“GREAT PIECE OF WORK.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 18850, 13 April 1931, Page 9

“GREAT PIECE OF WORK.”

Scott’s Record-Breaking Flight. ACCLAIMED ON ALL SIDES. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 12, 6.5 p.m.) DARWIN, April 12. Mr Scott left at seven o’clock on Sunday morning in perfect weather for Brisbane. He thinks his record will be beaten in a year or two, as flying methods and facilities improve. He will heartily congratulate the man who does It. Mr Scott says that he found it a “devilish hard” job. He says the aviator needs perfection in machine and weather, and luck. Amy Johnson had a great heart to make such a flight. He prefers the Gipsy Moth, as he can get spares, and all metal machines are best, for arduous flights. The ’plane’s clock, which has been twice to England on aeroplanes, has been presented to the landlady of the Hotel Victoria, who also possesses Bert Hinkler’s clock. Mr Scott’s small baby’s gollywog, which was his mascot goes home again. He reckons the cost of the flight at about £ISOO, and hopes to about clear expenses. There is little now in record breaking. The first stop to-day will be cammooweal, 1100 miles away. The airman described the last day’s flight from Bima, the most trying of the trip, as he had only just enough petrol and the long open sea flight to Darwin. It was risky looking down. He could see the shapes of sharks, and time passed leaden footed, till land loomed up and the strain was over. Just after Mr Scott landed another aeroplane arrived from Daly Waters, with a couple of aviation department surveyors, who when they heard of the stranger’s arrival Inquired: “Who’s Scott.” He enlightened them. Tribute to Hinkler. Mr Scott declined to grant an interview. He was entertained at dinner by local business people, at which his toast was: “To Squadron-Leader Hinkler—the man who made the first record.”

The airman said he had had a nice trip, save for the bad crossing of the Java Valley and Sumboya. He was glad to have beaten the record, but would not try breaking it again for a million pounds. HIGH PRAISE IN SYDNEY. MANY FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO TRIUMPH. United Press Association—J3y Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 12, 5.5 p.m.) SYDNEY, April 12. Air circles in Australia applaud Mr Scott’s performance. Sir Keith Smith declares that it is a triumph for skill, endurance and ground organisation. Air-Commodore Kingsford Smith, who is at present carrying passengers from Melbourne to Tasmania, in the veteran Southern Cross, would welcome an opportunity to recapture the record, but business engagements will probably prevent him doing so. Mr Scott spent Saturday quietly at Darwin, and starts this morning for Brisbane. He intends to proceed south slowly, and indulge in no more record breaking for the present. In February, 1930, Mr Scott established a Brisbane-Melbourne record for a light aeroplane. He had a narrow escape from death in 1928, when he flew into a hill in the lofty ranges of South Australia, while attempting to fly from Adelaide to Longreach. One day the ’plane caught fire, and was destroyed. Mr Scott suffered a broken jaw and other injuries. He walked a mile to the nearest farmhouse. His mechanic, George Nutson, was killed. Mr Scott had piloted Air-Marshal Sir John Salmond 3000 miles over Australia in seven days, and was about to return to Queensland when the crash occurred. Air-Commodore Kingsford Smith sent a telegram conveying heartiest congratulations. Air Commodore Smith enthusiastically praised Mr Scott’s feat, which he described as a great piece of work. Mr Scullin sent congratulations to Mr Scott: “We feel proud of the fact that the coveted honour has fallen to the lot of- another Australian. Your notable achievement has once again demonstrated the skill and intrepidity of Australian airmen.” PRESS AND POPULAR TRIBUTES. DESCENDANTS OF OLD-TIME EXPLORERS. United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph—Copyright (Received April 12, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 11. The “Daily Telegraph” says: “It is as a skilful and brave adventurer that we salute Mr Scott. A solo flight is a test of navigation and skill, but these long distance flights still have an air of high adventure, rather than experiments in the science of aerial navigation. The “Times” says: “These young airmen and airwomen, who set out quietly and sometimes alone, are the lineal descendants of the old-time explorers and merchant adventurers, whose daring and contempt of danger enlarged the bounds of this Island, till it became the centre of a world-wide empire, but theirs is always a peaceful mission, not to add to possessions, but to bring the Commonwealth of British nations nearer the mother and each other. Other Congratulations. Mr Ramsay Macdonald telegraphed from Lossiemouth: “Delighted Scott’s

arrival. Congratulate him wonderful achievement.” Sir Malcolm Campbell, famous English motorist, says: “Well done, Scott! Awfully fine show. His enterprise and determination deserved suecess.” Mrs Scott, wife of the aviator, and her little daughter, who are staying near London, are overjoyed by to-day’s news, after many days of anxious strain. Mr Scott is a Londoner. He was at the Westminster School. He is over 6 foot. When in the Royal Air Force he was heavyweight boxing champion. His ’plane is a 120 horsepower Gipsy Moth, and is standard except for extra petrol storage. Throughout the flight, the engine, which was of the same type as that used by Air-Commodore Kingsford Smith, behaved perfectly. “Charles is pure English, body and soul,” Mr Scott’s father declared in reply to Mr Scullin’s claim that Mr Scott is an Australian. FAIRBURN’S FLIGHT. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright BATAVIA, April 11. Fairbairn arrived at 4.50 on Saturday afternoon.