Not Worn Out Yet

Northland Age, Volume 1, Issue 17, 10 April 1929, Page 7

Not Worn Out Yet

“What becomes of all the old motor cars ?” is a question which occasionally perplexes the consciousness ot the casual observer. Vague theories suggest that they are boiled down to make new ones, but the constant stream of imports discounts that idea. The fact is that the “trading-in” process moves them on through successive stages to dissolution. At various, car cemeteries in the backblocks there may be seen abandoned derelicts—sans hood, sans engine, sans wheels, sans everything except the bare skeleton of what was once the pride of the road. Midway to this extremity some old models still serve as transport facilities —of a kind. The outstanding example of living car decrepitude was observed in a Northern township. A “Liz” ot the original vintage, with engine uncovered, she wheezed along on three tires and a “rimmer.” Garage experts reverently uncovered as she passed —a relic of a bygone age. All wondered bv what magic she was started, but the marvel of that miracle was surpassed by the fact that the car still ran, and her pilot proudly steered her on her clattering way. The question was “How was she stopped?” The question was easy. A large size Maori on the off-side carried an old anchor, and when the driver gave the signal, his mate “heaved the hook” on to anything that promised a good hold, and brought “Liz” up all standing, panting and spluttering, but nevertheless, ready for a fresh start without the ministration of a crank or any new fangled starting device.