MOTORING ON THE OCEAN BEACH.

Manawatu Herald, Volume L, Issue 3893, 10 January 1929, Page 2

MOTORING ON THE OCEAN BEACH.

NEED FOR iOARE. The fine expanse o'f firm sand which stretches from the local Heads to Rangitikei River is very inviting to motorists and many are tempted to try their ears out on this natural speed track. Between the Heads and Rangitikei, however, are two creeks which have to be crossed. Although, at this time of the year they are carrying scarcely any water, there is, nevertheless, an element of risk in crossing them in a ear as the driver is unable to ascertain what state the sand is in until his car is actually in the water. If a patch, O'f quick-sand is encountered it is but a few moments before the ear sinks to the running boards, in which state it is often found very difficult to extricate.

Soft patches of sand on the beach itself have often caused motorists an anxious feAv moments. It is. an excellent idea to carry ai couple 'ef sacks in the ear when driving on the beach. As soon as it is found that the ear is digging itself in in a soft patch, the sacks should be placed under the rear wheels. This provides a good grip for the wheels when they commence to spin and in nine eases out of ten will get the ear out of the soft patch. If hadl v stuck, the best thing to do is for the party to concentrate on lift-' ing each wheel out of the sand at a time and placing them on drift wood. Once raised in this manner it is a simple matter to get. the ear out of its predicament. The local beach is fortunately very free from soft patches and makes an ideal drive, and provided care is taken the motorist has no need to fear taking his car out. The access from the old river bed to the ocean beach is now in fairly good order as a result of flax bands having been strewn over the drift area. The flax bands form an excellent foundation for ears and no trouble is experienced in getting out on to the beach. This way is far better than going around the Point at low tide.

A scheme was recently placed before the Harbour Board whereby a “duck-walk” could be laid over the area between the river bed and the ocean beach, but owing to lack of funds the Board was not able to put the scheme into operation. The matter was referred to the Beach Improvement Society hut this body, so far, has not taken the matter up.

AN UNENVIABLE EXPERIENCE. Some visitors to the local’seaside from Shannon met Avith an unenviable experience last Sunday. They had motored over to the local resort and took the ear out for a spin on the ocean beach. After driving along close to the Avater’s edge for some time it was decided to turn the ear and return to the Heads. In doing so the vehicle Avas run into the wet sand and sank up to its running boards. As the tide A\ T as coining- in, the water quickly advanced to the. ear. With visions of the Arebicle being covered by Avater, the driver made frantic efforts to get it free under its oavu power. In the meantime a member of the party went along the beach for assistance. The services of another car being obtained, the stranded ear Avas towed out of danger, much to the relief of all. The troubles of the party were not yet over, however, as on the homeward, journey, the swag containing the picnicking gear, which had been tied on the hack, was lost. Fortunately this Avas recoA T ered later.