HOME LIKE A BOOMERANG

Taranaki Daily News, 23 October 1930, Page 9

HOME LIKE A BOOMERANG

KINGSFORD SMITH’S RETURN

GREAT WELCOME AT MASCOT

WORLD’S' GREATEST AIRMAN

HIS CHARACTERISTIC REPLY

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 7.55 p.m. Sydney, Oct. 2c. Wing-Commander Kingsford Smith in the Southern Cross Junior landed at Mascot aerodrome, Sydney, at 2.55 this afternoon, five minutes ahead of schedule, a fact upon which proudly appreciative comment was made later by the welcoming speakers. The day was overcast with a light northerly breeze, and a great crowd assembled at the aerodrome, the roads leading thereto being thronged with motor-cars. Nearly a score- of aeroplanes of all sizes went out to meet the homing Southern Cross and about 2.45 all came into sight with Kingsford Smith leading a little below the others. As the air fleet crossed the harbouard nfw air fleet crossed the -harbour and the city all eyes were turned aloft, while ships’ sirens gave Australia’s hero a hoarse-voiced welcome.

At Mascot the scene grew exciting as the flock of birdmen arrived and circled overhead until Kingsford Smith ’should land. This he did with his accustomed case and precision at 2.55. Then pandemonium broke loose for a time while Kingsford Smith, after the briefest greetings to. his family and close friends, was hurried from the plane into 5 a waiting motor-lorry, the same as was used for Miss Amy Johnson, and driven round the landing field that the deliriously happy spectators might see and admire their wonder man and shout a thousand greetings *to him. All smiles but obviously very h,-d Kingsford Smith reached the dais where waited Parliamentary and other notables to extend an official welcome and congratulations on the completion of a world conquering flight. Alderman Alexander, Mayor of Mascot, said he was privileged on a former occasion to welcome Kingsford Smith and the crew of the Southern Cross from the Pacific flight. That year he presented the fliers with an illuminated address, but on this occasion the council was changing the form of presentation and had decided the gift should be a miniature boomerang made of polished wood and inscribed, as it was characteristic of Kingsford Smith, tie greatest airman in the world, that no matter how long he flew or how high he flew he would always come back home like a boomerang. . “The job I. have done,” said Kingsford Smith in reply to cordial speeches of welcome, “has hardly warranted the tremendous fuss you are making on my behalf. Nevertheless I am deeply grateful and appreciative. After all I have been over the course before and should know something about it, but I must acknowledge I had the advantage of Charlie Ulm’s organising ability, which is a great factor in the success o. these long distance flights. “I ask you not to forget the fine achievement of Mr. Hill, who crashed at the front door of Australia and yet took his defeat in the very best sporting spirit,” Kingsford Smith added. Lieut. C. T; P. Ulin in the course of his .little speech described . Kingsford Smith as the number one pilot among the world’s aviators. / ‘j