G-AUEI  de Havilland D.H.50A                                 (c/n 129)

                                   

                                        This was one of three DH50As operated by Larkin Aircraft Supply Co of Melbourne (LASCO)
                                        on their air mail contract between Melbourne and Adelaide.     This one was named 'Lyre Bird".
                                        (The other two were G-AUEJ "Wattle Bird" and G-AUEK "Bellbird").  G-AUEI flew the first
                                        passenger route between Broken Hill and Mildura 18 August 1925, the flight being piloted by A.H.
                                        Affleck.    The DH50s were later augmented by the larger ANEC III machines and the operation 
                                        renamed under the Australian Aerial Services Ltd corporate structure.    The rare shot above of
                                        'Lyre Bird" is via Ian Mackenzie and is from the collection of his father, the late Daryl Mackenzie
                                        G-AUEI was transferred to AAS in 1932 and re-registered VH-UEI.        Below is a shot, circa
                                        1928, from Kevin OReilly of Nhill given to him by a lady from Mildura (she's the child in front of
                                        Lyre Bird) whose father (presumably the gentleman in the hat) was about to embark on the machine
                                        for a flight to Griffith.  Note Sopwith Antelope G-AUSS in rear.  Following that are two more shots
                                        from Kevin circa 1938, these from the Harold Shelton collection (owner of the aircraft at that time)
                                        showing (top) the machine as VH-UEI and, at the foot of the page a photo of it following its last
                                        landing at the Stawell (Victoria) Race Course   As late as 1939 documentation indicates the remains
                                        of -UEI were acquired by a Mr. H. R. Beeston of Coode Island, Melbourne and the metal parts of
                                        it, at least, were used in the restoration of VH-UEM.