Miss Jean Batten Beats Amy Johnson’s Time

Manawatu Times, Volume LIX, Issue 7472, 24 May 1934, Page 7

Miss Jean Batten Beats Amy Johnson’s Time

New Zealand Airwoman’s Safe Arrival at Darwin Not Flying the Tasman, but Shipping the ’Plane United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Wednesday, 10.20 p.m. DARWIN, May 23. Miss Jean Batten, the New Zealand airwoman, landed at 3 p.m., local time. Miss Batten, petite and self-possessed, captivated all at the aerodrome when she stepped from the tiny plane. “Thank heaven I am here,” she declared. “Darwin is the best sight possible after fighting side winds all day, lam tremendously pleased at breaking Amy Johnson’s time. This is my third attempt. I am thrilled to be here. I do not intend to fly the Tasman to New Zealand; I shall ship the plane from Sydney.” Miss Batten refused to say more. She was famished and a cup of tea and a wash were both quickly provided. She worked all yesterday afternoon and before daylight to-day on the engine at Kocpang, being unable to get mechanical assistance. Her clothes provided abundant evidence of the oily nature of her task. She was blown miles south of her course, but had no trouble in locating Darwin, where she side-slipped to a perfect landing, receiving hearty congratulations from the crowd.

Mother’s Confidence in Daughter THE ‘‘TRY- AG AIN” FLYER. Received Wednesday, 7.50 p.m. LONDON, May 23. "I was certain she would get through,” said Mrs. Batten. “I realised there was danger, but Jean is a good enough flyer to know when the weather does not permit taking-off. She is doing just what I would liked to do myself if'l had the opportunity.” Mrs. Batten revealed that, when the project was first breached, the male members of the family opposed and the females supported the idea. Jean said, after Kingsford Smith’s 102!) flight: “One clay I shall do something like that.” She meant it, but her father, fearing for her safety, discouraged her. Thereupon Jean, who was completing her musical training in New’ Zealand, sold her piano, the mother realised some property and both came to London, where Jean obtained A and B licenses.

They returned to Auckland in 1031 in the vain hope of persuading the father to finance a flight. Again they visited New Zealand in 1032 and the father relented after seeing Jean loop the loop, and assisted in paying her studying navigation. The mother added: “Jean will probably tour tho Commonwealth. I will join her there or in New Zealand. Jean, scribbled a letter from Karachi saying she was enjoying every minute, even the sandstorms. Another message said she had to go round Lebanon, approaching Damascus, because downdraughts were bad crossing the mountains. Thunderstorms and duststorms caused a forced landing at Rutbah Wells, where she dined and bathed.” The Daily Mail pays tribute to her font, as a new impetus to air-minded-ncss.

The News-Chronicle dubbs Jean the “Try-again flier.” The Evening News employs the slogan, “Fly, fly, fly again.”