Young Men’s Novel Wager

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 55, 7 March 1939, Page 8

Young Men’s Novel Wager

DRIVING OLD CAR THROUGH NORTH ISLAND NO MONEY TO BE SPENT Door knobs, clocks, springs and old junk propelled by a 1924 model engine are the integral parts of ‘‘Galloping Gertie,” a car being driven from Auckland to Wellington for a wager. The drivers aro Mr. D. Handricks, of Auckland, and Mr. J. Yarrall, of Wellington. One of the conditions of the wager was that no money should bo spent on the trip. All petrol oil, and repairs have to be obtained by relying on the generosity of others. Tho car left Auckland on February 28 at 6 p.m. and, travelling via National Park and the l’arapara Road, arrived iu Palmerston North at about 4.30 yesterday afternoon after detouring through Fcilding to make a call. Little out of the ordinary routine of motor travel had marked the journey, although in Te Kuiti an inspector had seen fit to request them to produce a warrant of fitness, which was forthcoming. A leaking petrol tantc which had been mended by a friendly plumber was the only serious mechanical defect that had caused delay. Petrot supplies had been exhausted, too, on occasion, but someone had always turned up to help the adventurous pair on their way. When they drew up outside the office of ‘‘The Times” in Broadway quite a crowd was attracted by the unusual appearance of the vehicle and, scenting something out of the ordinary, they plied the crew with questions. At that stage they hoped to reach Wellington some time last night or early this morning. Two gallons of petrol were required to finish tho journey and they hoped that someone would be found to provide it for them. For lubrication of the car the two men relied exclusively on used oil, which was easily obtainable. The car had a metal body built by Mr. A. Paterson, of Auckland, and this was covered with progress reports of the journey and witty comments on the nature of the task. While in Wanganui a placard was affixed to the rear of the vehicle asking ‘ ‘ Have we dropped anything?” and it must have been more than justified, for, when a reporter asked to have a look at it, the driver had to confess that it had been dropped!