SPLASHDOWN

Book excerpt: This book tells of a young couple who struggled against the odds to introduce a seaplane service to New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds, and to members of the travelling public between the South and North Islands. Locals looked askance at what was a totally new concept to the area, but the aeroplanes soon became accepted, especially after their lifesaving use in emergencies was recognised by people in the far-flung reaches of the outer Sounds. Russell Smith, owner and pilot, writes of years of incredible happenings, some adventurous, many humorous, and some just plain harrowing. One account bordering on surreal, occurred at a boat ramp where he was surrounded by nine policemen, accused of being a UFO from outer space! Unbelievable, but true, as is the whole book.