MISS JOHNSON'S STORY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20593, 18 June 1930, Page 8

MISS JOHNSON'S STORY.

KESOLVE TO MAKE FLIGHT

r A FATEFUL LECTURE*

PURCHASE OF AEROPLANE.

HELP OF ENGINEERS.

(Copyright.) No. vm.

"Miss Johnson describes the feverish haste to complete preparations in the 10 days that remained from tho day tho aeroplane ■was bought to the last day it was safe to tako off in time to miss tho monsoons. She had mot Lord Wakefield, and with his backing and her parents' help finance was assured.

I knew that Mr. James Martin, of the aircraft works, was building a new type of aeroplane. Wo got together, and it was arranged that he should build his new craft, and I should fly it to [Australia. Instantly I decided to make a dash for (Australia. Plans were studied, and, imbued with the idea of making a name for myself 60 as to secure sufficient influence and obtain work, I decided to hunt for backing. Calculating closely, I set as my objective the beating of Hinkler's record by two days. With weather conditions equal to what he experienced, I could have done it, and, with exceptional luck, could lower the record by four days. It was essential, however, that a start should be made beforo the monsoons occurred in the East, end I marked in my diary that May 5 was the last day on which I C9uld expect to cross before running into monsoons.

This precluded my friend from allowing me to use his aeroplane. As it could not be constructed anywhere near that time, other plans had to be devised. Each day it became apparent that I should start as early as possible, as many others were working to do the same thing, and assuming that all would be successful, I had to get among the first to start.

Parents Come to the Rescue. Borrowing a typewriter, I wrote appeals to scores of persons for financial help, but could get no response. The idea of a woman flying to Australia was generally dismissed with a 6niff, or such comment as "a hair-brained idea," while Australia cabled that it iWas so much hot air.

That got my back up, and I was determined to freeze those who mouthed of hot air. To my father 1 went, and broke down his opposition. He offered to help, but all of his funds were invested in his business; and he could not afford to take out the large sum needed. Again I searched for some benefactor, and was beginning to despair when father and mother wrote me a touching letter.

They said they were prepared to advance £BOO between them. Of this sum £3OO was my mother's sole worldly possession ; and I would not touch it, even il I never reached Australia.

So I had £500; and for two weeks ] could not increase it. May 5 was becoming dangerously close. Funded folk still thought the idea was hair-brained; and I was becoming discouraged. It did not lessen my enthusiasm for aviation. I went to every lecture given, and one fateful night heard Sir Sefton Brancker (tho Director of Civil Aviation) speak. His words echoed the thoughts of my brain. " England," he cried, " why are you lagging ? Get out and do something to build up aviation." His words thrilled me, and in a burst ©f enthusiasm I wrote applauding him, and telling him how I wanted to do the big thing.- Sir Sefton became interested. His interest created faith; and then he introduced me to Lord Wakefield, who caught some of my feelings and backed me.

h Great Adventure in Sight. That night I went home singing and 'dancing with joy. The great adventure was within reach. It never occurred to me that I would faiL Instead of thinking of such things, I recollected that the Government had launched an Empire crusade. At such a time a flight between England and some outpost of Empire would help to strengthen our bonds, and what better .country could be linked .than Australia? The next great question was what aeroplane should I take. 1 was soon taken to an aviator, who .wanted to sell a smart machine, with which he had flown in the King's Cup. He was willing to part with it, but urged that I should take another of the same make. This had the advantage, though, of being fitted to take additional petrol tanks for long-distance flying. It was the ideal thing, and I bought it on the spot for £6OO. It was a very old machine, fitted with a No. 12 engine —one of the very first Moth engines made, but it was in good order, and had been Well looked after.

And that was how my dear old Jason was bought. It came into my hands just 10; days before I took off for Australia. The possession of my aeroplane only 10 days before the last day on which a start could possibly made left the smallest margin for preparation. The excitement and rush to complete the plans can easily bo imagined. Engineers set to work overhauling the engine, fitting extra petrol tanks and testing the necessary implements needed for longdistance flying. Emergency parts had to be collected and minute consideration given to lightening the load so as to get the utmost out of the aeroplane. It was a constant whirl, and those days are just a confused memory. Help oi the Engineers. At the last minute my people exhorted me to wear a parachute. I could not afford one, but to oblige them after so much kindness 1 wrote to the Irving Parachute Company to lend me one. Contrary to all precedent the company lent me one specially fitted and padded. it was made at tho last minute, specially for myself; but when it arrived we discovered that a special scat had to be made and the rush was intensified.

Then camo the great clay when I flew to Croydon ready for the great adventure. An engineer was in the cockpit and the London Aeroplane Club sent an escort of six machines 'lying in formation. ■Tho loyalty of those engineers was inspiring to me. Through all adversities they backed up my effort, encouraged and advised, and above all things worked day and night to make the Jason airworthy. Greeting them once again is one of the moments yet to come that fills me with tingling joy and excrement. Unfortunately the escort could not remain at Croydon to witness my departure. We said good-bye, and I was left with just a few of the faithful friends who had confidence in me. )