MR OSCAR GARDEN.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21197, 1 December 1930, Page 10

MR OSCAR GARDEN.

RETURN TO HOME TOWN. AN ENTHUSIASTIC RECEPTION, (Pta United I'nF.st- Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, November 29. Mr Oscar Garden received a tumultuous welcome on his arrival at the Wigram Aerodrome this afternoon. * Mr Garden, who flew his own machine from Wellington, was accompanied by Captain F. W. Haig. The two visiting aeroplanes were met at Kaiapoi by planes from Wigram and the Canterbury Aero Club, and about 3.20 black specks on the northern sky were visible from the city,-and then were seen by the crowd at the aerodrome. Two thousand people surrounded the roped enclosure. When Mr Garden landed, the crowd attempted to rush the machine, but the police held all back except two young women who dashed up to the plane and embraced the laughing young airman. His car was almost mobbed while he was driven round the ground. Speeches of welcome and congratulation were made by Mr James Leslie (chairman of the Paparua County Council, on whose territory the aerodrome is situated), the Rev. J. K. Archer (Mayor of Christchurch), and Sir Francis Boys (on behalf of the Canterbury and New Zealand Aero Club). Mr Garden briefly acknowledged the welcome. In an interview after landing he said be would certainly not attempt to fly the Tasman in his Gipsy Moth, which bad not enough petrol capacity. He would not say whether he intended to make the attempt in some other machine. 'Mr Garden will be in Christchurch till Tuesday, when he leaves for Ashburton. From there he will go to Oamaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill, returning to Dunedin and Timaru. CIVIC RECEPTION AJ BLENHEIM. (Peb United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, November 29. Mr Garden and Captain Haig arrived at Blenheim after a flight across the straits occupying 40 minutes. They were accompanied by Squadron-leader Findlay. On arrival at Blenheim Mr Garden f-as accorded a civic reception.