ROYAL WELCOME

Southland Times, Issue 21101, 5 June 1930, Page 5

ROYAL WELCOME

MISS AMY JOHNSON -AERIVAL AT SYDNEY THOUSANDS OF ADMIRERS A WONDERFUL RECEPTION (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 8.15 p.m.) Sydney, June 4. Miss Amy Johnson’s reception in Sydney this afternoon was marked by scenes no less enthusiastic and demonstrative than those which attended the arrival of Smith, Ulm and Hinkler after their historic flights. It w’as the women folks’ turn to pay homage to one of their oyn sex who had acconiplished a feat which set the whole world talking, and right royally they acclaimed her. The National Airways giant Fokker monoplane, Southern Sun, piloted by Mr C. T. Ulm, landed Miss Johnson at Mascot aerodrome at 2.55 p.m. in the presence of 70,000 people, who threw hifts in the air, released coloured balloons, shouted greetings and swarmed across the sloppy aerodrome to obtain a close up view of the heroine. Girls lost their heads in a feverish desire to get near enough to personally welcome the aviatrix, in whose honour appropriate songs were sung. Overwhelmed with Flowers. Miss Johnson was assisted to a decorated motor truck on which she. was seated on an easy chair and driven round to enable the spectators to see her, cheer her, and overwhelm her with flowers. Then she was transferred to a dais adjacent to the Aero Club house, where she was cordially welcomed and complimented by many leading people in public life and in aviation. She smiled gratefully through the whole of the long trying ordeal, and waved acknowledgements. She was as graceful as any woman could wish her to be. A feature of the occasion was the aeroplane escort which accompanied the Southern Sun from a considerable distance north of Sydney to the aerodrome. Altogether 22 machines, large and small, mostly piloted by women, took part, returning to the aerodrome in massed formation. Below the drifting clouds they made a sight which will long be remembered by the city’s million people who craned their necks and were thrilled. The screeching of ferry sirens and noisy motor horns intensified the pandemonium and excitement. Many Gifts For Aviatrix. Miss Johnson emerged from the Fokker dressed modestly in a jade green coat and skirt and wore a green fur-trimmed overcoat. She was hatless and carried an Australian teddy bear. She received many gifts, including a real sealskin coat trimmed deeply with squirrel fur from the Arts Club. There was a charming interlude when in the midst of her emotion at the height of the turmoil she sank into the arms of Mrs Garlick, wife of the Chief Civic Commissioner, who caressed her and planted a motherly kiss on her flushed cheek. Miss Johnson recovered her composure immediately. It should be added that she piloted the Southern Sun for two hours during the long trip from Brisbane to Sydney. A New Zealand Welcome. Among those to welcome Miss Johnson on the dais was Mr L. J. Schmitt, the New Zealand Trade Commissioner, who on behalf of the Npw Zealand Government and people of the Dominion, both Pakeha and Maori, said: “We look upon your wonderful achievement with the greatest admiration. I have been asked by Mrs Fraer, president of the National Council of Women of New Zealand, to extend to you a hearty invitation to visit New Zealand, which is Australia’s beautiful sister and only three days’ voyage across the Tasman Sea.” Miss Johnson’s historic aeroplane, Jason’s Quest, repaired and reconditioned, came to Sydney behind the Southern Sun, being piloted by Pilot Brain. PASSAGE BOOKED FOR ENGLAND. (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 5.5 p.m.) Rugby, June 3. Miss Amy Johnson sails from Brisbane for England on the liner Naldera on June 25.