SOUTHERN CROSS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 167, 19 July 1935, Page 7

SOUTHERN CROSS

THE LAST FLIGHT MAD! KEEN INTEREST IN SYDNEY SYDNEY, July 18. The Southern Crops’ last flight attracted considerable attention this morning, many people gathering on the rooftops to witness the “old bus” and the escort of six Hawker demons as they Circled the city and proceeded via Mossman, where they dipped in salute over the Keith Anderson memorial, and LongueviHe. where a further salute was made over the home of Bir Charles Kingsford Smith’s mother, to Richmond, where the monoplane will be located until it can bo accommodated at Canberra. A BUSY DAY “SMITHY” SAILS FOR N.I Received July 18, 10.35 p.m. SYDNEY, July 18. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith had * crowded day to-day. He piloted th< “old bus” over the city for thc last lime iu brilliant sunsiiiue. Everybody appeared to recall the familiar roar <’l the engines, and gazed proudly skyward at the histone monoplane which Had dune so much for Australian avia lion, and which still seemed to have plenty of life in it. He brought her lown gracelully at Kichniond Aerodrome and formally handed her u'e; to the Minister of Defence, Mr. ParkHill who said he was quite sure the Australian people would applaud the action of the Government in purchasing the Southern Cross, which nad done so much for Australia in the nands of tht> greatest aviator cf at time. “Smithy,” who wore an air commo dore's un'itorm, fittingly replied, aiu turning towards the famous inachm< saluted and exclaimed, “You, olc Irivnd, farewell.” Thcs? who accompanied “Smithy' on the List flight were Lady Kmgsforo Smith, Captain Taylor, Air. John Stannage, L lying-OHiccr B. Sh<‘il (business associate of Sir Charles), Reverend < ■ G. Scrimgeour, who represented the citizens of New Zealand, and John I Im, son of the late Mr. Charles Ulnc “Smithy later sailed c-n th/ Aorangi.