MOTOR TRADE ITEMS

Manawatu Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 3493, 1 November 1926, Page 14

MOTOR TRADE ITEMS

There were 1278 Morris cars produced in 1919-1920. The output rose to 2042 in 1921, 4025 in 1022, 15,987 in 1923, 26,401 in 1924, and 49,750 in 1925. The 11 million mark in Ford production was passed on July 21. The 1 o-iniilionih Ford was produced in June, 1924. The additional four million oars have been built in less than two years and two months.

The Villicrs Kngincoring Company of Hngluud, well known as builders of motor-cycle ongi nos, are entering tiio car held with a light six which is expected to make its appearance at the British Oiympia within a few weeks. ".’he Harley-Davidson factory in America has announced that it is definitely opposed to "race meets, hill climbs and dangerous riding stunts, and is attempting to discourage these exhibitions in every way possible.” At Altoona, .S.A., recently, Indian riders secured three of the American Mat inmil Championships. In the 5 and 25-mile event Indian secured first and second, while in the 10mile .the first three places fell to this make. A Douglas was third in tile 5-mile, while a , Harley-David-son secured that honour in the 25mile race.

The new 31 h.p. B.S.A. looks a very attractive mount. Tho saddle position, 24in. from the ground, should give excoplional control on greasy or loose surfaces, especially as balloon tyros arc fitted. The engine is of the overhead valve type, the cylinder being enclosed forward in the frame to enable the seating position to bo so low. Other features are sump lubrication. Standard Tourist Trophy carburetter and a guaranteed speed of S 5 m.p.h. The New Zealand Motor Trade Association has 645 members.

Auckland, Oa.maru and Timaru will probably all bold motor exhibitions in ] 927. An effort is also to be made to organise a show for Wellington.

It was stated at the recent annual meeting of the New Zealand Wholesale Motor and Cycle Traders’ Association, that dealers usually recorded a loss on cars taken in part payment for new cars. "Wo cannot convict motorists with a stop watch costing* Sss, M said a member of the. Newmarket Borough Council recently, when the newly appointed traffic ip s ‘e ■■ suggest-

ed that two slop whlches could bo bought for £3 10s. The selection of die watches was accordingly deferred. A close check on speeding may shortly bo expected in Newmarket. The heavy penalties for drunken motorists, which have found favour with New Zealand magistrates, are being applied with some effect in Australia. Two years ago the drunken driver usually escaped with a fine of £2 or £5. The increase of Ibis offence was followed by larger fines until Hie maximum of £IOO was reached. Then terms of imprisonment were imposed. This move has been duplicated in the Australian courts. Licenses arc also being cancelled.

A thief-proof look for attachment In the steering wheel is now being merle. Tt clamps one spoke of the wheel and prevents steering. The. price is £2 ss. The device has boon evamined by the conncil of the A.A.A.. but as this body does not concern itself with patent fittings.no opinion lias been recorded. The security of the device seems beyond question, imt the average motorist is rattier reluctant to spend this sum. on a lock.