THE MOTOR WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19134, 31 March 1924, Page 8

THE MOTOR WORLD.

Motorists desiring information with regard to mechanical or other car trembles, or on any matter coming within the scope of the sport, pastime, or business of motoring are invited to send inquiries to “Accelerator." Special efforts will be : made to give the most reliable advico on all topics of interest. "M. W.”—The racing at Muriwai is dealt with to-day. *' Novicc.’’~(l) Ten ' shillings. ,(2) Right-con to 25 miles. ORPHANS’ OUTING POSTPONED. The Otago Motor Club had arranged the annual orphans’ outing for Saturday, April 12, but. owing to tlio military pageant being held on that day, it has been decided to put off the outing until after the Easter holidays. PONTOON AT CLARENCE. Advice has been received by the Otago Motor Club that the new pontoons on the Clarence River ferry are now in operation. The ferry is in charge of a capable man used to ibis class of. work. Motorists will now- be able to travel up the East Coast to Marlborough and Nelson. OTAGO MOTOR CLUB’S CYCLE HILL CLIMB. The complete times for the motor cycle hill-climb are ns follows (each rider having two trials) : PASSMORE CUP. Motor cycles up to 1000 c.c. solo. J. C. Mewhinney (A.8.C.), Itnin 37 l-ssec and Irnin 37 3-ssoc. \V. A. Justice (Harley-Davidson), Imm 56sec and Imin 53 2-ssec. Herbert Isaacs (Harley-Davidson), Imm

47 2-ssec and Imin 46sec. J. W. Robb (Excelsior), Imin 50 2-sscc and Imin 46sec. MOTOR CYCLES (Unlimited). Alex. M‘Donald (Harley-Davidson), and Imin 34 l-ssec. J. W. Robb (Excelsior), Imin 43 3-ssco and Imin SOsec. J. C. Mewhinney (A.8.C.), Imin 38 4-ssec and Imin 38 l-ssec. E. Ncwall (Henderson), Imin 45 3-ssec and Imin 42 3-Ssec. L. 11. Johnson (Henderson), Imin 53 4-sseo and Imin 54 l-ssec. ( Tho Passmore Cup was won by J. C. Mewhinney, and Alex. M’Donald, who feu ,at the corner, put up fastest time in (lie Unlimited Class. BEDROCK PRICES. It is strongly suggested by the Autocar that 1924 will come to be regarded a vintage year for British automobiles. The constant downward tendency in prices notable at the last British Olympia led to a position in which manufacturers are giving extraordinary value for money, and it is maintained that unless some entirely unforeseen changes in the cost, of raw materials and the rale cf wages occur in the near future, either equipment must be reduced

or prices must go tip. A HAREM OX WHEELS. Recently (lie Sultan of Morocco, while nicking, a lour of Ins domains, took his harem with him. 'I his section of his retinue occupied 12 motor cars. While negotiating a dangerous bit of road, two <;f the cars, each continuing six of the S’dlan's wives, ‘s! idded and rolled down a 20-fcot ravine. Forianalely, the ravine was not si,rep, and the ladies suffered but slightly. The Si'lian appeared to lie littleupset at the narrow essape he had had of becoming a widower on a largo scale, and laughed hcrlily at the incident. , BRITISH MOTOR INDUSTRY. Much is heard and road nowadays about the slackness in British trade, and the widespread unemployment,. However, those conditions do not apply to all industries. A recent, English motor journal slates that one tii m —Messrs Leyland Motors. Ltd,—received orders for 304 motor vehicles during the Inst two months of 1923. November and December are usually considered to be the worst period .of the year in ' the heavy vehicle trade. The orders mentioned above reached a total value of approximately £350,-030. An interesting feature, is the fact that, of the 45 vehicles ordered from overseas, no fewer than 22 arc wanted for New Zealand. Australia ordered 18. South.

Africa throe, and Canada 2. This is still further evidence of the popularity of the British-made lorry in Now Zealand. GREAT ALPINE TRIAL. The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria has terminated its 1250 miles motor car reliability test, and the event was undoubtedly the greatest of the series conducted by the club. Thirty-two cars started on the strenuous drive and 29 “signed on” at Mornington on the completion of the last day’s run. thereby further demonstrating that, despite file severity of long sections of mountain travelling, the present-day car is wonderfully dependable. Although such a big proportion of contestants completed the nr,', few will escape with clean sheets, vis regards minor penalties for adjustments, breakages, etc. 'I he test comprised seven daily sections, the longest lining 243 mile's, from Melbourne to Mount Buffalo (4400 ft). The stillest day’s drive was undoubtedly the second. which included the descent of Mount Buffalo—an 18-milo climb up to Mount Hotharn (6100 ft), followed by a tough afternoon's drive over Mount Wills

and along the beautiful Mitta Valley to Tallangatta, a distance of 196 miles. The first day’s run saw two sub events decided —vi/,., 2 two miles climb up the Black Spur and a fuel test over this 243 miles section. The former was won by Mr H. A’lleckett’s 8 horse-power Panhard with A. O. Barnard's 10 horse-power Fiat second, whilst a 7 horse-power Arnilcar, driven by Andrew Lang, tied with (•'. Judd’s 8 horse-power Voisin for.third place. W. R. Glnsson’s 28 horse-power Vauxhal) pid up fastest time, negotiating the two miles of winding ascent in 4min 31 l-sscc. When the official figures for the fuel tost were posted at Mount Buffalo there was considerable surprise at I'm fact that so many drivers failed to got through on their fuer allowance, which was based on their own estimate plus additional mileage where deemed advisable bv the Club Sports' Committee. In on case was contestant’s estimate reduced. On .the fourth day’s run the '-"mid hill climb.’ 3 4-5 miles un Mount Talbingo, supplied many exciting incidents. Since tlip selection of the hill heavy rains had badlv rutted the surface, and to tern-

pornrv repair same many of (ho damaged spots were blinded with soft earth, which had powdered under traffic, and at the same time masked the nits and holes. The winner of this snh-event on formulae was A. (!. Barnard's Fiat with Andrew T-anjr’s Arnilcar second, and R. Wallis’s Austin third. ' 01as=on’s “Vir'xhaU” again secured the fastest time, the 3 4-5 mountain climb being negotiated in fimin 37 l-ssee. Formulae results issued bv the R.A.C.V. for the Acceleration Test places J. Robertson (Lancia) first. A. fl. Barnard (Fiat) second, arid W, Glasson (Vanxhall) third, whilst the placing for the Flying Speed Test A. Ding (Arnilcar) first, R. Tucker (Swift) second, and L. Bcvan (Swift) third. RAGING AT MURIWAT. Very general interest had been taken throughout the dominion in the motor racing at Mnriwni’ Reach, which took place on Saturday week. So far Aluriwai is the national speedway and the speed Mrarnpionship is decided there. I have received a very interesting letter from a well-known Dunedin motorist, from which I have' (without permission) made the following extracts : “We left the city about 9.45 a.m in a taxi at £1 5s a head, and talk about roads! Why, the roads in the south'are like billiard tables comparer! with here. It was a glorious dav—real Auckland weather- hut the dust, which wo swallowed in moistened lumps, was awful. It was at times impossible to see the sides- of the road for dust., ami most - limes this was so. Cars traveller! at about, 20 to 25 .miles per hour whore the road permitted. The latter part of the trip to the beach was really beautiful fbv the way. they charged me 6s for same. Is ,a passenger and Is for ear) passing through a (nnnol of thick vegetation anti winding roar], sufficient room for one ear only. “On the way to the beach cars and charabancs were parked in gullies and on the sides of hills, where people in the south would never dream of putting cars. They were piled anywhere and everywhere it was possible and impossible—some with wheels off the ground, hanging on the differential casing on a lump on the ground, some hanging on lumps by the rear buffer with rear wheels off the around. It would take some hours to get ont of some of the places they had their cars in. Quito a number camped out on Friday and Saturdav nights, having proper camping outfits. It was a great- sight leaving in the dork with the numerous fires and headlights all around, and the semi-tropical vegetation made twjrvtKing muck more picturesque. '

By ACCELERATOR.

{Ztozas of new€ —short deoorlptiona of tours, the state of the road** etc., comment, or iuquiriee will be welcomed by “Accelerator- T

There were about 900 cars and charabancs. numerous horse-drawn vehicles, and motorcycles besides. Some 5000 people attended altogether, so it was some crush. There were 200 or 300 cars on the beach besides the racers and it was a great sight—everybody tearing up and down the beach like wild men. The beach is dirty black sand but fairly hard : about a s hard' as Warrington I should imagine, but the length is 42 miles by the way. The surface is a bit, wavy, but good to drive on: much less wav- than M arrington. Only (bo real racing cars interested me, and I append some impressions. The Stutz looked a beauty, well designed, and had a roar like a battery of six-inch guns, a 6-inch exhaust pipo leading right back to the rear of Hip body 'which was painted white. However, she blew out very early in the cup r-ce, being left all the way from the start. The B’ord (Andrew's’) was good—an ciglitvalve head, valves very large, special oiling system, oil cooled by incoming charge as it was pumped round induction manifold, very elaborate system for oil to engine both hand and mechanically operated ; water tank with extra storage at. rear with pump to force the water right through from rear to radiator: springing very stilt to take bounce out of car and keep the wheels on the ground. The Ford was faster than the Mercer, but owiii" to a break in the oil pipo and bands for low gear and brake burning out could not keep up the pace iu the 50-milc event. In the first lap the Ford led the Mercer and made a much faster turn, but in the second the ■ Mercer led and made a better turn owing to the brakes and low gear band of the B’ord burning out. Mercer. —Painted yellow; fine-looking job, special track racer from America (same as Stutz.). I could not see the engine, but the chassis was very strong, springs very stiff, and, like most of tno other racers, was fitted with Hondailo snubbers. . Austin (De Beer).—No snubbers. (You saw car in Dunedin, so will not explain further.) The springs were not stiff enough and should have had extra leaves fitted for bencli racing, The car got well away with the bunch at the start and I rather liked her chance, hut evidently in changing geat at high speed the car failed, the clutch going to bits down the beach. I could not say how far the car travelled, but it was pushed back to the starting line after the finish of the race. . Essex (N. Smith).—This car was sprung practically solid, pushing hard down on rear end made no impression on springs. Hoil- - snubbers were fitted, special cylinder head, with carburetter on each side. The car was fitted with a variety of gadgets—special oiling systems and distributor shifted forward, probably two spark plugs in each cylinder. The engine compression raised much higher than touring cars; large exhaust straight out to rear- under dash a mass of oil pipes and laps, pumps, etc. The ear was undoubtedly very fast, but blow out before completing the first lap. Car bad too much of a gruelling on the trip to Wellington the previous week to race. The display of this car was’ disappointing, but the Buick B’our put up a good performance, , Essex (Campbell.)—Could not see the engine ; car sounded very good, plenty of ginger, well driven, good on changing gear at turns, splendid acceleration, put un good performance. The engine appeared to have very high compression; special oiling systems and water; no radiator shutter on either Essex. 'Jhe results were as follow: — Half-mile Handicap, for Private Owners. —S W. Chatfield’s Hudson, scr, i; VV. Ellerington s Chandler, 14yds, 2; J. Cheshire's Buick, 20yds, 3. Also started:' Tl Davis (Buick), W. Deeblo (Essex). The race provided a very close finish, only Isec separating the three plated men. Time, 45 2-ssoc. Touring Car Handicap, four miles and a-half, with thfeo’ turns.—L. Howden’s Durant, 70sec, 1; W. Ah Chec’s Buick, 40sec, 2; 11. C. Nicholis’s Chandler, scr, 3. Also started: W. Deoble (Essex). Howden led all the way, with Ah Chce rapidly overhauling him. On his second turn Ah Chee Stopped dead, losing valuable time anti pfobablv the race. His stoppage was duo to his being forced to a very sharp turn, the public having encroached on the track. Taxi Drivers’ Handicap. Ten miles, with four turns. —W. Bradford’s Dodge. 3min, 1; A. Archibald’s Hup., 3min 30sec, 2; B. Fielder’s Chandler, Imin 20sec, 3. Also' started: K. Ramsay (Hudson). M. Ramsay (Hudson). Again in this race the public spoiled the turns. Fielder, who looked like gaining honours, was foiled and brought to a standstill in the third turn. Archibald boat him for second place by half a bonnet. Time, 13min 24 2-ssec. NEW ZEALAND LIGHT CAR. CUP. Fifty miles, with seven turns. Dexter Motors’- Austin 1 Scott and Co.’s Fiat 2 S. Bcadnoll’s Buick 3

Also started; Auckland Motor Co. (Talbot). Campbell Motor Co. (Rugby), N. Milieu (Fafnir), and Pullan, Armitage, and Co. (Essex). Thi3 was one of the most interesting races of the day. The Austin and ( Fiat kept close company in the early stages, tho two cars being only 200 yards apart on tho completion of the first circuit. The Austin gradually drew away, gaining each lap, to finally win h.v half a mile. With tho exception of the Fiat, which ran second, the other competitors were well behind, the Buick being 3j miles lo the roar, and the Essex another mile away. Time, 46min.

Acceleration Test, 200yd.s.—W. S. Miller’s Chandler, 1; G. Smith’s Chandler, 2: L. Scott’s Fiat, 3. Also started: Ah Chee (Buick), F. Dalton (Essex). K. Ramsay (Hudson), and T. Davis (Buick). Won easily by yards. Miller got right away and with a quick change of gear led all the way. NEW ZEALAND MOTOR CUP. Fifty Miles, with Five Turns. 11. Nattrass’s Mercer 1 J. W. Andrew and Son’s Ford 2 Dominion Motors’s Essex 3 Tho other starters were: S. De Beer (Austin), Dominion Motors (Essex 2), S. Craig (Stutz), W. S. Miller (Chandler), Sea-

brook, Fowlds (Jewett). Seabrook, ,!• ov.lds (Vauxhall), De Luen and Hardley (Ford), G. Hayden (Ford). Much delay was experienced at (he, start, over a quarter of an hour elapsing before the crowd could be cleared. Before the race the. drivers appealed to the public to keep back and give them a chance on the turns. Tile appeal was effective for a few minutes., but after that the huge crowd gathered, .round. They left a clearance of not more.than 50 yards for cars travelling at 90 miles an hour to turn. Consequently all the turns were taken slowly, and still more slowly as the, day advanced. At the end of. the first round the Ford led the Mercer, with nothing else in sight, and after another round Nattrass won comfortably. Andrew hit a flag with his Ford and damaged his oil pipe, but using an auxiliary band pump, managed to finish in second place. Quito a chapter of accidents happened. In (he delay for the start the Stutz and the Austin, two of the fastest cars on the beach burnt out their clutches, the Vauxhall broke a rear axle on the first lap, and Smith’s Essex encountered spark plug trouble. Tire balance of the race was a procession, B. Ce.mpbell (Essex) finishing third, with W. Miller (Chandler) fourth. Time, 37rnin 49 3-ssec. Ladies’ Race. One mile and a-half. —Miss D, Doyle’s Fiat, 275, 1; Miss V. Love's Chandler, 11s, 2; Mrs H. C. Nicholls’s Chandler. Bs, 3. Miss Doylo won by a few car lengths, with .mss Lovo arid Mrs Nicholls close together. Open Handicap. Sixteen miles (three turns). —S. Beadncll’s Buick. 4m 255, 1; Dominion Motors’ Essex, scr, 2; W. S. Miller’s Chandler, Irn 58s, 5. Also started: W. De Luen (Ford), Sea brook, Fowlds (Jewett). C. Sherratt (Durant), Auckland Motor Company (Talbot), Campbell Motor Company (Rugby), and Dexter Motors (Austin). This race promised to be an interesting one, the first lap closing with the Rugby. Jewett, and Buick in close company. Again before the start the drivers appealed to the crowd to keep clear, but to no avail. Approaching the flag, the Rugby driver waved to clear the way, but the public stood their ground, and the oar sailed ahead unable to negotiate the turn. The Jewett following partially turned, and seeing the people on the course, kept on, only to hit a. spectator who had jumped to avoid the Rugby. These spectators were right in the eousre of the ears, and all day long prevented "ood racing and absolutely ruined the prospects of Ibis race. The Buick finally won from the Essex by a fair margin. i me, 17m 17s. Australasian Five-mile Speed Record (flying start). —S. Andrew’s Ford, 5m 295; S. De Beer’s Austin. 3m 50 l-ss; 11. Nat trass’s Mercer. 3m 33 4-ss; B. Campbell’s Essex. 3m 42 2-ss; J. Seabrook’s Jewett, 4m 0 3-ss. Both the Austin and the Mercer made a second attempt on the record, but failed to lower the Ford’s figure. The Ford’s time works out at 86.1 miles an hour. This performance established for the first time an Australasian record for the five-mile distance on a straight track.

MOTOR CYCLE NOTES The International Six Days’ Motor Cycle Trials will be held in Belgium this year. Well over £1,000,000 worth of motor cvcles were exported by Great Britain in 1923. . , B’or riding on a main street without a headlight at 1 a.m.. an English rider was finod £ls. or 79 davs’ imprisonment. . Motor cycling police have appeared m South Africa, wnere sidecars are being used for patrol work in outlying districts. The figures for the 10 mile record on an American speedway were recently lowered by J. Davis, w-hose new time was ftrnin 37 3-sscc. . . A famous Italian rider Malvisi, has just perfected a forced induction system for motor cycles, which utilises the compression in the crank case. The new 2| horse-power Sunbeam has established some remarkable gallonago figures, having recently covered 108? miles one one gallon of petrol on a country tour. Tbs following cablegram has been received in the dominion :—“ln celebrated English trials Colmore Cup and Victory Cup, 8.5. A., 2 1 ohv and six-horse combination obtained gold medal and cup best performance multi-cylinder passenger outfit.’’

SPARKS. This is leap year, especially for male pedestrians. Cutting a corner is a very short route to the police court. Reckless driving cost the, lives of some 1075 people in California m 1922, and in 1923 the total exceeded 1200, despite numerous safety drives and the adoption of new safety appliances by the automobile manufacturers . ' . , 1 Always keep the battery m a vertical position in taking it out or replacing it in the oar. Sediment may be in the bottom of the jars, and dipping them may cause it to get between* the plates and shortcircuit them. The Californian Packing Corporation, who tin large quantities pineapples in Hawaii, allow the crushed waste to ferment, after which it is distilled, resulting in the recovery of 94 per rent, pure alcohol. The company uses this as fuel for„their fleet of motor vehicle#. The British Empire Exhibition hopes to attract 30.000,000 people to Wembley ibis year. The motor charabanc and motor coach will have to plav a big part in shifting such a big crowd as this from all parts of°the kingdom, however helpful the railway companies may be. A local tax on motors and other vehicles in Napier is ‘proposed by Mr C. F. Clapcott, borough engineer, in a report to tho Napier Borough Council. Tho rates suggested are tho same as under an Invercargill regulation;—Motor lorries, £2 10s to £7 per annum ; private cars, £1; motor cycles, IDs; taxis and omnibuses, £7 10s; and horse-drawn vans or carts, £1 to £1 10s. The Big Tree film screened at the Octagon Theatre has attracted the attention of motorists. It gives a brief sketch of the oil industry in California. This State is the most important of the several sources of sup-'-- for petroleum products used in New Zealand. The-film story begins with the producing fields and carries the audience through tho more important phases of field activities, pipe line operation, refining, marine, and rail transportation and marketing, as it is practised on the Pacino Coart, and ends with the benzine in the consumer’s tank, NEW MODEL FORD CARS. The new Ford models have arrived and may bo inspected at Ford dealers. Tho main alterations include larger and higher radiator —giving increased cooling surfaceimproved electric lighting system, new typo instrument board, steel dashboard, new front apron, more graceful body lines.