Behind the Wheel

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23339, 6 May 1939, Page 12 (Supplement)

Behind the Wheel

Oil Search Borings in Great Britain for oil amount, so far, to a total of twelve miles. Russian Order An order has been placed for a number of Ford Prefects to bo shipped to Russia. Green to Blue The green of German taxi-cabs is to be changed to dark blue to avoid confusion with police cars. Down to Essentials At the Daimler school for chauffeurs in Coventry, new pupils are given a large limousine chassis and shoivn how to dismantle it, piece by piece, until only the bare frame remains. Lower Duty Hungary has decided on drastic reductions in the duty on imported cars. In the case of small cars the reduction will amount to about 50 per cent., theso being the most popular types in the country. Motoring Progress It was announced in London by the Minister of Transport that motor driving licences in Great Britain had increased by approximately 100,000 in tho 12 months ending last January. The increase was cited as being indicative of the progress of automotive transport in the United Kingdom. Radio Specified The increasing popularity of car radio in America is revealed by the fact that, althpugh sales of automobiles in that country, in 1938 dropped, about 50 per cent, tho sales of car radios declined only, 37 per cent. All told, 790,000 of the motorists who bought new cars in America last year specified radio equipment. Pulse Affected A Cincinatti doctor recently reported to the American Highway Research Board that he noted a quickening of his pulse by 25 beats above normal, and a feeling of inward tremulousness while driving through traffic light controlled streets. A signal that indicates the gradual approach of a change in colour of traffic lights, it is contended, is much moro effective and easier on the nerves of drivere of motor/ vehicles. Notable Decision , It was Recently decided^in England" that the proprietor of a hotel was legally - responsible for the' loss. by, .theft of any motor vehicles left in the car. Cark of his hoteL : In a legal • action rought by a motorist, • whose car was stolen from an innkeeper's car. park, the motorist was awarded' damages against the licencee .of the?hotel/This decision haa wide implications, and one which no doubt will be noted by-hotelkeepers in this country who provide parking, facilities adjoining their premises. . Historic Stamps < The Berlin Motor Show provided the occasion for the issuing or three new German postage stamps. One of the stamps depicts * two pioneer cars, a three-wheeled Benz built in 1885, with Karl Benz at the wheel, and the earliest Daimler with Adolf Daimler at the wheel and his father, Gottlieb Daimler, riding as passenger, in 1886. Another stamp shows a modern racing car, while the third stamp depicts a modern family saloon. Thus ' does the German Government publicise its motor-car industry. Selling Code -* It has been unanimously agreed by the newspaper publishers of Ivew York that, with a view to protecting buyers of used cars, every classified used car advertisement published in their columns must be keyed with a letter or numeral to indicate to readers the actual condition? of the car offered for sale. An "A" or "1," for example, would give assurance that the, vehicle was one in first rate condition, while a "C" or "3" would indicate that the vehicle was not of the highest standard. Such a code system will, it is believed, inspire confidence among intending buyers of used cars.