LAUNCH ENGINE FAILS WHEN CROSSING BAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18339, 16 December 1927, Page 13

LAUNCH ENGINE FAILS WHEN CROSSING BAR.

Three motor-boat enthusiasts of Kaiapoi, Messrs A. Johnson, L. G. Harper and A. Kane, who intended competing in the speed-boat race at the Lyttelton regatta on Saturday, had an unenviable experience crossing the Waimakariri bar early yesterday morning. Leaving Kaiapoi shortly before 6 a.m. in the two motor-boats. Meteor and Baby Buzz, the bar was fotuid to be quite suitable, and the party decided to make the crossing. The Meteor, piloted by A. Johnson, got over safely, but the engine of the Baby Buzz, owing to the hatch coming adrift, gave out on the bar. The occupants, Messrs Harper and Kane, paddled through to smooth water outside and endeavoured to .re-start the engine, the Meteor standing by. Meanwhile the two boats drifted almost opposite Woodend beach. Not being able to get a fresh start, an attempt was made to tow the Baby Buzz, but owing to increasing seas and the south-west wind, this was found impossible, and after removing some of the fittings, it was decided to temporarily abandon the Baby Buzz and to return in the Meteor. The return was eventually managed, and with the help of a flag hoisted on a tall pole at Brooklands, they were guided into the river again about 9 am. In re-crossing they again had a somewhat thrilling experience when the engine of the Meteor failed temporarily and they touched on the north spit.