SUCCESSFUL TASMAN FLIGHT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 287, 5 December 1933, Page 5

SUCCESSFUL TASMAN FLIGHT

“FAITH IN AUSTRALIA” ARRIVES ULM AND COMPANIONS LAND AT NEW PLYMOUTH "IOY-RIDING CONDITIONS” FOR WHOLE JOURNEY (Per Press Association). NEW PLYMOUTH, Dec. 4. Mr. C. T. P. Ulm, in the “Faith in Australia,” landed at the Bell Block airport, New Plymouth, this morning at 9.45 after a flight across the Tasman under what Mr. Ulm described as joyriding conditions, through the night and early morning. With him came his relief pilot, Mr. G. N. Allen, Mr. R. B. Boulton, radio operator, Mrs. Ulm, and Miss Kathleen Rogers, Mr. Ulm’s private secretary, the first ladies to cross the Tasman by air. The flight occupied 14hr. 18min. Thre thousand people were present at the airport, and gave the party a rousing cheer when the ’plane made a perfect landing. The ’plane first came into sight over New Plymouth due west of the aerodrome, and was met by the Western Federated ’plane piloted by Flying-Officer Keith. The monoplane circled the aerodrome and gracefully glided down to a three-point landing and quickly taxied up to the prepared enclosure, the large crowd present cheering wildly. They rushed across the ground to pack round the enclosure. As the occupants of the 'plane were greeted the excitement found its outlet in a wave of clapping and shouts, which did not die down for many minutes. Cheers were then given for Mr. Ulm. As the party left the ’plane for the platform a path had to be cleared through the crowd. Everywhere cameras clicked. Long before the ’plane arrived a large crowd arrived at the aerodrome in cars and on cycles and some kept an all-night vigil. For hours people waited about the ground or in cars till the sight of the ’plane caused tremendous excitement. Field glasses were in demand as the ’plane was seen in front of a bank of clouds in the distance. The huge monoplane took a route directly over the town, her silver body glinting in the sun and the red underwings showing as she banked and came down smoothly to earth.