“ Round the World In a Baby Austin ”

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7192, 26 June 1933, Page 5

“ Round the World In a Baby Austin ”

Baby Austin owners will tliorougbly enjoy reading Hector MacQuarrie’s latest book, “Bound tbo AYorld in a Baby Austin.’ ’ The author and Ms friend. “Dick” Matthews set out to circle the world in a baby Austin, but misfortune overtakes them early, for when the illfated “Tahiti” broke her tail-shaft and sank in mid-ocean, “Emily Ist,” as their baby car was christened, went to the bottom with her. Sir Herbert Austin on learning of their great misfortune, most generously presents them with another baby Austin and the adventuro begins again with “Emily 2nd.” The author’.; description of the sinking of the Tahiti, the discipline and rescue of the passengers is given in detail, for as he says, “It was my first shipwreck arid I want others to know just exactly what it fells like.” Their experiences in foreign lands—the language problem—the money problem—the food problem and the curiosity of the inhabitants fill many amusing chapters and the reader imagines that ho is one of the party sharing the wonders of travel, seeing strange people and still stranger customs. Unlike most travel stories, “Round the World in « Baby Austin” is not overdone for the sake of advertisement, and the fact that the trip was successfully done in a Baby Austin does not intrude itself too much, although one must admit after reading the book that ‘‘all is well” with British materials and workmanship.