JEAN BATTEN

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20334, 26 October 1937, Page 7

JEAN BATTEN

TIRED BUT HAPPY RECORD FOR BOTH WAYB “ I AM FEELING FINE ” United Pr«M Assn.—Elea. Tel. Copyright (Received Oct. 20, 11.20 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 25 A sheaf of telegrams Included greetings from Auckland. Miss Batten, surrounded with flowers, lingered in bed at Grosvenor House enjoying a rest. “ I have Just realised that I hold the record for both ways,” she said. “ l had not thought about the return flight or lowering the record. I am feeling fine and have lost the deafness caused by the noise of the engines.” CONTINUAL STRAIN “ I AM FEARFULLY TIRED ” FLYER'S DRAMATIC STORY A REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT ’United Press Assa.—Klee. Tst. Copyright LONDON, Oct. 25 The Daily Mail publishes Miss Batten’s own story of her record-break-ing flight from Australia to England. “ it is wonderful to be here after the worst weather 1 have ever encountered.” said the airwoman, “I am fearfully tired, especially my eyes, owing to the continual strain. “ The bumpiness on the last hop across Europe almost exhausted me. I lost all count of time. “ One of tiie worst sections was from Allahabad to Karachi where 1 was literally fagged out owing to the heat and strong head winds. “ I ate at Karachi in a semi-coma and fell asleep on taking the last mouthful, I was so over-tired. At Damascus I slept only five hours. I doubt whether the Tasman Sea at its worst could equal the terrific Mediterranean storms near Cyprus.

“ Nevertheless, I was always confident of success. I have beaten Mr Broadbent’e record by 14 hours, eo I suppose I must be satisfied.” The donor of the chrysanthemums at Croydon was a school friend, Miss Anita Webster, of Auckland. The bouquet carried the inscription: “ Congritulations and pride. From the Cleveland House Old Girls' Association." Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Francis Shelmerdine, Director of Civil Aviation, paid a tribute to Miss Batten, saying: “It is a remarkable achievement to hold the Australian record in both directions.”

COURAGE AND ENDURANCE WON PLACE IN HEARTS THE SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE Upited Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received Oct. 26, 1 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 25 The Times, in an editorial, says that for three -successive autumns Miss Jean Batten has held the attention of British people throughout the world. She would be the first to admit that nothing of special value emerged from the flight, but her courage, endurance, skill and determination to keep the risks to herself had won her a place in public favour for those whose spirit of adventure will not be denied. TRIBUTES IN FRANCE WORLD’S FIRST AIRWOMAN GIRL WITH NERVES OF STEEL United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright (Received Oct. 26, 11 a.m.) PARIS, Oct. 23 Le Soir describes Miss Jean Batten as a girl with nerves of steel. Le Journal speaks of her incomparable mastery. L’lntransigeant says that -she is the world’s first long-distance airwoman. “PROUD OF HER” COMMENT BY FATHER FUTURE PLANS UNKNOWN (Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Tuesday Gratification at Miss Jean Batten’s flight was expressed by her father, Mr F. 11. Batten, in an interview last evening. "i am naturally pleased at Jean's success,” he said. “She is my only daughter,” he added, - and I am naturally proud of her. 1 fee) very pleased and relieved that sj.e has reached her destination safely; that is more important than breaking the record.” ”1 do not know’ what her plans for the future are,” said Mr Batten when asked if 1., knew of any further ventures his daughter had in mind. “She looks on flying as her career just as another girl would look on nursing. I am naturally anxious during these flights and Jean was certainly fortunate to receive I lie warning about the unsafe landing at Nicosia, Sicily. Mr Broadbent lias not been so fortunate iml I am sorry to hear il. Jean has told me on a former occasion that he is a good flyer and a very popular The flight was also followed with interest by Mr Batten’s son. Mr John Balten. well-known as a screen actor Mr Batten junior arrived in Auckland recently and this is tiie first time lie ' has been in the Dominion during one j of his sister's flights.