GOAL REACHED.

Waikato Times, Volume 115, Issue 19270, 31 May 1934, Page 5

GOAL REACHED.

MISS BATTEN’S FLIGHT,

RECEPTION AT SYDNEY. TUMULTUOUS WELCOME. ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD. United Press Assn. — Fire t»i Onr>v'<rnt -SYDNEY, May 30. Nothing more inspiring has happened in Sydney in recent years than Miss Jean Batten’s arrival from Narramine at 3 p.m. to-day in bracing, sunny weather. The Auckland girl flier was greeted by 20 aeroplanes. She was cheered at Mascot aerodrome by 5000 enthusiastic spectators and was warmly welcomed and congratulated by representative people, from the GovernorGeneral, Sir Isaac Isaacs, down to the Mayor and members the local municipality. Also she was embraced and kissed by proud members of her own sex. Miss Batten not only" retained her composure during the long ordeal, hut was able to deliver probably the neatest speech of acknowledgement heard in the historic aerodrome. The escorting aeroplanes, which included the Southern Cross and Sir Charles ' Smllhls glistening Percival Gull, came into view from the west about 2.45 p.m. They passed over ihe harbour bridge and the city and thence lo Mascot. Spectators Thrilled. Every rooftop was more or less crowded with business men and women, office girls and clerks, while sightseers craned their necks from upper storey windows. All the spectators were thrilled by tiie graceful overhead spectacle and by the stirring achievements of the young Auckland girl, whose tiny Moth almost lost its identity among the group oi similar machines. Miss Batten landed after the majority of the other machines Into a slight south-westerly breeze. Then began a stampede of people in her direction. By the time she had taxied back lo the dais the crowd had become unmanageable. An army of cinema and press photographers swooped down upon the girl flier before she could leave the cockpit of her machine. A dozen burly policemen went to her assistance. A Great Commotion. Rousing cheers greeted Miss Batten as she stepped into the open. She was clad in a white flying coat, beneath which were white overalls. Women forced their way in and embraced her; men shook her hand most cordially and to cacli the girl smiled cheerfully and triumphantly. Her strong, captivating personality instantly appealed to all about her. While Miss Batten was alighting several aeroplanes were droning overhead, making what is termed ’whoopee." Hardly had the young flier removed her goggles than several bouquets were thrust Into her hands. Lusty cheering was going on all around and there were scenes of the utmost commotion. Everywhere were heard expressions of admiration and fashionably dressed women rushed to acclaim the wisp of charming femininity. Speeches eulogising Miss Batten were then delivered. Mr. F. Tyler, acting president of the New South Wales Aero Club, said her flight had been watched by Australians with very great interest. Major Shannon, representing the Governor-General and the LieutenantGovernor of New South Wales, Sir Phillip Street; Mr. A. Parkhill, Post-master-General, representing the Commonwealth Government; also spoke. Mr. Parkhill said Miss Batten was now. qualified to take her place among the immortals of the aviation world. ■ Mr. M. F. Bruxner, Minister of Transport, representing the State Government, spoke In similar terms. New Zealand’s Jean, Mr. L. J. Schmitt, New Zealand Trade and Tourist Commissioner, said New Zealanders, 45,000 of whom were in Australia, were supremely proud of “our Jean,’ who had achieved such a signal victory. They were delighted to have the opportunity of joining with Australians in heartily welcoming the courageous young flier. The whole of New Zealand and other parts of the Empire appreciated to the full, and were tremendously enthusiastic about, her daring exploit. Mrs. Prentice, president of the New Zealand Women’s Association, said it was a special pleasure to welcome one of her own sex, the more so as she was a New Zealander. Also she was very thankful for Miss Batten’s safe arrival in Sydney after two futile attempts lo achieve her goal. Graceful Acknowledgement IWade. When Miss Batten rose to reply she received an ovation. A voice interjected: “ Good old New Zealand. ’’ In a clear voice the girl said: “ i want you all to know howpleased and thrilled I am to he in Sydney and to realise how near i am to my native land; also that I have accomplished my flight successfully. ■“ i arrived in Australia just before Empire Day. I hope my flight will help to strengthen the great bonds, not only between Britain, Australia and New Zealand, hut between all tiie Dominions and Colonies of our great Empire. “ On my flight from Darwin I- had an escort provided by Lord Wakefield. Tins is just another example of liis generosity, without which I could not have accomplished the flight, it has been well worth doing if only lo receive llie wonderful, enthusiastic and rousing welcome you have given me 10-dny, for which 1 am deeply thankful."

Blocked Traffic. After Iho ceremony at the aerodrome Miss Hallen wins driven round it for Hie benefit of I lie spectators. I'Plum she had afternoon lea in the Aero Clnli’s rooms ami later was ■ brought lo Ihe eily. ! A tremendous erowd blocked Ira tile ! in the vicinity of the Hotel Australia, ! where the girl llier is slaying. She was olHidally welcomed Ibis evening by 11 1 p Premier of New Poutli Wales, Air. H. ri. Stevens, in the Town Hall (Continued la next column.)

and by the Lord Mayor, Alderman Parker, and the speeches were broadcast to New Zealand. To-morrow Miss Ballon will be tin? guest of the Lieutenant-Governor and later of the Millions Club and Ihe New Zealand Women's Associaiion. Soon after Miss Ballon's arrival she had a broadcast talk with London. Sim spoke in a very happy vein and onde I bv lolling the announcer at llm other end that she had no dellnile plans for the future. Captain Bird who is escorting Miss Jean Batten, says .she is as accomplished and skilful a pilot as any male he has ever known.