NEW MONOPLANE

Southland Times, Issue 22378, 18 July 1934, Page 7

NEW MONOPLANE

KINGSFORD SMITH PUBLIC INTEREST IN MACHINE AVIATOR PLEASED (United Press Assn.— Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 9.0 p.m.) Sydney, July 17. Sir Charles Kingsford Smiths Do_ c^ _ heed-Altair monoplane was safely transferred from the Mariposa to Anderson Park, Neutral Bay, to-day, a huge floating crane from Cockatoo Island dockyard playing an important part in the operation. Five thousand people crowded the park to obtain, a view of the monoplane, which is quite unlike anything seen in Australia. Before it was deposited on a lighter Sir Charles Kingsford Smith entered the cockpit and tested the hydraulically operated and retractable landing gear, which worked admirably. Ten gallons of petrol sufficed to enable Sir Charles to take off from the park at 4.20 p.m. en route for the brief trip to Mascot aerodrome. . „ , ~ , The Mayor of North Sydney, Aiderman Hodgson, welcomed Sir Charles in the morning. He said the municipality was proud .that such a famous aviator with such a modern machine should honour it with his presence prior to the big air race, in which his progress would be followed with unflagging interest by citizens in all parts of Australia and New Zealand. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, replying, said he was more than pleased with the machine, which was landed in one piece. “While the machine is able to fly I’ll do my best to keep in front, he said. _______