SPORTING LIEUTENANT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21561, 4 August 1933, Page 6

SPORTING LIEUTENANT

INTEREST IN MOTOR RACING AVIATION AND SPEED-BOATS A keen and active interest in motor racing, flying and speed-boat events is taken by Sub-Lieutenant R. H. A. KidBton, who arrived from England by the Rangitane to join H.M.S. Diomede. Lieutenant Kidston is a younger brother of the late Lieutenant-Com-mander G. P. Glen Kidston, R.N., a prominent millionaire racing motorist and aviator, who was killed in South Africa in May, 1931, when an aeroplane crashed during a violent dust storm at Van Reenen, Natal. A specially-built light aeroplane and a speed-boat were brought from England by Lieutenant Kidston, who also proposes to import a racing car as soon as he is 'acquainted with the demands of local conditions. Wide experience in various branches of motor sports has been enjoyed by Lieutenant Kidston, who has taken part in events both in England and on the Continent. He said he intended to take part in as many local motoring contests as he was able, and would enjoy racing against local drivers. > _ The aeroplane which Lieutenant Kideton brought with him is a D.H. Moth, specially built for Mr. A. Butler, a director of the manufacturing firm, for the King's Cup race three years ago. - Although the design is based on that of the Moths that are well-known locally, the aeroplane should create interest among Auckland airmen, as it is specially stream-lined and has a hottedup" engine, which results in a maximum speed of 126 miles an hour. The machine is a coupe and in the recent Morning Post race in England it finished * seventh, making up 14 places after starting one ahead of scratch, ihe exceptional average of 116 miles an hour was maintained. Considerable interest was created when Lieutenant Kidston's speed-boat ■was unloaded from the Rangitane yesterday and stored temporarily on Queen's Wharf. It is a Vosper jollyboat,'fitted with a 54 horse-power motor, and should prove fast enough to provide keen competition for local owners of speedy craft. The owner has in the past raced outboards with success at Portsmouth and the Isle °f Wjght. Lieutenant Kidston has also brought from England a special moving-picture camera.