Proposed Monument
p. 11 · Read in the full issue
For ‘Smithy’
In Suva
A LARGE monument in Suva —one de sign proposes a statue 30 feet high, with a bronze symbolic figure upon it—is proposed by the Air Force Associa tion of Australia to commemorate the first landing place in Fiji of the famous plane, “Southern Cross,” in which Sir Charles Kirigsford Smith made his first trans-Pacific crossing.
It will be remembered that “Smithy” accomplished the almost incredible feat of bringing down his monoplane upon the very limited surface of Albert Park — the small area now enclosed between the Government Buildings, Government House grounds, and the Grand Pacific Hotel.
A spokesman on behalf of the AFA said: “We want to have suitably marked this spot of earth made famous for all time by Kingsford Smith and Ulm. They blazed a trail, and that landing in Fiji was its Icrucial point. United States pilots, even towards the end of World War 11, using their vastly improved planes and navigational aids, have told us how they marvelled at the achievement of those two Australians in making that landing.
“The Americans have erected a monu ment to mark Kingsford Smith’s take off in California. It is important that this spot in Fiji should be marked for ever.”
It is expected that the Fiji Government will be asked to assist the AFA in erect ing the monument.