THE CONQUERING MOTOR.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1411, 11 April 1912, Page 5

THE CONQUERING MOTOR.

REGISTRATIONS FOR THE YEAR. The dominating factor in rapid transit as far as the individual is concerned is not the motor-ear, so much as the motor-cycle. Anyone with the power of observation cannot but have noticed how rapidly the flying machine driven cycle has come into favour in Wellington during the past two years. Distance it annihilates, and the hills are to tho motor-cyclo like a gentle rise on a switchback railway. "With a chattering rush it takes any rise in any .street in "Wellington, and makes light of the work. Of late the side-carrier, as an attachment to the motor-car, has come into distinct favour. By this means a man tan get all the pleasure he wants out of motor-cycling, and at the same time allow others to participate. A few motor cyclists make the provision of a back seat, but this is said to make the wear on the back tyre rather rough. Besides the carrier is cosier, more comfortable, and cleaner. An inquiry was made at the City Council's office yesterday as to the number of new motor-cycles which have been registered during the official year ended March 31. On reference to the register it was ascertained that no fewer than 171 machines had been ticketed and numbered in Wellington City alone during the year. Taking the average price at ,£75, this represents .£13,052. # There are at present about 50 cycles with carrier attachments. These cost about i'2o, which adds another .£IOOO to the total. It must be remembered, too, that there arc many motor-cycles running on the streets registered other than in Wellington.

During the same period 108 motor-cars were registered in Wellington—a larger number than in any previous year. Placing the overage cost of a car at .£1(10— many ocst considerably mors and others a little less—this means that Wellington people have spent .£13,200 at least' nn automobiles during tho year. The total amount expended nn new cycles and cars during the year must closely approximate ,£60,000.