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New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19221, 9 January 1926, Page 10 (Supplement)

road, although narrow, is quite safe if ordinary care is taken. Proceeding through fresh green country, Nukuhou, Kuterere and Waiotalii are passed, the road then running along the sea coastthrough an avenue of pohutukawa trees. It is now onlv ft few miles to Opotiki, which is reached after crossing the river by a long bridge. When this far the journey toward Gisborne should not be missed. If time does not permit the whole journey, a trip as far as Motu (45 miles) should at least be managed. The road rises over three ranges of mountains 2000 ft., 3000 ft. and 3600 ft. respectively. The scenery is past description, the highest point giving an unlimited view of miles of mountains covered with native bush, with tho open sea and White Island in the distance. Tho whole trip has been signposUd by the Auckland Automobile Association, and motorists making the journey will appreciate the thoroughness with which the service officer has marked tho routes. A.AJL ACTIVITIES. Organisation and signposting work is to be continued by tho A.A.A. daring tho noxt few months. Meetings of motorists will bo held within the next few weeks between Te Aroha and Cambridge for the appointment of agents. After the motor races in February, tho service officer will commence signposting work on tho Whangarei and Dargaville roads. Inquiries from local and Southern tourists have beeir very numerous at the A.A. A. information bureau. For tho last week before Christmas over 100 members were enrolled, making 140 for the second half of December. During tho holiday, many motorists have availed themselves of the road information facilities, particularly after the heavy rain on New Year's Evo. Motorists from the South are expressing keen appreciation of tho signposting of tho Auckland district. The service officer placed 14 signs between Huapai and Muxiwai Beach last week-end. MimrWAl RACES. Tbo Muxiwai Motor Races will be held on February 13. Already numerous en[uiries are being received by the Auck-. and Automobile Association. The two 'itstanding attractions, the Now Zealand Motor Cup and tho Junior Cup, each of 50 miles, are attracting seme fast cars. It is believed that several racing machines are on tho water, while several local examples are under test. Probably two Sunbeams and two Bugatti racers will come from the South. Locally an Alvis and a straight-eight Locomobile are among tho probabilities. Private owners who take a pride in keeping their cars in tune will have an opportunity in the touringcar race. Entries close with the sports secretary, Mr. R. E. Champtaloup, on January 28. MTJEIWAI DOMAIN. Improvements are urgently required at Muriwai Beach. The Motutara Domain Board, although only a short time in existence, has done much with the limited funds available. Water has lately been laid on from a reservoir in the hills and improvements have been made to .the road through the domain. Campers on tho flat near the beach cause some congestion, and it would be desirable if a circular route could be opened up to give another exit from the beach. There is bound to be a repetition of' traffic trouble again at tho races next month. The need for another exit is appreciated by the Domain Board, but a scheme could not be initiated without financial assistance from the Government. Since the domain is becoming such a popular spot it merits extensive development. The Auckland Automobile Association is doing pood work in forming the approach to ths beach and blasting the rocks. HOTES. A large wool store in Circular Quay, Sydney, is being converted into a parking station. Construction is on the ramp system, and provision will be made for 930 cars. There will be 53 makes of cars exhibited at the Sydney Motor Show which opens on January 16. In pursuance of the general tendency throughout the colonies, British cars will be very extensively represented. It has been announced that the Idianapdis authorities have decided. that 1 intoxi-' cated and careless drivers guilty of manslaughter, as part of their punishment will be forced to spend an hour in the mor-. tuary alone with tho bodies of their victims. Crossley Motors are now offering tho Kegresse track chassis with the 25-30 h.p. model. The Kegresse track was first used on Citroen cars in desert areas. The .device is a form of caterpillar wheel. Tractors fitted with it are useful in roadless or marshy country. Tourists travelling from Patea to Levin via Shannon are warned that the bridge over the Manawatu river between Foxton and Shannon is closed during repairs. The road to be taken turns sharp to tho left down a steep descent to the ferry to cross the river. The descent is sudden and unexpected and care is necessary. A device which permits the combustion of crude oil in an ordinary gasoline motor has been perfected by the Swedish inventor, Nils Anderson, who asserts that the cost of running a motor car on crude oil is only one-third of the cost of running on gasoline. The Anderson attachment consists principally of a superheater, a special carburetor and exhaust pipe, together with connecting rods for operation. The crude oil is carried in th i gas tank, while the small quantity of gasoline necessary for starting is carried in a small contaiuer.