Fatality Mars Holiday Motor Race

Giff Tait, well-known throughout the Nelson province as a racing driver and a principal of Nelson Winery, Redwood's Valley, was killed instantly when his powerful modified Chrysler Valiant car rolled over on the western bend of the Tahuna Beach racing circuit during the morning preparations for the racing. Seven years ago, Brian Mabey was killed on this same corner during racing. The death of Mr Tait, whose popularity extended far beyond motor racing circles, marred what otherwise was a successful meeting. The pix of the incident, taken by Warren Aston, show Mr Tait's car rolling over, in the top pic, and that below shows the extent of the damage to the vehicle.