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Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XL, Issue 13251, 9 December 1913, Page 6

' Auckland : Arrived, Corinthic from Wellington. The presentation of the testimonial to Mr J. Townley will be made at the Scottish Society's Hall to-morrow night. The police have Teceived word from Hamilton that Walter James Austin, who absconded from bail at the June sittings of the Supreme Court, has been arrested under tho name of Walter Davis, and has been committed for trial on a charge of theft. There was an exciting "bolt" m town this afternoon. A horse attached to a vehicle galloped alonu; Peel Street from the direction of the railway station^ and going on to the footpath at the .Bank of New South Wales corner, continued there until passing \Comnion, Shelton and Go's corner. Numerous bicycles and verandah posts were narrowly missed, but no damage was done ajong tho footpath of that busy quarter of tho town. The runaway caused another horse to take fright, and it als6 bolted, making for the Whataiipolco bridge. The vehicle attached to the latter horse was brought into collision with a post, and was left stranded, while tho horse broke clear and continued over the bridge. Water planing on a plank towed by a speedy motor boat is an exciting water sport that is desci'ibed, with illustration, m the Popular Mechanics' Magazine. It is hardly to be recommended to women and children, but for a good swimmer it is almost as thrilling- as flying. All that is necessary for the sport- is «. fast motor boat and a strong plank, 6ft. long and 2ft. wide, with a, tow rope attached to the front end and two reins for the rider to use m maintaining his balance. The rider, necessarily, hi a bathing suit, stands on the rear end of the plank and jockeys the reins to keep his balance and guide his craft. Standing still, the plank is hardly sufficient to support a man, but at eight miles an hour it begins to ride lightly on the water just like a hydroplane. As the speed increases to 25 miles or 55 miles to the front end of the plank rises liigh above the water and the craft skims the surface on its "heel." Skilful balancing will take it I around sharp turns without capsizing, and by a slight shifting of the weight it can bo made to climb sideways on the waves of the motor boat's wake.