RELIABILITY TRIAL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 81, 7 April 1931, Page 16

RELIABILITY TRIAL.

A.A.A. VENTURES.

START OF pTHER PROJECTS

SOLID TEST ARRANGED

The competitions committee of the Auckland Automobile Association is organising a one-day reliability trial for motor ears to be held on Saturday, May 23. Although there have been numerous requests in past years for the Automobile Association to engage in activities of this sort, action has been deferred owing to the many urgent services which have demanded the full attention of members of the executive.

Such sporting fixtures as hill climbs, petrol consumption tests, reliability and dependability trials are. conducted by the Automobile Associations of other countries, and the A.A.A. now proposes to promote activities of this. kind. As a beginning, a one-day trial of about 125 miles is being arranged. The start and finish will be in the city, and the proposed route will take competitors out on the Great North Road, over the Waitakere Ranges, by back roads to Kumeu, and then via Helensville and White Hills to Waiwera. The second half of the trial will follow the main highway from Waiwera to Albany, and will then branch off through Riverhead and Henderson to the city. An allweather route has been selected, comprising all classes of surfacing, with some fairly steep grades. . The first trial to be held will not impose any undue test on either the car or the driver. It comprises the general reliability of the vehicle, keeping of time schedule by the driver, petrol consumption and the general observance of : traffic regulations. There will be separate classes for the various horse power c-'fines, and distinction will be made between the trade or expert driver and-the .ordinary private owner.

It is proposed later in the year to conduct further tests of a more difficult nature and gradually to complete ; the organisation in preparation for longer and much more comprehensive reliability trials. The r committee is now engaged in drawing up rules covering the trial, and these will he circularised to prospective entrants. "The prospect of a sporting fixture of this nature is welcomed by the motor trade, who have, promised keen support, and also by a large number of private owners who are anxious to have the performance of their vehicles tested by authentic methods.«