MISS JOHNSON’S FEAT.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18030, 27 May 1930, Page 5

MISS JOHNSON’S FEAT.

FLIGHT UNDER REVIEW.

AIRWOMAN’S FINE METTLE.

GREAT DIFFICULTIES OVERCOME.

United Press Assn Elec. Tel. Copyright

RUGBY, May 25

The machine used by Miss Johnson on her flight of about 10,400 miles to Australia is a De Havilland 'Moth, with a 100 horse-power Gipsy engine. On the morning of May 5, with a spare propeller strapped on her little machine, and the passenger’s seat filled with extra petrol, she waved her hand to her father and set off alone for Australia.

It was only when she arrived in India on the sixth day—two days under the time made by Mr Bert Hinkler on his 15J days’ record flight to Australia—that the newspapers awoke to the fact that this girl, unknown to the public a week before, was an airwoman of quite exceptional mettle.

Miss Johnson had then made the difficult flight across Anatolia and the 8000 ft high Taurus Mountains, amid storms and dense clouds, had effected a landing on the way to Bagdad in a blinding sandstorm, and had gone on again, and had kept going, in conditions of intense heat. Violent monsoon weather was encountered on the way to Rangoon, and in landing on a field the aeroplane encountered a concealed ditch. The damage done involved two days’ delay' and spoiled the girl’s chances of beating Hinkler's record.

The flight to Bangkok was accomplished in torrents of rain, and from there to Singora the mist was so thick that she had to fly along the winding coast only a few feet above the sea. On the latter stages of the journey Miss Johnson benefited by the hospitality and assistance of the Dutch authorities, who were as anxious as her own countrymen that her superb adventure should end with the success it has achieved.

Appropriately enough, the flight was ended on Empire Day. Miss Johnson has received hundreds of telegrams from all parts of the world, including tributes by all the leading airmen and airwomen, among whom are Sir Vernon Roe, Captain de Havilland and the Duchess of Bedford.

FLIGHT TO SYDNEY. DESTINATION ON MONDAY. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. SYDNEY, May 26. Miss Johnson and party reached Daly Waters at noon. There the fliers had luncheon, afterwards leaving for Alexandra station. No news had been received in Sydney this evening as to whether Miss Johnson had landed at the Alexandra station, where there is no telephone. Miss Johnson expects to reach -Cloncurry to-morrow, Brisbane on Thursday, and Sydney on Monday afternoon.

Before leaving Darwin this morning Miss Johnson’s sole worry was how her mother would be fretting. She said Mrs Johnson thought the risk of the flight to Australia was fearful.

THANKSGIVING IN ENGLAND. WARM PRESS TRIBUTES. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. LONDON, May 23. Thanksgiving prayers for the safe arrival at Darwin of Miss Amy Johnson were offered in the churches at Hull yesterday, particularly in the Wesleyan Church in Princes Avenue, where Miss Johnson is organist, The Times says Miss Jonhson lias proved herself mistress of her machine which must be a superlatively sound one.

The Daily Mail says no woman In history has shown such a combination of initiative, endurance, organising capacity, and pluck. Other British press comment is along the same lines, and pays the girl flier highest tribute for the successful accomplishment of her ideal.

NEW ZEALAND CONGRATULATIONS 'MESSAGE PROM PREMIER. INTREPID COURAGE AND SKILL. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Monday. The following message was telegraphed to Miss Amy Johnson today : “The Government and people of New Zealand desire to express their hearty congratulations on the successful accomplishment of your solo aerial flight from England tOi Australia, and also their admiration of your intrepid courage and skill in this latest outstanding feat of aviation. (Signed) Joseph Ward." From inquiries to-day it is learned that no steps have been taken to invite Miss Johnson to visit New Zealand.

WOMAN PILOTS. VIEWS OP AIR DIRECTORS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Monday. A great flight which has a message for women, is the way in which the Director of Air Services in New Zealand, Wing-Commander S. Grant Dalton, views Miss Johnson’s effort. “ It will not be. long before the Eng-land-Australia flight will be common,” he says. “It is a severe test on a small machine like Miss Johnson’s as well a on the pilot and it is a trial for such a machine and engine to carry through such a journey. Women ought to take up flying to a greater extent. They are just as good fliers as men." Asked whether Miss Johnson would secure the position of air mail pilot which she desires, Wing-Commander Grant Dalton said he thought she would- There was no prejudice against women pilots. If he had to select a pilot from the club-trained pilots of New Zealand to take him about he would choose Miss Pauline Bennett, of Marlborough. She was about as good as any of them, he declared. He reiterated his belief that more women should fly and some of them take B (commercial) licences, but he says he does not want them to fly in shorts. (Continued in next column.)

LATER. the aviatrix reported. PASSING OVER BRUNETTE DOWNS. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received May 27, 9.55 a.m.) SYDNEY, May 27. Miss Amy Johnson was reported passing over Brunette Downs station, twenty miles shgrt of her destination, Alexandria station. No advice of her arrival there is expected, as the place is entirely Isolated.

PRINCE OF WALES’ TRIBUTE,

A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received May 27, 11 a.m.) LONDON, May 26. The Prince of Wales opening the Congress of Empire Chambers of Commerce, paid a striking tribute to Miss Johnson. He said: “ During the past few days I have watched with the greatest possible interest the pluckiest single-handed attempt to shorten the distance between England and Australia- I know you will join me in heartiest congratulations to Miss Johnson on her remarkable achievement.” 800 CONGRATULATORY TELEGRAMS OFFICE KEPT BUSY. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received May 27, 10.5 a.m.) DARWIN, May 27. The telegraph office has been inundated with work during Miss Johnson's visit. Press telegrams about the flight amounted to 47,000 words, and 800 congratulatory telegrams for the aviatrix were received.

QUEST OF THE GOVERNOR. DURING STAY IN BRISBANE. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright. (Received May 27, 9.55 a.m.) BRISBANE, May 27Miss Amy Johnson will fly to-day to Longreach, stopping at Oamooweal and Qlencurry en route. The distance is 570 miles. She will be the guest of the Governor whilst in Brisbane,