THE MOTOR WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19205, 23 June 1924, Page 4

THE MOTOR WORLD.

Motorists desiring information with regard to mechanical or other car troubles, or on any matter coming within tho scope of tho sport, pastime, or business of motoring arc invited to send inquiries to “ Accelerator." Special eflorts will be marie to give the most reliable advice on all topics ol interest. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The Highway Magazine for May, featuring ■‘America’s Highest Highways”; the current issue of the Dig Tree Bulletin (of interest to all motorists), and the Calendar for June; and tho Radiator for June (issued by tho Motor Trade Association). BODY IN THE CAR. W'heu a Napier motorist accidentally ran over and killed a small Pomeranian dog, quite recently, he endeavoured to conceal the crime by obliterating the most damning piece of ovidcnc, tho carcase, and ho look (he corpse in his car and stealthily dropped it into the sea off the breakwater. Unfortunately for his peace of mind, some friends heard of the accident, and with several telephone calls successfullly deluded him into thinking that a claim was forthcoming from the dog’s owner. The distraught motorist was just preparing, cheque book in hand, to consult the family lawyer, when another telephone call gave him timely warning of the deception. AVERAGE SPEED. Many a motor-cycling holiday haa been spoiled by starting out with a programme that is 100 ambitious. The rider suiters disappointment as ho gets further and further behind his scheduled time-table. Meals are hurried, and there is no time to stop and admire scenery or passing points of interest. Twenty miles per_ hour for general touring purposes is an ideal speed. At this pace a machine will travel day after day and will maintain its average without trouble. This means keeping the speedometer ou 25 or more practically all the time. To the young and dashing sporting riders it may sound a crawl, but to the more sober members of the motor cycling community it is an excellent basis on which to plan a week-end trip or an annual holiday. CARS LAST LONGER. Afler careful studies by research bureaus it has been determined that the average life of the present-day built automobile is six years. That there has been a great improvement in automobile construction in the last two years is indicated by the fact that in 1921 the average life of all motor cars made was 5.35 years. These figures were arrived at. from statistics of annual production, yearly registration in all States, amt from the number of cars imported and exported. Caro put into construction at every stage has added to the life of cars. It has been emphasised that the first cost of careful building is higher, but later costs more than prove the wisdom and economy of building cars to last. How long the individual car will last is apnrnarv thought of every customer. “YOU CAN’T BE TOO CAREFUL.” “Look before you accelerate” is a modem version of an excellent maxim, the wisdom of which a Greymouth motorist proved to hi s own satisfaction on the Reefton road a few days ago. lie was taking a party of friends to Ngahere, and reached the Brunner railway crossing a few seconds proir to tiie arrival of a down goods train. Fortunately, he slackened speed and noticed the oncoming engine, because if the whistle was blown it was not heard. Tho car was checked just in time, and the crossing safely negotiated, but the experience was such that there will in future bo at least one motorist who will exercise every caution when approaching a railway crossing rather than depend on the warning blast of a locomotive siren. THE OIL SUPPLY. The American Petroleum Institute has published it 6 estimate of world’s petroleum production for 1923. It is given as 1.010.995.000 barrels—an increase of 18.3 per cent, over 1922, The United States contribution is 735,000,000 barrels and Mexico 149,472,000 barrels. Compared with 1922 this is an increase for tho former of 177.469.000 barrels, and a decrease for Mexico of 52.8C6.009 barrels. Persia is given as 25,000,000 barrels, being an increase over the previous year of 3,091,000 barrels. The reduction in tho output from ■Mexico is slated to be due to water having appeared ins many of the famous recordbreaking wells. RAILWAY IMPROVEMENTS. There is a hint to our own Railway Department in what the German railways are doing in Berlin. “About one year age; tho use of trucks by railroads in Berlin began, and today it can he pronounced " thorough success.” said Dr Sommers, of Dresden, on a visit to America. “Trucks are used to avoid trar car service between freight stations in various parts of Berlin Each individual truck unit consists of r five-ton motor truck and two trailers, all closed like freight oars, operated and guarded by the truck corporation’s men, who are under orders of the railway management and wear tho railway uniform The truck corporation acts as joint carrier* with the railroad and received a tariff pro portionato to tho prevailing railroad tariff. Through this use of trucks about 40 railroad cars are saved for long-haul purposes in Berlin alone, . HELP TIIE NEW DRIVER. Many motorists in Auckland complain bo cause the now driver does many reek 1 os: and senseless things when at tho wheel (says a northrn writer). This is quite right tip to a certain point, but seasoned l drivers do not always take particular care to see that they do tho right thing at the right time so fhat the learner will know when ho is taking chances. We nil have to learn. Every learner takes chances, and the experienced driver has a unique role to play in recognising, first of all, that tho beginner represents a hazard to him. and that it i? always to his advantage to keep away from the novice who does not know enough to keep out of tho experienced driver’s way. The best service that can be rendered to motorists is for the experienced driver to give tho beginner every possible advantage, oven to sacrificing rights and being inconvenienced Safety is worth everything. WARNING SOUNDS. It was recently suggested to the Ministry of Transport (Great Britain) that it should undertake the standardisation of compulsory warning sounds and instruments to be used aa audible warning of approach by different types of motor vehicles, and fhat they be divided for this purpose into three classes —heavy vehicles, ordinary cars, and motor cycles—each with its obligatory typo of warning sound It is claimed that the introduction of such a scheme would protect the public, simplify tho task of driving, facilitate the regulation of traffic, and reduce the cast of police control. It also is submitted that tho multiplicity of sounds, which present, emanate from motor vehicles, would be eliminated were the scheme put into operation. Years ago, when it was seriously advanced that all motors be fitted with uniform warning inatrumunts, tho idea was cast out because it was recognised that in the variety of sounds there was safety; tho public would not become accustomed to any one sound, and thus their attention was the more likely to bo attracted by tho approach of motor traffic. As a matter of fact, the uso of the horn, especially in city streets, where the traffic is more or less supervised, is steadily diminishing. RULES FOR PEDESTRIANS. The following rules for pedestrians are contained in a booklet. “Regulations for Street Traffic,” issued by the New York Commissioner of Police,' but applying to anv city : If caught in a jam of traffic, stand still: that will give the driver a chance to avoid you. }se alert, bo cautious, and be wise; therein you'll find that safety lies. Look up, take notice where you go; if you see danger, you should go slow. A look in time may save your spine Educate yourself to cross at tho cross walk. Precaution is better than repentance. Cross at a cross-walk or a place where a policeman ia on duty. Don’t permit anything to obstruct your view in crossing a street. Don't lav all the blame on tho motorist. You owe it to yourself to do everything in your power to meet him halfway, lie, too. has his troubles. Roadways are intended for vehicles, footpaths and cross-walks for pedestrians. Watch —look out —or you will he knocked out. When stepping from tho kerb, look out and you will look right. It’s better to got wet than killed—don’t let your umbrella obscure your vision. Don’t try to boat an auto —wheels travel faster than legs. A second saved for a life lost is a poor exchange.

By ACCELERATOR.

(Itatni of news—short descriptions of tours, the state of the losdjk •tc., comment, or inquiries wiU be welcomed by “Accelerator. 1

MOTOR IMPORTS. The importation of mol or vehicles during the present year- shows a large, increase over any previous period, and is arousing comment in many quarters. . . So long as the motor vehicles imported cun be put into profitable use there is not much to worry over, hut at the present rate of increase tfiis position may ho overtaken sooner than many realise, and there must then be a reckoning (says the Radiator,. 'The difficulty of tho importer in estimating his requirements ia a. real one, and when sales are good and sub-agenta are pressing for deliveries faster than they can he made, tho mistake of over-importing may easily bo made. . , , Wtt do not wish to raise an alarm, out would advise those in authority to watch conditions as closely as they can, and keep a sure grip on their operations. It would be much better to lose a few sales and leave a demand not fully satisfied than to bring about any suspicion of a glut. . .For the information of those interested wo give the number of importations of cars and trucks for the four months January to April of the past five yeajs

MOTOR CYCLE NOTES. Last year 2429 motor cycles were imported into South Africa, as against tho previous year's total of 11,512. The Tourist Trophy’s races, held annually in the Isle of Man, will take place this week, commencing to-day and finishing on Saturday Ou a preliminary factory lest a 350 c.e. Ridge maintained an average*speed of miles per hour for one hour Holland, Jugo-Slavia, and Rumania j.ro now among the countries employing motor cycles for police work. Tho purchase of n motor cycle provides access to a great variety of interests other than the mere riding of the machine. The Potchcfstroom Road Trial, held annually in the Transvaal, was won by A Rosenthal (Indian), with J. Morgan (A.J.S.I in second place. The 2i h.p. overhead valve 8.5. A., accomplished a record climb on Snowdon, Britain’s highest peak, reaching the summit in 24min 6sec. Figures recently published by the United States Department of Commerce show that while there are over 430,000 motor eyeies in use in England, the total in America ■ the land of big output—is only 171,009. In the Sydney Motor Club’s reliability contest, F Howarth (Harloy-Davidson and side-car) was first with 700, full_ marks; G Aitclslev (A.J.S.) was second with 690, R Hodgson (H.D.) third with 680, and W. Conoulty (Douglas' was fourth with 645. An exhaust valve tapi>et adjusted too close is liable to cause the exhaust, valve seat to burn away, causing a loss of compression. When motor is hot the exhaust valve tappet should be free. Attention to this detail will save replacing Cm exhaust valve, t C. H. Young, captain of the Natal Motor Cycle Club, has been elected to represent south Africa in the Isle of Man T.T. Races. He baa a formidable list ol successes in road events, and should prove a worthy representative. In the London—7 Land’s End trial there wore 315 entries, of which 311 faced the starter. Most of tho failures were duo to bad driving, and the weather conditions being ideal,* a ‘very large list of winners resulted. As many a s 300 checked in at Land’s End at tho finish of the run.

The biggest and most ambitious trial over held in Germany was run at the end of the season just ended. The event comprised a complete circuit of Germany, tho total distance to be covered being 2000 miles, and the time extending over 17 davs. No fewer than 127 riders competed and 12 British makes were represented. It is just 50 years since the late Mr James Starloy, of .Coventry, invented and patented the first Tangent, wire spoked wheel. He died in Juno. 1881, and has a monument erected to his memory and genius on Coventry Green. He also patented the double-driving _ balance gear, or differential, almost identical with those titled on oars of to-day. STARKS. The second Motor Olympia in Wellington will be held from July 5 to July 12. In Melbourne from July 10 to July 19 an All-British Motor Exhibition will bo hold. The waste by traffic delays is estimated to cost the people of London millions a year. The secretary to tho Wellington Automobile Club reported that outstanding subscriptions amounted to £350, some of which would have to be written off. tlonsider the pedestrian sometimes, and don’t dash through water-filled potholes so to splash people. Drivers of electric trucks are lax in the matter of giving warning of approach, especially at intersections in the city. When making an improvised covering for the gas tank filler pipe to take the place of a lost cap, bo sure to allow some opening for air, otherwise tho vacuum feed system will not operaro. there were 748,005 miles of railroad in the world in 1920. Comparing this with highway motor vehicle facilities, some idea accounting tor tho motor truck's popularity may be gained. When adjusting bearings, always make sure that all oil grooves and oil holes are clear. If any oil grooves appear to he too shallow on account of wearing ol the bearings, tho grooves should bo enlarged. The gum and grease that accumulate on the rear axle may be easily cleaned with a clotn wot. with kerosene. A stiff brush will reach tho grooves and comers, and tho cleaning vrill be easier if the kerosene is warmed.

An All-British Automobile Exhibition will bo held in Melbourne from July 10 to July 19. It is being held under the ausoices of tho Association of British Motor Manufacturers.

In 1902, when the automobile was known as a “horseless carriage,” Claude E. Cox, of Terre Haute, Ind., distinguished himself by building the first car that had its engine under the hoed in front, instead of under tho seat. Dr J. A. Snow, psychologist of Northwestern University, is to give 100 taxicab drivers in Chicago an “emotional test.” By newly perfected electrical instruments he expects to measure accurately their dependability and oxportness and discover exactly how they will act in emergency. Motorists on the Hutt road have evidently been challenged by traffic inspectors to produce their licenses or receipts for the 30s tax. It was argued at tho Wellington Automobile Club meeting that tho production of the receipt could not bo demanded there and then, but that tho motorists could produce it on a later occasion. The cost summary of the Hutt road shows that the net cost of the 78,122 yards to bo about 8s 63d per square yard, while the gross cost, which includes extras for various items which cropped up, such as the double track under the bridge at Kaiwarra and the widening of tho road near Tetone, works out at 9s 8 jd. The total cost was £38,254. The number of automobiles produced in the United States, which was only 4000 in ISOO, jumped to 25,009 in 1905, 187,000 in 1910, nearly one million in 1915, over 2,000,090 in 1020, 4.000,000 in 1923, and may approximate 5,090,000 in 1924. The total wholesale value of the 20,000,009 machines turned out in America since 1900 is alxnit £4,000,000,000. Riding at probably (ho highest speed ever recorded by a motor cyclist, C. F. Temple, on a Montgomery-Anzam racing machine, beat a 250 horse-power ear at Breoklands. With tho wind behind him on the “straight,” he travelled at more than 129 miles an hour. Tho match was between Temple and G. M. Lo Champion, driving an Isotta-Kraschini. Temple won by 100 yards at an average speed of 93.62 miles an hour. In his second lap ho averaged 108.2 miles an hour. Every man who ever handled a motor car has warmly commented on the manner in which his switch key perversely insisted on presenting its wrong face to the lock.

Even to ;t sober man the average .switch keyhole is elusive, at the best. Here is a suggestion that may help: With the iio.il file from your knife (if you have nothing: better) cut a score mark on the top of the hamiio-ctul of the key. Thereafter instinctively yon will feel with year thumb lor the scored place and will be saved much minor irritation. At a conference of representatives of shires in New South Wales last week a vigorous attack was made cm molar record breakers, and many hard things were said. “Every day we read cf motorists,” said one delegate, “running into telegraph post or over precipices. Manufacturers are constantly bringing out. new things and wo shall soon have a speed of 100 miles per lie nr.” It wgs agreed that “persons shall not take part. or he a competitor in any speed contest., cr race unless the councils over whose roads such speed contest or race shall take place have given a special permit for sained’ ■

Cars. No. Trucks. 1914 _ ... ... 5530 S94 1923 „ 3424 245 1922 617 107 1921 2133 652 1920 4069 636 It is hardly necessary lo point out that the importations of the early part of led to disaster before the close of the year. It is somewhat remarkable that, notwithstanding tile largely-increased number of cars in use, the importations of tyres show a marked decrease. This is partly accounted for by the greatly-reduced cost of tyros, but the figures are peculiar nevertheless. The importation of tyres for the same period quoted for cars is;— 1924 £110,522 1923 - 255,469 1922 ... - 166,0^9 19M . 580.602 1920 ... - 379,881