Car Caught by Tide On Ninety-mile Beach

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 13, 17 January 1939, Page 2

Car Caught by Tide On Ninety-mile Beach

FOXTON PEOPLE SPEND NIGHT IN OPEN KAITAIA, Jan. 15. To see their motor-car, personal belongings and camping gear battered by the waves while they stood shivering above high water mark was the experience of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Hannay, or Foxton, on the Ninety Milo Beach on Thursday. Mr. Hannay was travelling up the beach with the intention of camping at Scott Point, at the northern end, and, when rounding tho bluff, he essayed tho trip along the sand, instead of taking the road over the rocks. The tide was making at the time, but the water appeared to be well away from the foot of the rocks. However, the car was caught in a water hole and an incoming wave washed round the vehicle. Seeing that it was not possible to save the car, Mr. and Mrs. Hannay tried to salvage their personal effects. They saved some, all in a wet condition, but a large part was lost, and Mr. ana Mrs. Hannay were wet through before the advancing tide drove them away from the car. Through the good offices of another motorist, advice of their plight was brought to Kaitaia. and Mr. J. T. 15. Taaffe, with six men and salvage equipment, went up the beach after the tirte had fallen. An attempt was made to free the car, which by this time was embedded in the sand, but it was not successful, and the whole party had to spend the night on the beach. Fortunately, Mr. Taaffe had brought food, bui an uncomfortable night was passed by Mr. and Mrs. Hannay in their wet clothing. The car was extricated next day in a wrecked condition and brought to Kaitaia. This is the fifth car to have beew caught on the beach during the past fortnight. In only one other case, however, was serious damage done to the vehicle.