph for the airmen, but marked a new era of aerial navigation. It would remain as a great event of history and the gallant airmen had written the fame of themselves and their countries in the annals of tho world for all time. Queensland might feel justly proud of her sons. Most Notable Flight Yet Accomplished, U.S. Comment ‘TRAIL HAS BEEN BLAZED.’ Received Sunday 5.5 p.m. NEW YORK, June 8. Tho safe arrival of the Southern Cross at Brisbane is acclaimed both as an achievement of valour and a matter of great pratical importance. The New York Times in a leader says:— “Tho chief value of the flight of the Southern Cross from California to Queensland lies in tho promise that the way has been blazed for a regular commercial service. It no longer seems visionary.

“It was in keeping with the fitness of things that Australians and Americans should combine to fly the great ocean from coast to coast. But the enterprise was more than a sporting event.‘Praise too high cannot bo given to the men who provided the means and men who essayed tho venture, staking their lives against failure." The Washington Post rays:— ‘‘The successful flight of the Southern Cross from San Francisco to Brisbane constitutes the most notable oceanic flight yet accomplished. All sorts of records go to the credit of tho fliers. It must be regarded as the lasf word in the art of aviation. “Another noteworthy advance was the assistance given the navigators of the Southern Cross by radio beacons and signals. “The effort and time devoted to tho preparation of the flight had been well rewarded in the results.” Splendid Airmanship,

Secretary of the Navy, Mr Curtis D. Wilbur, said: “Tho flight is a marvellous performance, and the navigation a splendid indication of their airmanship and a credit ter the world of aviation. I Have been watching the flight with great interest and am indeed glad to hear they succeeded in getting though. They are to be commended.” ’ Tho New York World in a leader, says: “With steadiness and certainty suggesting tho ways of a ship but at four times the speed and more, the Southern Cross has ploughed through the worst weather during tho trip, and arrived at Brisbane. The Pacific is conquered. Tho conquest may well remain tho chief aviation event of the year. “The fliers worked together har'moniously as a well-matched team, and have well earned all the plaudits coming to them. Impossible Accomplished. Lieutenant Lester Maitland, the first California to Hawaii flier, said: —

“ Captain Kingsford Smith’s flight is the greatest ever made in the history of aviation. I take my hat oil to them. The difficulties they surmounted probably will never bo realised, but they accomplished what has been generally accepted ns impossible in the p-f'sent state of aviation development. A Los Angeles message states that as a token of friendship and a tribute to their successful flight to Australia, Mr G. Allen Hancock, the financial backer of tho venture, has made a gift of tho Southern Cross and a discharge of all indebtedness to Captain Kingsford Smith aud Lieutenant Ulm

Smith’s Father and Mother Welcome First at Sydney

Eoceived Sunday, 11.50 p.m. SYDNEY, Juno 10. Thousands of people enjoying an outug on the harbour and at suburban resorts had a wonderful view of the Southern Cross as it reached Sydney. It came on route to Mascot Aerodrome [whore 150,0000 voices joined in a stupendous chorus of welcome to Captain Kingsford Smith and his intrepid comrades on the conclusion of their epochal flight. Tho giant Fokker led the escorting ’planes across tl\o city and a landing was effected with wonderful facility. Captain Smith’s father and mother were tho first to welcome tho airman as he stepped from the machine. Then Lieutenant Ulm’s parents welcomed him.

The Americans, Navigator Lyon and Radioman Warner, were warmly acclaimed by the crowd, and Captain Smith, in the course of some remarks, said he could not have done the flight without them. Lieut: film’s comment was: “We could do it again.’’ The Governor-General, His Excellency the Right Honorable Lord Stonehaven, and the Governor of Now South Wales, His Excellency Admiral Sir Dudley Rawson de Chair, were introduced to the airmen. The large force of mounted police with 600 foot comrades, present had little trouble, as the crowd seemed to appreciate the needs of the position and were most orderly. After the official reception the Pacific fliers were motored round tho grounds so that tho huge crowd could see them and shout congratulations to them. Tho men responded with nods and smiles, but displayed little emotion, which is not surprising at tho end of tho long journey. The actual flying time, Oakland to Sydney, was 88 hours 11 minutes. A Brisbane cable states that Captain Kingsford Smith received a cable from President Coolidgo congratulating the party on the accomplishment of the flight, adding that their brilliant courage and pioneering strengthened the bonds between America and Australia. Lieut. Ulm Gives a Fine Story to Radio Listeners By the courtesy of Mr. W. A. Waters, of 105 Bryant Street, a Times’ representative had tho privilege of listening-in to 4QG Brisbane on Saturday evening when speeches by the victorious airmen in reply to the city’s welcomings were put on the ether. Switching over to Brisbane early in the evening did not lead to result. No comment was apparently being made on tho presence in the city of tho Pacific conquerors. A musical programme solely was on the air. But shortly after ten o’clock Mr. Waters switched back to Brisbane, and it wa» soon apparent that the exploits of the Southern Cross were now being recounted. A speech citing the great achievement of Captain Kingsford Smith and his companions was being concluded, for within a minute or two tho speaker closed his remarks amid thunderous applause, and introduced to his audience —Captain Kingsford Smith. At no time was it mentioned after Mr. Waters had tuned into Brisbane exactly what was tho nature of the function at which the airmen were being given tho reception. Nor did either of the speakers who were on the air give any account of the actual flight itself. Captain Kingsford Smith. Captain Smith upon his introduction rose amid applause and succinctly addressed his audience. Ho thanked the people of Australia, and particularly those of Brisbane, for their great reception to him and his companions. He asked his hearers to remember that although two of tho crew of tho aeroplane were Australians, two also were Americans and without their help the flight could not have been brought to such a successful conclusion. A lot of tho credit was duo to the Americans who were great fellows. There was hearty applause at this juncture. Captain Smith did not dwell on the flight or the possible future movements of the plane. Ho closed his speech with thanks again to the people of Australia for the great reception they wore giving them. The chairman of tho function then, after the acclamation of the audience had died down a little, introduced Lieutenant Ulm —ho named him Mr. Ulm. Lieut. Ulm Expatiates.

Lieut. Ulm began his address by saying that ho could only reiterate the statements made by his comrade. He also wished personally to convey to the audience, and to the people of Australia, his thanks and those of his comrades for the great welcome Australia had given them. But Lieut. Ulm had more to say. Ho did not discuss so much the adventures of the flight, but ho dwelt on the preparations of the Southern Cross for the big adventure, how the effort w T as financed, and how the giant plane was navigated over the vast, untraversed air expanse of the Pacific. At times the voice did not come over the air too clearly but it was possible nevertheless to learn a lot from the speech of the difficulties that all along confronted the fliers and how they had so triumphantly overcome them all turn by turn. Ten Months Preparing. Ho and Captain Smith had left Australia over ton mouths ago. They knew nothing of navigation but on the way over had “parked in with the officers" and in those three weeks had learned a good deal about tho art. The navigation of tho craft is, of course, one of the very main essentials .Continued on Page- S.