National Hero

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 638, 15 April 1929, Page 9

National Hero

ENGLAND ACCLAIMS SEGRAVE

Speed King’s Ambition Achieved British Official Wireless Received 11.5 a.m. -RUGBY, Sunday. THE announcement that the King has approved of a knighthood being conferred upon Major H. O. D. Segrave has given great satisfaction. While London acclaims the speed-king who won both land and sea records for Britain, Major Segrave praises the British workmanship, the designer of the “Golden Arrow” and the efficient-staff of mechanics, without which, he says, his achievement would not have been possible.

THE first greeting Major Segrave had on the arrival of the Olympic at Southampton pn Friday evening was a message from the King dated from Craigweil House, conveying hearty congratulations on his splendid achievement. As soon as the Olympic reached her moorings she gave four long blasts on her siren. This was the signal for a blare of greetings from every ship in Southampton Water.

Segrave was taken by surprise. The reception plans were kept secret from him. He looked bewildered as the Mayor and other distinguished personages grasped his hand, and he beheld the crowd waiting to escort him to the hotel.

Major Segrave’s mother and his .wife were among the first to greet him on going ashore. Segrave broadcast a short wireless message, which was relayed from his hotel. He mentioned that his car was in as good condition after its record-breaking feat as it was before, and paid a high tribute to its designer, Captain Irving, and the wonderful team of British mechanics who accompanied him to America. Major Segrave said he had no personal interest in which particular British motorist held the world’s record, whether it was Captain Malcolm Campbell, himself, or somebody else. His sole desire was to see it held by Great Britain.

His ambition that Britain should secure the flying, motor-boat, and motor-car speed records had now been achieved. He believed that his land speed record would stand for some time.

Regarding the motor-boat race he mentioned that the maximum speed attained by his boat was 88 miles an hour, which was very fast on water, and all the more creditable to the designer when it was considered that the engine was of 900 horse-power against the American boat’s twin engines of 2,300 horse-power. Colonel Wilfrid Ashley, Minister of Transport, Sir Charles Wakefield, the Mayor of Southampton, Mr. M. H.

Pugh, and others boarded the liner to welcome the “speed king.” Then there was a civic welcome in the shed on the quay. A large crowd cheered Major Segrave, who was taken by surprise at his reception, as the plans had been kept secret from him. Major Segrave received a great welcome in London, where he arrived at about 3 p.m. He was met by the Lord Mayor, Sir Kynaston Studd, Sir Charles Wakefield, and leaders of the motor industry. A lon£ motor processiou passed through a vast cheering crowd to Palace Yard, outside the Houses of Parliament, where Captain D. H. Hacking, secretary to the Board of Trade, welcomed him on behalf of the Government. Captain Hacking said 29 manufacturers had a share in making the Golden Arrow. The least flaw in the design, material or workmanship would have led to disaster. The British product, as usual, stood the test. The Golden Arrow could not be disembarked in time to take part in the procession, but is now being exhibited in a large store. It is to go to the British pavilion at the Milan Exhibition. Captain Hacking mentioned also that in the British pavilion at the Milan exhibition a model of the “Golden Arrow,” lent by Major Segrave, would be placed alongside a model of the Mauretania, which holds the speed record for liners, and of the seaplane which won the Schneider Cup last year, as indications of British prowess on sea and land and in the air. Major Segrave, replying, warmly praised the designer and engineers responsible for his car and boat who, he said, had alone made his success possible. In an interview Major Segrave said he felt sure there would be a reaction in favour of British cars, especially in the Dominions. The ordinary purchaser now knew Britain could produce a car to beat the world on equal terms.