WANGANUI RIVER SWIM ENDS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 26943, 20 January 1953, Page 8

WANGANUI RIVER SWIM ENDS

Mr Guzzwell Unable To Continue RESUMPTION OF CYCLE TRIP PLANNED fNew Zealand Press Association) WANGANUI, January 19. Mr Fred Guzzwell has abandoned his attempt to swim down the lower reaches of the Wanganui river. He entered the water at Jerusalem yesterday morning, on a second bid to resume his trip to Wanganui, but an hour and 10 minutes later he came ashore near Ranana. “It’s just too cold, that’s all,” he said. “I guess I’ve had enough. I’ve lost interest in it now.” Yesterday he entered the muddy river at 10-45 ami., negotiated a few rapids effortlessly, but made frequent trying to fight off A reporter hailed him from a landing just above Ranana settlement at 1135 ajn., and it was there that he decided to abandon the swim to Wanganui. His wife in New Plymouth was advised, and the radio station at Wanganui was told he was safe and well and that there was no need for the public to feel concern for his safety. Mr Guzzwell spent the rest of the day accompanying a motorist on a tour of Waimarino and National Park, and reached Wanganui in the evening. He plans to resume his cycle trip across the North Island in a dav or tbe next fortnight he wants to visit the Chateau Tongariro and TaupO, ride around East Cape and go to Auckland.