WEATHER BAD, ORGANISATION LACKING.

Northland Age, Volume 2, Issue 3, 22 January 1930, Page 4

WEATHER BAD, ORGANISATION LACKING.

BEACH SPORTS A FIASCOWIZARD SMITH UNABLE TO RUN. W EATHER CLERK AND CLUB GIVE PUBLIC POOR SPIN. Weather conditions and incredible lack of organisation combined to make the Kaitaia Aero Club’s motor sports last Wednesday a fiasco. Boomed, boosted and advertised to draw crowds from far and proved one of the worst advertisements this district has ever suffered. The club officials cannot be wholly blamed. Wind and tide conditions were against them from the start. But overshadowing all was the deplorable lack of organisation.

To start with, a late tide delayed access to the course, and once on the course the spectators, who must have numbered close on two thousand, faced a strong gale from the sea which whipped the beach sand in their faces,

Long delayed, the first event was run at 1.30. Further events were delayed because Wizard Smith declined, quite naturally, to run his car at high speed on a beach churned up by the turning of racing cars and motor cycles, and at 2.30 p.m. his car was taken to the starting line aboard a lorry. Nearly two hours later it returned still aboard the lorry. Neither Smith nor ciub officials announced that the car which the public had paid to see was not going to run, but gradually the news spread and a complaining crowd, heartily sick of the whole day, made preparations to leave.

“Never again” sums up the public attitude towards the “pageant.” As a bad advertisement for the North the muchboosted day was extremely effective.

But sight must not be lost of the fact that the day itself was one of the worst exyerienced on the beach for many years. The strong gale blowing was responsible for Smith’s failure to run, and also for the cancellation of all aeroplane events except the height-guessing competition.

But in view of the lack of organisation evidenced from start to finish —astounding when one considers that arrangements had been in train since November at the latest —it is doubtful whether the pageant would have been run efficiently under better weather conditions. One is forced to the conclusion that the Aero Club tackled a job beyond its experience and ability. Considerable public feeling has been aroused, and the suggestion has been circulated that the gate takings should be handed to the hospitals. It was rumoured yesterday that the club was to meet last night to consider this step, but enquiries this morning revealed that no such action was taken.

The gate takings are said to have been about £2OO, and the club secretary states it is anticipated there will be little left when accounts have been met. Six Events Run,

Following are the results of the six events which were run at the motor and aerial pageant: Mile Cycle Race : —First, C. Hutley; 2nd. B Latimer. The course was half a-mile in each direction with and against the wind. Hutley established a good lead at the start, but Latimer gained on the return lap against the wind, Hutley winning by about four lengths. Motor-cycle Handicap, 5 miles’: —First, J. Crallan ; 2nd., W. Allen. These two were the only finishers, the other competitors going astray by failing to see the turning flags.

Ladies’ Motor Handicap, 2 miles: —First, Miss Kenny; 2nd., Miss Turner; 3rd., Mrs. S. King. Open Touring Handicap, 2 miles straight: —First, L. Adams (Reo); 2nd., “Wizard” Smith (Reo).

Ninety Mile Beach Handicap, 15 miles, 5 turns:—First, L. Adams, 2nd., “Wizard” Smith; 3rd., L. T. Cooper.

Aeroplane Height-guessing

competiton (correct height, 1500 ft.): —First, R. Macaulay ; second and third prizes were divided between H. D. McKenzie, J. Beaz’ey and H. Ujder.