MODERN MOTORING.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 200, 24 August 1926, Page 12

MODERN MOTORING.

Mr sp+rkwmu.

LIGHTING-UP TIMES. To-day 5.53 p.m. Wednesday 5.54 p.m. Thursday 5.55 pan. Friday M 5.56 p.m. Saturday 5.56 p.nu Sunday 5.57 p.m. Monday 5.58 p.m. THE LEVEL CROSSING. The Main Highways Board haa considered a report by its engineers oh the elimination of the worst level crossings y the Railway Department is prepared to co-operate. In the North Auckland district the works recommended, in order of urgency, are: Oyerbridge at Ruatanga, on Whangarei-Kawakawa railway line; overbridge at South Helensville; overbridge south of Waioutu on the Whangarei-Kawakawa railway; this would also require a deviation, as the present road is liable to flood water trouble and a bridge over the Waioutu Stream; deviation and bridge at a point a-quarter mile couth of Kawakawa town; improvements at the crossing of the Mangatapere-Kaikohe road, about 3i miles south of Kaikohe; a deviation to utilise the existing bridge, at Whakapara station. In South Auckland the requirements arc: Either an ov?r or underbridge 20 chains past of Tirau post offie?: bridge at the road crossing near Mangaiti station; overbridge south of Paeroa station to eliminate double crossing; improved visibility at crossing of the Waitoa-Taupo Road. IS miles from the junction of the Hamilton-Te Aroha Road; overbridge at a point 30i miles from Hamilton-Te Aroha Road on the lastnamed route. On the Main Trunk railway overbridge are advised in Te Kutii station yard; at the west end of the Taumarunui yard; north end of Piriaka yard; two miles south of Raurimu; one mile south of Erua; and a new bridge over Waipa River and deviation at the north end of Otoroi hanga.

THE BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNER. Cable results of the British Grand Prix race, which was held at Brooklanda on Saturday the 7th inst., have come to hand, and are as follows: The winner, Wagner, driving a Delage, averaged 78.66 miles an hour. Captain Campbell was second in a Bugatti, his average speed being 63.28 miles an hour; and Benoist, in a Delage, was third, averaging 68.12 miles an hour. Five British and four jFrench drivers competed in the race, which was Great Britain's first .Grand Prjx, distance 300 miles over 110 laps, including 880 bends. After 90 minutes' driving, Benoist was leading, with Segrave in a Talbot a lap behind, and Wagner lying third. Segrave's car burst into flames in the 52nd lap, and he was forced to retire. Benoist retained the lead until the 100 th lap, when engine trouble developed, and Wagner went on to win by four laps. The British cars were unplaced. France now having won the French, European and British Grand Prix, secures the world's championship, the only other events concerned being the Indianapolis 500, won by America. THE PONTIAC CAR. 'The latest production of General Motors, the Pontine car, has macle its appraranco in Auckland. It is claimed to be the answer of General Motors for the world-wide demand for a roomy fiveseater, six-cylinder enclosed car at a low price. The Pontiac was tested day and night for three years under the most adverse operating conditions, with the result that the car comes to New Zealand a new yet thoroughly tested car. It has pleasing lines with a distinctive radiator design and a general air of csturdine&s. The six-cylinder engine is remarkable for its total lack of vibration and the car attains a high speed without any effort. The equipment is complete and follows the latest practice in. every way. ;

KNOW YOUR CAR. On taking delivery oi a new car most motorists are overcome with a desire to be out on the open road on every possible occasion. The feeling is natural, but new owners will be well repaid if they resist the temptation to the extent of spending two or three hours in making themselves thoroughly familiar with every part of the car and in carrying out any slight adjustments which may be necessary. A start may well be made with the tool kit, the purpose for which every tool is designed being ascertained and such articles as the pump, jack and grease gun being inspected to see if they are in a satisfactory condition. An inspection of the chassis should be made, at the same time consulting the instruction book so that a good general idea of the mechanical details of the car is obtained. The owner should also discover the easiest way of changing a wheel, erecting the hood and side screens, adjusting the brakes and so forth. A short time spent in this manner may subsequently save the owner quite a lot of trouble, and possibly expense.