ROUND THE WORLD IN AN AUSTIN SEVEN.

Shannon News, 21 December 1928, Page 2

ROUND THE WORLD IN AN AUSTIN SEVEN.

Two ladies left the Austin woiks at Longbiidge, England, on Thursday, October 19th, in an Austin Seven Tourer to make their way round the world without the assistaiit-e of male mechanics. On those long distance journeys which have been undertaken by lady drivers in the past, they have been accompanied by male .persons upon whom the responsibility for the upaeep aifii’ limning fitness of the cur has depended. It is true that the ladies have driven- the ertrs, ' blit every motorist knows that- is not the most vital part of the performance. Anyhow, Miss Gladys do ilaviland, a sister ‘of the famous aeronaut and aeroplane designer, and Miss Mona. Eley, of Andover, have determined that they will do this round trip “on their own.”. Naturally the space for luggage, which we are told is “the” problem when a lady goes on a journey, •was limited, sc considerable thought had to. be devoted to what would be necessary and what superfluous. “Even the typewriter on which Miss Eley will type my articles describing the journey is a miniature model}” Said Miss de Ilaviland, “and all our gear is most compact, it might almost be described as in tabloid form. Our clothing for instance is the least bulky that could be found. My dressing! gown will fold up and go inside an envelope; my evening frocks are of lace, which occupies the least space and crushes less than -anything.” “Perhaps we may have to sleep out so we are carrying a silk tent and ‘flea bags’ but they will only be useful ii hot countries.”

“Our worst roads we expect to find in some parts of India and Australia, and perhaps the contrary rule of the load in America may cause us some bother, but I feel that wo shall do the journey according to plan and arrive home m England again before the end of April, 1929.” At present we understand the ladies reach Wellington on December 17th;, and leave Auckland on December 28th, but no definite programme has yet been decided upon for the eleven days. It seems at present fairly certain that stops will be made at the following towns: —Levin, Palmerston North, Feilding, Wanganui, Hjawera, 'Stratford, New- Plymouth, Te Kuiti, Hamilton, Auckland, and if time allows ■ a side trip to Rotorua.