SHIP IN STREET.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 386, 18 March 1937, Page 7

SHIP IN STREET.

A MODEL VESSEL. Unusual Sight in Broadway | Just Now. Despite the inland position ot the | town, there is a nautical touch, in Broadway just now, since the arrival Iti “port” of the barquentine Israel, piloted, commanded, and worked by Mr. Lawrence Beavis, of Auckland. Since October 6 last, Mr. Beavis has taken his model vessel on a “cruise" down the east coast to Wellington and is now returning to his home port Via Taranaki. The Israel is but a means to an end ,Mr. Beavis explained to the “Central Press” to-day. He aims at building a true Gospel ship—a seaworthy vessel which will carry him and his wife and daughter round the world it necessary, on an errand of spreading the Gospel. Four years ago the call came to build such a vessel. In face lot severe hardships, he had almost succeeded when, after two years of work, he launched his ship. Then came disaster. "Jealously burned it,” said Mr. Beavis. He lost everything. First a Barraw. The present trip, a more spectacullar one than he did some 18 months ago with a wheelbarrow, is being carried out to raise funds tor a new ship. At present he has some £5O towards ' the cost, which will eventually total ■ between £5OO and £7OO. But he is not disheartened and is certain of ultimate success.

It took Mr. Beavis ten weeks to build the model he has with him in Stratford, it is all his own work and is admired wherever he goes. On his return to Auckland it will probably be sold to a Wanganui admirer and a second one will be built for another ‘cruise,” following which Mr. Beavis expects to be in a position to build his real gospel ship and commence his mission. High Speeds at Times. While on the road the Israel averages 20 miles a day. Never less than 17 miles are covered, and sometimes as many as 24 can be clocked. With a fair wind and good road, all sails set and the captain seated behind, speeds up to 29 miles an hour have been attained, and Masterton was treated to the unusual sight of seeing the vessel “sail” up the main street at 12 miles an hour.

Sometimes he Is sneered at, Mr. Beavis said, but that does not Worry him. “If I’m mad enough to do this thing,” he explained, “people are mad enough to be attracted round me.”