THE TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20601, 27 June 1930, Page 12

THE TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT.

Once more congratulations are due to Squadron - Leader Kingsford Smith. He has shown yet again how skilful and courageous an airman he is, and incidentally how gifted to inspire the confidence of others 'in an enterprise beset by hazards. To the other members of the crew of the Southern Cross, each of them entrusted with great responsibilities, like praise is to be given without stint; but they would doubtless agree that, without the infectious enthusiasm of their leader and the actual ability of which he is possessed, the venture would not have been undertaken by them nor have resulted in success. For success has been achieved, although the hope of landing on the American continent at the end of a non-stop flight has not been fulfilled. The east-to-west crossing of the Atlantic in an aeroplane is admittedly a very perilous venture, and the record from hour to hour of the fliers' experiences shows that the dangers have not been exaggerated. As it was, the landing at Harbour Grace in Newfoundland was not accomplished without difficulty, and had it not been for the aid got from wireless the venture might have ended in sad disaster. As in all former achievements by Kingsford Smith in the Southern Cross, there was no lighthearted discounting of risks. Thorough preparation is his constant watchword, and in this his example is one to be commended to all setting out in such unusual endeavours.' Very probably the tragedies that chequer the transatlantic crossing would almost all have been averted had similar care been taken to reduce the margin of risk to a minimum. In every splendid exploit of Kingsford Smith there is encouragement for those as determined as he to leave little to chance. This latest exploit certainly has encouragement for others. It,may be a long time before the much-discussed service by air from Ireland to Newfoundland is practicable. Happenings on this momentous flight have not diminished the sense of difficulties in the way. Nevertheless, this crossing has lessened the reluctance to give the project serious consideration, and must therefore rank a3 much more than a mere defiance of danger. Congratulations to Kingsford Smith and his men are, on this account, all the more sincere and cordial.