LAND SPEED RECORD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21165, 23 April 1932, Page 12

LAND SPEED RECORD.

NEW REVOLVING SCREEN.

TESTS PROVE SATISFACTORY.

PARTY RETURNING NORTH TO-DAY

Final tests of the revolving windscreen which has been fittod to Mr. Norman Smith's racing car, tho Fred. H. Stewart Enterprise, Avere carried out yesterday, when tho device proved highly satisfactory. Both Mr. Smith and tho designers of the screen, Messrs. R. A. Dalley and 11. Nattrass, expressed pleasure at its behaviour.

During the past week each component has been tested by an expert, and where it was thought necessary, heavier parts were substituted as a precaution. The frame sui rounding the circular sheet of glass now runs in two ball-races, instead of one as previously, while a heavier cable has been obtained for the flexible drive. Two storage batteries will bo carried, so that, the driver can switch over to the reserve unit if he desires extra power to make the screen revolve faster. The alterations have occupied considerable time, Mr. Nattrass' staff being busy day and night during the past week. Perfect Vision Secured. "When the screen was finally mounted yesterday afternoon, it was set in motion at about 300-400 revolutions a minute, and fresh water was thrown on the spinning glass. Most of it was immediately removed by centrifugal force, while tho remainder was wiped away instantly by the felt wipers. Tho experiment was repeated with salt water and finally with a thick mixture of salt water and sand, and in all cases Mr. Smith, who was looking through the screen, found his vision perfect. In view of the success of the tests it has been arranged to ship the car to Awanui North by the auxiliary vessel Motu, which sails at noon to-day. Mr.' Smith's party, including his mechanics, will leave by motor-car as soon as the Enterprise is safely on board, and will arrive at Awanui late this evening. The raccf will bo unloaded to-morrow morning and will bo taken to the garage at Hukatcre immediately. Inspection of Beach. An inspection of the beach will be made to-morrow, or Monday at the latest, by Mr. Smith, who will then advise Mr. H. J. Butcher and other members of the Auckland Automobile Racing Club, Ltd., and also Mr. Kelvin Cuff and his staff of elecLricians, as to when ho hopes to race. Mr. Smith is prepared to run on a fairly wet beach, provided it is smooth and there should be no undue delay on this occasion. He will, however, have to wait until low tide occurs somewhere near mid-day, to allow tho sand to become as dry as possible, and will therefore most probably attack the world's 10 kilometres and five miles records about next Thursday or Friday, and tho one mile land speed record the following day. The Timing Equipment. Tarts of the timing equipment which have been brought to Auckland will bo taken back by Mr. Cuff, while the remainder, together with the auxiliary starting motor and a quantity of other gear essential to tho attempt, will be taken from store at Kaitaia and transferred to tho garago at tho beach. Mr. Ludwig Nndl, of Melbourne, the ignition expert with the party, is recovering from appendicitis and will not undertake the journey north by motor-car with the others to-day. He will fly to NinetvMilo Beach with Captain J. D. Hcwett when the officials are summoned by Mr. Smith next, week.