ITEMS OF INTEREST.

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LVIII, Issue 67, 24 August 1937, Page 2

ITEMS OF INTEREST.

One of Britain's safety measures is the examination of automobiles by Government experts. Last year, 175,000 commercial vehicles were examined and 21,010 notices of prohibition were issued where the vehicles inspected were, or were likely to besome, unfit for service. Of these notices of prohibition, 6465 took effect immediately on issue.

Foreign manufacturers, declares the London "Daily Mail," are planning a raid on the British car market, which is hampered by rising prices and delays in production, due to rearmament. America, France, Belgium and Germany have booked the bulk of the stands at the Motor Show, opening on October 14. The Italians are invading the small-car market with a 6 h.p. model, while the Germans are producing an 8 h.p. model for £90. Answering the challenge, several British manufacturers are preparing models on revolutionary lines.

Modern "fool-proof" transmissions have done much to simplify driving, particularly that once-dreaded manoeuvre, changing-down. It should be remembered, however, that even if the car has synchromesh gears, and the actual change of gear can be made quietly at any speed, undue strain may be imposed on the transmission unless the engine-speed is adjusted before the drive is picked up in the lower gear. The "before" is important, as only by speeding-up the motor accurately before engaging the clutch again can a driver avoid placing a severe load on the clutch, universal joints, differential and axles. In extreme cases, even the back tyres suffer. With a good driver at the wheel, passengers are conscious only of the increased speed of the motor when a change-down is made. This is as it should be, with no gearbox noise, and particularly no jolt. It is not difficult to perform this manoeuvre after a little practice.

"When a pedestrian sets out to cross a wide road it is not sufficient to look around just before stepping off the kerb and then walk across without giving any more attention to his or her movements," declared the Chief Justice, Sir Michael Myers, in the Supreme Court at Palmerston North. "If that were permitted, then all I can say is that it would be an unfortunate state of affairs. The pedestrian has a duty to look after himself," continued his Honour. "He is also entitled to have others regardful of his rights, but he does not own the highway any more than the motorist. Each has a duty to the other."