AIR RACE WINNERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18581, 15 December 1934, Page 15

AIR RACE WINNERS

WELCOME IN BRITAIN WARM RECEPTION ROUND OF ENTERTAINMENTS (Eluc. Tol. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received Dee. 15, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 14. From the. time they reached Dover to-day, Messrs'. Scott’and Black must have thought it. was their Melbourne reception all over again. They were warmly greeted at Dover. A great crowd awaited them in London when they stepped from their carriage into the glare of newsreel floodlights and were required to make a speech before, hurrying to the Grosvenor House reception, which was no sooner completed than they were hustled to Broadcasting House, from which they retold the story of their flight, in the Centenary Air Race. Wing-Commander Marsden, on behalf of Mr? S. M. Bruce, Mr. Linton and Mr. Black's father, mother, and sister, an<i Air Ministry representatives were among those who greeted them at the station. Aero Club officials and Do Havilland representatives were present at Dover. A new “Comet” cocktail lias been created in their honor. Messrs. Scott, and Black were bombarded with congratulations and questions, but declined to discuss their plans for the future, though Mr. Black admitted that racing had not. lose- its fascination for them. Such events as the proposed race from Paris to Saigon probably would attract, them if the same financial and technical backing were forthcoming as in the Melbourne contest. Mr. Black expressed the opinion that the Melbourne race was the greatest thing for aviation since the daily, deadly competition of wartime, when the fight for supremacy produced rapid improvements. Mr. Black was enigmatical regarding Ins reported engagement to the actress Miss Florence Desmond. “If you see it officially announced I shall expect the congratulations of my friends,” he said.

In reference to a report that the winning Comet might never be flown again, Mr. Black was not aware of any suggestion that it should become a museum piece. There was no reason why if should not be reflown. To-night’s series of welcomes were the first of a round of entertainment confronting the winners, in whose ho,nor a number" of functions will be held in the next few days.