SAFE AT DARWIN

Southland Times, Issue 21092, 26 May 1930, Page 7

SAFE AT DARWIN

MISS AMY JOHNSON

TUMULTUOUS WELCOME WONDERFUL SOLO FLIGHT • 111 » WORLD APPLAUDS FEAT

(United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Darwin, May 24. Miss Amy Johnson arrived and landed at 3.57, local time, Sydney, “tired, oh, so tired,” but overjoyed at the success of her long and lonely journey through sunshine, cloud and storm with tragedy often close attendant upon her wings.

Miss Amy Johnson, an Empire’s heroine, and the admiration of the whole world, landed at Darwin at 3.57 on Saturday afternoon. Out from the misty haze overhanging the Timor Sea she came, and as her weather-stained, work-worn MothJason plane approached land, an Australian plane met her and accompanied her to the landing ground where a tumultuous welcome was accorded the plucky little Briton by all the population of the Darwin district. Practically the whole of the motorcar strength of the territory was marshelled round about and added to the sounds of jubilation with their brazen throats. As soon as Miss Johnson had been questioned by the health officer and had stepped from the plane, she was met by Colonel Weddell, Government resident, on behalf of the Commonwealth and people of Australia, and given an official welcome. She was also invited to stay at Government House. Miss Johnson refused interviews, but said she undertook the flight to demonstrate the safety of present day aeroplanes. She had no expectation of monetary reward, but since had accepted handsome offers of remuneration for a story. Beginnings Of Troubles. She made good progress on the flight all the way to Rangoon. Then trouble started. After landing at the racecourse she toppled into a ditch, breaking the propeller and wing. This caused three days’ delay. A forced landing had to be made near Baujk to remedy the defects and procure a new propeller which was obtained from Singapore. Heavy adverse winds, averaging 40 miles an hour with a south-east monsoon held her back. She could not reach Sourabaya and she was forced down short of fuel ISO miles from Batavia, at Lyola, in a rice field. From Semarang to Sourabaya Miss Johnson took a short cut over the Java Sea. Heavy squalls and tropical rains beat the plane down so much that she was sometimes only gliding a few feet above the waves and expecting every minute to hit the water. On one such occasion, she was surrounded by rainbows, producing such a weird effect that she almost lost her nerve. It seemed so supernatural. Then she saw a light spot and steered for it and got out of the storm. Land then came into view and she stuck to it. When attempting to reach Atamboea in one hop, Miss Johnson says that darkness overtook her and she landed at a village 16 miles from the day’s intended destination. Half-naked natives surrounded her and she was terrified, but followed them. The only word she understood was “pastor” and after travelling two miles they came to a church. The pastor was a priest who fixed things up for her so that she was able to return to her plane and fly to Atamboea and complete the trip. Royal Welcome. The flight thrilled the people of Darwin and Miss Johnson was enchanted by the warmth of the reception at the aviation ground and later at the Town Hall, where the Mayor, Mr Adams, welcomed her on behalf of the people whose enthusiasm was unbounded. A new song, “Amy,” by Meta McLean, was sung for the first time in Australia at the reception at Darwin. For long hours on Saturday people waited for word of Miss Johnson’s departure from Atamboea which she left tired, but full of hope, cheered by the plaudits of admiring well-wishers. News came that the last lap had begun, then came more waiting. The oil steamer Phorus, stationed on the route of the flight, about midway between Timor and Australia, kept a sharp lookout, saw the plane pass before noon and followed. The people at Darwin gathered from all parts, and reports from the Phorus having made it clear the Moth-Jason should arrive by, or about, four o’clock, excitement grew more and more intense, especially when Captain Jones took off in the plane "Spirit of Australia” to go out to meet the aviatrix and escort her to land. He could be seen a dim speck in the distance and was almost lost in the grey haze over the sea, circling round waiting like the citizens below. Then at four o’clock she came, first a dot against the misty curtain suspended off shore, then grew more distinct and the “Spirit of Aus-, tralia” was seen to make towards the advancing stranger to meet, turn and keep company with the Jason’s Quest as it winged its way shoreward, so amidst the cheers and acclamation of a delighted crowd, Miss Amy Johnson drew nearer and nearer, circled . above the landing ground and came to earth and to a journey’s end that will live in the annals of aviation and the history of British endeavour. “Call Me Johnnie.” At a civic reception.in the evening, Miss Johnson asked the speakers who thus addressed her to use the term “Johnnie,” which she declared was the name she was known by in England. She is a good speaker and kept the audience’s attention rivetted. When returning thanks for the welcome, she said.tfyat all the hardships were well worth while in order to experience such wonderful treatment and' welcome. Darwin’s delirious welcome to “Johnnie” is reflected throughout Australia. Everywhere her name is on all lips, and a great sigh of relief as well as a feeling of pride, greeted the news of her actual arrival at the northern gateway to the Common- ’ wealth. Thosuands of messages are pouring in upon the heroine of the epic flight, including one "of welcome and congratulations from Mr Scullin on behalf of the Commonwealth, and another from Mr Bavin on behalf of New South Wales. Miss Johnson, who lias named her Moth aeroplane “Jason’s Quest,” left Croydon on May 5 and her flight to Calcutta occupied eight days. From there she proceeded via Akyab, Rangoon, Bangkok, Taiping, Singapore Batavia, Sourabaya, Atamboea and

Darwin. Her Australian itinerary will be from Darwin through central Queensland to Sydney, refuelling at Camooweal and CharleviUe. Mr Bert Hinkler’s flight to Darwin in February, 1928, was accomplished in 154 days, or 125 actual flying hours. His flight to Singapore took 13 days. • Miss Johnson’s record is: May s—Left Croydon and arrived Vienna. May 6—Arrived Constantinople. May 7—Arrived Aleppo. May B—Arrived Baghdad. May 9—Arrived Bunder Abbas. May 10—Arrived Karachi. May 11 —Arrived Allahabad. May 12—Arrived Calcutta. May 13—Arrived Rangoon. May 16 —Arrived Bangkok. May 17—Arrived Singora. May 18 —Arrived Singapore. May 19—Arrived Tjomal. May 20—Arrived Sourabaya. May 22 —Arrived Haliloelik (near Atamboea). May 23—Arrived Atamboea. May 24—Arrived Darwin. FEAT ACCLAIMED REJOICING IN ENGLAND. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) London, May 24. The news of Miss Amy Johnson’s arrival was received at 7.35 with great enthusiasm, several morning papers publishing special editions. Lord Thomson, Air Minister, cabled congratulations to Miss Johnson on behalf of the Air Council, adding “As the first woman pilot to fly to Australia, you have achieved an outstanding feat of skill and endurance. We watched with admiration the coolness and courage which carried you through unforeseen difficulties and disappointments.” Lord Thomson also telegraphed congratulations to Miss Johnson’s parents. Mr Ramsay MacDonald also cabled Miss Johnson: “Heartiest congratulations on your wonderful achievement. We have followed the flight with keen interest and admiration. We are very proud of you.” The British Air League, for which Miss Johnson was at one time typiste and subeditor, asked the Australian Press to convey the following: “Air League congratulates you on magnificent flight and hopes you may inspire British aviation to rouse itself from its apathy.” It was a red letter day for Hull, which was beflagged in Miss Johnson’s honour. Saint Andrew’s dock, where her father has business interests, was also bedecked with bunting. The Lord Mayor cabled congratulations: “Your native city intensely proud of worthy daughter.” The Lord Mayor has opened a fund to provide Miss Johnson-with a personal gift. Lady Bailey thinks the flight remarkable, and says: “The more Britain follows her example the better.” Mr W. G. Perrin, of the Royal Aero Club, says: “Words cannot express how we admire'the feat.” “She swoops to conquer” is the star poster for Miss Johnson’s flight news. Air Vice-Marshal Sir Sefton Branckner who successfully urged Lord Wakefield to assist the flight cabled Miss Johnson congratulations on her splendid achievement in the cause of British aviation. “Amy Johnson” is the toast of> the evening at the Air Union’s dinner to-night. Replying to a Weekly Dispatch query whether Miss Johnson will be decorated, Lord Thomson replied that the matter would not bo lost sight of, but he could not say more. KING’S CONGRATULATIONS PARENTS’ ANXIOUS TIME. (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) ■ London, May 24. The King has telegraphed Lord Stonehaven: “The Queen and I are thankfully delighted to know of Miss Johnson’s safe arrival and heartily congratulate her on a wonderful and courageous achievement.” The Hon. W. F. Forbes-Sempill, on behalf of the Royal Aeronautical Society, cabled Miss Johnson congratulations. “Your splendid and complete triumph over many serious difficulties, mainly provided by nature, has earned not only the most sincere admiration, but convincingly demonstrated the remarkable qualities of British light aeroplanes and engines.” , c Sir Alan Cobham said: “She has boomed British prestige all over the world. The man in the street will say ‘There must be something ip this flying business if a girl singlehanded flies a small plane half across the world.’ ” The news was telephoned to Buckingham Palace and the King was instantly informed. “Thank God for that. If I had a hat I would throw it into the air,” said Miss Johnson’s father when informed of his daughter’s arrival. “We could not sleep, so we arose at four in the morning. Directly the telephone rang, I felt by instinct that she was safe. I confess I had been walking round and round the telephone since dawn. I wouldn’t have another night like last night for a fortune, or endure a repetition of the last fortnight. Amy will be as delighted as we that she arrived on Empire Day.” Mrs Johnson waited trembling when the telephone rang, then she said: “Thank God, she is safe. That was my sole thought during the last fortnight. No'w I feel supreme joy. She is wonderful, but I hope there will be no more flights to Australia.” A REST AT DARWIN . DUE IN SYDNEY NEXT (Rec. 11.45 p.m.) Sydney, May 23. Miss Amy Johnson has advised that she will rest for a couple of days at. Darwin then fly by easy stages via Brisbane to Sydney where she will probably arrive next Monday. The authorities have asked the flight organizers to avoid- a week-end arrival owing to the likelihood of traffic control.

in the streets being made difficult by the huge crowds." The Sheffield University where Miss Johnson graduated has cabled its heartiest congratulations on her great achievement.

ENTHUSIASM IN AMERICA ADMIRATION OF FAMOUS EXPLORER. (Rec. 6.45 p.m.) New York, May 24. Sir Hubert Wilkins, commenting on Miss Johnson’s flight, said: “It is a great exhibition of judgment, skill and courage which fills me with admiration. She is one among others laying a trail that will shortly be the .regular air route between Australia, and England.” Miss Eleanor Smith, holder of the American altitude record for women, said: “Her flight is of international value. Her courage in overcoming obstacles is little short of marvellous. I wish I could have done it myself.' We invite Miss Johnson to America for the Women’s Derby.” Miss Clarence Chamberlain: “It is one of the inost difficult aviation "feats ever accomplished. It leaves me breathless with admiration.”

Lady Heath said: "Easily the finest flight ever performed by a woman. As president of the Women’s International Aeronautical Association, I am more than, glad about this splendid aviation feat.”

It is known that Miss Johnson’s plane was in need of a thorough overhaul and had given trouble during the latter part of the flight, but she is a pilot of resource and in an emergency could be relied on to take care of herself. "The description of Miss Johnson as ‘the girl Lindbergh’ is more than justified,” said the Director of .Civil Aviation (Air ViceMarshal Sir Sefton Branckner) in an interview with the Daily Mail on May 14. “The flight already has been much finer and more difficult of accomplishment than Lindbergh’s Atlantic hop. All Lindbergh had to do was to take off, fly rather dangerously for two or three hours with an overloaded plane, then fly straight on. His chart was carefully marked out. Perhaps you do not know that the day Miss Johnson took off there was a fog all the way to Cologne, and pilots of air liners objected to starting. Miss Johnson just hopped off, flew over all the bad- weather and landed at Vienna. Since then she has had trouble with the foreign petrol, landing and taking-off at strange aerodromes, doing all the administrative work and carrying on all. by herself. You have no idea what a strain it is. I am particularly proud of her because it was on my recommendation, based on her clear-headedness, common sense and courage, that Lord Wakefield agreed to back her.”