MISS JEAN BATTEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23354, 20 November 1937, Page 13

MISS JEAN BATTEN

AUDIENCE WITH KING LEOPOLD MONARCH’S SPECIAL REQUEST PERSONAL ACCOUNT OF FLIGHTS (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Nov. 18. King Leopold specially requested Miss Jean Batten to visit Buckingham Palace in the evening and give a persona] account of her record flights. Miss Batten had a long udience with King Leopold, who was most interested in New Zealand and complimented her on her achievements. Before going to the palace Miss Batten was given a reception by 500 members of the New Zealand Society. Those present included Mr and Mrs Jordan. ALSO MEETS BRITISH ROYALTY LONDON, Nov. 18. Spending an hour at the Palace, Miss Jean Batten had a long talk With King Leopold, and then with Queen Elizabeth and King George. She also met Princess Elizabeth. To the Australian Associated Press representative Miss Batten said. “I was first presented to King Leopold. I found him most charming. I was very impressed that he knew so much about my flights. He even knew the record times, and showed a wide knowledge of the countries over which I have flown. He expressed a wish that I would some day visit Brussels. I said 1 hoped to have the opportunity to to so. I was then taken upstairs by a lady-in-waiting, and presented to Queen Elizabeth, with whom was Princess Elizabeth. The King came in shortly afterwards. He questioned me closely about my plane and routes. I was astounded at his tech; cal knowledge of aviation. Their Majesties recalled their wonderful reception on their New Zealand visit. It was the first time I have been presented to their Majesties. I consider it a great honour to myself and to my country.” ONCE REFUSED A JOB LONDON, Nov. 18. Miss Jean Batten was once refused a job with Sir Alan Cobham’s flying circus. Referring to this as the guest of the Holborn Chamber of Commerce, she said: “I was left with the impression that the pilots thought I ought to go away and get married. In fact, one of the pilots gave me the impression so much that I asked him if this was a pmpos ’ He did not repeat the statement. Sir Alan Cobham said “My pilots were a lot of ‘he men.’ I felt that if I took on Miss Batten there would be a riot, so I had to tell her reluctantly that the arrangement would not work.”