MOTORING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 14507, 22 October 1910, Page 10

MOTORING.

INVERCARGILL TO CHRISTCHURCH. W. (J. Compton, of Timaru, arrived at the post office, Christchurch, at 11.18 p.m. on Labour Day, after having made the phenomenal run of nearly 400 miles on a 3i-h.p. motor cycle from Invercar'gill to Christchurch in one day. The ride is rendered all the more meritorious by the fact that the day was very unfavourable for such an attempt, the rider encountering heavy rain and. fog. Compton left Invercargill at 3.10 a.m.. and arrived at Christchurch as stated, at 11.18 p.m. It is understood that this is tho first time that anyone lias ever made .the journey through from Invercargill by motor car or motor cycle in one day. When seen by a reporter after his arduous ride, Compton, who looked remarkably fresh in the circumstances, said he had had 110 mechanical troubles with his motor cyclo whatever, and had only had one or two punctures. S In the annual motor reliability trials, recently held in Russia over a course between | St. Petersburg mcl Moscow—a distance of 2139 milesthere were many car mishaps due to the execrable condition of the roads. Many of the contestants withdrew through broken frames, springs, and axles; while tire troubles, of course, were numerous. It was won by a Mercedes car, which make also filled second and third places, besides winning, ultimately, the Tsar's cup and the speed rests. Tho Russian course, it is said, is one of the most arduous of the many routes chosen for automobile trials throughout. the world. NOTES AND COMMENTS. The members of the Auckland Automobile Association held 1111 enjoyable run last, Saturday, at thq conclusion of which the cars gathered at Cornwall Park, whore afternoon tea was provided t'»> the motorists by the association. About 2.0 ears took partOne of the latest model 14-16 Darracq ears was landed from the steamer Opawa yesterday for Mr. C. F. Gardner by Messrs. ■Skoal and White. The car will seat five, and is fitted with the latest pattern wind shield and hood. The Christmas run is being discussed by local motorists, 30 of whom are likely to take part. The necessary arrangements are now being made by some who intend to make tho trip to Wairakei.