Newspaper report 1921 Perth Western Australia

[50jetback]

This newspaper report is among a number appearing in the latest issue of The Buick News - the magazine of the combined Australian Buick Clubs. I thought it may be of interest to members of the Pre War Forum.

The article was reprinted in the Sunday Times ( a major Perth, Western Australia Newspaper still operating ) on Sunday 11 December, 1921 after first appearing in a Meekatharra ( outback Western Australia ) newspaper.

Mr. Thomas Nelson, Manager of Roy Hill Station, was admitted to the hospital on the 9th inst., suffering from a broken leg. Mr Nelson was injured on the 7th inst through a fall from a horse at about 4.45pm, and the time taken to convey him to Meekatharra must nearly constitute a record for back-country travelling.

Owing to the Station car being absent from the homestead, a wire was sent to the managing director of the company at Meekatharra, Mr. James Smith, asking that a car be sent to convey the injured man to Meekatharra.

Exactly 2 hours after the telegram was lodged at Roy Hill, Mr. Smith's car, in charge of W. Brown, left Meekatharra, and by travelling without a stop, except for breakfast next morning, reached Roy Hill, a distance of 365 miles from Meekatharra, on the 8th inst, at 1.28pm the journey thus taking 18 hours 40 minutes.

The return journey was commenced the same afternoon at 3.15pm, and on reaching Ethel Creek ( Station ) some delay was occasioned by having to solder the petrol pipe. Leaving Ethel Creek, the party travelled until 2 am on the 9th, when a stop was made for one hour and 20 minutes. Resuming the journey at 3.20am, the car arrived at Meekatharra at 2.29pm on the 9th inst, the return journey being completed, including stoppages in 23 hours 5 minutes.

It is probable that the distance travelled - 730 miles in 43 1/2 hours including all stopages constitutes a record for this State.

The car used was a 6 cylinder Buick, and was shod with United States tires. Mr. Nelson was rendered first aid by Dr. Athol J Bennett, of the Government Survey Department and, thanks to the able assistance given, was able to stand the journey well. This journey was wholly over bush tracks, whilst the temperature was 100deg in the shade. No time was spent in preparing the car for such an arduous trip. As a matter of fact the Buick has already 60,000 miles to its credit, during which working life it has never been properly overhauled nor has it any new parts fitted. Truly this is an outstanding performance.

Sunday Times ( Perth, WA ) Sunday 11 December 1921

Up until 1926 Dalgety and Company Limited were the state distributors for Buick cars in Western Australia ( see attached advertising ). The company were stock and station agents hence the large numbers of Buicks being found in Western Australia, particularly rural areas.

The area these events took place in are still remote and not infrequently take the lives of stranded motorists who are not prepared for the harsh country.

The efforts of W. Brown ( Buick driver ) are noteworthy and the performance of what was a far from new car outstanding.

Edited May 6, 2011 by 50jetback (see edit history)

[Ben Bruce aka First Born]

Good read, Stuart. Thanks.

Ben

[jscheib]

Stuart,

Thanks and a great story, indeed.

This should serve as a promo for our 2011 Pre-War Division After Tour (See elsewhere on this forum). No one should have a concern for a few hundred miles over several days in central New England where the roads are a "bit" smoother, and we hope the temperature cooler.

John

[Brian_Heil]

I really enjoy those kind of articles.

I've done 300 miles in a day in my Buick on paved roads (Flint to Buffalo and Manitowac, WI to Rochester, MN and the reverse for each) in midwestern heat and I was drained. Doing an even greater distance 'in the bush' @ 100F, two days in a row......now that's a Tour!

[jscheib]

Yes, a salute to both the cars and drivers who make these trips.

John

[tblack]

Took me all summer to put 730 miles on my 21 Buick. If I get over to the pre war tour I should put on about 400 miles in 3 days. Great Story I enjoyed reading it thanks