THE MOTOR WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20473, 30 July 1928, Page 4

THE MOTOR WORLD.

Cy ACCELERATOR.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. The Dig Tree Bulletin and Calendar, the one containing useful hints and informative articles and the other handy for the office. HERO WORSHIP. He stood, with modest mien, talking with an eager group of newspaper reporters. He waved his hand with a deprecating gesture. It was nothing, he was heard to remark; anyone else could have done as much. Photographers pressed forward for close-ups. The crowds cheered. An elderly gentleman pinned a bit of ribbon on his lapel. On the fringe of the admiring throng a newcomer asked, Who is this hero —another transatlantic flyer?” " No.” replied a witness, “ even a more brilliant figure—die admitted that he was going over 20 miles an hour.” USE FOR OLD TYRES. Where do the old tyres go? An innovation in footwear is lounji in Greece. Macedonia, and Thrace, where discarded tyre casings are converted into shoes, supplanting the leather tcharik. A shoe made from an old tyre is good for 10 months or 12 months of wear as compared with less than three months for tchariks made of hide. Economy and protection from winter dampness have given the new footwear universal popularity among the Macedonian peasants and villagers. The demand is so great that the local supply is insufficient and the imports of used casings amount to 50,000 a year. Each casing yields three pairs of shoes, selling for about 2s 6d a pair. The imports come from France, and a generous proportion of the old tyres thus brought in finds use on motor vehicles before reaching the shoe factory. In Mexico also, there is widespread use of old tyres for footwear. The custom of the Mexican peon is to cut a piece of rubber to fit the sole of his foot, and bind it to the foot by means of leather thongs. ALTERNATIVE PAVING. The concrete versus bitumen controversy will no doubt be revived with some vigour when improvement schemes under tiie petrol tax distribution take shape. The belief that concrete costs from £3OOO to £4OOO a mile more than first-class bitumen has been exploded. The Hawke's Bay County Council, an authority which has undertaken fairly extensive bitumen surfacing schemes in the past has now selected concrete for a four-mile section of the Napier-Hastings highway. Several miles of concrete are being laid in Christchurch, the contract price only 11s 3d for an 18-foot paving with three feet shouldei's. The bitumen paving of the Hutt road, the best example of this class of surfacing in the Dominion, has averaged over 11s 9d a square yard. Some sections cost up to 15s 6d. About 1,250,000 square yards of concrete paving have been laid within a 20-mile radius of Auckland. The average is below 15s, and recent work cost less than 12s a square yard. There is no disputing the fact that bitumen on -Tie Hutt road cost as much as 6in and Tin concrete on some Auckland roads. TAIL LIGHTS FOR PEDESTRIANS. At last a bold iconoclast has voiced the need of the age—tail lights for pedestrians. An Englishwoman has invented a belt which embodies an electric battery and a red light easting its beam to the rear, to warn the lordly motorist that a humbler user of the high road is before him. The London Daily Telegraph warmly advocates the use of this device by ail pedestrians who are compelled to use the roads after darkness. Back of any jocular suggestion there is a vein of sober common sense in this proposal. Undoubtedly many pedestrians are killed on dark country ro_ads simply because appiroaching motorists have not seen them. There is a dead spot in every headlight. and, given certain conditions, it is impossible to see objects ahead of the oar when they are in certain locations as regards the driver. It is a question whether the idea of having pedestrians wear rear lights could be “‘put across” because of its inevitable humorous suggestion. However, it has been predicted by an American journal, that in a few years more, at the present rate of increase of motor vehicles in U.S.A., pedestrians will bo wearing both number plates and tail lights. LEGALITY OF PILLION RIDING. In delivering reserved judgment on a pillion riding test case, Mr W. R. MTiean, S.M., stated “ that the Auckland City Council might well consider the matter again.” The case was tested by the Sports Motor Cycle Club, at the suggestion of the City- Council, to determine whether the by-law prohibiting pillion riding was contrary to the regulation which permits two people to travel on a two-wheeler. The uncompromising attitude adopted bj the City Council is well known to motor cyclists, and many endeavours have been made to induce the city fathers to take a more reasonable view. The motor cycle club is quite prepared to accept some compromise and is prepared to bow to the opinion of the chief traffic inspector as far as the very busy streets are concerned. When oppressive restrictions are maintained in such outlying districts as Tamaki and Avondale all thinking motor cyclists realise that the time has come to raise their voices in protest. An attempt in which a pillion rider is involved is almost invariably attributed to the fact that a passenger was being carried, and apparently no distinction is made even when the motor cyclist and his passenger have suffered through the lack o'f judgment on the part of some other road user. The average motor cyclist is, of course, aware of this, but the layman who has no practical experience is liable to misconstrue reports of such accidents and to regard pillion riding as an extremely dangerous mode of transport Two years ago in answer to a question in the British House of Parliament, the Minister of Transport stated that no figures or evidence existed to prove that pillion riding was dangerous. There can be no doubt that the Auckland City Council, in adhering to its decision to prohibit pillion riding, is acting contrary to the best traffic authorities of the world. A prominent English statesman has remarked in the House that: “There is the greatest objection to any interference with the liberty of the subject in regard to pillion riding,” and that: “ This is the only way many people, of modest means have of getting about the country.” A DIESEL LORRY. Demonstrations of the Diesel engined lorry manufactured by a well-known German firm are arousing interest in Great Britain. Since the imposition of the petol tax motor spirit has been selling in England at Is 5d a gallon. The Diesel lorry uses fuel at only 4d a gallon. Magneto, carburettor, and sparking plugs, the causes of nearly half the breakdowns on the road, are eliminated in the heavy oil plant. The engine in the lorry being demonstrated is a six-cylinder installation with a bore of 105 m.m. and a 165 m.tn stroke. This gives a capacity of 8572 cubic centimetres, somewhat more than that of large petrol-driven lorry engines. A start from cold is effected in half a minute.

Despite its dimensions, the engine, which £ives about 80 h.p. at 1300 r,p.m., is fairly light, the top and bottom halves of the crankcase and the two cylinder blocks and overhead valve covers being of aluminium alloy. The cylinder blocks are fitted with removable cast iron cylinder liners. which can be renewed when necessary simply by removing the detachable head, taking out the liner and replacing it with a now one, this operation being effected in half an hour. The engine has a seven-bearing crankshaft and valves operated by rockers and push rods. The crankshaft drives a fuel distribution pump, the water pump, and a generator. A fan is driven by a belt, and the entire plant is so enclosed that at first glance it might be mistaken for an ordinary heavy duty petrol engine. The hand throttle and accelerator pedal are normal and an ordinary electric starter engages with teeth on the flywheel.

[ltems of news—short descriptions, of tours, the state of the roads, oto., comment, or inquiries will be welcomed by “ Accelerator. I

Tho high generates heat which provides automatic ignition when the oil is sprayed into the explosion chamber through tine jets. A test made with a full load over 125 miles showed an average of 14 miles per gallon as compared with eight miles per gallon for a petrol-driven vehicle of similar capacity Over the test run this resulted in an outlay of only 3s 9d for fuel oil as against 15s for petrol. Tho lorries arc mounted on giant pneumatic tyres, and they can maintain from 2.5 to 30 m.p.h. over long runs. The engine is used to provide a powerful brake by the cutting out of three cylinders when the foot pedal is depressed. The astounding fact' is that the cost of fuel and lubricating oil for an 80 h.p. lorry is less than for a light motor car. LATEST BABY CAR. Considerable interest has been created in the announcement of the production of the Morris Minor, a 7 h.p. Baby. Plana are in train already for production, and it is hoped that the first limited batch will be turned out from the Cowley factory in Oxford during August (says the Autocar). In its experimental stages the new car has proved exceedingly promising, particularly with regard to comfort, due to the low centre of gravity and the half-elliptic springs, which combine to render the suspension free from road shock and at the same time devoid of undue pitching. Other features have proved to be ease of control and a lively performance on the road. Much detail of the design cannot yet be given, for, like all new things, it is not fully settled in all respects, though the general scheme is crystallised. The following particulars, however, may safely be given. The initial form of body will be a full four-seater fabric saloon, with two wide doors, separate adjustable tipup front seats, and rear seats which have the floorboards sunk considerably below the level of the frame, sc that there is plenty of leg room without making the body too long. All four windows slide to open, and at the front is a single-pane windscreen, which also can be opened. One of the features of the design is the low build of the chassis, the frame being dropped between the arches over the front and rear axles. The wheel base is 6ft Cin, and the track 3ft 6m. In appearance the car is decidedly attractive, from the normal Morris shape radiator to the back of tho well-propor-tioned fabric body. All the up-to-date features of modern car design are incorporated in the mechanism; the fourcylinder water-cooled engine has overhead valves, an overhead camshaft, and coil ignition. Three speeds are provided by the gear box which has the the changespeed lever placed centrally. Final drive is by spiral bevel gearing. Four wheel brakes, are fitted, and are operated through cables. The detachable wire wheels are shod with 26 x 3.5 in tyres. The steering gear is epi-cycle. The car is definitely- intended to carry four grown-up people. The price is not yet definitely fixed, but will be highly competitive. MOTOR CYCLE NOTES. A combined paper chase and pillion run will be held on Saturday next, starting from the club room at 2 o’clock. The route taken will be over the Peninsula. The annual meeting of motor cyclists will be held on August 15, at 8 p.m., in tho Otago Motor Club rooms. Mr L. Johnson has been appointed secretary in place, of -Mr S. M'lnncs. * * # The clearance between valve and tappet should be verified when the engine is hot, as valve stems expand with heat. * * * Of 245 motor cycles imported into Holland in the month of February, 137 were British machines. ** , • When riding in cold weather do not wear tight-fitting boots or gloves, as anything tight tends to numb the circulation. The reduction in speed caused by a head wind is slightly greater than the increase caused by a following wind' of the same velocity. The Velocetto which secured first place in the 350 e.e. class in the recent 200-milc sidecar races at Brooklan’ds, won by over seven miles. . * * * Three motor cyclists summoned in tho North of England for dangerous driving are said to have argued hotly among themselves in court as to who was the fastest. * * * It is false economy not to be insured, and everyone, more especially those who take pillion passengers, should insure, if not for all possible contingencies, at all events against third-party risks. * * ft “ Sprouts ” Elder, Geoff Meredith. Spencer Stratton, and other overseas and English “ stars ” have recently been riding in dirt-track contests at the Paris Stadium. For the first time in the history of tho track, motor cycles and motor cars raced against each other at the Nurburg Ring, Germany, recently. They appeared to be very evenly matched. * * ft The opinion is held in Australia that when the English speedways close down for the winter a number of English riders will accompany the Aussies “ down under ” in order to get more experience of dirttrack racing. SPARKS. Automatic windscreen wipers are being fitted to some locomotives in Great Britain. * * » The rule of the road in Portugal has been changed, and in future vehicles must keep to the right. * * * The Ennisworthy-Wexford road, which has lately been opened, is the longest stretch of all-concrete road in the British Isles. The annual driving license has been replaced in Ceylon by a certificate of competency, which will remain in force until cancelled by a court of law. ♦ * * .Visitor: And what’s the trouble with that poor man? Keeper: He tried to invent a new motor car accessory. • t • It is interesting to note that the Austin Motor Company. Ltd., of Birmingham, recently despatched its 10,000 th 7 h.p. car overseas. ♦ * * Lizzie Ford or Lord Rolls Royce are both friends of Big Tree Motor Spirit—the spirit of democracy.—Advt. Aft* It is probable that the North and South Island Motor Unions will confer soon on a variety of subjects, principally regulations. * * ft The three-engined 1500 horse-power car in which Ray Keech established the world’s record of 2074 m.p.h. covered half a mile per gallon. * ft * At the beginning of June there were 173,529 motor vehicles registered in the Dominion. Of these, 114,628 were cars and 22,216 trucks and vans. ft ft ft Too much “ play ” in the steering system of a car or truck is dangerous. The steering mechanism should be kept in perfect condition at all times in the interest of safety. * * * Importations of motor-spirit into New Zealand during the first five months of 1028 totalled 23,736.184 gallons, as compared with 19.493.814 gallons in the January-May period of last year. “ You may know about cars.” said the blacksmith scornfully, " but how would you shoe a horse? ” " I’d toot my horn till he got off the road,” said the mechanic.

A special course in the details of motor vehicles has been held by the police authorities of Nurcmburg and Munich for the benefit of local magistrates. In order to help solve the traffic problem many of the Paris tramivay routes are to be abolished, and no further Hues arc to be laid in the city or its environs. « ♦ » One of the things the correspondence schools can't teach is how to get out of taking your next-door neighbour to town in your car after you’ve ouce started the habit. ♦ * * “ Half the market for American motor cars is virtually assured every year by the demand for replacements for wornout cars,” says the American National Automobile Chamber of Commerce. * * * A new record for road construction has been set by America in the 195-mile continuous stretch of concrete road laid in Alabama. The 135-milc section on the Minnesota highway was previously rated as the longest in the world. * * * Big Tree Motor Oil will make your car run with a whisper. You’ll hear it whisper “ Thank You.” —Advt. The transamerica record has been broken by a six-cylinder air-cooled car driven by “ Cannon-ball ” Baker. The 0693 miles between Los Angeles and Now York was covered in 6 days 13 hours, or 10 hours under the previous record. Indications are that motor vehicle imports during 1928 will about equal the 1927 quota. During the first five months of 1928, 5598 cars, chassis, and commercial vehicles were imported into the Dominion as compared withJs662 in the corresponding period of 1927. Dave Lewis, one of the best-known and most daring of American race drivers, has been shot dead it is believed, by robbers, who started a fire to cover up the crime. He was the pioneer of frontwheel drive racing cars, the winner of many races, and the holder of many record's in short and long-distance events. ft ♦ ♦ Make light of the heaviest task. That’s what your car floes on Big Tree Motor 011 - -Advt. Production of the British Vulcan car has ceased. The report of the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Company (1906), Ltd., covering a period of 18J months, shows a loss of £92,459. The directors state that the manufacture of cars has been the source of loss, and production is to be confined to commercial chassis. The largest rubber plantation in the world is owned by the makers of Royal Cord tyres. The combined holdings of tills company make it the largest single producer of crude rubber in the world. It now owns 87,000 acres of planted trees, and planting is going forward steadily. A total of 27,000 _ persons is employed in plantation activities. (Continued on page 5.)