THE MOTOR-CAR.

The Carterton Observer thus reiers to the motor-car recently on tour:—A considerable number of people were on the look-out for tho arrival of the first motorcar ever seen in Carterton. yesterday, from atout 2 p.m. Shortly after four it made its appearance, coming at a fair rate of [speed up High-street, where a large crowd collected, when it was brought to a short halt near the Marquis Hotel. The new machine resembles in some respects an open carriage without shafts, and is enticingly comfortable to look at. It has seating accommodation for three persons,: and can carry a quantity of luggage as well. There'is a good deal of vibration, and the machinery makes considerable noise, when in motion. It seems to be managed, and to run, with the greatest ease, and to attain a speed little short of that of an average railway train—at least on level road. The car is oa the gas-engine principle, 43 h,p,, weighs between 7001bs and 8001bs., is controlled by foot-brake and hand-brake, and there is also a " throttle " whereby the driver can instantly stop the flow of the naphtha vapour, which is the motive-power. The proprietor, Mr Oates, states that the car will run at "any speed up to 18 miles an hour, and on application of brakes and throttle can be stopped in a distance equal to threo times its own length. It sot over, the ttimutaka range without difficulty, but occupied a few hours longer on the journey than was anticipated. The vehicle was imported by Messrs Oates Lowry and Co., of Chriatchurch.