MOTORING

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20197, 27 March 1931, Page 4

MOTORING

BY "ROADSTER."

"Boadster" invites artidtes, . wad paragraphs of interest to motorists for this page.

unsightly hoardings. The disfiguration "bf the countryside bv advertising hoardings has been discussed again and again by motorists' organisations; but up lo the present their efforts to abate the nuisance have not been attended with success. On a run into the country a few miles from the City, these hoardings are to be found in dozens. Some are used to advertise somebody's tyres, or a certain make of motor-cars, and a good many others serve the purpose of drawing attention to the qualities of a toilet soap or other household commodity. On a few occasions when the attention of offending advertisers has been directed to the complaints made against them in this connexion, the hoardings have been removed; but in too many instances no notice has been taken of the complaint. One of the greatest offenders in regard to hoardings is the Bail way Department, which has steadfastly refused to agree to their removal on the ground that to do so would be to throw away a good source of revenue. There had been no stronger opponent of the nuisance than the South Island Motor Union, and it is noteworthy that this body has circularised local bodies asking that they give their assistance with a view to dealing effectively with the trouble. Two favourable replies have been received by the Union, particulars of which are given in another column, and it appears that a conference is to be called by the Rangiora County Council to deal with the question. The chairman of the Amuri County Council (Mr M. Bcthell) has intimated that body's intention of drawing up a set of bylaws covering the matter,.the effect of which will be to prcveftt any person from erecting a hoarding without the consent of the local authority. If the lead of the Amuri County Council is followed by other local bodies, a big improvement may soon be looked for, and it is probable that the example thus set will be given due consideration by the Bailway Department. It is likely that the subject will be discussed by the delegates to the South Island Motor Union's half-yearly meeting this afternoon. SKIDDING OF CABS. Too many drivers are inclined to blame tie tyres when their car skids, whereas in the great majority of cases the trouble lies with themselves, provided, of course,, the surface of the road, is satisfactory. A good many of the roads in Canterbury leave nothing to be desired; bnt not all of'them are good. It is, therefore necessary, when driving, to be on the alert for changes in the surface. If this is not done it becomes necessary sometimes to .apply the brakes suddenly, with the result that the,' tyres v are not given a fair chance to grip, when a bad surface is encountered. It is a good" rule to have the brakes tested; every 5000' miles or so, that one may be certain that they will act on all four' wheels simultaneously. If they do not do so, there-is the risk

of a skid taking place. Neglect of shock absorbers and springs decreases Che road-holding qualities of a car. Attention to the matters mentioned xmi go a long way towards obviating skids. NOTES. The half-yearly meeting of delegates to the South Island.Motor Union will be held this afternoon,' comencing at 2 o'clock, in the rooms of the Canterbury Automobile Association. A big attendance is expected, including Mr M. H. Wynyard, motorists' representative on the Main Highways Board, and Mr C. J. Talbot, representative of the South Island Counties.

In 1924 only seven British motorcycles were imported into Argentina, as against 165 of American origin. Now, during only the first nine months of 1930. no fewer than 144 were bought from England, the. American figure showing but a slight increase over that for six years ago.

One of the leading American brakelining manufacturers has adopted a new idea in motor insurance, under which every motorist who . has bis brakes relined with the firm s material, is entitled to a £2O accident policy, valid for one year. To keep the insurance in force it is necessary for the motorist to have his brakes inspected every thirty days N at one or the company's authorised service stations in the United States and Canada. An unusual way of rendering road surfaces as skid-proof as possible in wet weather'has been adopted in Germany. When the-leather is warm and the asphalt becomes soft, a heavy road-rolling machine is run over the surface, with ' tlie result that the wheels mark the roadwav with a brick-like pattern 1 that ' provides a grip for the wheels of vehicles. At a recent auction sale in England, a six-cylinder touring car was knocked down for 68s, after the bidding lmd progressed by shillings. According to a recent report from Paris an'important contract has been arranged between a French concern and the Soviet Government for the exclusive importation into France or 300,000 tons of Russian petrol yearly, while the French company is said to "be in negotiation with the Soviet for the importation- of Russian crude oil to be refined in France. The fatal traffic accident figure of 33,060 for the United States last year represents one death for every 5,000,000 miles travelled. A new type of 'carburettor, called the Juhasz Tri-Fuel, which been undergoing extensive tests in New York, is designed to carburate petrol, fuel oil, or paraffin. A South African instrument of this nature recently underwent Office tests. > . The Birmingham Small Arms Com : pany, Limited, have acquired the whole of the share capital of the Lanchesjer Motor Company, Limited. . • Here are some yet bigger and. better figures hailing .from the United States. The American Automobile Association estimates that there are no fewer than 8,000,000 cars on the road which are over five years of'age and are o ( nly fit for the scrap heap.' They appear to make up in quantity-any deficiency in quality attaching -to them, their _ value being'given at' j£s per <jar t All thesame, the valuation is hardly flattering to their constructors. What is the average value of a five-year-old English cart 1 [ It "is reported from America that, a new low-priced small car to sell in the United' States at 250 dollars (approximately £SO) is shortly to make its appearance over there. Details of the new machinq. are at present very slender,- but it is understood that it will be known as the Martin Midget, and will have an engine developing 29} h.p. at 3400,r.p.m. The, activities of- the Miclielin Company'are widespread. Not only do they produce tyres, But) in addition,, they apparently collect. Their latest research discloses the fact that 222,400 new cars- were" sold in, France during 1929, and 304,676 vehicles of t the used or'second-hand variety. These figures 1 give some idea of the importance toI day of the-used car market. ! , Ifew York apparently now has a special police Squad to deal with the nuisance of the .motorist- who . uses the horn too often. These policemen are at present only warnings will be supplanted by prosecutions. . . " - /The "police of Detroit are waging a 'war against smoking exhausts, owing to the fact that other.drivers are temporarily' blinded ; by clouds of exhaust 1 smolce. ;.'■■■■ : : - It is estimated that there: are now 25,279 cars in use in Poland, a? compared with only 21,692 a year ago,

RELIABILITY TRIAL.

>' ' • announcement op results fOR LIGHT CARS. The results of the reliability trial for light cars, conducted last week-end by, the Pioneer Sports Club, were announced last night. They were as follows

. Teams' Prize. A. D. Tench (T), 8 Singer 995; B. - .Tench (T), 8 Singer, 996; J. ; 1 H. : • Hewlett (P. 0.), 8 Singer, 968. . Total 2959 points . - . .1 A. 'D. Crozier (T), 7 Austin, 999; P. St.. J. Parson (T), 7 Austin, 994; A. M. Pavitt (T), 7. Austin, 910. Ttffcal 2930 points ■ ... 2 Out pf U entries, there were 12 starters, ten of whom finished, one, being disqualified. . , ■ J, J. Busch (7 Austin) gained the ■ special prize for the best individual performance of a ( private owner. The first jsix gained certificates. The results of the motor-cycle event trill be announced latex.

WITH TENT AM) MOTOR.

THE EASTER BREAK. SOUTH ISLAND.,'. POSSIBILITIES. [By Tkip.] (All Eights Reserved.) Readers who intend going motor-camping at Easter and who want any information regarding roads, camping places, etc., should write at once to "Trip, ' P.O. Box 1178, Wellington; enclosing a stamped addressed envelope for reply. The advent of Easter practically spells the end of motor-camping for the season, especially in the South Island. Thereafter weather conditions are less settled and holiday-makers are less inclined to face the vagaries of climate, under canvas. Actually, South Island motorists have this season had the best of the bargain as far' as weather is concerned, for it has been more settled there than-in the North, anjd Easter is usually fairly safe, especially when it falls fairly early. This will be the last article of this series for the present year, and its object is niefely to reviewvery briefly some of the journeys that offer easy and pleasant holidays in the South Island, with tent and car. It is probable that reasons of economy will keep many motorists within short distance of their own lionies, but there are few southern districts which do not offer some attractions of their own, while the North Island motorist with time to spare can have a glorious, holiday of a type unattainable in the north. Round Trips. If the road from Pembroke to the West Coast is ever completed, the South Island will have a round trip without compare in the Dominion, for the lakes, Franz Josef glacier, and the whole of the delightful West Coast area will be within easy reach of Otago and Southland, and it would then be possible to make right round. the Island, or cut across to Christchurch, thus halving the journey. Meantime, however, no. such journey is possible, and the motorist with the limited holiday usually available at " this time of the year has to choose be--tween the beauties of the Southern Lakes, or the freedom of a holiday down the West' Coast, with Franz Josef, and possibly the Fox glacier as his objectives. There'are many other round trips possible, but these are the two most popular in the South Island, and havo the advantage that they may be made at any time without fear erf being held up by bad roads. A week's break is sufficient for a brief visit to either of the places mentioned above from any point in the South Island south of (and including) Christchurch. Possibly the best way to visit the' Southern Lakes ia to go via Timaru, through Fairlie to Lake Tekapo, then on to Lake Pukaki (making a detour to the Hermitage if desired) and so to Pembroke on Lakc'Wanaka. From there it is an easy day to Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu. The return - jourliey may be made on either of a number of different routes. You can go through Crtfmwell, Clyde; and Naseby to Palmerston, or through Cromwell to Omar'ama, and thence to Oainaru. Another route lies through Central Otago with its orchards, down through Cromwell, Alexandra, and Roxburgh, coming on Wat Milton, close to Dunedin. Jl Btill more complete journey tak-.> ing a little longer is to make-up through Invercargill to Kingston, then take the car oil the boat acrossi Wakatipu to Queenstown, and then make up through the centre of the Island as outlined above. , The West Coast. < The area which' received, the full force of, the severe earthquake in 1929 still holds a fascination for those who have not been there, and each holiday period sees many motorists in that reg-.

ion. Gradually the territ>le scars made, in the countryside are, being healed by the growth of fresh vegetation, but in the vicinity of Murchison, where lake was formed, there are evidences which will remain for all time. Franz Josef glacier is within two days' run of Christchurch or Nelson, so is equally accessible to either North Island or South Island motorists. It should be added perhaps that the weather on the West Coast is very often excellent during the early winter months. The really wet period is in the spring, when several inches will often fall in a night. A very delightful round trip can be made from Christchurch to Franz Josef lip to Nelson, and - thence down the East Coast to Christchurch, in abqut ten days, allowing a day here and there. It eould be done more quickly, of course but that would allow no. time, for anything but travelling. Pistrict Holidays. Anv district in the South Island oilers infinite possibilities in the way of holidays. The northern section includes the sounds, Nelson, and the run to Collingwood, all of which take you to excellent beaches \yhere plenty of swimming, boating, and fishing are available. The central portion from Christchurch northward on the' East' Coast includes some very fine beaches with excellent spots for camping, while the Akaroa Peninsula, with its myriad bays, v is well known as a camper's paradise — and indeed was so long before the motof increased the popularity of camping. Further' south Tim.aru offers a wondevfully«afe beach for a holiday, while inland there is Lake Tekapo, steadily becoming more popular with motor campers, and deservedly so. The Dunedin area includes the beaches to the north of the town itself, from Waitati to Waikouaiti, and this is within easy distance of Central Otago. Southland has beaches galore—Biverton being one -)f the finest in the Dominion —and is fortunate in having easy access to the lakes, and especially to Lakes Manar pouri and Te .Anau, and thus to Milford Sound. No motorist need go far afield to be taken away from his accustomed surroundings, for in nearly every district bush, mountain, and lake are to b'e found, often within easy striking distance'of a town. The South Island abounds in places of interest to the motor camper and whether his holiday be a week or very much longer, there will be infinite variety for the choosing. Plan well for comfort, remembering that colder nights may be expected especially in the mountainous parts, and the. Easter break with tent and car will be numbered amonp the treasured memories* of holidays jwell spent.

LIGHTING LAWS.

GUARDING THE PUBLIC. "Now that the. period of daylightsaving has ended, motorists, in fact all users of the roads, should be sure that they obey the laws relating to the lighting of vehicles," says the Canterbury Automobile Association. "Lighting up time is half an hour after sunset, according to the law on the subject, and it is a law obeyed by motorists, but honoured more in the breach by other classes of traffic. - No motorist worthy the name takes, risks with the lighting equipment of his car. At all times lie will make sure i, that his headlamps, parking lights, and his tail-light are in perfect working order. It ,Ls fairly easv to detect failure in the forward lights, but it is not so easy to detect a failure in that most important tail-light. ■ ISvery motorist should make sure every night that the tail-light is at work. It is better to £0 that as a habit "than to explain to an inspector of policeman that you didn't know. Bulbs in tailligtits are very liable to defect. For instance a little dust will break contact, and because these lights are frequently on shimmying rear guards,, the risk of broken filaments is much greater than on .the forward lights. The! wise motorist carries a spare bulb or two in the tool kit or cubby hole. "The worst no-light offenders are- the cyclists and one or two drivers of horse-drawn vehicles, and to them a

special appeal"is directed in the interests of themselves arid other users <of the roads. It is criminal negligence for anyone to use an unlighted: Vehicle on the roads,' yet hundreds of cyclists gamble with their lives nightly in and about Christchurch. There is no excuse for such neglect.' Th« lavr arid common sense call for properly lighted vehicles no matter what their type. Public safety id at stake." $

Alfred Beeves, general manager of the United States National Automobile Chamber of Commerce* in an address recently, declared that the automobile industry in America was menaced by burdensome taxes .and excessive 'regulations. There were, he pointed out, 15 different kinds of taxes ia force/ and increases were foreshadowed.

A motorist who' was Sued ,*in Yfaiky shire for having a faulty ieai lights , afterwards saw a car in a garage with. i one letter on the somber - broken off. Interrogating anattendaiit, ? . he. was surprised to -learn that it Wk £ ' longed tp one of the Magistrates wh*' had-fined him. • , ' J

NORTH island ' ROADS.

information for motorists. For the information of South Island nwtorists who Intend to tour the North to lis Dg the E ?ater.holidays the « r^rS 0n Automobil « Club has issued a report concerning the state of roads there. The main road from Wellington to almerston North, via Levin and Shannon, is in good order, but on the road between Levin and Foxton tar-sealing is in progress and there are short stretches of rough metal to be driven over. It id necessary to look out Sfor heavy shingle between Sanson and Bulls. -l^. r v icillai S ar « as follow*: Wai ff n« J. a V pe: Good order - Bulls to Wanganui. Loose metal in places. Taihape; to Ohakune: Good condition. Waiouru to Tokaanu: Not metalled, but eas ° nable order; in event of heavy rain, however, should be avoided. anganui to Raetahi: .Parapara road is and, winding;- metalled; needs carefig driving. Hunterville to Tanfei-. tl l,r? ome ®l a y sections require chains to wet weather; no trouble should be j* P m" enced 1 ? fine -weather. Ohakune « iarUnui: ; Good t0 National Park; thereafter rough and containing potTa * maru »ui to Te Kuiti: In W i! order . ; c °nntry so dry that unCi eav T T ? faUa there should be no trouble during Easter. Te Kuiti to Hamilton: Good as far as Kihi TCiM. aen rough with numerous pot-holes. Auckland District. The road from Hamilton to Mercer is in good order, and from Pokeno to Auckland it is. 'still necessary to travel over the Razorback Hills, the Bombay I deviation not being available for traffic. Te Awamutu to Kakhai: Medalled. PoKeno to Thames: Good metalled road. Thames to Auckland: Good; CoromanJw Peninsula-Tapu-Coroglan-Mercury Bay route should be avoided in wet weather. Coromandel-Colville; New deviations and reconstruction work are ; W progress; a little inconvenience may be expected in "wet weather. From Wanganui to New JPJymputh, via Hawera, the road is good, and from New Plymouth to Te Kuiti similar conditions apply, Stratford to Tamnarunui, via Tarangakau Gorge: Most comfortable; travelling may be obtained by usO of route from Ohura to Matiere, Okahukura, and Taumarunui; clay sections are _ reasonable, but route' should be avoided in wet feather. The best; rout 6 north from Auckland is by ferry to Birkenhead, thence via Waiwera, Warkworth, Welldford, Maungaturotp, and thence ta Waipu and « whanrarei,. or to Dargaville, via Rua, *'«•' Frpni to Holensvillo conditions are good. , Earthquake Country. AH roadg! from Dajwovirke to Napier wtfl probably" b£ rough owing to cracks jistireu fcftvitfg been ,filled in. Pal* merston Tar-sealed. > PalfirerSton'to Folding; Good condition, any rdtjte. From Napier to Wairoa and Gisborne proceed via Greenmeadows and Rissington, thenee/to Eskdale. direct' road via Eskdale can be used, but there are deviations along the railway line iMver*l.; chains in length, and railway > bridgsa have to be tirossed byraeans of

planks. This section of the road is rather tricky _ for an inexperienced driver and will vbecome impassable after heavy rain. Motorists wishing to vist Wairoa, en route to Gisborne, will need to retrace their steps to Awamate, about three miles on the Napier side or Wairoa to deviate over the railway bridge as the main traffic bridge at Wairoa is down. See Signpost. It is advsable to carry chains in bad weather. From Napier to Taihape the road is in reasonable order, and once the earths quake area is left behind in the vicinity of Napier the usual conditions, pertain; carry chains in wet weather. The route from Wairoa to Waikaremoana is now in reasonable order, but owing to earthquake damage between Wairoa and Lake House-a blockage may occur at any time. . Motorists are advised to telephone Lake House to ascerweather conditions before starting a trip; it is not advisable to make the trip in wet weather. \ ; ; 'North of Napier. The direct route from Napier to Taupo, via Eskdale, can be used, the conditions being described in the Na-pier-Wairoa route. The alternative route, va Greenmeadows and Rissington to Te Pohue, is reasonable, and although longer ,is preferable; carry chains in event of wet weather. The balance of the road from Te Pohue to Taupo is in quite reasonable order. Taupo to Wainiarinor Narrow in parts between , Tokaanu and Waimarino; surface generally good owing to services of grader. Taupo-Rotorua-Whakatane: Good order. Good conditions are met with from Rotorua to Hamilton, from Rotorua to Tauranga and from Whakatane to Opotiki. Taupo to Atiamuri to Hamilton: Pumice road most of way; rough between Idtchfield and Atianjuri; -rough near Tokoroa; carry chains in wet' weather Opotiki-Motu-Gisborne: Surface of road good; three Unbridged streams. These will be found difficult: after contm uous, rain, but streams dron quickly,, and at this time of the year ■there should not be inconvenience caused. An Auckland Automobile Association 's patrol will stand by to give assistance" in wet weather. GisborneHick's Bay: Metalled road; ford between Hick's Bay and Te Arproa may give trouble after rain. From Whakatane to Tauranga thai road is in good order, but construction work is being carried out between Te Puke and Tauranga; chains will be required after J? 1 . 11, Waihi-Pokeno, via Thames: Fair condition. i' The French Chamber is giving consideration to a scheme, to reduce by, half the tax on motoV-cars used by farmers, doctors, lawyers, and other 'Professional men when the vehicles are. used in the course of their work, Drain the .engine sump every 1000 miles. If the car is fitted with an oh strainer, clean this every 5000 miles. ..There is nothing 1 to be gained by ing a long distance record on one fill of lubricating oil. Good oil and plenty of it the ..cheapest way ofr reducing the repair bill., This applies alßo to the gear box and rear axle. Guard against over filling; all levels are stipulated by tKe makers of the car and should be rigidly observed. Oonstant and regular attention to the greasing of all nipples, shackle bolts and 'other bearings should be a fetish with . every motorist; < Many, accidents can be traced, to' carelessness in this, respect, and repair shops nourish from the same neglect. .

HOARDINGS. ' § LOCAL BODIES TO ACT. ! CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS v. NUISANCE. A circular letter was recently sent out by the South Island Motor Union to various local bodies, drawing attention to the nuisance caused by the erection of advertising hoardings i n the country, and seeking their cooperation in" the direction of having it stopped. Two very encouraging re-plies-have since been received by *ht Union, The chairman of the Amuri County Council (Mr M. Bethell) has written stating that that'body is entirely in accord with, the Union in regard to the matter. Until a few months ag° the was free of these "eyesores," but more recently a- great num. ber of horrible signs had been jput upThe Cqunty authorities had written to the companies concerned . protesting against their action, but without avail. .In consequence, a new "set of County by-laws was being drawn up, it being proposed to prevent any person from erecting a hoarding within the County without the consent -in writing of the local authority, and to define a hoarding. "The Railway Department is the worst offender," continues the latter,. "as it lets space along 'the lines and of course x no by-law will affect it. I have had several interviews with various Ministers for Railways concerning the matter, but they always repliecj that the revenue obtained by such nieans was too valuable to give up, nonsense. So long as the Railway Department allows, thess signs, we cannot expect mticn from other people. J would suggest thai Your Union make a strong protest to the Government and get the North Island Motor Union to do likewise. ,1 intend to stir up the executive of the Counties'. Association at its next faceting." The Raneiora Connty Council has replied to the effect that it agrees witff the Union that the hoardings are a nuisance, and also a danger to motor traffic. 'The Council intends to call a conference of County Councils between the Waimatnriri .and Waipara rivers, namely: the Eyre; Oxford. Ashtev. and Kowai County Councils, to discuss the matter.

CARE.OF THE CAB. POINTS TO WATCH. At least two inches of play or loose movement on the clutch pedal should be allowed when adjusting a clutch. Clean out all carburettor jets by removing jet ' plugs, and never allow petrol unions or joints of any.kind to show the slightest moisture from petrol leakage. This will not f only minimise the risk of Are, but will assist is obtaining extra mileage. . A cupful of lubricating oil poured into the petrol task every 2000 miles will the formation of rust inside , the tank, and assist in lubricating the throttle bearings. and inlet valve • guides. These are parts of the motor, that are constantly in motion, and do not geneiblly receive the lubrication they require. After adjusting brakes, jack up front and rear axle's to make sure that all the wheels run freely. -The rear, wheel brakes should' be adjusted id come ; into operation slightly before the front' wheels, thuß making for safety in emergency. ■ .

MOTOR-CYCLING. PIONEER SPORTS CLUB. FIXTURES. /' i " . 7 March 28th—Beach .Races, North Beach. > April 12th—Social Pillion Trial. May 2nd—Miniature T.T. Race. JBEACH - RACES. TO-MOfcROW'S events. The following are the handicaps for the beach races for light cars and motorcycles, to be held at North Brighton to-morrow afternoon, in conjunction with the Carnival being held by the Waimairi Beach Life Saving Clubs— Eight Miles Maiden Handicap—E. Gray (SI Budge) scr, G. D. Bobson (3} | Douglas) scr, L. -R. Harrington (3 J Budge) 12jBec, G. Robinson (2} H.D.) 25sec, W. G. Bradshaw (3J 8.8.A.) 47* sec, E. J. Bradshaw (2J F.N.) 47|sec. Middleweight Championship, 16 miles —A. J. Smith (3i A.J.S.), B. W. Jenkin (3J Norton), T. R. McCleary (3J Ariel), J. H. Philpott Ariel), L. E. Gray' (3j Budge), G. W. Hockley ( 3 i H.D.), B. Carpenter (3f Norton), S. L. Ogden (3J Ariel), M. Hockley (2$ Velocette). Eight Miles Open Handicap—A. "J. Smith (3} A.J.S.) scr, G. W. Hockley (3} H.D,) 7}sec, B. W. Jenkins (3* Norton) 17jsec, B. Carpenter (3J Norton) 17$ sec, T. B. MoClfeary (8i Ariel) 32Jsec, G. D. Bobson (3J Douglas) 40 sec, S. L, Ogden (3j Ariel) 40sec, J. H. Philpott (8* Ariel) 40sec, M. Hockley (2| Velocette) 40sec, L. E. Gray <3i Budge) 40sec, L. B. Harrington (3J Budge) 52Jsee, G. A. Robinson (2f H.D.) 65sec, W. G. Bradshaw (3$ 8.5.A.) 90 sec, E. J. Bradshaw (2$ P.N.) 90seo. Light Car Open Handicap of eight miles (the handicaps for this event will be announced prior to the start) —J. K. Tench (8 Singer Junior), L. P. Poor® (0 8.5.A.), E. D. O'Connor (9 Biley), H. Hayward (7 Austin), D. C. Crozier (7 Austin), C. Hayward (7 Austin), J. J. Busch "(7 Austin). ' The first race will start at 2.30 p.m.

BROADSIDING. '■ I SPEEDWAY NOTES. To mark the oldse of the season there will be a carnival at the Monica Park Speedway to-morrow night, when several items of an unusual nature will be presented. Three mateh races will be held between Canterbury and Otago representatives. In the first heat P. Lunn (Canterbury) will meet Ben TJnwin, late of Australia, and now of Dunedin, in the'second heat the contestants will be Norman Gray and Jack Young, and in .the third heat'masked riders will, appear. Two points will count for fim place, and one point for second. The usual First an# Second Division Handicaps will be held, each of five events. A most unusual attraction .will be. the brobdaiding race for baby- cars. There will be two heats in .this and two cars i will appear in each, the winners appearing in the final. To-give variety to the programme five trotters will appear in a mile race, and there will be a good field,, for tho raca for C\ty draXight horses, Ben TTnwin being the rider of the grey. An exhibition of buck-jump-, ing will be given by two> experts, J.' Duncan and T. Nottingham, and a fire*

works display will b* presented by Mr H. F. Bickerton, of Wainoni Park. Auotber*eventwhich ia certftin to produce interest is a race" onr©ld*time "Penny* Farthing" bicycles between Wattie, Eon, and Bill Weir, rnd A* E, McKaskelL The track racers frill be seen in a race which should provide a. big share of fun, and there will also be-a number af eccentric cycles on the track. A 'flor; elty band will supply special music. To get through the programme at a reasonably hour it will be r necessary to commence at 7.30 p.m. HIGHWAYMEN.

PLANS TO jENTRAP UNSUSPECTING MOTORISTS. The warnings that have been issue* in Britain recently by the motorinj bodies regarding traps that are being laid on the roads to induce motorist: to stop for the purpose of beinj molested by thugs would seem t< justify motor drivers in resolving t< treat with suspicion each and ever: individual who appeals for a lift, ah< to be on their guard against diabolic* tricks devised to entrap the uig motorist, remarks the "Motor." The dropped valise trick haa de ceived a number of drivers, but now jshat- the warning has been given the desperadoes who are. out for loot in any form, with violence if in the mood, are devising new methods. >• The latest of these takes the form ol"an appeal to the'humanity of the motorist. A woman confederate of th« ruffians is. left lying in the road. The first instinct of the average motorist is to stop, but in a recent v instance, before actually coming to a standstill, a driver luckily saw the heads of twe men watching behind a fence. He accelerated and drove away. There is another trick to be on guard against This was tried recently on a woman driver returning alone after e dance. She saw a red lamp being waved in front of her, and stopped; thipking it might be a policeman or a road obstruction warning: A man got on to the running board in. a menacing manner, but she was able to push , him off and drive on. It is quite clear that there are now prevalent forms of highway robbery which, while lacking in those touches of the romantic imparted to the profession in the days of Claude Duval, are being planned with a subtlety-that ig villainous in intent, and .all motorists, particularly women drivers, are justified in being on guard. *

,f.: \ "Reliabil- OondiT otal. D. C. Crozier (T), ijy. tion. 999, ' 7 Austin 930 ' 69 B. Tench (T) 8 996 Singer 930 . <66 ■ A. D. Tench (T) . 995 8 finger 925 70 J. J. Busch . (P.O.), 7 Austin •924 70 ' 994 E. D. O'Connor (T), 9 Biley .. 930 64 994 •F. St. «f. .Parson (T), 7 Austin 926 ' 68 994 J;, H. Hewlett ' i'' 968 (P.O.), 8 Singer 898 ' 70 A. M. Pavitt (T) 910 7 Austin 843 65 N. L. Vale (T), 7 896 Austin 827 69 8135 611 8746 - Busch. tied with A; D. Tench, but lost one point at the secret check.