NOT A "WIZARD"

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 362, 25 October 1932, Page 5

NOT A "WIZARD"

(Press. Assn.-

t ^ ! witness's opiniqn i ■ i j THOUGHT SMITH LOOKED LIKE "ARRANT COWARD" LIBEL ACTIQN PROCEEDS

-By Telegraph — Copyright).

Rec. Oct. 24, 8.55 p.m. Sydney, October 24. Evidence taken on commission in New Zealand from Percy Thade, hotel proprietor of Waipapakauri, was read in the "Wizard" Smith libel action to-day. Thade said that he had observed Smith elosely and could not understand how he came to . get the name of the "speed king." He apt peared to be an afrant coward, and could not hold a teacup and was a frightful colour. Other New Zealand witnesses, inr cluding Keith Stewart, solicitor of Kaitaia, gave evidence that there were days when the Ninety-Mile Beach was in excellent condition. Stewart said that he had had a number of conversations with Smith, and one splendid day he remarked, "I suppose you are going to make qn attempt on the recor-d to-day. The beach is good and the wind seems right." Smith produced his handkerchief, appeared nervous qnd thep answered, "I do not know how the wipd would be on the b.each." Witness added: (I do nest think Smith was a trier; apd in the ten mile ruri he only beat a womqn's record." Constable Mark Thorndell, who helped Srqith intq his qyeralls, observed that Smith was agitated, and gave the impression that he was going te do something qgainst his will. Ipde'ed, his conditiqn was SV10^ that, witness, who was doing traffic p.atrol duty oq the beach, cpntemplqted debarring him from mqking an attempt on the record. jJanres Taase, garage proprietor pf Kaitqia, who supplied the fire extinguisher for Smith's car, declqred that the beach was fit for racing on several occasions between February and May. The case was adjourned.