HERO OF THE HOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19879, 24 February 1928, Page 11

HERO OF THE HOUR.

LONDON PRESS COMMENT.

IMPORTANCE OF FLIGHT.

TRIUMPH FOR MAN AND PLANE.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received February 23, 8.45 p.m.) A. and N.Z.-Sun. LONDON, Feb. 23. The morning newspapers to-day are loud in their praiso of Mr. Bert Hinkler for his remarkable solo flight, from Croydon to Port Darwin. "A very great personal triumph," "the finest flight in history," and "the most important flight ever made from a practical point of view," are some of the phrases used to describe the achievement. All the papers regard the news as the most important of the day, and it occupies the most prominent place in the Daily Telegraph, the Morning Post and others. Stress is also laid upon the significance of the feat in ' the editorial columns of the entire press. The Daily Telegraph describes Mr. Hinkler as the hero of the hour. It says: "All went so smoothly that one is tempted to forget the bad weather that was encountered and the sheer wonder of the long and lonely adventure, also the superb combination of qualities required in the airman and in his aeroplane alike. This little-advertised. exploit is a real triumph for aviation in general and for flying as a sport." * The aviation correspondent of the Morning Post says Mr. Hinkler's flight ranks as the greatest of all air achievements. Nothing approaching it in magnitude has ever previously been attempted. The fuel costs amounted to £33. The machine is a standard one, which can be bought like a motor-car by anybody for £730. The Post, in a leading article under the caption of "Bert" for Bundaberg," says: "Having congratulated Mr. Hinkler we must congratulate Australia, which breeds a very hardy type of man. Lastly we must congratulate British engineering, which, with Mr. Hinkler's flight, the Schneider Cup .victory, and Captain Malcolm Campbell's motoring record, is not only abreast, but ahead of the times." The Daily Herald says it foresees the day when test teams will fly to and from Australia. The- Daily Express remarks that Mr.' Hinkler's feat makes him the unquestioned "monarch of the air." Sporting Life says sportsmen everywhere will join in the chorus of congratulation. The Daily Chronicle says the airman's performance ranks among the world's finest. The Times refers to the Empire's pride in Mr. Hinkler's feat. It.expresses the opinion that more than anything else he has opened the eyes of the public to the possibility of establishing an air mail between Britain and Australia.