ENGLAND TO AUSTRALIA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21163, 22 October 1930, Page 9

ENGLAND TO AUSTRALIA

KINGSFORD SMITH’S FLIGHT.

BEST OF HIS CAREER. FURTHER CONGRATULATIONS. (British Official Wireless.) * (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.) , RUGBY, October 20. Congratulations are being showered by the press upon Wing-commander Kingsford Smith, whose wonderful flight, completed yesterday, brought Australia within 10 days of England. Kingsford Smith, who is the world’s most experienced airman, declares that this was the best flight he has ever made. His average speed was 110 miles an hour.

While Kingsford Smith has achieved a supreme distinction. Flight-lieutenant Hill’s notable performance in reaching Timor Island well in advance of Hinkler’s time is also warmly praised. He flew in a Gipsy itfotli, which is the fastest machine of its kind on the market, and intense disappointment is expressed at his failure when within 600 miles of his goal.

Kingsford Smith, Hinkler, and Hill are all Australians, and each of them flew machines which are British all through. ■

HEADING FOR BRISBANE. RLANE REACHES CLONCURRY, CLONCURRY, October 20. Kingsford Smith arrived in darkness at Cloncurry at 7.15. The headlights of 100 cars flooded the aerodrome, and the Southern Cross Junior made a perfect landing, being given a rousing welcome. The airman said he encountered strong head winds for the whole 907 miles from Darwin, the trip occupying 12J hours. He had dropped in at a small store in the Northern Territory for a packet of cigarettes. He is the guest of the Shire Council at a dinner to-night, and will leave for Brisbane at daylight. He hopes to reach there at 0 p.m. Kingsford Smith’s plane has a petrol capacity of 113 gallons, and a flying range of 1700 miles. He stated that the petrol consumption averaged only six gallons and a-half an hour during the whole flight. His main difficulty on the flight was fighting the desire to fall asleep. . One of the first messages of congratulation he opened on his arrival in Australia was from Mr Bert Hinkler. Anothers from the “ Diggers ” of Parramatta read: “Is he any good?” One from the former actress, Miss Nellie Stewart, read: “ I knew you would do it, my wonder man.” Kingsford Smith has sent a message forward appealing to Brisbane and Sydney people to refrain from fuss or functions, as he is greatly in need of complete rest. PLANE REACHES BRISBANE.. A TUMULTUOUS WELCOME. BRISBANE, October 21. (Received Oct. 21, at 11.30 p.m.) ■ Kingsford Smith landed at Eagle Farm Aerodrome at Brisbane at 4.3 p.m. He had a tumultuous welcdme, and there was a triumphal procession through the streets, which were densely lined with cheering people. He is the guest of the Governor (Sir John Goodwin) tonight, and he will arrive at Sydney tomorrow about 3.30 p.m.

QUESTION OF KNIGHTHOOD. MELBOURNE, October 21. Discussing the question -of an honour for Kingsford Smith, Mr Fenton (Acting Prime Minister) said that although the Labour Party was opposed to the granting of knighthoods, it would be possible for the Imperial Government to advise the King to confer that honour on the airman. , CAPTAIN MATTHEWS. ANOTHER HOP COMMENCED. _ SYDNEY, October 21. Captain Matthews arrived at Daly Waters at mid-day, and proceeded to Camooweal. MATTHEWS AT CAMOOWEAL. BRISBANE, October 21. (Received Oct. 22, at 1.30 a.m.) Captain Matthews has arrived at Camooweal.