New Britain herald., 1925-09-11

caused q scene of rejoicing among the people of Honolulu and the men and officers of the fleet here after It's visit to Australia and New Zealand comparable only with the celebration at the time of the sign ing of the World War armistice
 At hotel where numerous din- ner parties were being attended by officers of the visiting fleet the news was announced, Silence fell and then some one broke into: Praise God, from whom all blessings flow" and a hundred or more guests join ed In the paean of thanksgiving.
 Wouldn't Leave Plane
 The rescued avlators refused 10 leave their plane, but obtained wa ter and food from the rescuing sub marine as they were being lowed ashore by small boats,
 En route to Liuhue, the island port of Kauai. the plane was reported as having parted from Its tow last night on a coral reef, but 1t was able to get under way in a smooth sea and at 1l:25 last night the joy ous message of the arrival in port was intercepted;
 Safe on Shore
 Arrived safely on shore, Rodgers and his crew in good condition, Well and happy. Entire population of the island of Kauai were waiting on the beach to-greet the flyers"
 To the commander of the sub marine Admiral Robson radiocast "Heartiest congratulations Please report condition of personnel Give Rodgers and crew our congratula- tons. What is condition of plane and can 1t be salvaged?"
 The island communities on the point of despair yesterday were celebrating the arrival of the avia' tors with joy that went in an i'm promptus celebration at Honolulu ir which the island residents joined with the fleet crews just returned from the antipodes.
 One native at Liuhue couldn't wait for the arrival of the plane. He swan out and told the seaplane crew they were approaching dan, gerous spot.
 "All right" replied Rodgers, "toH us to the beach"
 There was some uncertainty as tc the procedure to be followed after the landing was accomplished al Kauai, as soon as news of the dis covery was received here the U 8. S. MacDonough and several other vessels were dispatched with a squad of naval surgeons.
 It is possible that the MacDonougt will bring the rescued airmen tt Pearl Harbor, if their physical con dition permits. Otherwise they vii remain at Kauai until late today when they will be started for Pear Harbor.
 The seaplane at Ii p. m., three hours after it was lowed into the harbor by the submarine, the air craft dropped anchor and smal boats went to her assistance.
 The anchorage line of the aircraft then broke and it drifted into the breakers near a coral reef. Attempts were made to take the crew off, but Commander Rodgers and his crew refused to leave until the plane TaS lowed to a safe anchorage.
 Rodgers Last Ashore
 When the happy crew was brought ashore, the men were taken to Liuhue hotel where doctors inspect ed the men. Commander Rodgers the last man to leave the plane thereby upholding one of the navy'' oldest traditions, was ordered to bed All the men bore a haggard look
 They plainly showed the straif which they had been under for nint days, They are heavily bearded their faces were tanned by the trop ical sun.
 The wings of the seaplane wer' badly smashed by the seas but th' hull was intact,
 Food and water exhausted on th' fifth day after the plane was forced into the sea by lack of fuel. Tn men therefore were without food 10 four days
 Caught Water in Fabric The fabric was torn off the plan l while it was being buffeted about a sea and used to catch water Whel \ the aircraft was tossed throug \ providential showers.