Manawatu Daily Times Automobiles of 1929

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6815, 21 January 1929, Page 6

Manawatu Daily Times Automobiles of 1929

*p\VENTY-SIX years ago an automobile was a metal and wood ± carriage, within which was machinery which acted like a spoiled child, emitting strange noises when finally coaxed into motion. To-day, passenger cars respond to the driver almost instantly. They accelerate so smoothly and quickly that a pickup from five to fifty miles an hour is made almost in a flash.

For many years designing a car was more largely a process of assembling the ideas of parts makers, than taking one definite plan and following it through completely. The result was a » machine which combined many elements of style but was without genuine beauty. But more recently automobile manufacturers have allowed artists to plan definite co-ordinated designs embodying structure and colour so effectively as to be truly beautiful. The automobiles of 1929 accentuate this development. Especially have car interiors been planned so that they are restful to the eye from every angle.

In the cars exhibiting at the New York Auotomobile Salon (says a leading American journal just to hand), the rear compartments in many models arc graded from dark at the back to light colours in front. This gives an effect of spaciousness quite contrary to the usual treatment of light looking into darkness. The vision in the latter case gives the effect of facing intp a tunnel. In many of the new cars the seats are broader, and entrance and exit have been facilitated by wider doors.

Perhaps the most noticeable improvement on the late models is the general adaptation of chromium plating for all exposed bright parts. For practically all automobiles for the coming season, lrom the lowest to the highest priced, this non-tarnishing finish has been adopted. There has also been an increase in engine power. In many cases this has been achieved by merely increasing the compression which the general improvement in motor fuels and special non-detonating liquids has rendered practicable. The use of light alloy pistons and larger and higher lift valves has also increased the potential speed.

Taken as a whole the automobile for 1929 is distinctly a tribute to beauty of design, rather than merely a stylish vehicle built to carry, all the ac'cessesories possible, to give it a smart appearance. It simply proves that, when utility has reached almost the ultimate, beauty must come into the scheme of design, to add the completing touch to the picture. Utility has long ruled the automotive field. In 1929 beauty more clearly dominates the car.

Thp district health inspector presented the Pohangina County council n clean bill of health on Saturday.

Entries for tlio forthcoming evening swimming carnival to bo field in the Municipal baths on Wednesday next, January 23rd., clase to-day at 3 o’clock Seo the advertisement in this paper.

The final of the Manawatu men’s singles championship of the recent Manaw r atu toijrnament was decided on Saturday, when J. T. McDonald (Palmerston North Club} met and defeated Procter (Foxton) 6—3, 6 —o.

Lady: “That pine you were supposed to havo mended yesterday leaks as badly as ever.” jobber: “Did you keep the cistern empty, mum?” Lady: “No, of course not!” Jobber: “Ah, that’s wot’s done it, you may depend! ”

Entries for the Feilding A. and P. show closed on Friday night, and in view of many intending exhibitors evidently in this busy time overlooking the date, it has been decided to extend the day of closing until Friday next, 25th inst., up to which day they will be received at ordinary rates. The Wairarapa Lawn Tennis association ’s tournament at which the North Island championship is being decided this year, was commenced at Masterton- on Saturday morning in ideal woather. A number of notable competitors are taking part, including Miss Marjorio MacFarlane, the Now Zealand lady champion and C. E. Maifroy, runner-up to Bartleet at the recent New Zealand championships, A. L. France, W. J. Melody and A. C. Stedmun. Good progress was made on the opening day but there wore no surprises. Play will be continued until Wednesday.