California Reached

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19406, 5 November 1934, Page 7

California Reached

KINGSFORD SMITH’S FEAT.

LANDS AT OAKLAND. * >i ‘AN UNEVENTFUL TRIP. ' ALL AERIAL RECORDS BROKEN. United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright, ('Received Nov. 5, 10.30 a.m.) . OAKLAND, Nov. 4. Completing a remarkable flight In almost fifteen ‘hours, Sir Charles Klngsford Smith landed the Lady Southern Cross here at 7.44 a.m- (Pacific time) to break all aerial records between the American mainland and Honolulu. Although disrupted radio oom* munications were maintained with the plane throughout the night, the suddenness with whlcK .lt appeared wa# a surprise to those awaiting him at 7 o’clock (looal time). The radio corporation Intercepted a message from the plane saying it had sighted land at 7.40 a.m. The machine was sighted over the oity of Berkerley a few minutes later. When he landed Sir Charles wa* in excellent spirits; he did not appear to be very fatigued. He greeted the interviewers Jovially and declared: “Everything was O.K. We had a west wind most of the way. I am sorry to disappoint the people by landing so soon. Taylor’s perfect navigation deserves the credit for our early arrival. 1 ’ Sir Gharlas Smitih’g 'fflnft request after landing was for a olgarette. Indicating the ease and efficiency of the flight, Sir Charles revealed that he landed with 160 gallons -Of petrol still in the tanks. He turned over to his well wishers, a thermos bottle, remnants of his sandwich lunch; and an unopened bottle of whisky, whioh he jokingly said he had carried In oase Taylor got sick en route. “1 guess this is allowed here now,” he added. After signing the clearance papers for the 'continuation of the flight to Los Angeles, Sir Charles retired to his brother’s home for a few hours’rest.

'Captain Taylor informs the Australian Press Association that he hit the -coastline Just north ofv Golden Gate, ooming in at 7000 to 8000 feet adtltude above the clouds. They encountered a small storm at ten o’olook last night but It cleared within aquarter of an hour. He was not aware ‘of any trouble with the'radio; he thought it was functioning properly throughout the flight. Messrs Lyons and Warner, who were members of Sir Charles’, orew on the 1928 flight were among those who greeted the fliers. Sir Charles was dressed In a flying suit and ‘Captain Taylor In a light -suit and tweed ooat. Sir Charles announced that he will prooeed to Los Angeles, 'his original destination, at 1 p.m., local time.