NEXT SPEED RECORD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21110, 18 February 1932, Page 10

NEXT SPEED RECORD.

EARLY ATTEMPT. LIKELY.

SPRING TIDE ON SATURDAY. BUSY PREPARATIONS AT BEACH. [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] KAITAIA, Wednesday. There was no change in the condition of the Ninety-Mile Beach to-day, the surface remaining very patchy. Mr. Norman Smith again spent a considerable time examining the length of the course. He announced that he was optimistic concerning his chances of attacking the further world's land speed records at the week-end or early next week if the largest spring tides of the year, which commence on Saturday and continue until next Tuesday, come up to expecta- ' ions.

As has been the case for the past few days, the beach was comparatively dry to-day, so that Mr. Smith is basing his expectations on the hope that it will remain fairly dry and that the spring tides will n.ake the surface perfectly smooth.

The smaller radiator, which is intended for use in the attack on the one-mile record only, was fitted to the car to-day, being mounted in position without difficulty. Although basically it is identical with tho radiator used in the ten-mile run, the new unit has 11 per cent, less cooling area and is noticeably more compact in appearance. Mr. Smith said he was delighted* with the construction of the new radiator and he spent the greater part of the day making a shield for it and selecting the best position for tbe mounting of the revolution counter, which can no longer be fitted to the top of the radiator. The new unit is so low-built that if the revolution counter were fitted at, the top the driver would be unable to see the dial. Mr. Smith has decided to mount the revolution counter on one side of the pointed nose of the car when the smaller radiator is in use and to restore it to its position on top of the radiator when the large one is fitted. The mechanics were busy to-day testing and preparing the tyres and wheels for the next run. Under the direction of Mr. W. Grove, the English tyre expert, all the racing tyres were examined and a complete set prepared for use when the car is given its next run. A number of photographs, taken by the Governor-General, Lord Bledisloe, during his recent visit to Ninety-Mile Beach, when he inspected the Stewart Enterprise, in which he showed keen interest, were received to-day by Mr. J. H. Mostyn, Mr. Smith's business manager.

Several more metnbers of Mr. Smith's party are expected to arrive at the beach this evening. Mr. J. Sonnerdale, who arrived from Sydney a little over a week ago, flew to .Auckland with Captain J. D. Hewitt to-day, but he will probably return to the beach later. Mr. E. G. Theodore is still at Whanjjaroa engaged in deep-sea fishing:, but he is expected back at the party's headquarters at Waipapakauri within the next few days.