Jean Batten at Croydon

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 100, 1 May 1935, Page 7

Jean Batten at Croydon

Completion of Flight From Australia

CONGRATULATIONS EXTENDED

United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyrigli t. LONDON, April 29. Jean Batten has arrived at Croydon. She stated she is feeling very fit and that it is grand to be back, although sho has lost £SOO in newspaper, theatrical and film contracts since Friday because she failed to break the record. Mrs Barrcr, of the Wairarapa Aero Club, welcomed Miss Batten on behalf of her own and Now Zealand clubs. Imperial Airways, Ltd., officially welcomed Miss Batten.

Miss Batten said that flying from Australia was infinitely harder and colder than flying to it. >She frequently promised herself that she would not repeat the flight with such an engine. Sir James Parr, tho New Zealand High Commissioner, telegraphed Miss Batten heartiest congratulations. “New Zealand,’’ lie said, “is proud of you. ’ ’ Lord and Lady Bledisloe telegraphed a warm welcome and congratulations. “We are proud of your achievement,’’ they said, “even though, through bad luck, they are less than your aspirations.’’

Congratulations From New Zealand ACTING PRIME MINISTER’S MESSAGE Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. “Warm congratulations on your successful flight’’ is the text of a message despatched this evening to Miss Jean Batten by the Acting Prime Minister.

Empire Air-mails SEVEN DAYS TO LONDON United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, April 29. Sir Frederic Williamson, Director of Postal Services, interviewed by the Australian Press Association on his return from Australia, expressed gratification at the Commonwealth adherence, in principle, to the Imperial air-mail scheme, which Sir Frederic Williamson still hopes will become operative in 1937, bringing Sydney within seven days of London. Technical negotiations arc proceeding botwen the British and Australian Post Office and Treasury officials. Sir Frederic hopes that an agreement on tho outstanding financial problems will be expedited in view of the time needed to provide tho new fleet of aircraft necessary to operate high speed services. Tho Australian Ministers, apparently, are awaiting tho arrival of Captain Johnston, Australian Comptroller of Civil Aviation, before raising the matter at Whitehall.

Croydon’s Development EXTENSIONS TO BE UNDERTAKEN (British Official Wireless) Received Tuesday, 7 p.m. RUGBY, April 29. Owing to the rapid and steady increase of air traffic, extensions and improvements costing many thousands are to be undertaken at Croydon. Since Croydon was equipped as the main airport seven years ago, passenger and goods traffic there has increased by 300 per cent and the airlines radiate to all parts of the Empire and Europe.

New Aeroplane Service FIRST AUSTRALIAN PASSENGER ’PLANE ARRIVES. United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, April 29. The first Australian passenger aeroplane service has arrived at Croydon. The passengers including the seven-months-old son of Mr Alexander Hepburn, who travelled with his parents 4?~0 miles from Persia in a special cot.