ELAZING THE TRAIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 96, 24 April 1928, Page 18

ELAZING THE TRAIL.

FROM LONDON TO CAPETOWN,

An enterprising and dangerous venture —a speed clash from London to Capetown through the heart of Africa is being organised by a Johannesburg newspaper, the "Rand Daily Mail." The whole of the route will fir-.t have to be gone over and a portion of it in Africa explored and a trail blazed.

It was one of Cecil Rhodes' ambitions to link up Capetown with Cairo by a great trunk railway line. That was before the day of the motor car. Transport in modern times has been revolutionised by the advance of automobile engineering, and Sir Abe Bailey,' Bart., has been planning to bring about the fuHllment of Rhodes' ideal in a different form.

Sir Abe Bailey visualises a trunk motor route between Capetown and Cairo instead of the railway line, and he hopes to make this possible by seeking the .co-operation of the various countries and states along the route.

The "Rand Daily Mail," appreciating the value to the Union and the central States of Africa of such a trunk road has decided to blaze the trail. , A standard Chrysler car, piloted by Mr. G. S. Bouwer, the well known rateing motorist, who will be accompanied by Mr. E. Millin, the motor editor of the "Rand Daily Mail," and a cinematograph operator, is to travel from Capetown to London, via Cairo and Brindisi, and on the return journey is to undertake a speed dash.

The expedition will make a page in the andals of motoring history in South Africa. It will illustrate the merits and faults of the ear of to-day, in addition to throwing light on the possibilities of a great scheme. The party left C'apr;town at the beginning of April awl expect to return in August. v *

Mr. W. E. Broderiek: It seems to me that they are putting all the blame on motor drivers and not on pedestrians, who cause 90 per cent of the accidents.

Mr. Darbvsliire: I think a car is more necessary to a country ratepayer than one in the eitv. The idea is for all applicants to pass Auckland conditions.

Mr. T. Hine: If tliev can pass Wanganui conditions, they're all right.

A member: Tliev certainly are. There is ample test of a driver's proficiency here.

The suggestions did not find favour and the letter was received.