In January 1933, the people of Thames eagerly awaited the
chance to see Sir Charles Kingsford Smith’s world-famous monoplace called the ‘Southern
Cross’. In the latter part of the 1920s previous efforts had been made to have Thames
included in a visit, but this does not seem to have taken place.
Mayor of Thames, Mr S Ensor tried vigorously to get Thames
included in a touchdown visit during the January 1933 New Zealand visit. Alas
this could not be arranged, so Mayor Ensor sent a special telegram to Sir
Charles at Rotorua. “Citizens regret Thames cannot be included in your itinerary, and would appreciate your circling above Thames during flight from Waihi to Auckland. A favourable reply would afford great pleasure.” (Thames Star 19 Jan 1933).
To everyone's delight a reply was received: “Pleased to fly over Thames approximately 3 o’clock Friday, 27th instant. – Kingsford Smith.”
The town went into a frenzy of preparation led by Mayor
Ensor. The Thames High School grounds were chosen as the suitable venue for the
town gathering to watch the ‘Southern Cross’ circle Thames. The word “WELCOME”
to be painted in white 20 foot letters across the ground at the school.
Thamesites were urged to attend with flags and other emblems of greeting. Also
that buntings and flags be flown on businesses around the town where possible.
The big day arrived and an altered schedule meant that the
plane did not arrive until just before 5pm 27 January 1933. People had gathered
at the Thames High School and other vantage points around the town.
“Sir Charles Kingsford Smith had notified his approximate
time of arrival over Thames as 5.15pm; but shortly before five o’clock the
machine was sighted coming from the south-east from the direction of Paeroa,
and the news quickly spread. As the big ‘plane,
flying low, swept closer into view the majority of residents were afforded
their first glimpse of the world-famous “old bus,” as Sir Charles
affectionately terms her,
Dipping low over the High School ground and rising sharply
to circle over the town, the Southern Cross revealed her graceful lines to the
many watchers below, the passengers being distinctly seen waving through the
windows of the ‘plane, and the registered lettering, VH-USU, showing up boldly.
Amid the cheers from the younger brigade and much hand-waving, Sir Charles
manoeuvred his big machine as easily as the smallest Moth, and the impression
gained was one of great latent power in the three engines which roared out
their response to the welcome from the people of Thames.
A handkerchief fluttered from the side of the Southern
Cross, and with a final dip of the wing Sir Charles soared higher and was away
once again across the Gulf in the direction of Auckland.” (Thames Star 28 Jan 1933)
A telegram was sent from Sir Charles to Mayor Ensor the
following day: “Many thanks for beautiful emblems of welcome, which were
sincerely appreciated.”
Maybe amongst your family memorabilia photos you may have a
picture of the day Thamesites saw the great Southern Cross fly over Thames?
Description
THE TRANSTASMAN FLIGHT FROM AUSTRALIA TO NEW ZEALAND: SIR CHARLES KINGSFORD SMITH'S LATEST VENTURE
THE TRANSTASMAN FLIGHT FROM AUSTRALIA TO NEW ZEALAND: SIR CHARLES KINGSFORD SMITH'S LATEST VENTURE
