CHICHESTER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 January 1930, Page 5

CHICHESTER

ARRIVAL AT SYDNEY

A WARM WELCOME

SHOULDERED BY NEW. ZEALANDERS

(United Press Association—By Electric (By Telegraph—Press Association)

SYDNEY, 30th January

The New Zealand airman Chichester, escorted by fourteen aeroplanes, arrived at Mascot "Aerodrome at 3.55 this afternoon, completing his flight from England. He was delayed after leaving Narromino by dense low clouds. The escorting machines had great difficulty in locating him. Chichester, who was looking well and happy, was received by the .Mayor of Mascot, Alderman Alexander, tlie district Superintendent of-Aviation, Mr W. R. Blow (New Zealand Government Agent), and other prominent people, Nearly a thousand spectators gave Chichester a rousing cheer. His machine was immediately taken to the General Air Craft Company's workshops for a complete overhaul. Doctor I'urdy and Mr Havyatt also extended hearty greetings from New Zealand to the airman.

The State Government was represented by the "Attorney-General, Mr Boyce. The president of the Aero Club, Mr Wiltshire, and the Chief City CommisMr Garlick, paid tributes to his daring venture. Upon the 'plane coining to a standstill a number of New Zealanders shouldered the aviator and carried him to the clubhouse steps, where they greeted him with cries of "Haeremai! ' led by a Maori. The Mayor of Mascot then presented him with an illuminated address. Chichester, who has a very retiring manner, replied briefly expressing his hearty appreciation of the reception, but said he did not deserve glowing compliments paid to his skill as any New Zealand or Australian airman would jump at the chance to make this flight. Interviewed 4 Chichester said that ever since Hinklcr broke the record to Australia he was anxious to make an attempt to better it, but he now felt sure that even had he not crashed at TriJioli he would not have broken Hinkers' record, which ho regarded as a great achievement.

EXPERIENCES ON JOURNEY

Questioned as to his experiences, Chichester said the most exciting ride he ever had was when he was lost near Camooweal. Going aloft with only three gallons in the tank he knew he could only fly for 30 minutes, so decided to fly eastwards for fifteen minutes and return if he sighted no habitation.'After being in the air 14£ minutes he saw the Rocklands station and came down there. During his stay at the bore overnight he drank water which he said "You could stand your boots up in," and his biscuits were petrol soaked. His longest hop was 870 miles across the North African desert. The stretch, however, from Victoria Point to Singapore is characterised by Chichester as a, "dirty 'ran,' Here 'he encountered storms and rain throughout. The maps used by him were most inaccurate. Places he passed over were not, shown and places marked on the charts he could not find. His 'plane had no bank indicator and he flew throughout by compass. The airman said lie learnt his navigation in the hard school of experience. Before leaving England he had done 155 solo hours' flying. He said it took twelve instructors to teach him to fly, and he had 25 hours' tuition before making a solo attempt.

WILL NOT FLY THE TASMAN

Chichester stated emphatically that he would not attempt to fly to New Zealand as his Moth, which' incidentally is the first Moth ever flown from-England to Australia, has a range of only 1500 miles, and as the distance to New Zealand is 1450 miles the margin is too small and it would be suicidal to make the attempt; but (if someone supplied him with a suitable machine he would certainly try. Asked what provisions he carried, the aviator said he had a four course meal aboard. He went on to explain that this comprised biscuits under the petrol tank, sandwiches under the compass, beer, and wine. Questioned as to his future plans he ,said he supposed he would nave to work. He will take his 'plane to New Zealand with him. He has not yet decided when he will sail for New Zealand, but he expects to leave to-morrow week.

Chichester was taken into the city by Mr Blow in his car and will be the guest at several welcoming functions during the week. EARLY EXPERIENCES DESCRIBED

LONDON , 29th January.

"The Daily Telegraph" published exclusively a story from Chichester, written from Tripoli, describing the early experiences of his flight and how he crossed the Alps in a tiny machine which he calls "Good Old Elijah." The narrative clearly shows evidence of the good spirit and tenacity which enabled him to reach Australia.