FROM TAKAPUNA BEACH

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21717, 5 February 1934, Page 10

FROM TAKAPUNA BEACH

SOUTHERN CROSS FLIGHTS MANY PASSENGERS CARRIED A special visit to the Takapuna Beach for the purpose of carrying out passenger flights was made by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith in his famous monoplane Southern Cross on Saturday afternoon. Twelve passengers were brought over to Takapuna from Mangerc aerodrome shortly before two o'clock, and included in their number was Lady Kingsford Smith. Sir Charles was greeted v by a large crowd lined almost the entire length of the beach, and was cheered heartily when he stepped from the aeroplane. Mr. J. Guiniven, Mayor of Takapuna, extended a welcome, and was taken as a passenger on the first flight of the afternoon. More than 150 people were given an aerial view of the harbour and the city, and among those carried was Mr. E. W. aged 82, who expressed great satisfaction with his first flight. A splendid runway of about 800 yards was provided by the smooth sands of the beach, and in order to keep the track used by the giant monoplane clear of people, a rope barrier had been erected as far away from the water as possible. The low spring tide left a considerable width, and Sir Charles experienced no difficulty in landing and taking-off with the heavy loads. Altogether 13 flights were made during the afternoon, and children were almost as numerous as adults among the passengers.

Accompanying the Southern Cross as tender aeroplane was the Otago Aerc Club's Wacri machine, flown by FlightLieutmant E. G. Olson. Many people vvere interested in being flown by the lighter type of enclosed aeroplane. There was also one o?. the Auckland Aero Club's Moths, which was piloted by Mr. R. A. Kirkup.