FOR THE LAST TIME

Northern Advocate, 19 July 1935, Page 7

FOR THE LAST TIME

FAMOUS SUTHERN CROSS

FAREWELL TO THE AIR. MACHINE HANDED OVER. (Received 9 a.m.) ' SYDNEY, July 18. . The last flight of the famous monoplane Southern Cross attracted considerable attention this morning. Many people gathered on roof tops to witness the “old bus” and its essdrt of six Hawker Demons as they circled over the city. The machines proceeded to Richmond via Mosman, where they dipped in salute over the Keith Anderson memorial, and at Longueville, where a further salute was made over the home of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s mother. The monoplane will be located at Richmond until it can be accommodated in the museum at Canberra. Sir Charles piloted the Southern Cross over the city for the last time in brilliant sunshine. Everyone appeared to recall the familiar roar of the engines and gazed proudly toward the sky at the historic monoplane. It still seemed to have plenty of life in it. The famous pilot brought the machine gracefully down at Richmond and formally handed it over to the Minister of Defence, Mr R. A. Parkhill.

The Minister said he was sure the people of Australia would applaud the action of the Government in purchasing the machine, which had done so much for Australia in the hands of the greatest airman of all time. Sir Charles, who wore his Air Commodore’s uniform, fittingly replied, and turning toward -the Southern Cross saluted it and exclaimed: “You old friend, farewell. Those who accompanied Sir Charles on the last flight were Lady Kingsford Smith, Captain P. G. Taylor, Mr John W. Stannage, Flying-Officer B. Shiel, business associate of Sir Charles, the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour, of the Friendly Road. Auckland, and John Ulm, 14-year-old son of the late Mr Charles Ulm.

Subsequently Sir Charles left for Auckland by the Aorangi.