CAUGHT BY THE TIDE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23708, 16 January 1939, Page 10

CAUGHT BY THE TIDE

CAMPERS’ MISFORTUNE MOTOR CAR A WRECK PERSONAL BELONGINGS LOST (Per United Press Association) AUCKLAND, Jan. 15. To see their motor car, with their personal belongings and camping gear, the sport of the waves while they stood shivering above high water mark was the experience 4 of Mr and Mrs H. A. Hannay, of Foxton, on Ninety Mile Beach. Mr Hannay travelled up the beach with the intention of camping at the extreme northern- end, and when rounding the bluff he essayed a trip along the sand instead of taking the road. The tide was making at the time, but the water appeared well away from the foot of the rocks. The car, however, was caught in a water hole, and an incoming wave washed round the vehicle. Seeing it was not possible to save the car, Mr and Mrs Hannay tried to salvage their personal effects. They were successful in saving some, all in a wet condition, but a large part was lost, and the Hannays were wet through before the advancing tide drove them away from the car.

Word of their plight was brought to Kaitaia and six men and salvage equipment went up the beach. After the tide had fallen an attempt was made to free the car which, by this time, was embedded in the sand, but it was not successful. The whole party had to spend the night on the beach. The car was salvaged next day and was taken to Kaitaia a total wreck.

This is the fifth car to have been caught on the beach during the past fortnight.