THE SOUTHERN CROSS

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19632, 19 July 1935, Page 5

THE SOUTHERN CROSS

TRIBUTE BY MINISTER

“ YOU OLD FRIEND, FAREWELL.”

SIR KIXGSFORD SMITH’S SALUTE

United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright,

SYDNEY, July IS

Sir Charles Ivingsford Smith piloted the Southern Cross over tlie city for the last time in brilliant sunshine. Everybody appeared to recall the familiar roar of the engines, and gazed proudly toward the sky at the historic monoplane, it still seemed to have plenty of life in it. The famous pilot brought the machine down gracefully at Richmond and formally handed it over to the Minister of Defence, Mr R. A. Parkhill.

The Minister said he was sure the people of Australia would applaud the action of the Government in purchasing the machine which had done so much for Australia in the hands of the greatest airman of all time. Sir Charles, who wore his Air Commodore’s uniform, fittingly replied, and turning toward the Southern 'Cross saluted it and exclaimed: “You old friend, farewell.’’

Those on Board.

Those who accompanied Sir Charles on the last flight were 'Lady Kingsford Smith, Captain P. G. Taylor, Mr John W. Stannage, Flying Officer B. Sheil, business associate of Sir Charles, the Rev. C. G. Scrimgeoui (“Uncle Scrim”), of the Friendly Road, Auckland, and John Ulm, 14-years-old son of the late Mr Charles Ulm.

Subsequently Sir ChCrles left for Auckland by the Aorangi.