PACIFIC AIRMEN

Wairarapa Age, 7 June 1928, Page 5

PACIFIC AIRMEN

THE EMPIRE IS PROUD OF THEM. 571""-; — CONGRATULATIONS IN FIJI. SEEKING A RUNWAY. United Press Association.—By Eicctrie Telegraph.—Copyright. (Received Wednesday, 7.15 p.m.) SUVA, June 6. The Legislative Council of Fiji resolved to extend its congratulations to Captain Kingsford. Smith and his companions and welcomed, them to the Colony. The Governor (Sir Eyre Hutson), in his expression of appreciation, said the Empire was proud of them, and especially of the fact that two of them were members of the Empire. Lyon and Warner are continuing the flight to Brisbane. The flyers are still investigating possible runways.—(Australian Press Association.) A NON-EXISTENT WIFE. CABLEGRAM FROM AMERICA AMUSES LYON. SUVA, June 6. The quantity of petrol left in the tanks of the Southern Cross at the conclusion of the trip was thirty Imperial gallons. Lyon was amused by an American cable stating that his wife was watching his progress and was much worried, as he is unmarried. A ball will be given in the Grand Pacific Hotel in honour of the flyers to-night. There will also be a presentation of whales’ teeth by Fijian chiefs, the highest honour possible in native tradition, with the ceremony of Qaloqalovi. This will be similar to the presentation to the Prince of Wales.—(Australian Press Association.)

THE FINAL STAGE. PREPARATIONS IN BRISBANE. SYDNEY, June 6. The one topic of conversation in Australia is the safe arrival at Suva of the Pacific flyers. The Prime Minister (Mr S. M. Bruce) cabled hia. hearty congratulations, adding: “Australia looks forward to welcoming you on the termination of your daring and hazardous exploit.” Mr. Bruce announced that New Zealand warships were co-operat-ing in policing the waters between Fiji and Australia for the final stage of the night, also that the New Zealand radio stations would be keeping in touch with the airplane.

Mr. E. A. Buttenshaw, Acting State Premier, has cabled to Captain Kinsiord Smith asking tho flyers, upon arrival, to attend a State dinner in their honour.

Preparations for a fitting welcome are being made at Brisbane, where the flyers will land from Suva. Leading aviators in Australia, commenting upon the flyers’ achievement, describe it as amazing and superb. Sir Keith Smith, Captain Lancaster, and Lieutenant Parer declare that Australia is again placed in the forefront of aviation.

Captain Kingsford Smith’s father and mother, aged 76 and 70 years respectively, are hale and hearty, and resid e in the suburb of Longueville ouL ft , B^ dne y- The y are tremendously elated over their son Kingsford, —(PA ) Ke y<,ungest of seven children’

DESTROYER TO MEET ’PLANT (Received Wednesday, 8 p.m.) Tn w, tt CANBERRA, June 6. In the House of Representatives, Mr Bruce announced that the Government ssnd 1110 destroyer Anzac to a point on Captain Kingsford Smith’s route to meet the aviators.—(P.A.) FLIGHT TO BRISBANE. SOUTHERN CROSS SETTING OUT TO-DAY. At June 6. At 10.35 o clock to-night, the broadcasting station 2BL (Sydney) announced that the “Sydney Sun” had received cabled news from Suva that Captain Kingsford Smith expected to resume his flight to p.m to-morrow.—(P.A.) e