Behind the Wheel

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 14 (Supplement)

Behind the Wheel

Duke as Motorist The Duke of Windsor has been elected an • honorary member of the Autpmobilo Club do France. Actress' Idea v , VAnna. .May . *Won K , the Hollywood actress, has her name in" Chinese script on the door., of lier motor-car. Steel Prices Good'news for car manufacturers is the decision of .the British Iron and Steel Federation to reduce considerably the price of steel: One in' 330,000. New Guinea's first milestone has just been erected. It is the only one in an area of, 330,000 square miles. The territory has few motor roads. Nearly Two to One More than half , the motor vehicles sold in 'Canada last year were used ones. On an average there were 1..J1 used vehicles, sold'for every new model. Back to Bulb JSlectrio horns have been banned an Bombay. This drastic measure, designed to eliminate the raucous tones with which the city is familiar, is experimental, and will last six months. It is, however, likely to become permanent. Multi-Locking Device A device has been patented in America which automatically raises and closes all the windows of a car. When the kfey is turned to lock the doors, a small electric motor is attached to each window winding mechanism and is operated by current from the battery. Permanent Luggage

A German motorist was stopped by a policeman, who asked him for his papers. "Certainly," replied the motorist, with a bright smile. "Which would vou like? My •' driving licence, car licence, passport, family tree, birth certificate, baptismal certificate, labour exchange book,- labour service-card, military' papers identity card and or taxation card?" Then, turning to his wife, he said: "Elly, pass the document suitcase."

Prefers Cycling Motor cvcling is a favourite pastime of Dr. Wrthelm Pospisil, leader of the recent Czecho-Slovafe financial mission in London. Until'the crisis he was Governor of the National Bank, a position in which; his colleagues persuaded him against being seen motor-cycling through the- streets of Prague. Dr. Pospisil was undaunted. He would carry his motor-cycle 50. miles out of Prague in the back of a car, park the latter and proceed to enjoy himself.

Fluid Flywheels The largest of the 1939 Chrysler range, the Custom Imperial, now incorporates a fluid flywheel in the transmission system, but it appears that in other respects the transmission follows" conventional Chrysler practice and incorporates the latest form of controlled overdrive. The adoption of the fluid flywheel in America is particularly interesting in view of the fact that it has for so long been an appreciated feature of certain British cars, particularly the Daimler and Lanchester. ,

Out of the Blue ' A.German motorist peacefully driving aloilg was surprised when something hit him on the head and fell into his Jap. -He hopped out quickly and obtained a tool. A smnrti snake wriggled on car' floor. This unwanted reptile had apparently, been dropped from the beak of a bird of prey flying directly over the car. The motorist gave it a smart tap on tbe head which laid it out, then hastened along to the nearest zoo, where his charge was received with welcome.- .