TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 4 March 1937, Page 3

TRIUMPH OVER ADVERSITY.

MOTOR CxiAjlß x'Oio INVALID. Since lie fell from a building- on which ho was construction foreman six years ago, Robert Wales, of Bon Accord Avenue, Waverley, has been struggling to overcome the restrictions imposed by a fractured spine, says the Sydney Sun. The “Wales Motor "Wheel Chair” is his latest triumph in the long fight. With a 1 1 horse power two-stro'kc motor cycle engine and parts given to him by his brother and his sister, lie constructed a compact and easily-con-trolled vehicle, capable of maintaining an average speed of 12 m.p.h. Difficulties lay iu the way of his obtaining a license, but the Bondi June-tion-Waverley sub-branch of the Returned Soldiers’ League, of which,' as an ex-imperial naval man, he is a member, paid his registration and license fees.

The Transport Department dealt sympathetically with the unique application, stipulating only- that the driver’s license would apply only- to this vehicle.

In the registration certificate the weight of the vehicle is given as 1-1-cwt and taxed at 6s 9d a y r ear—additional to a £1 registration fee—and the make as “Wales Motor Wheel Chair —1936 model. ’ ’

The motor and petrol tank rest on brackets at the rear of the chair, and the clutch-box on the front footboards. Both brake and clutch levers are on the steering handle, whicji, therefore, ■ serves three purposes, .and is controlled bv one nand.

The other hand is free to operate a manual chain drive, used for moving tlie chair in and around its owner's home, and to start the chair moving -so that, though a two-speed clutch is fitted, it may be engaged in top gear. Petrol consumption is around 55 miles to the gallon. Wales claims that with the chair running at top speed he can stop it in lift, with the aid of its front and back wheel brakes.

''This is the most wonderful thing in my life/ he says, referring to the use of the chair.

"X can easily travel 80 miles in a day, seeing the countryside, away from the noise and turmoil of the city. "I never stay at home unless I am sick. With a few sandwiches and a billy aboard, what more could a man want?

"There is no need for anyone to commiserate wtih me. I am more likely to cheer them up."