ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON.

Otago Witness, Issue 3854, 24 January 1928, Page 38

ROUND ABOUT WELLINGTON.

Ry

Pencarrow.

(Special for the Otago Witness.)

January 19. .By sea and air, on foot in the mountains, the search for the missing aviators has continued since the morning after that evening when they did not come home. It is finished now. All hope is abandoned. In all probability the mystery never will be solved, but the inevitable conclusion has been reached —the men perished in their attempt to make the pioneer flight over the Tasman Sea. Because of our situation we in Wellington have seen some of the preparations for the search —we have known the plans and have heard all the rumours. The mountains in which it was believed the ’plane had fallen are ever before our eyes, mountains which call to the spirit of youth, and in which many an experienced tramper has lost his way. Through those mountains men and boys have searched unceasingly now for over a week. It was an organised search, as thorough as conditions will . allow. Nevertheless, thousands of acres of bushcovered hills still remain untouched, and must so remain for many years. It is just possible that another generation may discover proof that the Tasman was crossed first by the aviators Captain Hood and Lieutenant Moncrieff. But a conviction is growing that they were driven off their course, and that if they reached New Zealand it was far to the south—perhaps after night had fallen, in which case they may have flown right across their native land without getting a glimpse of it. Theirs was a private venture. The risk they took was their own. Had they succeeded they would have added lustre to New Zealand’s name. Because they failed they have earned the sympathy of the careless multitude, for few of us accomplish all we hope to do in life. Only the few “ arrive.” Therefore, it is probable that the suggested help for the dependents of the aviators will receive practical sup- . port from that great army of men and women who tread the humdrum way, but whose sympathy goes out to the ardent spirits who break away.

It is now-the middle of January, but in Wellington the year of business has hardly begun. The holidays are over, but another oue is due—Anniversary Day, with its race meeting, at Trentham. Half Wellington was out at Miramar yesterday watching the tennis. Ten days ago thousands of people fan out to Trentham for what was to have been an historic event, the arrival of the airmen. “ Plenty of time ” —it is a Maori saying —but I think all New Zealanders are imbued with the same spirit. We are not grafters. Perhaps that is why we are considered such nice people—at least we think that is the general outside opinion of us I

As nothing succeeds like success the moving spirits in the tennis world are very thankful for these two fine days. Had the weather been rough the public would have declared that the. Frenchmen -hould not have been asked to play at Miramar, where the Tennis Association, in face of much opposition, had the pluck to make its courts. Eventually, there are to be over 70. The plan was much criticised, but the policy of the association seems to be justified. ?lirama. is on the tram line, and can be reached by tram in a little over half an hour from Government*‘Buildings. The wind is apt to blow out there, but alls well just now. It is pleasant to feel that the coming champion of France, the young lad Boussus, is in Wellington, and that Borotra and Brughon rank fourth and ninth among the tennis champions of the world. Especially are we glad for the opportunity because of young tennis players. That little aspect of the matter was kept well forward when this wonderful meeting was being arranged, and now we are inviting the young to pay one guinea for admission. However, there are other seats —eight shillings odd, and a plebeian five shillings—and very rightly, of course, the cheap seats face the sun. But what would you? If there is a sun, someone must face it.

Someone has to face a central pillar in the Hutt road soon under the new railway bridge, and motorists do not hold with it—and they say so. The- urge the Government to spend another £lO,OOO, and do without the pillar. These pillars or piles are not all they are cracked up to be. Here is Napier with a bridge only a few miles but of town —a good bridge, too—which has been standing there for many years, yet it cracked recently under the strain of bearing two big lorries—and it is now out of action with all traffic deflected to the other road, which means six or seven miles added to any journey south from town. It seems that two piles have been sinking in the mud. In just that place there was a terrific washout in'the year 1897, but on that occasion railway communication was interrupted. There seems to bo something in this argument of a leading English airwoman, who declares flying is not only easy, but safe. What is safety?

The Frenchmen came to conquer. The result of the various matches was, of course, a foregone conclusion, but local enthusiasm had not anticipated quite such

a thrill as they have experienced. We have had an exhibition of more than tennis, and are very sorry indeed that our delightful visitors could stay so short a time.

Seating accommodation was well booked in advance, and the world and his wife went out both days. With the world went the younger generation, breathless with excitement. What they went out to see they did sec—good measure well pressed down. They saw, too, their own countrymen making a very valiant stand, giving the illustrious I’ renchmen an obviously pleasant game. The results have been well broadcasted, and every detail of the play is at present being well discussed here. Those who paid for their scats were not the only spectators.

A voice on the megaphone called “Out ” —above the applause rang out a shrill young voice “ Hurrah 1 ” Bartlett had sent down a winner. The voice from a nearby tree, which resembled the Christmas variety, with heads poking out among the leaves. During intervals the “ tree-men ” read newspapers and partook of light refreshment, which they appeared to enjoy as much as did the players, who were supplied with drinks from an ice chest by the court. Obviously, the visitors arc of a happy nature, and happiness is infectious. Borotra enjoyed every moment, and his little mannerisms delighted his opponents. The Frenchmen play to win, but dislike winning any stroke by luck; they express their feelings graphically and in characteristic manner.

The exhibition match between young Boussus and the lad Malfroy, of Wellington, was very exciting, and though the French player’s smashes were impossible to return, Malfroy kept his end up in very gallant style, and we were proud of him.

It seemed to ordinary onlookers that it was the smashing of all the Frenchmen which settled the New Zealanders, though there were other features which must have disconcerted less —experienced men. Borotra's attitudes are positively alarm-, ing. The Frenchmen run like hares, and no ball is out of their reach.

If their play is an eye-opener, so is their style. We are a self-conscious crowd, but we respond to the French way—playful and gay. We like their chivalrous manner, their generous encouragement, the spontaneity of their applause. We like their grace and charm. '

The crowd, enthusiastic on—the first day, became more so on the seefond, and there was no hurried departure at the end, when Borotra called for “ four hearty cheers for our so brilliant New Zealand opponents.”