SPEED BOATS FOR MANAWATU RIVER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume LI, Issue 4419, 25 February 1930, Page 2

SPEED BOATS FOR MANAWATU RIVER.

During the last few months Mr. T. S. Madge, of Palmerston North, Inns been making investigations as to the suitability of the Manawatu River for speed boats. A week'or so ago he placed a large cruising outboard motor boat on the river and that proving satisfactory lie brought down a speedy little outboard boat yesterday for a try out. The craft, a one-time Dominion champion, is only eleven foot long and titled with a fourteen horsepower Evinrude outboard motor, capable of sendino- it along at a great pace. It was placed in the water at the boating sheds and our representative was invited to experience the thrills of an outboard speed boat during the afternoon. The little craft is capable of carrying two people comfortably and with Mr. Madge at the helm attained a speed of between 25 and 30 miles ;m hour. Mr. Madge later gave a demonstration of stunting, cornering in great style at high speeds. The craft is quite safe and its successful introduction into the Manawatu should do much to popularise Foxton and Beach. Two men can carry the boat with the greatest of ease while the motor is sufficiently light to he lifted in and out of the boat hy one person. The whole contraption, boat, motor and all lit on to a trailer which is attachable to any ear and easily transported from one place to mini her. In conversation with our representative Mr. Madge said that by next year he hoped to he able lo get an outboard speed boat club together as the river was ideal for the purpose of speed boat racing, and this should prove a great attraction and it heiietit to both Foxton and Beach. On Sunday he proposed to investigate the possibilities of the Long Reach at_ Wltirokino for regatta purposes but such an exhibition could easily he carried onl in the river fronting tlie wharf.

Outboard speed boats were quite -afe, said Me. Madge, provided stunting was not carried to excess, hut as a safe guard against possible capsize, the boats usually earned two kapoc cushions used as seats which in ease of accident made excellent life buoys. Al the conclusion of tin* trial yesterday Mr. Madge packed his boat on its trailer, which operation occupied about three minutes and left again for Palmerston North.