“WIZARD” SMITH

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1932, Page 6

“WIZARD” SMITH

ARRANGEMENTS TO DATE. (By Telegraph —Per Press Association) KAITAIA, January 4. “Wizard” Smith has advanced a further step towards making his attempt on the speed record at ninetymile beach. He left Whangarei by car yesterday, later arriving at Waipapakaauri where he is making his headquarters. After seeing Fred H. Stewart, the “Enterprise” was safely loaded on the auxiliary scow Motu at Auckland on Saturday, and the official party left by car for Whargarei, arriving there rt 7 o’clock. The specially designed truck, heavily loaded with gear, reached 'Whangarei later that evening. Early yesterday, the party set off for Waipapakaatiri, 119 miles to 'the .north, reaching there at one o’clock. The arrival of the Motu at Awanui eairTjy yesterday jafternoon attracted considerable interest, and one of the latest crowds ever seen on the wharf was there to inspect the oar which, by the courtesy of Mr -Smith, was uncovered. Last evening the whole party went for a spin down the beach taking the gear to the garage at Hukatere and the car was unloaded before seven o’clock this morning, being hoisted by the scow’s own winches, and deposited safely on a truck, which had been hacked on to the wharf alongside the vessel. The car was then taken direct to the garage at Huknterc.