ONE-LEGGED CYCLIST.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 250, 22 October 1928, Page 9

ONE-LEGGED CYCLIST.

RIDE ROUND THE ISLAND.

NEARLY HALF-WAY.

LEVIN, Saturday.

The one-legged cyclist, Rihara Heke, who is engaged In an effort to ride round the North Island, having started from Auckland on September 22, reports having reached Levin on Friday, having accomplished 520 miles in four weeks. He expects to get to Wellington, the halfway mark, by to-morrow, and then to start on his return journey, via the East Coast.

Heke's bulletin of experiences from Wanganui to Levin is as follows:—

"My stay in Wanganui was most enjoyable, this is a very fine town.—Monday was invited to a game of bowls at St. John's Club, and had a win, the green being in perfect condition considering it is the opening of the season, and the surroundings of foliage being very beautiful. —Sunday afternoon was invited by the natives of Wanganui to their pa, called the Putiki pa, which is just spotlessly clean and well arranged. Was addressed and welcomed by the chiefs,

who knew my ancestors of years ago during the Maori wars. They also presented me with a souvenir as a token of remembrance, which is in keeping with the Maori race.—Left for Feilding at 10 a.m. the 16th.—Passed through Wangaehu at 11 a.m., Turakina 1.30.—Am visiting the glaxo factory at Bunnythorpe on the way. —Reached Feilding at 4 p.m. Monday — The roads between these places have nothing on the previous roads of which 1 have spoken for roughness, as I could only travel at eight miles per hour.—The distance registered on speedometer was 48 miles, hence my tired feeling.—Left again from Feilding 10 a.m. Wednesday, for Palmerston North, arriving there 11 a.m.—Roads very good here.—Was signed !on by Mr. Graham (Mayor), who extended me an invitation to the opening of the Tokaroa Bowling Club, which 1 enjoyed very much.—Also visited the Returned Soldiers' Club here, one of the finest in the Dominion. —Weather very bad since my arrival.—Left Friday, at 2.30 p.m. for Levin, passed Shannon at A p.m., arriving Levin 6 p.m.—Distance covered to here is 520 miles.—No punctures or other mishaps so far.—Still going strong and feeling in the best of health.—Expect to reach Wellington Tuesday.—Filling in time between here and Wellington until Tuesday, owing tc [Labour Day.—Best wishes to Auckland.' 1