WELCOME TO AIRMAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21458, 4 April 1933, Page 6

WELCOME TO AIRMAN

SIR C. KINGSFORD SMITH ENTHUSIASM IN SYDNEY PRAISE FOR NEW ZEALAND , [from our own correspondent] SYDNEY, March 30 There was an emotional sincerity about Sir Charles Kingsford Smith when, broadcasting over the Australian national net-work, within two or three hours after his arrival by aeroplane from New Zealand last Sunday, be paid a remarkable tribute to the Dominion. Acknowledging the generosity and hospitality that had been bestowed upon him, he frankly confessed that he had made the trip from his native shore because he "had mouths to feed at home." With the cheery tone of a philosopher he added: " And having obtained the wherewithal to feed the said mouths, for a little while at least, I can take a little rest after the strain and the rather big -responsibility." Sir Charles spoke for 10 minutes and one might say that his broadcast was almost exclusively a tribute to New Zealand. After explaining that he had flown the Tasman " for business reasons " he said that he had flown back " for the same reasons." It was cheaper to fly back, and after all it was really nothing. Flying was the quickest means of transit. He then expressed his desire to pay the warmest tribute possible to the people of New Zealand, and to express his gratitude to them for the reception they had given him and for the enthusiasm that was displayed throughout the tour. Flying in Dominion "I have nothing but admiration for the people of New Zealand," warmly. "It was the same everywhere we went, and my only regret was that we were unable to go everywhere we might have done had we not been limited by time. I was particularly pleased to notice the development of the Dominion's airmindedness since the Southern Cross, with Charles Ulm and myself, was last there in 1928. " We are generously credited with a share in inaugurating that spirit, which has since expressed itself in the aeroclubs throughout the country. As a result of the extraordinary enthusiasm in this direction these clubs have not only become numerous, but have developed on highly efficient lines, comparable, I think, with any other part of the world. It must be said that New Zealand has established very definitely for all_ time her airmindedness, and it is gratifying t 0 feel—and I have been told so over there —that the 'old bus' has been able to play her part. "I am deeply indebted to New Zealand for her kindly interest in me, and I want the public to realise that fact. Of course, after one's work is done it" is a marvellous thing to come home and receive such a welcome as we did today. It is pleasant, also, after a tour which, of course, has been physically and mentally strenuous, due to the handling of such a heavy machine, to think that one can lay off, as it were, and take things mere or lesfe easily for a time at least."-' „ Another Visit Probable New Zealand may see Sir Charles again before another 12 months passes, for another trip to New Zealand as well as a flight to England are included in his plans for the near future. He explained that he naturally felt very tired just now, and rest was imperative. He would motor quietly with his wife and child to Melbourne, probably taking a, week for the journey. For a time at least he was done with breathless speeds* His flight to England depended on his securing six passengers. Captain Taylor would accompany him as copilot and would fly the Southern Cross back to Australia, while he himself took charge of a new light machine, for which he had secured the Australian agency. Whether he would attempt to lower the record from England to Australia would depend on how he felt' after he had had a rest in England. His flying days were far from over. There was a lot lef" undone in !New Zealand, and he »• determined to cross the Tasman in the Southern Cross this time next year. He had no intention at present of inaugurating a per« manent service across the Tasman. High Altitude Hying The aeroplanes now in Australia were unsuitable, and the treacherous weather prevailing in the Tasman would militate against a regular service. High altitude flying was the only solution. He was convinced that in five or six years they would see flying in the stratosphere in Australia, and then regular trips across the Tasman would present no difficulties. Radio beacons at Sydney and New Plymouth" would eliminate much of the risk of the crossing. The welcome accorded to Sir Charles on his arrival at the Mascot aerodrome was certainly remarkable for its uproarious nature. The like of it has seldom been seen. The crowd went almost mad with enthusiasm, and upset all the arrangements that had been made for a formal reception. All Australia waited at their radio sets to hear what he had to say, but he found it impossible to approach the microphone. It was with the utmost difficulty that the police protected the machine and the aviator. As it was Sir Charles was dragged through a barbed wire fence and he suffered severe lacerations to the leg. He is one of the most popular men in Australia to-day, and he is assured of a warm spot in the hearts of the people for all time, for everyone realises his remarkable ability in the air. true Australian would admit that there is a better pilot to be found anywhere.