“WIZARD” SMITH

Hokitika Guardian, 26 February 1932, Page 5

“WIZARD” SMITH

CONDITIONS UNFIT. (by Telegraph—ter tress Association J WHAiYGAREI, Feb. 25. “Wizard w Smith, when apprised of Sir ' Malc-blnr ’'©RtHpbell’s feat, said it was a wonderful achievement, though he had expected the record to be broken by a larger margin. "* . Smith was quite confident that'- he. would break Campbell’s record, and mentioned twenty miles as-the possible margin, " • Smith makes bis attempt ,ou -the five mile record this afternoon, “ For the third time, “Wizard}’ Smith?met with disappointment, finding it£ impossible again to-day to attempt- to break the five mile record. The opinion of people who know the beach is that there is no hope of a run before Wednesday or Thursday at the earliest. Once again all officials, except, those of Smith’s party, are leaving for home. This time no set date has been fixed for their return, but when the beach is one hundred per cent, good, Smith will notify them, and they will make for the beach and have everything ready for the run within eighteen hours. At present there are large banks near the low water mark, and it is felt that there is no likelihood of the beach clearing before these disappear. There may be n chance of attempting the record on Wednesday or Thursday, when there will be a midday tide. The timing waggon ha s been left on the beat'll, hut the more sensitive parts will be lodged in the bank. The post office erected on the beach is closing down to-night.

NOT SATISFIED. CAMPBELL’S NEW RECORD. /LONDON, February 24. “I am not at all pleased with the record,” Sir Malcolm Campbell said. “I should have driven much faster, but the wind on the second run slowed me up considerably. I felt as though it were blowing at least forty milee per hour. I am going to ehecic over the car, and if I find it is in good condition, and the beach is still good to-morrow r , lam going to try for a faster record. During both runs, I had to steer with all my might, because of the wind. Towards the south end of the course, I had to run through -water left by the receding tide. It looked like a lake as I approached and dashed through it.”