AERIAL HEROES WELCOMED HOME.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17583, 29 May 1919, Page 5

AERIAL HEROES WELCOMED HOME.

LONDON GOES WILD WITH

EXCITEMENT.

Received Maty. 28, 9.30 p.m

LONDON, May 27

London is becdming wildly excited as Hawker* approaches. The enthusiasm of thu Australian troops is contagious, a»d there is much speculation and'"some nervousness as to where it Will all end.

Hawker had a*l triumphal night journey through'fScotland. People gathered at the Stations, hoping for a glimpse of the aviators in the train. There w&s much bagpiping in Edinburgh. An immense crowd ovationed Hawkeu.and Grieve. Hawker was carried" shoulder-high to a hotel, where he breakfasted. Both men were heartily farewelled on doparting for England.

There were many stirring scenes along the route through the English provinces. An escort of aeroplanes accompanied the train from Granthani.

Senator Pearce and Mr. Fisher welcomed Hawker and Grieve at King's Cross station. The Aero Club was obliged to limit the number of motor-cars in the procession to two hundred. The police diverted all traffic from the route. . Kailwa>men planned a fog signal welcome. Australian soldiers took complete charge of the reception at the station and gave a rousing welcome. They permitted the Mayor of St. Pancras and Senator Pearco only a few moments, then shouldered Hawker and Grieve. The windows and windscreens of several waiting cars were smashed by eager onlookers. Many women fainted in the crush along the route, but the Australians were thoroughly good-humoured. Two hundred, hauling a long rope, dragged Hawker and Grieve in a motorcar preceded by a band. Everywhere there were 'scenes of the liveliest enthusiasm, aeroplianes doing overhead stunts.

Dense crowds gathered at the Aero Club, where mounted police were keeping the passage clear. Mr. Fisher and the committee welcomed the aviators. Hawker, in a brief speech, minimised the effort. The success, such as it was, depended solely on the excellent machine. Grieve also spoke, belittling his shane in the adventure.

Received May 28, 10 p.m

LONDON, May 27

When the aviators, with Mrs. Hawker, appeared at the Aero Club windows, they were wildly cheered.

Hawker and his wife, in a motor, escorted by mounted police, left for ti private dinner party.