CHICHESTER’S TRIUMPH

Taranaki Daily News, 31 January 1930, Page 9

CHICHESTER’S TRIUMPH

WARM WELCOME IN SYDNEY TRIBUTES TO HIS COURAGE WILL NOT FLY THE TASMAN By Telegraph—Brass Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 8.5 p.m. Sydney, Jan. 30. Mr. Chichester, escorted by 14 aeroplanes, arrived at Mascot aerodrome at 3.55 this afternoon. He was delayed after leaving Narromine by 'lense low clouds and the escorting machines had great difficulty in locating him. Mr. Chichester, who was looking well and happy, was received by the Mayor

of Mascot, Aiderman Alexander, the district superintendent of aviation, Mr W. R. Blow (New Zealand Government agent) and other prominent people. Nearly 1900 spectators gave Mr. Chi; Chester a rousing cheer. His machine was immediately taken to the General Aircraft Company’s workshops for a complete overhaul. Dr. Purdy and Mr. Havyatt extended hearty greetings from New Zealand to

the airman. The State Government was represented by ' the Attorney-General, Mr. Boyce, the president of the Aero Club, Mr. rViltshire. The Chief City Commissioner, Mr. Garlick, also paid tribute to his daring venture.

Upon the plane coming to a standstill a number of New Zealanders present shouldered the aviator and carried him to the club-house steps, where they greeted him with cries of “Haeremai!” led by a Maori. The Mayor of Mascot then presented him with an illuminated address.

Mr. Chichester, who is very retiring in his manner, replied briefly. He expressed his hearty appreciation of the reception, but said he did not deserve the glowing compliments paid his skill, as any New Zealander or Australian airman would jump at the chance to make this flight. COULD NOT BEAT RECORD. Interviewed, Mr. Chichester said that ever since Hinkler broke the record to Australia he had been anxious to make an attempt to better it, but he now felt sure that even had he not crashed in Tripoli he would not have broken Hinkler’s record, which he regarded as a great achievement. Questioned as to his experiences, Mr. Chichester said the most exciting ride he ever had was tvhen he was lost near Camooweal. Going aloft with only three gallons of petrol in the tank he knew he could fly only for 30 minutes, so he decided to fly eastwards for 15 minutes and return if he sighted no habitation. After being in the air 14| minutes he saw Rocklands station and came down there. During his stay at the bore overnight he drank water which, he said, “you could stand your boots up in,” and his biscuits were petrol soaked.

His longest hop was 870 miles across the North African desert. The stretch, however, from Victoria Point to Singapore was characterised by Mr. Chichester as “a dirty run.” - There he encountered storms and rain throughout. The maps-used by him were most inaccurate. Places he passed over were not shown and places marked on the charts he-could not find. His plane had no bank indicator and he flew throughout by compass. The airman said he learnt his navigation; in the hard school of experience. Before leaving England ho had done 155