THE MOTOR

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 93, 16 October 1914, Page 4

THE MOTOR

(By "Autos.") i TRADE PROSPECTS. Trade prospects in the motor business in this country are not nearly as bad as might be imagined from the existence of war conditions. Though naturally there lias been a falling off in orders, sales are still taking place fairly extensively The motor has become a real necessity to any civilised country nowadays and people cannot do without them. Several firms report good business, and, if the 6eason turns out well, tho record for ' the year should not bo 'much below the normal. Light cars, which have been introduced in large numbers lately are selling quite well, and there is also a demand for commercial vehicles. On the other hand, some purchases which were practically arranged for have fallen through, though they may be renewed later. The first fortnight of the war was the worst time experienced, and things are now working back to normal. It is notable that local firms, like Messrs. Stanton and Evans, who have opened up a new garage at Lower Hutt, are extending their operations, and such enterprise speaks well of the confidence possessed by the trade iii the future. It is also remarkable that the Foi-d Company, in spite of war conditions, have raised the price of their cars £10 ; operating from next month. One would naturally expect, if the demand were falling, that prices would fall also, but the Ford Company, as other companies also, are on a ba-sis as sound as a rock, and the fact that prices have been raised is a sign that the demand is well maintained. Germany does not publish records of liquid fuel imports, and there are no trade returns giving the stocks of any description of oil. There is, however, no secrecy about the imports of illuminating oil and benzine for the common needs of the country. It is known that in 1913 Germany imported 249,000 tons of benzine against 277,500 tons in 1912. That American benzine lost favour in the German markets last year is shown by the fact that the imports only amounted to 45,200 tons, against 78,300 tons in 1912. On the other hand, the Germans have now a grip^ on the oil trade and oil fields of Rumania, and they are importing Rumanian benzine in steadily increasing quantities. These are the fields in which, next to those of Galicia, Germany can place some reliance in case of a war, and it is evidently with this object in view that German bankers— and, it is believed, the Governments of Germany and Austria — have taken such an active part in establishing refineries and running up-to-date fleets of motorpropelled tank steamers and lighters on the Danube. The Danube is a vitally important artery connecting the chief oilconsuming centres of Germany with the Rumanian and' Galician fields, and if the Austrians fail to protect it, or if the Rumanians cut off the supply at the source, it will be a serious matter for the Germans, for their supplies of all kinds of oil must be depleted long before the end of the war. Motoring in th© Argentine appears to be rough work according to a letter appearing in the latest copy of "The Motor" to hand. A correspondent writes describing his experiences with a series of cars. None of them were entirely satisfactory until he got a 15-18 Hupmobile. "This," he says, "I bought in England, and had genuine Michelin 820 mm. by 120 mm. rims and tires fitted, instead of the original 90 mm. or 105 mm. This car has done 7000 miles, and the back tires last over '5000 miles, front ones still going strong. I have had no. trouble, the car holds the road well at high speeds, and I have had only on© puncture since I have had it, and that a. nail picked up in town. Please note how well this car and tire bear out \he advice that 'The Motor' is always giving, 'fit large tires. 1 In conclusion, I may state that my case is an exception. I live in a hilly district, but the, large part of the Argentine is flat, and motorists on the plains would not suffer with tire troubles as I have done. Tronblea they have, but if they followed your advice they would be almost free from care. Also, I must say how much I am indebted to the Parsons chains, as they have enabled me to plough through miles and miles of soft mud. where, otherwise, I should not have been able to move a yard. Parsons chains have linked me to civilisation, for I am never struck out in the wilds by bad roads." Kentucky is leading the way in a much-needed respect. "All chauffeurs will be required to posses a licensej which will only be issued to them upon passing a set examination, paying two dollars, and supplying a certificate as to honesty, sobriety, and general character signed by three reputable citizens." This ought to tffin out the overcrowding, and is an example which could be profitably followed in every country. Experiences with aeroplanes on a large scale in the war indicate that friends may be shot at in mistake. for the foe, as when flying at several thousand feet it would be difficult even for an expert observer to distinguish one machins from another. So serious has this danger become that it is announced the Belgian War Office Tiave ordered the troops in future not to fire at any aeroplanes. Several of their own machines have been hit, and the pilots injured. Some of the French machines have also arrived back at their 'base riddled with bullets, and it is feared this has been done by their own troops. The War Office has appealed for the special enlistment of men of different trades for use on the military wing of the Royal Flying Corps. Amongst others, blacksmiths, clerks, mechanical draughtsmen, drillers, engine testers, fitters, metal joiners, pattern-makers, photographers, tinsmiths, topi grinders, turners, whitesmiths, and wireless operators are required.