OVERLAND CAR.

Timaru Herald, Issue 170268, 13 July 1920, Page 9

OVERLAND CAR.

CLIMBS STEPS OF SARJEANT ART GALLERY. The "Wanganui Chronicle" of July 5 says:. An event unique in the motor car world oocurred on Saturday, 3rtiJ inst., at noon, when an Overland Model Four motor car owned by Mr A. G. Gray, of Kai Jwi, and driven by .Mr N, D. Griffin, of A. Hatrick and Co., Ltd., successfully negotiated the steps in front of the Sarjeaat Art Gallery. The car was first driven up the first series of steps, fronting thie monument, which it encircled, and then came down at the opposite side. Spurred by this success, the car wias then driven up the much more difficult steps on. the duter side. Owing' to the short wheefbase -the car successfully climbed the curved portion with eate, and the new springing system was tested severely with, great After fcho fcrst fending was reached it was necessary for the car to be turnedto face the next series of steps, and this was done after once babking.Going &,t the succeeding three flights like the proverbial bull, the car literally flew over the tumps and faced the Art Gallery; After this truly remarkable which was punctuated by frequent roiiiids of applause • froni thfe crowds b£ Mr Griffin, drove the car down the steep sandy incline to the road below. Upon inspection the car was found to be absolutely sound, and it was driven away to the office of-the N.Z. distributors of the Overland car, Messrs A. Hatrick and Co., IM.-, on. Taupo Quay, where the driver was heartily congratulated on his p-luck and the car commended for its endurance.

It may be /said that this".car had already been driven 3500 miles over .very rough and only last week Mr Gray , went to fetch, a patient for the hospital over ground that no cart would attempt—through paddocks, over rough, unformed roads—and brought the patient safely out: It is understood that a public 'demonstration of the car climbing' the Art Gallery steps is contemplated at an early date—if the authorities do hot object.