FOR THE LAST TIME

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1935, Page 5

FOR THE LAST TIME

SOUTHERN CROSS IN AIR FAREWELL FLIGHT MADE DONE MUCH FOR AVIATION SYDNEY’S KEEN INTEREST By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 10.20 p.m. Sydney, July 18. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith- had a crowded day to-day when he piloted the Southern Cross over the city for the last time in brilliant sunshine. Everybody appeared to recall the familiar roar of the engines and gazed proudly skyward at the historic monoplane which, had done so much for Australian aviation and which still seemed to have plenty of life in it. Sir Charles brought the plane down gracefully at the Richmond aerodrome and formally handed her over to the Minister of Defence, Mr. R. A. Parkhill, who said he was sure the Australian people would applaud the action of the Government in purchasing the Southern Cross, which had done so much for Australia in the hands of the greatest aviator of all time. Sir Charles, who wore an air commodore’s uniform, fittingly replied and, turning towards the famous machine, saluted and exclaimed, “You old friend, farewell.”

Those who accompanied, the aviator on the last flight were Lady Kingsford Smith, Captain P. G. Taylor, Mr. John W. Stannage, Flying Officer B. Shiel, a business associate of Sir Charles, the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour, who represented the citizens of New Zealand, and Mr. John Ulm, son of the late Mr. Charles Ulm. Sir Charles sailed later on the Aorangi for Auckland. . v • The flight attracted considerable attention, many gathering on rooftops to witness the “old bus” and its escort of six Hawker Demons as they circled the city and proceeded via Mosman, where they dipped in salute over Keith Anderson’s memorial, and Longueville, where a further salute was made over the home of Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s mother, to Richmond, where the monoplane will fee located until if can be accommodated at Canberra.