GLARING HEADLIGHTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21548, 20 July 1933, Page 3

GLARING HEADLIGHTS

PROBLEM OF SMALL CARS EFFECT OF HEAVY LOADS An interesting theory in commotion with the cause of glaring headlights on a large number of small British motorcars was advanced by Mr. I' 1 , G. Karrell at a recent meeting of the council of the Automobile Association. It. was reported that, although the position was better than it had been in the past, there were still far too many cars on the road with poorly-adjusted lamps, and a large number of them were said to be small British machines. Mr. Farrell said it had boon his experience with small oars that when the lights were adjusted properly for a normal load, say, the driver and one passenger, there was no glare, unless additional passengers were carried in the back, when tjw rear springs were depressed to a greater degree than in tho case of a bigger machine, and the lights wore tilted upward and became glaring. On tho other hand, if a driver had his lamps at such an angle that the beam would be suitable for use with a full load, he found the light shining on the road a few foot ahead of the car when he was travelling without his full complement of passengers. As the averago motorist sometimes drove alone and at other times had a full oar, his problem was a difficult one. The president, Mr. A. Grayson, said although the difficulty existed, it would surely be preferablo tor a driver to have his lamps shining rather short with the car empty, so thVit they would bo correct with a full load, rather than to have maximum efficiency when driving alone and bo a menace 011 tho road when he had passengers in the back seat. Glaring headlights were one of the greatest road dangers, as they blinded oncoming motorists and did not provide sufficient light for the driver of the offending car to see properly. Motorists should make a point of having their lamps adjusted frequently, as a difference of a few pounds in tvre pressures, or a gradual settling down of the springs, could make all the difference.

RALLY POSTPONED The rally organised by the New Zealand Motor Racing Drivers' Association and originally set down for August 6, has been postponed until August 20, 011 account of a decision of the association to co-operate with the Automobile Association in' arranging a motoring event in connection with "Prosperity Week." The committee will map out a route for the rally next week-end, anil it is likely that competitors will be taken over all-metal roads through Helensville, Kaukapakapa, Taulioa, W arkworth, "VVaiwera, Silvcrdale and Riperhead. There will be no "freak" conditions, in order to give drivers of all models an equal chance. Drivers will bo required to keep accurately to a pre-arranged schedule and will bo observed on certain hills for skill and accuracy in gear-changing and general handling. There will also be secret checks. Prizes will be awarded for individual successes and also for teams. " CONVERSION " OF OARS The frequency with which motor-cars have been "converted" recently in the city and suburbs should serve to remind owners of the importance of locking their cars carefully when leaving them unattended. Unwarranted faith is placed in certain types of door and ignition locks, however, and an ingenious thief will sometimes be able to remove a locked car by means of a screwdriver and a length of wire. Oil certain models it is impossible to remove the door-lock, and these are reasonably safe, but with some other types the whole lock can be taken off. Once a thief has gained access to the interior of a car he stands a good chance of being able to by-pass the ignition switch and drive away. Locks on the gearbox or steering are usually effective, but it is a wise plan to talie out the rotor from the distributor when leaving the car, as with this essential part missing the engine cannot be started, and it is unlikely that the intending thief would carry a spare.

CONCRETE ROADING The benefits of concrete roads arc outlined in a booklet, "Tlio Case for Concrete Roads in New Zealand," written by Mr. J. T?. Marks, a wellknown civil engineer, and issued by tlio cement manufacturers of tho Dominion. The book deals with aspects of the problems of roading, economics and employment, which it is considered have hitherto not been sufficiently recognised, and sections are devoted to such subjects as tho capital costs in New Zealand of various types of roading, per mile and per square yard, capital expenditure now required on New Zealand roads, capital invested in roads and railways in the Dominion, annual cost of road and rail transport, dust nuisance, metal crusts and various matters in connection with traffic. There are a number of graphs illustrating tho points made by the author, who, in a preface, states that from long experience of transport problems in New Zealand, and from study of tho subject abroad, he tins become convinced that cement concrete- pavement must henceforth take a more prominent place in the development of New Zealand highways.