TASMAN FLYERS VISIT SUMNER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18577, 27 September 1928, Page 10

TASMAN FLYERS VISIT SUMNER.

RECEIVE ANOTHER WARM WELCOME. This morning Squadron-Leader Kingsford Smith and Flight Lieutenant Ulm paid a visit to Sumner, being accompanied by the Mayor (the Rev J. K. Archer). They were met at the band rotunda by the Mayor of Sumner (Mr W. H Nicholson), members of the Borough Council and prominent residents. There was a large gathering, which included the children from the Deaf and Dumb School, the Sumner and Redcliffs schools, the Catholic schools and Miss Pender’s school. The proceedings were characterised by the same enthusiasm that has greeted the aviators everywhere. Mr Nicholson, referring to the achievement of the flyers, thanked them very cordially for finding time to visit Sumner to see the children. They were very proud to receive them. They regretted the absence of Messrs Litchfield and M’Williams, and hoped all would have a safe return to Australia. Mr G. F. Allen, on behalf of the school children of the borough, said that, while “ Smithy. Charlie, Litch and Mac” were the stars of the Southern Cross, Moncrieff and Hood were part of the constellation, and would ever be remembered with the others as “ the pointers.” He asked Squadron-Leader Smith to accept the signatures of the school children of the district, who had written their names in great pride of the historic event. These were then presented by Gwen Gee, Redcliffs school, who offered a spray of Australian bvronia, and Marjorie Tait and Rex Allen, of the Sumner District High School. Mr J. M. B. Crawford, director of the School for the Deaf, then presented two scholars, one of whom read an address of welcome and presented the pupils’ autographs. Amidst great cheering, SquadronLeader Kingsford Smith rose to reply. He thanked the people for their attendance and the kiddies for their cheering and smiling faces. He re gretted that time would not permit them to come amongst the pupils, because they were always interested in the children. They were so used to writing signatures that it was a delights ful change to receive them.

Flight-Lieutenant Ulm commenced “ Good morning, kids,” and, looking round the laughing crowd, inquired of a boy with a patched face: “ Where did you get that black eye, and what happened to the other fellow?” he asked. He said that “Litch and Mac ” unfortunately were busy on repairs, but they would tell them what a great reception they had had. “ Cheerio ” he waved, and the crowd yelled itself hoarse. The party then adjourned to the Cadena tea rooms, where they were entertained by the and Mayoress, where further brief addresses of welcome were made and their health was drunk enthusiastically. Before the airmen left they signed a number of autograph books.