Tasman Aviators Thank People of New Zealand “For Magnificent Welcome.”

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18577, 27 September 1928, Page 1

Tasman Aviators Thank People of New Zealand “ For Magnificent Welcome.”

IMPOSSIBLE TO ATTEND FURTHER FUNCTIONS, AS EQUIPMENT MUST BE TESTED PRIOR TO RETURN FLIGHT, POSSIBLY NEXT WEEK. THE FOLLOWING LETTER was received to-day by the Editor of the “ Star ” from Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and Flight-Lieutenant Ulm:— The Editor, “ Star,” Christchurch. We would esteem it a favour if you will allow us space in your columns to show our appreciation to the people of New Zealand. We wish to again thank the people of New Zealand for the magnificent welcome we have been given throughout our stay and convey our sincere regrets at having been unable to visit other centres. ' We have received advice from Dr Kidson, Government Meteorologist, indicating that there is a possibility of our having reasonably fair weather conditions for our return trans-Tasman flight during next week, and in view of this, and the fact that some three or four days must be spent in testing our equipment prior to taking off for Australia, it is quite impossible for us to attend any further functions. We also regret that it is impossible for us to personally answer the last batch of some two or three thousand congratulatory messages which have reached us since our return to Christchurch. However, we are making provision for these to be answered for us during the next week or two. Wherever we have been throughout New Zealand we have been received most enthusiastically and hospitably. Also, may we through your columns thank the Press as a whole for the courtesy we have received through their hands. Again thanking the people of New Zealand for their hospitality, We are Yours truly, C. KINGSFORD SMITH, C. T. P. ULM, Co-Commanders “ Southern Cross.”