THE MOTOR WORLD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18891, 13 December 1924, Page 10 (Supplement)

THE MOTOR WORLD

WAIHI TO TAURANGA.

SUBSIDY FOR METALLING.

' The issue of a free grant of £500 for the Construction of the Horseshoe Bend deviation on the main read between Athenree and Katikati is. announced by the Minister for Public Works, the Hon. J. G. Coates, in a letter to the Waihi branch of the Auckland Automobile Association. In the course of his communication the Minister said he found that £1398, £1 for £1, was available to (he Tauranga County Council for the completion of the metalling of the main road between Waihl and Tauranga. So far, however, the council teemed to be experiencing difficulty in nncfing its quota to enable it to hit this Government subsidy and it was unlikely that the council would be able to proceed with the metalling this year. The Horseshoe Bend remained to be constructed at an estimated cost of £300, the Minister continued, and it was considered that the Government, would be justified in providing a free grant of this amount In order that the formation of the deviation might be undertaken. Providing the county council agreed to undertake the fencing, he would issue authority to the district engineer for the expenditure •f £300 on this work.

The Waihi association is at present urging the people of Katikali to form a special rating area to enable the £1398 to be lifted and the metalling of the road completed in as short a time as possible.

NEW BRIDGE AT ARAPUNI. The new low-level bridge at Arapunv, which is now open to traffic, presents a ■very attractive crossing of the Waikato River. The approaches on either side, a'though long, are steady in grade asid present quite good travelling to motortraffic, while they give a panoramic view of the magnificent hush-clad cliffs of th» Arapuni Gorge with the turbulent river below. This crossing will also give the fullest view of the great hydro-electric scheme, though when the great dam is completed, its top will form a high-level crossing for the traffic. The low-level route, however, will always offer the better view of the beauties of the gorge, mid the powsr-honse and should be very popular with tourist traffic. The eastern approach to the bridgo was metalled some time ago, and is an excellent surface. The western approach is now being metalled. Tor through traffic between To Awamutu and Putaruru, this bridge represents a great improvement, replacing the old one two miles further upstream with its steep » sandy approaches.

A.A.A, SUMMER TOURS. The tours of the province, which the 'Auckland Automobile Association is .arranging for January and February, have not met with encouraging support so far. Those members intending to join the parties were requested to send in their names to the acting-secretary, Mr. H. Y. t.'ameron, by November 30, but that date lias apparently proved too early for most people. It was announced at the last meeting of the council of the association that no response had been made in connection with the northern tour, while only five motorists had notified their intention of joining the southern party. It was decided to extend the closing date until December 20.

THE 90-MILE BEACH RACES. At. a meeting of the above branch it was decided to delete the words standard equipment from all events in connection with the 90-Mile Beach Motor Races to be held on February 11, 1925. Thus giving competitors the option of racing their cars under any conditions they choose.

BY-LAW PROSECUTIONS. Humour has it that Wednesday next will be a gala day at the Police Court, ■when a very large number of motorists ■will be prosecuted, at the instigation of the City. Traffic Department and the {lolrce, for speeding and various other of the traffic by-laws.

A.A.A. MEMBERSHIP 1749. Fifty-five new members were enrolled at last Wednesday's meeting of the council of the Auckland Automobile Association, making an increase of 372 new members since the membership campaign was started a few weeks ago. The total membership of the association now stands at 1749. MAIN ROADS. Matakaca-Mangawai.—The Matakana Hill which was in bad order last week has bceen regraded and is now the best route when travelling north. If travelling via Warkworth and Wavhy A.A.A. signpost four miles north of Wayby indicates the road to Mangawai. In the past many motorists have mistaken the road and have turned brick towards Leigh. The Whangaripo Valley road is being improved and much metal is to be laid during the summer. AuckJand-Rotorua-Gisborne.— To be able to travel from Rotorua to Gis!>ome in nine hours, twenty minutes, running time, is sufficient indication of the good condition of the roads as at the beginning of this week. Mr. Free, of the- Northern "Automobiles, Ltd.. who left town on Monday last, reports that he has never known the road to be better, with the exception of a portion of the Mamaku, which was bumpy, and parts of tho Otoko hill, which are under repair. Wellington-Palmerston North.— Loan proposals which, if carried, will completely revolutionise road transport between Wellington and Palmorston North are to come before the ratepayers of Horowhenua and Jiutt Counties next week. On December I -lb, -Horowhotuia County takes a poll on a proposal to borrow £90.000 for the surfacing of 49 miles,of main roads, and three days later, on Friday, December 19. comes l P oll on i,s proposal to borrow £45.000 for the widening and surfacing of 32 mile, of ,oad, 12i mile, of | which ,s in tho Htitt Road extension Msheme, and 18 miles of which represents I the whole extent of the main Palmorston I J_oad under the county's control between J aremata and Waikanae. Arapuni to Auckland.-Uig CI ,t business made ?, qillck trip to Auckland from Arapuni necessary for a Waikato motorist who visited town during tho week, and who thus described tho .roads en route — ''Leaving Arapuni about neon sh r -. lOmin. found him in the Queen Citv The Arapuni-Horahora Road haa been materially improved l, v thn Mataraata County Council. The P.W.D. has improved ihe next section to the Tirarj turn off 1 hence to Cambridge is quite all right' 'Ihe Cambridge-Hamilton section is com" fortahlc travelling throughout, the only Bad part being near Hamilton East To ■Ngaruawahia is good going for a long stretch, and the bumpy metal road is met with more or less to lluntly. The Huntlv Kangiriri stretch has been much improved. Then the redoutable. Ranoiriris. VWiat has it in store? Delightful surprises, miles of a beautifully-formed, blended and rolled, melal road' In tl„. near future-not meaning this as part of the old song of promises that has brer made to us in the pas-, but as a hank pleasant ■ facfc-Ui, journey over the JUnginn Hills will bo one of the most enjoyable. The distance was traversed n 40 vmnutes. Prom Hamilton to Auck--T, T ,agm,rf ' s - Motoring to the country will become more pleasant, and doubtless settlement m the so-called back°adL V Postered by good motor

BY FOGGS.

NOTES.

"Can you tell mc," asked an absentminded Auckland motorist of a policeman, "where I can park my wife? - '

The New Plymouth Tourist League i:, proposing to issue a road map and booklet showing all the attractions in the district accessible to motorists.

Taranaki County Council, which controls the area around New Plymouth, intends to watch carefully during the holidays for motorists, exceeding the speed limit.

The down grade of the. Parnell Rise has now been put into a good state of repair by the use of t'»r and shingle, and should stand the WGtir and tear for a time.

The importance of <fhcient spark plugs cannot be estimated, says a well-known motor engineer. Never wait until they mis-fire, and always buy the best quality obtainable.

The disbandment of the Huntly branch of the A.A.A. was reported to the last meeting of the council. Lack of interest was the cause attributed to the collapse. The few remaining members intend to wind up the branch's affairs and join the Hamilton branch.

The first official run arranged by the A.A.A. this season will be held to-day. It is proposed to visit, Mr. George Henning's properly at Mangere and inspect, ai his invitation, the site of the proposed motor-racing track. Competitions will be held during the afternoon.

When a rim for a clincher tyre becomes bent, it may easily be straightened by a large wrench being hooked under the bent part of the rim. After slipping a piece of pipe over the end of the wrench to increase the leverage, pressure is applied in the direction toward the hent section. This will cause the rim to be bent back into place.

Amendment of the Highways Act is desired by the South Island Motor Union. After some discussion, consideration of the following motion was deferred:—"That the Government be urged to pjlocate the proportion of assistance to In: given to each county on the amount of through traffic passing through the county." Naturally! there aro more motors in the North Island; there are also more clay roads.

In New South Wales, motor vehicles made wholly within the British Empire will have a, preference in the duty of a reduction of 6d a Jcwt. of their weight. This meafis that* English cars weighing 12cwt. under the preferential scale will pay only £2 14s" instead of £3 6s, which will bo charged en foreign cars of the same weight. The preference in regard to the largest cars will amount to a considerable sum.

The taxes on vehicles plying in the Auckland City and Hawke's Bay County show a marked difference much in favour of the owner in this county, states the Hawke's Bay Herald. In Auckland twowheeled, norse vehicles are charged £1 10s; four-wheeled vehicles, £3: motor vehicles, unladen weight not exceeding 30cwt., £12; SOcwt. to 2 tons, £18: 2 tons to 3 tons £24; 3 tons to 4 tons, £36; 4 ton 3 to 5 tons, £48; 5 tons to 6 tons, £60; over 6 tons, £75. The highest tax for any vehicle in the Hawke's Bay County is £30.

Sir Henry May bury, Director-General of Roads, speaking at the dinner of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, at the Connaught Rooms, recently, said that a new road will be constructed connecting Birmingham with Wolverhampton and ar other connecting Yorkshire and Lancashire with the big seaports, the first 30 miles of which he hoped would be taken in hand this winter. He would like to see a largo road tunnel constructed under the Thames in the direction of the South East of England, for he believed the South East of England to be connected direct with the North, without the traffic having to pass through the built-up areas of London.

MUEIWAI IMPROVEMENTS. Oa the last occasion when motorcar races were held at Muriwai Beach great difficulty was experienced in negotiating the track from the bench over the domain to the road. The domain right-of-way had a considerable grade, and as it consisted of tea-tree and sand, many cars stuck there. In fact so great was the difficulty tbat it was about li p m. before all the cars were away. Car owners can bo sure of gaining a reasonably quick exit, for tho grade has been levelled, arid the track is now hard sand. A resident who lives near Muriwai stated yesterday ho anticipated there would not be the slightest difficulty in the cars getting away in future. NEW REGISTRATIONS 122. A particularly heavy list of motor vehicle registrations was recorded at the Auckland City Council's traffic office during tne past week. The total number of registrations was 122, of which 102 applied to motor-cars and trucks and 20 to motor-cycles. The previous week's figures were 84 and 12 respectively. READERS' TROUBLES. G.H., Matata.—The shortest route from Matata to Wellington would be via Rotorua, Taupo and Napier. There is another route from Taupo via Tokaanu and Waiouru, but you would have to first ascertain if the latter set-tion is again open. I recommend the fcrir.er. A Herai.h road-map, 2s. post free, will give you all the necessary information. With the human load yon mention luggage would naturally bo very limited. I should imagine it would lie cheaper for you to motor if you intend to take this number. In addition to running expertises you would have the cost of steamer transport for the car both ways from Wellington to Lyttelton.

Anxious." Marerelu. —Quite an easy proposition and a delightful tour. Auckland to beyond Holensvillc is metalled. Thence to Port Albert, by any road, then by metalled road io Wcllsford, Maungaturoto and Dargavillo. A Hejiald roadmap, 2s. post free, gives the necessary information.

MOTOR-OYCMNG.

According to statistics, there are 31..500 motor-cycles in Holland.

Driving chains should now be removed and, after a thorough cleaning, be soaked in meked lubricant.

•British motor-cycle engines are very popular with light aeroplane manufacturers on the Continent.

The Kahn Cup and Teams prize, were won by Indian Scouts, at the Bloemfontein reliability trial, South Africa.

j 44.454.693 gallons of petrol were imj ported into England last August, making the total for 1924, to date, over 237 I million gallons.

A remarkable bicycle record was established in Munich, Germany, fifteen years ago, when P. Guignard rode 63m. 255 yds. in 60 minutes.

A well-known English motor-cycle firm is experimenting with a simple fourwheeler where oversize low-pressure tyres take the place of springs.

Do not tamper with a magneto or let your frieaad, who is a reputed " expert," experiment. Go straight to a motor-cycle depot, and be sure your repair is a lasting one.

A good rvlrr does not try and prove his ability by the noise his engine will make. A noisy exhaust is never enjoyed by onlookers. Popularise the sport —cut out the i open cut out.

In its initial appearance, (lie Con naught showed up well, and although it did nothing particularly outstanding, it ran consistently and showed promise lor future meetings.

The Norton took the lion's share of the prize-money last Saturday, Mcvller winning the Great Northern Handicap. Herbert has improved a lot, and is now a valuable asset to the agency.

One. broken spol e helps to weaken a wheel, and a sudcen strain may cause extra damage. It is the old case of a " slitch in time saves rune." It is cheaper to fit one spoke than many.

The clutch should never be left disengaged for any length of time. When the clutch is out the springs are compressed, and this tends to weaken them, and reduces their life considerably.

The Pioneer Motor-Cycle Club held a combined social run and reliability trial last Saturday. Local clubs are rather quiet lately, and it seems that a little of the Southern enthusiasm would be beneficial.

It is dangerous to mix ordinary castor oil with the lubricating oil used for engine lubrication, for in most cases this is a mineral oil, and the inclusion of castor, which is vegetable, is apt to form an emulsion and destroy (he lubricating qualities of both oils.

Woodman, the one-legged rider from Blenheim, delighted the public w'h his display. His win for the A.J.S. in the junior championship was convincing, and lator by reducng the 350 cc. world's record for one mile (grass track) he put the crowning climax on his career as a master rider and mechanic.

Last Saturday's racing at Takapuna was without doubt the best meeting ever held here. 'Close finishes and fast times were th."i rule all day, and the appearance of thre--- world's record-beaters, Coleman (Harlev-Davidson), Moller (Norton), and Woodman (A.J.S.), was sufficient reward for trios-;, who paid "admission.

Hepburn and Davis, the famous HarlevDavidson star riders, who are visiting Australia, are riding on the Douglas at Melbourne Seymour and Anderson are, however, retaining their Indians. It is stated that each of these riders rercives employment at the rata of £25 per week, plus £200 for each first place gained.

Percy Coleman, as inimitable as ever. j held his proud position of world's chaini pion without serious opposition. In open ] competition he completed one lap (1 mile 10 yards) in 62 2-55.. but later on. attempting his record on a clear track, he could only better his previous time by 1-5?.. finishing in 47 2-55., which now stands as the official record. On this attempt he ran into heavy rain, which of course, retarded• his speedy Hai leyDavidson. HAWERA-TE KUITI RELIABILITY TRIAL. The annual reliability trial of the Hawera Motor-Cycle Club will be held on December 26 and 27, from Hawera to Te Kuiti and return. The route selected will bo through Mokau and the Awakino Valley Road, a distance of 300 miles, and passing through some of the finest scenery in New Zealand. Three classes have beeii arranged: A, for solo machines of any capacity, compensating time being allowed for light-weightsj B, side-car with adult passenger, any rapacity; C. team, consisting of one machine over 500 c.c., one machine under 500 r.c_, and one side-car outfit. Teams must be nominated by a motor-cycle club. All arrangements* for luncheon at Awakino and accommodation at Te Kuiti have been arranged, and in the case of visiting riders accommodation will be provided at Hawera by request. Competitors wiil be allowed a tyre repair outfit, a set of tyre, levers, and an oil can, all other tools having to be sealed. The trial will be conducted on a time schedule, condition of machines, etc., and will bo controlled by secret checks. XMAS TOURS. This year for the first time, many a motor-cyclist is looking forward to spending his annual holiday touring through the country. Having become the proud owner of a motor-cycle and side-car, or a super-sports solo, it will be a welcome change to get away from crowded boats, trains and buses. Quite a good tour is via the King Country to Xew Plymouth, across t«i Napier, and back home, passing Taupo and Wairakei. Some of the finest scenery in Xew Zealand can be viewed after leaving Te Kuiti. and the road being mostly good, a very pleasant 10 days can be spent.