BRAVE SOULS PASS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11187, 18 April 1922, Page 5

BRAVE SOULS PASS

THE DEAD AIRMEN FURTHER EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST. A BROTHER’S GRIEF. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Reuter’s Telesram. LONDON, April 15. At the inquest on Sir Ross Smith and Lieutenant Bennett Sir Keith Smith said it was the first. time his brother had flown the Amphibian machine. Jlr Muller, the Vickers superintendent at Broolclands, said the machine was similar to those supplied to tho British, Canadian, Japanese, and Dutch Governments, and was in complete flying trim, with no defect anywhere. The controlling parts were absolutely intact after the accident. It was a good day for flying. Captain Cockerell gave evidence that the machine was not examined when ho and Sir Ross Smith descended from the preliminary flight. Tho engines were running ’ and Sir Ross Smith merely replaced him at the controls. He had seen that the construction of the machine throughout was perfect ion every respeot. Sir Ross Smith understood his demonstrations during the test flight perfectly, and the fact that it -was an Amphibian machine made no difference in flying. Sir Ross Smith, while in the air for the first flight, suggested that they should land and lie. be given control. Witness was convinced that nothing was wrong with the engine, though Sir Ross, at the first attempt, failed to stop the fatal spin. He succeeded at the second attempt, but he was then too near the ground. The machine was travelling 100 miles an hour. PobUcTied In "The Time*." (Received April 17, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. April 15. “The Times” states that after the accident Sir Keith Smith, weeping bitterly, said: “Oh, Ross, old chum, why didn't 1 come with you? Speak to me ” THE BURIAL PLACE \ NQ DECISION YET. ‘

LONDON, April 16. Sir Keith Smith states that he has no plans yet for the future. It has practically been decided that Sir Ross Smith and Lieutenant Bennett are to be buried at Weybridge, one. of the foremost spots associated with aviation. It would be impossible for Sir Keith Smith to proceed to Australia for some weeks owing to oie need for giving finality to business contracts he had previously left to his brother. “ HIS GREAT SOUL" A SPLENDID TRIBUTE.

Published In “The Tinifte ” LONDON, April 15. “The Times,” in a tribute to the dead airman, says: ‘ ‘Sir Ross Smith, tlie great hero of adventure, has nowbeen called to rejoin the men of his old troop at Gallipoli. Let us think of his great soul soaring onward through heights "that confessed himtheir conqueror away from the envious earth that dragged him down. He saw afar and remised that the hazardous paths he followed must one day be the highways of the new age of Im- i perial unity. In that faith ; with his brave companion, he takes his place in the advanced guard of human progress.” THE EMPIRE’S LOSS SYMPATHY OF KING AND QUEEN. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, April 16. Sir Keith Smith has received the following telegram from the private secretary, Windsor Oastle: “The King and Queen are shocked to hear of the terrible accident in which your brother, Sir Ross Smith and Lien tenant Bennett lost their lives as they were preparing to embark on yet another daring exploit. Their Majesties feel that by their death the Empire has lost two of the foremost pioneer® of flight. I am desired to assure you of their heartfelt sylnaptby in your sorrow.” LOVED BY ALL TRIBUTE BY LIEUTENANT SHIERS. SYDNEY, April 17. Lieutenant Shier®, who was one of the party which made the flight from England to Australia, in an interview, said: "I am unable to express my feelings at tlie way in which Ross went out. He was loved by all of ue on the historic flight from England. He was a great inan, always full of confidence, no matter how hopeless the situation, and his ready ‘cherrio’ always put new heart in the party.” The Governor-General has sent messages of condolence to the parents of Sir Ross Smith and Lieutenant Bennett. A FAMOUS MACHINE DECKED IN MOURNING. SYDNEY, April 17. Particularly sinco the news of his death, the Viokei-s-Vimy machine in which Sir Ross Smith made his historic flight to Australia, and which is exhibited at the Agricultural Show, has been the centre of attraction, it is now decked in mourning, and will be sent to Melbourne, where it will be placed permanently in the Australian War Museum.