AN EXCITING TIME

Hokitika Guardian, 19 October 1923, Page 4

AN EXCITING TIME

Tlf AYKf.I.IXG FROM KAIKOCUA. KAIKOFR A. October 17. : The Overseas Delegate. Air F. 15 Smith, accompanied by the Commissioner of I.anils, Rioiihoitn, arrived in Knikoura last night after a journey not devoid of incident. At Clarence, the party was put across the river in a. small boat. At llapuka a rent had : been made in the approach, and the 1 crossing was a tisky one. ’l itis morn- i ing the party left for Christchurch, j When tt representative inspected the j Kabautara river tit O.bU this morning. , huge setts were breaking right up to | the bridge. The liver was t milling in j a turbulent manner, and the contrac- j tor did not feel disposed to risk his : lior.e- to assist the cars. There seem- 1 cd no possibly hope of crossing at 11. lo ; a.m. Aft- b. Evans, sub-manager ■ f the j .Moior Com],-any, drove the parly to the Kahaiitara. with the manage-. All*: S. Brooking. The travellers stood on the bridge and witnessed a sight that C perhaps had not previously been seen.

Three draught horses wore hooked on to the cat*. A great wave came along, and the horses swerved for a moment. Then they pulled, almost coming to a stop in midstream. The engine c.l the car was brought into requisition, and it was an exciting moment, but the ear was safely steered to tin, south side of the Kabautara. Had the wave came along a minute later He cvi would have been in difficulties, which it would have been loud to oxC h ate it from. The huge seas wore pounding at the mettili <.f the river, and for miles along the coast, white, surging foam <ou!d he seen. The travellers teen crossed planks I > connect with a ladder, and ascended tke southern side ot tin l bridge joining the car. Cheers were given for the driver as he reached safety, and the travellers were most enthusiastic as they hoarded the car for the souttt. At Onto further difficulties had to he overcome, hut all went well.