HEAVY RAIN AT BEACH.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21112, 20 February 1932, Page 11

HEAVY RAIN AT BEACH.

NEW RADIATOR TESTED. GOOD RESULTS REPORTED. OFFICIALS NOW ASSEMBLING. [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER.] KAITAIA, Friday. Heavy rain throughout to-day made any accurate estimate of tho condition of the Ninety-Mile Beach impossible, but the surface at low tide was fairly smooth. Mr. Norman Smith was unablo however to see whether the tendency to dry out, which has boon apparent recently, was being maintained, as ho could not distinguish between the wet patches caused by the waves and thoso due to the rain, as tho whole of the beach was wet to liighwater mark. Tho new radiator supplied for use in the attack on the onc-milo record was tested thoroughly to-day, proving entirely satisfactory. Tho radiator was filled with 18 gallons of rain water and tho supercharged Napier racing cngino was started for tho first timo since January 28. Tho engine was allowed to run at about 1500 revolutions a minute for some little time, the radiator functioning perfectly, :'n spito of tho fact that tho car was at rest and there was no stream of air to assist in keeping down tho temperature of the water. After several minutes' running tho water became fairly hot as had been expected. Judging by tho timo tho water took to heat, however, Mr. Smith is confident that it will keep at tho desired temperature when tho radiator is exposed to the terrific wind caused at speeds of over 200 miles an As has always been tho caso tho engino started very easily, running sweetly throughout tho test of th 0 radiator. Tho terrific heat of the flames from tho exhausts burned tho paint completely off adjacent portions of tho engine cowling and actually set alight to a ball of twine six or seven feet away. Although the risk of firo is considered very slight a large chemical firo extinguisher is brought out every timo tho cngino is started in the garage and a member of the staff stands by ready to use it should occasion arise. There were several more additions to tho party to-day. Mr. H. J. Butcher, chairman of the Auckland Automobile Association Racing Club, Limited, |irrived at Waipapakauri this evening with Mr. John Ilandyside, while Air. J. Roberts returned to the beach this afternoon with a special caravan in which the chronograph is used during tho attempts. Mr. Kelvin Cuff, who is bringing the windscreen wiper and parts of the timing apparatus, and Mr. J. Harley left Auckland to-day and will arrive io-mor-iow. Mr. Cuff was expected to-night, but decided to take two days tor the trip as the instruments he has with him are very delicate and ho could not drive fast in case the bumping should damage them. .