Trans-Atlantic Flight Pioneer Is Timid Little Figure At Commemoration Luncheon,

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18786, 15 June 1929, Page 1

Trans-Atlantic Flight Pioneer Is Timid Little Figure At Commemoration Luncheon,

EVERY AIRMAN OF DISTINCTION PRESENT.—HINKLER GIVEN GREAT OVATION.

(United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received June 15, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 14. A TIMID, hesitant little figure, Sir Arthur Brown made an impromptu, yet the best, speech in response to an unprogrammed clamour at the Viekers-Rolls Boyce luncheon at the Savoy to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Sir Arthur Brown’s and the late Sir John Alcock’s first trans-Atlantic flight. It was the most notable gathering, including almost every aviator of distinction. The Air Minister, Lord Thomson, toasting the anniversary, said that he took it on himself to pick out in the last ten years the best six flights, in which he included first Brown’s and Alcock’s, of which too little had been made, then Sir Ross Smith's, Sir Alan Cobham’s and Squadron-Leader Bert Hinkler’s flights to Australia. The best ovation of the day greeted Bert Hinkler’s name. Lord Thomson said that he had Bert Hinkler’s authority for the statement that the cost of the flight was less than a secondclass steamer fare. Lord Thomson praised Australian developments and pleaded for everyone’s co-operation to make the next ten years of British aviation more noteworthy.—Australian Press Association-United Service.