TOOK A RISK

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21245, 16 January 1939, Page 6

TOOK A RISK

MOTORIST PAYS THE PENALTY. By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, January 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 of Mr and Mrs H. A. Hannay, of Foxton, on the Ninety Mile Beach. Mr Hannay was travelling up the beach with the intention of camping at the extreme northern end, and when rounding a bluff he essayed the trip, along the sand instead of taking the road which has been blasted over the rocks. The tide was making at the time, but the water appeared well away from the foot of the rocks. However, the car was caught in a Waterhole and an incoming wave washed round the vehicle. Seeing it was not possible to save the car, Mr and Mrs Hannay tried to salvage thenpersonal 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 sand, but it was not successful. The whole party had j spend the night on the beach. The car was salvaged next day and taken to Kaitaia a total wreck. This is the fifth car to have been caught on the beach during the last fortnight.