SPEEDBOAT THRILLS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 75, Issue 41, 18 February 1932, Page 11

SPEEDBOAT THRILLS

PATEA BEACH CARNIVAL. IDEAL CONDITIONS. (Own Correspondent). PATEA, Feb. 17. With beautiful weather, the annual swimming and beach carnival organised by the Patea Seaside Improvement Society was attended to-day by a large crowd. With the added attraction of speedboat races, many people patronised the beach, visitors coming from Waverley, Hawera and New Plymouth, there being about 300 present. Entries for the swimming races were disappointing, there being no outside competition for the local swimmers. Speedboat races, however, more than made up for this lack, and provided all the thrills possible. The boats were brought from New Plymouth, and belong to the Taranaki Speedboat Club. Owners stated that they were more than satisfied with the outing, and the river presented wonderful opportunities for speedboat racing. They had found conditions much better than those they had experienced at Wanganui on January 22, and had thoroughly enjoyed the day. Finishes were much more oven and exciting than the Wanganui races, and altogether the Patea people had been provided with one of the best displays of speedboating seen on this coast. The society certainly has nothing to be disappointed with, every arrangement being carried through successfully. No little amount of the success would have been spoiled had there been the slightest mishap, but nothing of this kind occurred to spoil the day. Parking problems have in future years provided a certain amount of worry, but this year under the direction of Mr. P. C. Finlayson and the South Taranaki Automobile Association officer, there was little trouble, and about one hundred cars were parked with no inconvenience to any driver or person. Cocoanut shies and children’s races provided entertainment between races, while the perfect day invited many people into the water, and this was crowded all along the water’s edge, and up and down the river. Expectations that “Gee Whizz” would beat “Hard to Head” were not fulfilled. The trouble with the shaft recurred and could not be corrected, in spite of several changes of engines. Results were as "ollows: — Harbour Board Handicap (5 laps. Similes). —Miss Pat (90sec) 1, Miss Moturoa (scr.) 2, Gee Whizz (300 sec 3. Speed Boat Handicap (8 laps, 5 miles). —Miss Pat (160 sec 1, Miss Moturoa (scr.) 2, Miss Gwen (40sec) 3. Carlyle Handicap (8 laps, 5 miles). — Miss Gwen (20sec) 1, Miss Moturoa (scr.) 2, Gee Whizz (460 sec 3. The most exciting race of the day. On the turn before the last Miss Moturoa had gained the lead when engine trouble developed, which allowed Miss Gwen to gain almost a lap, thus winning easily. Prior to the mishap the boats had been on level terms. Farewell Handicap (3 miles, 4 laps). —Gee "Whizz (330 sec 1, Miss Moturoa (scr.) 2, Miss Gwen (12sec) 3. Miss Moturoa caught Miss Gwen and Miss Pat on the turn before the last lap and won by 50 yards from Miss Gwen, a similar distance separating Miss Gwen and Miss Pat. •• Motouroa Sweepstake (5 laps, 3 miles). —Miss Moturoa (scr.) 1, Gee Whizz (270 sec 2, Miss Gwen (15sec) 3. Takings at the gate totalled £29 19s 3d- * The guessing competition was won by E. Seamer.