THE TASMAN FLIER.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18257, 19 February 1931, Page 10

THE TASMAN FLIER.

RETURN TO SYDNEY. HAS A WARM WELCOME. From his triumphant flight across the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, Mr Guy L. Menzies, the youthful Sydney flier, received a tumultuous welcome by friends and admirers when he landed from the Maunganui, says a

Sydney paper. “It was a long way alright,” the aviator told a pressman, “but it was worth it. The people over there gave me a wonderful time. The Southern Cross Junior behaved magnificently and I was never in doubt as to the ability of that wonderful UU'e engine.” The young pilot, who has had 'only a little more than three years’ experience, was overwhelmed with congratulations from friends and relatives as he appeaerd on deck when the ship berthed, and when he walked to a car with his mother he was loudly cheered by about 500 wharf labourers congregated in the street. Mr Menzies stated definitely that he was never at any time anxious about his petrol supply. “I had plenty,” he said, “and I wish to deny the rumour that I only had about half an hour’s petrol left when I landed. I had enough for another four hours; and had it not been for bad weather, I would have flown to Christchurch.”

’Quake Area Visit. , Mr Menzies was in Wellington and Napier before the ’quake, and after the tragedy he flew from Wellington to Hastings. “In view of my visit a few days before, I had an excellent chance of realising just what terrible devastation was wrought in those hours of terror.” It is understood that the young flier, who intends having a good rest at home, is considering a flight to the East. This project will not be attempted for a year at least.