A.A.A. INTERESTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20968, 3 September 1931, Page 14

A.A.A. INTERESTS.

CLAY ON METAL ROADS

ANNOYANCE TO MOTORISTS

The practice in some districts of allow, irig loose clay to become spread over the metal surface of a road during alterations is causing adverse comment from motorists, who in many cases- are encountering trouble. On the hill between Titirangi and Big Muddy Creek on the Iluia route the road is being widened by relief workers and there has been left a heavy film of clay over the narrow strip of metal. Numerous motorists have slipped off the metal on to the soft clay sides. It cannot be expected that work of this sort can bo carried out without a certain amount of spoil being distributed on the surface of the road, but one would at least expect that when tho work was completed tho metal would bo sufficiently cleared to provide a reasonable gripping surface for motor tyres. On the Birkenhead-Groenhithe Road there is also a dangerous corner, where loose clay on top of the metal repeatedly causes motors to skid and go over the bank.

Mr. F. g. Dyson, district engineer of the Public Works Department, has advised the association that the department was doing its best to improve conditions for motorists and others using the Bunker s Hill road. While the men on the work were expected to offer every reasonable facility to tho travelling public during the progress of tho work, it must be realised that tho works could not be carried out without causing some inconvenience to travellers, ho said. Smoking on tho Ferries.

The manner in which motorists in general have refrained from smoking on the vehicular ferries recently has been a very pleasing feature. There are still many offenders, but the regular user is showing ranch more consideration for other motorists since his attention was drawn to the danger. Ono class of traffic, however, which regularly offends, is the pedestrian, who frequently uses the vehicular boats travelling to and from work. It is probably through lack, of knowledge that the offence is committed, and it should only bo necessary for the officials on the bout to make a request for tho practice to cease. Ono can well imagine tho disaster if one of the closely-packed cars on the vehicular ferries were to burst into flames in the middle of the harbour through a lighted match being carelessly thrown down. The Summer Touring.

The touring staff of the Auckland Automobile Association is now occupied compiling tho data which has been collected during tho past year in readiness for the summer touring season. Many improvements will bo made in tho touring literature, and maps, guides, descriptive leaflets and other matter arc taping brought up to date. One feature of the association's literature for the coming season will be tho listing of hotels under the English system. giving full and detailed tariffs, from a single meal up to the weekly charge. Looking over the new tariffs it is remarkable how many of the higher-priced hotels have reduced their fees, in keeping with the reduction in tho cost of living, and there can be no doubt that travelling during the coming summer will be much more economical than in tho past.

AUSTIN OAR CLUB. Arrangements for a motor-car run for a large number of children have been made by the Austin Car Club. The run will be held on September 19, and it is hoped that about 50 cars, providing accommodation for, between 150 and 200 children, will be availablo. It is planned to take the children, who will be selected by various charitable organisations in the city, for a drive, provide them with sweets, and then take them to a picture theatro to conclude tho treat. FAIRNESS TO AGENTS. In some quarters there appears to be an impression that motor-car manufacturers and agents are desperadoes who are fair for any action by a customer with a real or fancied grievance, says the Autocar. Nothing could bo farther from the truth. The British motor industry would not have reached its present position of eminence if its members had not done their best to "play the game" in a sportsmanlike spirit. This subject is brought to mind by the Judge's comments in a case recently heard, in which the plaintiff, according to His Lordship, went perilously near blackmail in his efforts to influence an agent for a worldfamous car. Not only did the judgment contain some remarkably frank comments upon tho attitude of tho plaintiff, but the latter had to pay the costs of the action. This case may serve as a timely warning to that small minority of motorists who think that, however unreasonable their claims may be, tho manufacturer or agent can be bluffed into submission. USE OF LOW GEAR. It is a high-speed engine that powers the average new car to-day. That means that its maximum power comes at a "higher speed. The fact should be significant in regard to starting in second gear. If it, is dono on anything but tho finest, smoothest road surface and on a level stretch, starting in second may necessitate slipping the clutch. If it does, start in low It may be slower, but it will cost less in the long run.