FINAL APPEARANCE

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXX, Issue 163, 19 July 1935, Page 8

FINAL APPEARANCE

SOUTHERN CROSS FLIES OVER SYDNEY By Telegraph—Copyright —Press As SYDNEY, July 18. Sir Charles Kingsford Smith had a crowded day to-day. He piloted the “Old Bus” over the city for the last time in brilliant sunshine. Everybody appeared to recall the -familiar roar of the engines, and gazed proudly skyward at the historic monoplane which has done so much for Australian aviation and which still seemed to have plenty of life in it. Escorted by six Hawker Demons the Southern Cross circled over the city and then the aeroplanes proceeded via Mosman, where they dipped in

salute over the Keith Anderson memorial, and Longueville, where a further salute was made over the home of Sir Charles's mother, to Richmond, where the monoplane will be located until it can be accommodated at Canberra in the National Museum.

Sir Charles brought the Southern Cross down gracefully at Richmond Aerodrome, and formally handed her over to the Minister of Defence, Mr. R. A. Parkhill, who said he was quite sure Australian people would applaud the action of the Government in purchasing the Southern Cross, which had done so much for Australia in the hands of the greatest aviator of all time.

Sir Charles ,who wore an air commodore’s uniform, fittingly replied, and, turning toward the famous machine, saluted and exclaimed: “You old friend, farewell.” Those who accompanied him on the last flight were: Lady Kingsford Smith, Captain Taylor. Mr John Stannage, Flying Officer B. Sheil, a business associate of Sir Charles, the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeour, who represented the citizens of New Zealand, and John Ulm, son of the late Mr. Charles Ulm. Sir Charles later sailed in the Aorangi for Auckland.