LAND SPEED RECORD

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17527, 23 July 1931, Page 12

LAND SPEED RECORD

‘‘WIZARD” SMITH’S PLANS ARRIVING IN N.Z. IN OCTOBER After 1 a number of delays, due to the late arrival in Australia of parts of In's motor car, Air. Norman (‘“Wizard”) Smith is to arrive in Auckland in October, according to advice received in New Zealand by 0. 0. Wakefield and Go., Ltd., reports the Herald. The manager of the Auckland branch of the company, Air. L. J. Harley, said on Monday night that Air. Smith had notified the head office that he intended to proceed to the Ninety Alile Leach, North Auckland, where he is to make his attempt on the world’s land speed record, a short time after arrival in Auckland.

.Preparations for the attempt have been made by the Auckland Automobile ltacmg Club, Ltd., which is to control the event, having been empowered by the Auckland Automobile Association, the authorised representative of the English and international controlling authorities, to do so. A property on the beach lias been procured by the club for the erection of garage accommodation for the car and Air. Smith’s supplies, while a timing apparatus of the most modern type, working on the light beam system, and a number of sparking plugs, have been specially imported from England. in some quarters doubt has Icon expressed whether the beach will he in a tit state for high speeds as early as October, when the equinoctial gales will hardly have abated. It is thought that even if Air. Smith arrives in October be may have to wait until December. A large staff will be required to assist in organising the attempt and if Ibe weather is uncertain difficulty might be experienced in keeping them at the beach an indefinite time waiting for a suitable day. Tn view of this uncertaintv it is possible that Air. Smith may be advised to postpone his visit until Urn end of the year, when conditions would be more suitable.