MACHINE CIRCLES NELSON

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 68, 22 March 1938, Page 8

MACHINE CIRCLES NELSON

( Per Prr«« A*snci*‘ion. ] NELSON, March 21. Flying-Officer A. E. Clouston’s flight this morning over Nelson district was greatly appreciated. The ’p.'ane appeared from the clouds and circled the city two or three times, then proceeding ov »r Port Nelson, the Waimeas. Moutere. and Neudorf, where Clouston’s parents live, and Motueka, where Clouston was born, which was circled at a low altitude, enabling the graceful lines of the machine to be seen. Vantage points in all parts were crowded and farewells waved. The machine dipped its wings in salute and disappeared in a northerly direction on the long flight to Sydney. TASMAN CROSSINGS MINISTER UNAWARE OF INTENTIONS SYDNEY. March 21. Not even the Hon. Dunningham, Minister in Charge of the Celebrations, knew of Flying-Officer A. E. Clouston’s intended flight to New Zealand. Mr Dunningham said last night that he had a long talk with Clouston on Saturday but learned noth'ng of the Tasman flight. PREMIER S WELCOME Letter for mr. clouston. I Per Press Association. ) WELLINGTON, March 21. An urgent letter for the Air Ministry in England was carried to Blenheim from Wellington by air to-day in order that M:. Clouston may de liver it on his arrival. The following message was sent tc Mr. Clouston by Mr. Savage (Prime Minister): —“My colleagues join with me in extending heartiest congratulations to yourself and your co-pilot, Mr. Ricketts, on the completion of your great flight from the Motherland to New Zealand. Once again the Dominion is brought into prominence by the skill and efficiency in aviation of one of her own people, and your flight will rank as one of the outstanding achievements in aviation. Our best wishes are extended to you both for the safe completion of your pians for a record-breaking flight from England to Now Zealand and back. We unite, with your father and mother and other members of your family, in their joy in welcoming you here.” Mr. Clouston brought a letter from the High Commissioner (Mr. W. J. Jordan) to Mr. Savage, and it was delivered with the Blenheim postmark to-day. ARRIVAL AT MASCOT Received March 21. 8.15 p.m. SYDNEY, March 21. Flying-Officer Clouston landed at Mascot at 4 p.m. Clouston’s machine was seen approaching the Kingsford Smith Aero-

drome, where a large crowd had been waiting since mid-day, from the north-east a few minutes before four o'clock. Clouston circled the aerodrome twice before landing and then taxied the machine to the hangar. In a broadcast shortly after th? landing, Clouston referred to the warm reception accorded him at Blenheim yesterday and to his take-off today. He said he circled Nelson and Motueka and saw the school children come out to see the machine. He then climbed to 11,000 feet and set a course for Sydney. The sky for half the journey was clouded and he had to battle against a head wind oi 50 to 60 miles an hour. Consequently he took about li hours longer than he had expected. When he did sight land as he emerged from the bank of cloud, he saw Sydney Bridge immediately ahead, so he was not farout in his reckoning. Clouston said the machine would immediately receive attention and he would leave again as soon as possible on the continuation of the trip to England. Mr Ricketts said the trip across the Tasman was bumpy and he was very pleased to see the coast.