CAUGHT BY TIDE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 14, 18 January 1939, Page 4

CAUGHT BY TIDE

MOTOR-CAR WRECKED NIGHT SPENT IN OPEN KAITAIA, Jan. 16. To see their motor-car, personal belongings and camping gear battered by the waves while tney stood shivering above high water mark was the experience of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Hannay, of Foxton, on the Ninety Mile Beach on Thursday. Mr. Hannay was travelling up the beach with tne intention ol camping at Scott Point, at the northern enn, and, when rounding the bluit, ne essayed the trip along the sand, instead ol taking the roan over the rocks. The tide was making at the time, but the water appeared to be well away from the fool of the rocks. Howevc-t, the car was caught in a water ho/O and an incoming wave washed round the vehicle. Seeing that it was not possible to save the car, Mr. and Mrs. Hannay tried to salvage their personal effects. They savefi some, all in a wet condition, but a large part was lost, and Mr. and Mrs. Hannay were wet through before the anvancing tide drove them away from the car. Through the good offices of another motorist, advice of their plight was brought to Kaitaia, and Mr. J. T. E>. Taafte, with six men and salvage equipment, went up lhe beach alter the tide had fallen. An attempt was made to free the car, which by this time was embedded in the sand, but it was not successful, and the whole party had to spend the night on the beach. Fortunately, Mr. Taaffe had brought food, but an uncomfortable night was passed by Mr. and Mrs. Hannay in their wet clothing. The car was extricated next day in a wrecked condition and brought to Kaitaia.

This is the fifth car to have been caught on the beach during the past foitnight. In only one other case, however, was serious damage done to the vehicle.