LAND SPEED RECORD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20930, 21 July 1931, Page 10

LAND SPEED RECORD.

" WIZARD " SMITH'S PLANS. ARRIVING IN OCTOBER. WEATHER MAY DELAY TESTS. After a number of delays, due to the late arrival in Australia of parts of his motor-car, Mr. Norman (" Wizard ") Smith is to arrive ia Auckland in October, according to advice received in New Zenland yesterday by C. 0. Wakefield and Company, Limited. The manager of the Auckland branch of. the company, Mr. L. J. Ilarley, said last evoning that Mr. Smith had notified the head office that he intended to proceed to the NinetyMile Beach, North Auckland, where he is to make his attempt, on the world's land speed record a short time after arrival in Auckland:;'

Preparations for the attempt have beoil made by tho Auckland Automobile Racing Club, Limited, which is to .control the event, having been empowered ""by tho Auckland Automobile Association, tho authorised representative of the English and international controlling authorities, to do so. A property on the beach has been procured by the club for the erection of garage accommodation for tho car and Mr. Smith's supplies, while a timing apparatus of the most modern type, working on tho light beam system, and - a number of sparking plugs, have boon specially , imported from England. In some quarters doubt has been expressed whether the beach will be in a fit state for high speeds as early as October, when the equinoctial gales will hardly have abated. It is though that even if Mr. Smith. arrives in October he may have to wait until December. A large staff, will be required to assist in organising the attempt and if tho weather is uncertain difficulty might be experienced in keeping them at tho beach an indefinite time waiting for a suitablo day. In view of this uncertainty it is possible that Mr. Smith may be advised-to postpone his visit until the end of the yeai, when conditions would be more suitable.