WHERE THE BELL-BIRDS SING

NZ Truth, Issue 1146, 17 November 1927, Page 15

WHERE THE BELL- BIRDS SING

Two Ex-Diggers Who Have Turned Motoring Tourists

Two men, a car and the open road before them! What a wide vista of possibility lies ahead ! Who would not begrudge any two such a kindly fate?

•THE aftermath of war did not leave \ 1 F. J. Mackay and Charlie Withington with the abundant state of health that was theirs before the call to arms came. But now they are leaving to the healing influence of Nature a sure cure for their ills. Like many other returned diggers they have their pension—perhaps not sufflcient to live on m comfort amid the whirl of the city, where money goes like water and the ever insistent cry is for more. With a sure and set purpose m view, these two brothers m arms saved their cash and, when the opportunity arose, bought a car. Now, with their pensions as a

meagre though all-sufficient source of income, they have set out to tour the country that gave them birth, camping by the wayside, perhaps denied the little luxuries of life, but surely seeking that restoration to health which is the birthright of all men. What a pity more of "our pensioned men, laboring under the same difficulties of ill-health, could not leave the towns and join m the great trek, where, a few shillings can go farther than a few pounds under the more harassing conditions of civilization. Mackay and Withington have taken to the road like ducks to water, and when they have seen all the beauty spots of the north, will turn their attention to the South Island with all its innumerable attractions. They idle along the highways as the urge takes them, pulling m for the night at some quiet and secluded spot where camping is a pleasure and delight. Near the populated districts of the country, and throughout the farming communities, they have tarried at the official camping places — arranged for the purpose by the automobile clubs of the district. But away off the beaten track they camp by lake shore, river, stream and bush, always finding an abundance of shelter provided by a benignant Nature. They have met other parties on their

tour, exchanged news and gossip of the road and, like all members of the fraternity, have passed on any little tips which go to make up a successful camper's lore. Following the main roadß, by-ways and trails, m fine weather and wet, they have already covered both coasts Of the lower portion of the North Island and are now heading into the land of kauri gum and sunshine —the winterless north, The \y e3t cooker you can carry on such a trip> they saY( ls an ordinary benzine tin wlth one end cut out. (To understand the idea properly it must be.realized that the tin when ready, is lying on its side). Punch some fairly

large draught holes m the opposite end and a few on either side, low down. Along the top, cut out a strip nearly the whole length of the tin, but barely the width of a pot. Light the fire close up to the small holes, and when properly under way, pack m plenty of big wood. Turn the end with the draught holes m it to the breeze, and it will beat a kerosene or primus cooker. This is what Mackay and Withington carry, and with a chuck box attached to one of the running boards, they are travelling merrily on m the land of good health and sunshine. A SIMPLE way of curing rattles which . emanate from the clutch or brake pedals is by fitting a light, pull-out spring near the base of the pedal and bolting it to the floorboards, or to some existing handy nut and bolt. * * • pOMFORT m driving is largely a mat-' ter of knowing where and when to expend energy. When about to overtake another car, it is important to glance into the rear-view mirror to see whether any one behind is trying to pass. If several cars have passed from the opposite direction, however, it is not necessary to glance behind. It Is obvious under these conditions that no one could be swinging over to the opposite side of the road m an effort to pass.