MOTOR-CYCLING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21708, 25 January 1934, Page 5

MOTOR-CYCLING

IXION CLUB'S EVENTS ] CAMPAIGN AGAINST NOISE \ A commendablo scheme, tliafc of in- ] corporating an "anti-noise" campaign J in club events, was put into practice J by\ the lxion Club during a run by ( members from Avondale to Henning's , Speedway, Mangerc, last week-end. It i was reported that all machines were j adequately silenced, there being no tin- , due exhaust noise to disturb other roadusers or residents who live near roads traversed by tho members. After having lunch at the speedway, members took part in a series of impromptu events. Details of the results arc as follows: — OPEN SCRATCH RACE; 2 LAPS L. Moore (350 c.c. A.J.S.) . . . . 1 C. Buchanan (350 c.c. Royal Enfield) 1 IT. Matthews (500 c.c. Royal Enfield) .3 OPEN HANDICAP; 2 LAPS H. Matthews, 4s C. Buchanan, sor . . . • • • - 11. Lawson (A.J.S.), 25s . . -.3 RELAY RACE; 2 LAPS C. Buchanan and G. Bumby (Royal Enfields) . . • • • • . - 1 A. McLean (Rudge) and L. Moore (A.J.S.) 2 S. Clarkson (A.J.S.) and T. Stanley (Royal Enfield) . . . . 3 " OLD CROCKS' " RACE; 3 LAPS H. Lawson (A.J.S.), 10s . . . • 1 Meikle (8.5.A.), 25s . . . . • • Batty (Douglas), 25s . • • • • A challenge raco botween H. Matthews and C. Buchanan resulted in a win for Buchanan on liis 350 c.c. Royal Enfield. TAXATION IN FRANCE A verv important decision, affecting the entire French motoring community, was taken by tho French Chamber of Deputies recently during, the Budget debate, states the Motor. It was decided to abolish the horsepower tax on all motor vehicles and replace it by an extra tax of 50 francs per hectolitre on all liquid fuels capable of being employed in automobile engines. This move has been contemplated for a very long time past by successive French Governments, and the present Finance Committee has taken the plunge. The particular clause in tho ivuancc Bill dealing with liquid fuels was passed bv 285 votes against 228, after the Prime Minister had expressed his opinion that this change in taxation would benefit the automobile industry and the general public at tho same time. Whether the clauso will be accepted by the Senate remains to be seen, but it is considered unlikely that the Senate will interfere. THE LATEST HILLMAN MINX Tho Hillman Minx, a small British car that enjoys an enviable reputation for sturdy construction and good performance, has many interesting improvements in its latest form. Earlier Minx models have been admired as among the most handsome small machines ou the market, but the 1934 series arc even more imposing in appearance. The performance also has been greatly improved. . Immediately a stranger sits behind the wheel he feels at case, ,thanks to the adjustable scats and the excellent placing of nil the controls, lhe enjxmc, a four-cylinder side-valve unit of 1185 c.c., is a willing worker, giving at j once economical running and a lively performance, while "cushioned power eliminates vibration. A free-wheeling device is included in the transmission, and when it is in operation gearchanges, up or down, can be made in perfect silence without v using the clutch. There is no harshness when tho drive is taken up. With the freewheel locked, gear-changes are mado in the ordinary manner, the third ratio being of the silent type. It is claimed that"the use of tho free-wheel, results in an appreciable improvement in petrol mileage. Duo-servo brakes are exceptionally powerful, although smooth in action, and arc fully capable of any extra work, the use of 'the free-wheel may cause them. Maries steering is used, the turning-circle being conunendably small, while Luvax shock absorbers, in , conjunction with long springs, ensure i comfortable riding. The finish, both , internally and externally, is particular! v good. A wireless aerial, built , into the roof, is part of the i standard equipment of all Hillman . models. The car as a whole pives an . impression of sturdy construction and ! sound workmanship, and should add to the considerable reputation for reliability established by its predecessors. NOTES The Italian racing champion for 1933 was Luigi Fagioli, and not 'Fazio Nu- - volari, as is generally believed. Two leading British drivers, Earl : Howe and Whitney Straight, have been invited to compete in tho Monaco 5 Grand Prix this year.

Of the 105 new cars registered in Ceylon last November, no less than 79 were of British manufacture. The United States supplied 13 and Canada only six.

Further nvideneo of Signor Mussolini's keen interest in motoring is provided by the official opening of the new Padua-Venico motor road, which has reduced tho road distance between tho two cities by more than 20 miles.

Of the maify incredible rumours current in England recently concerning tho plans of Italian racing exports for this year, perhaps the most amusing was that which stated that Camera would drive in the Millc Miglia with Nuvolari. The two men are respectively the largest and the smallest of Italian racing drivers, and no car could possibly fit both.