MR CHICHESTER WELCOMED HOME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18992, 11 February 1930, Page 9

MR CHICHESTER WELCOMED HOME.

TUMULTUOUS GATHERING GREETS HIM IN CAPITAL.

Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, February 11. A big crowd was gathered on the wharf to greet Mr F. C. Chichester on his arrival by the Maunganui from Sydney. He was met by the Mayor and president of the Wellington Aero Club, and a brief official welcome took place in the shed. The ’plane, which was perched up amidships, was disembarked. It formed the tail of a procession which proceeded through the principal streets to the Town Hall, with Mr Chichester at its head. The route was thronged. At the Town Hall was a tumultuously enthusiastic gathering, which had crowded the building out half an hour before the arrival of the airman. The Governor-General was represented by the Hon W. B. Taverner. The Mayor read apologies from both Sir Joseph Ward and the Hon J. G. Coates. Sir Joseph congratulated Mr Chichester on the wonderful performance achieved by him and extended him a hearty welcome home. Sir Joseph said he hoped to have the pleasure of meeting Mr Chichester personally. The Mayor spoke of the marvellous solo flight. It was only nine months ago that Mr Chichester left on a visit to the Old Country. On arrival there he purchased his own ’plane and, after thirty hours’ tuition, toured the Continent. After returning to England he left without any previous announcement one morning, saying only'“ Goodbye, boys! I’m off to Australia.” The Mayor emphasised the greatness of a flight by a pilot of such short experience.

Mr Taverner alluded to Mr Chichester’s interest in aviation prior to going Home. By his personal efforts Mr Chichester had laid a foundation enabling commercial and civil aviation to be proceeded with with confidence. Mr Chichester’s reply was very brief. He regretted the mishaps of the trip and said he hoped to have a chance of making the same trip again and doing better. He thanked them deeply for the welcome.

WELLINGTON’S WELCOME BROADCAST FROM 2YA.

(By

Radio.)

" A huge crowd has gathered alongside the Maunganui to greet the flyer, announced 2YA. “ A number of young ladies have been deputed to give Mr Chichester a shower of confetti. “ Everybody is waiting patiently for the airman to come ashore. “ Probably he is making arrangements for the landing of his ’plane,” said the announcer. “ Here comes the ’plane, swinging gently over the side,” was the next announcement. “ Just being lowered on to the lorry is the little ’plane in which the intrepid airman flew from England to Australia, over miles and miles of ocean. " The Hero of the Moment.” “ A battery of cameramen are waiting for the hero of the moment. The ’plane is safely on the lorry and he should be here any moment now. The girls with the confetti are on each side of the gangway, so he is sure to get it. “ It is exactly half an hour since the first passengers came ashore.” A big cheer announced the appearance of the flyer, and the band struck up “ See the Conquering Hero Comes.” “ The poor ms.i, he’s covered with confetti. “ Not a Wedding.” “This is not a'wedding,” said the Mayor of-Wellington (Mr G. A. Troup), “ but the celebration of the arrival of the first New Zealander to put New Zealand on the map in regard to aviation. I extend to him, on behalf of New Zealand, and of Wellington—and we claim him as a native of this city —a very heartv welcome. We are all very pleased to see him back in New Zealand again.” The president of the Wellington Aero Club also extended a welcome to the flyer and offered congratulations for the wonderful performance. Three hearty cheers were given, and the crowd sang “ For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” “Mr Mayor, ladies and gentlemen,” said Mr Chichester, “ thank you very much for your warm welcome. It is very pleasant to be .back again. Thank you very much indeed.”