FOR WORLD’S RECORD

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1007, 25 June 1930, Page 9

FOR WORLD’S RECORD

REQUEST FOR CONTROL OF NINETY MILE BEACH MOTORISTS MEET MINISTER In an endeavour to obtain full control of the Ninety Mile Beach wher overseas motorists make attempts or the world’s land speed records, a deputation waited on the Minister of Marine, the Hon. J. B. Donald, yesterday. The deputation was accorded a sympathetic hearing. It was explained by Mr. A. Grayson, president of the association, that it was not proposed to hold carnivals on the beach, but to make official timings, the Auckland Automobile Association being the local representative in such cases of the Royal Automobile Club. England. The association had been gathering information for some Timwith a view to interesting overseas drivers in the Ninety Mile Beach. ’And speed tests are valuable as national advertising, and for this reason it is to be hoped that there will

be some good performances on the beach during the coming racing season.” said Mr. Grayson. ~ According to the secretary of the association, Mr. G. W. Hutchison, it was definite that at least one attempt on the world’s record would be made ! this year, as Air. Norman (“Wizard”) tSmith had informed the association that he intended to bring a racing car. equipped with a Schneider Cup airplane engine, to New Zealand in Februurv next. Mr George Henning contended that the toheroa beds would not be affected as the racing cars would travel abovby the deputation, the Minister

that the Government was certainly interested in having New Zealand advertised, and that, provided speed tests were advisable, they would be one of the best ways to provide advertisement. The tests, however, would attract many cars to the beach, and these might possibly interfere with the toheroa beds. The Maoris had certain rights, and so did those people who had leased the beds, and he wished to be certain about the situation before ho sanctioned the Association's requests. Air. Donald said that the toheroa beds might be damaged as a result of oil and petrol being spilled, and the effect might be serious. He was sympathetic to the request, but could not give a definite answer until he was satisfied whether the beds would not be endangered.