A GREAT FEAT

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11549, 28 January 1932, Page 5

A GREAT FEAT

; THE TEN-MILE RECORD

' CONDITIONS NOT THE BEST

(Press Association.) NINETY AIILE BEACH, Jan. 27. Hurtling along thq Ninety Milo Beach yesterday afternoon, “Wizard” Smith raised the world’s 10-milo speed, rqcord by a, substantial margin, beat AlarchamV’s time liy just on. 30 miles an. hour. j

Smith’s average speed was .164.081 miles an hour, his average time for tlie two runs, being 3min.4olsec. Hu did thoi first ..run in 3min. 59'.944>5ec., and the second in 3min. lS.Bsßsec. The conditions wero not of the best for the attempt, as most of the beach was very wet: and slow. There was only a slight westerly breeze, but the visibility was not good. AJthough Smith did not favor driving on the Wet sand, he decided to make the 10-mile attempt, but lie stated afterwards that he would not undertake a further speed attempt with the beach so wet.

‘ 1 MAGNIFICENT PER FORAf ANCE ’

SHOCKING CONDITIONS

MOSTLY ON HALF-THROTTLE (Special To'The Times). AUCKLAND, Jan. 27.

In view of the shocking conditions prevailing on Ninety Mile Beach yesterday (says tlie. Herald representative), Smith’s performance was magnificent.. For seven of the ten miles of the course proper, the surface was particularly wot. while tlie visibility was bad. The difficulties of tlie driver were increased many times by the fact that showers of water and wet sand, flung by the front wheels of the car, obscured the windscreen to such an extent that, throughout the greater part of both runs, Smith could see barely 100 yards ahead. Flo. had the, greatest difficulty in distinguishing, at any distance, tlie line of white flags marking his course and the large, red screens, each 25ft. long, set one at each end of the measured distance. “I risked my life by running today so, naturally, I am particularly pleased that my ear behaved so magnificently, under such very 'Tad conditions”, said Smith, after completing the second run, and while he stood, wet through but obviously delighted, alongside his great golden car.

“I will certainly not run again until the beach is dry”, he addecl,. “but as the Enterprise was not extended fully at any stage and ran for most of tho distance on less than halfthrottle, I am more confident than ever of her ability to break Campbell’s ilying-milc record under good conditions,” MOST INSPIRING SIGHT

Although the car was by no means fully extended, the Enterprise was a most inspiring sight, moving at. an uncanny pace without undue noise. Tho exhaust was similar to that, of a powerful aeroplane. The car made a wonderful picture, with the setting sun glinting on every part, and it was particularly impressive as it sent clouds of spray whirling high in the air and seemed to (be surrounded by a constant mantle of flying water. RECORD HELD BY LADY

The 10-mile record was formerly field by Mrs Gwenda Stewart, a driver well-known in England and on the Continent. Using a Derby Miller racing car, an American production, Mrs Stewart attained the great speed of 137.21 miles an hour at Montlher.y track near Paris on December 13, 1930. SMITH’S EFFORT TWO YEARS AGO

Incidentally, Smith established an Australian and New Zealand record, of - ]48.15 miles an hour for 10 miles, at Ninety Mile Beach, two years ago ibis month, when driving bis ear Anzae. However, that performance was not made, under conditions entitling it to recognition as a. world’s record.

FIVE MILE RECORD NOW "The five mile record which Smith also intends to attack is held by Sir Malcolm Campbell, who covered the distance at a speed of 211.4 miles an hour at Verneuk Pan (South. Africa) with bis Bluebird 11. on April 26, 192*.

ATTEMPTS ON OTHER RECORDS

PROBABLY WILL BE. HELD EARLY NEXT MONTH

(Press Association'

KAITAIA, Jan. 27

Once again tho Ninety Mile Beach will be the scene of inactivity for aboiu ten days and most of the official* have left on their return to Auckland. They will come back about February 3 and it is understood that the attempt on the flying and the five mile records will take place between February 4 and 6This decision was reached late this afternoon, when it was found that the tides would be unsuitable for the attempts before then. Low .water is now late in the afternoon —-too Late for runs—and the beach is too wet in the morning, so it was decided to pack up and leave this evening. ‘•King” tides, the highest of the year, are due between February 4 and 6 and it is hoped that the beach will be right for the big attempts then. The beach post office, will be closed till tire officials return.

There was no actiyity at the garage to-day. Smith is taking things easy after tho gruelling run yesterflay.

SYDNEY PRESS PRAISE HONOR TO. ALL. ASSOC.UtED " AUSTRALIA ADVERTISED

(U-f. 4. by Eieo. Tel. (Received Jan. 27, 8.30 p.mj SYDNEY, Jan. 27.

The Sun, in an editorial applauding SipitliV actnevemciit, says that the honor shared by the sponsor and tho guarantor* Messrs Stewart and Harkness, find every workpian aiding- in the car’s construction. “To all these men”, continues the, editorial, “Australians owe moro than a debt of gratitude.. Through such deeds, the world-gets to know anti respect us.”