HOSTESSES OF THE AIR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20065, 23 March 1935, Page 11

HOSTESSES OF THE AIR

On British air lines men stewards are employed, but American air lines have had stewardesses for a long time. They are young and mostly qualified nurses. They are air hostesses rather than stewardesses. They have to be able to inspire each passenger with confidence, and even use authority when it is necessary. There are generally some passengers who are using the airway for the first time. The air hostess will quietly observe them and tactfully attract their attention to passing scenery when they show signs of uneasiness. Then the hostess must know how to treat the passenger suffering from air-sickness. Moments of danger again call for courage and complete authority over the passengers. So it is easy to understand why experienced nurses are hostesses. Great bravery has already been shown by these hostesses. An American air liner was circling off an aerodrome in misty weather when it crashed into the slope of k hill and burst into flames. Although badly injured, the hostess saved the lives of

the pilots and some passengers by dragging them away from the flaming wreck, then struggled through five miles of fog-bound woods to obtain help.