THE MOTOR WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21243, 26 January 1931, Page 4

THE MOTOR WORLD.

By ACCELERATOR.

FIXTURES. SOUTHLAND MOTOR CYCLE CLUB. January 30.—Grass track races. February 6.—Grass track races and athletics. February 15. —Club run. February 20.—Grass track races. February 28.—Oreti Beach races. . ’ A GOOD EXAMPLE. A device, which might well be adopted m some places by the Canterbury Automobile Association (remarks “ Chassis ” in the Sun) is fhe cut glass reflector set in posts to show up at night in the light of passing vehicles. On the way to Dunedin over Mount Cargill -these posts with their red and white coloured# lights are a great help to the motorist who does not know the. road, as are also various signs made in similar fashion. Though they are specially useful in the thick fog which is sometimes experienced on the way into Dunedin, these cut glass reflectors- could be employed with advantage in several places round Christchurch. Of the two colours red seems to be more suitable for the purpose than white. THE FEATHERED MENACE. A new peril to peaceful motorists has been reported from London, Ontario. Annoyed by the _incessant stream of cars' passing along his favourite feeding ground, a game cock belonging to a street resident deliberately attacked a passing automobile; The rooster was seen to gaze at the approaching car, then he ruffled his feathers in a decidedly, hostile fashion, and, .a second later, he flew directly at the front of the vehicle. He soared, through the air, crashed through the windshield, bumped ‘ against the, back of the tonneau, and came to rest in the ’lap of one of the passengers. Two of the three occupants of the-front seat were injured by glass splinters. Police investigated the accident, but were at a loss on official procedure when they found the cause of all the trouble simmering in 'a saucepan. TEMUKA’S CAMPING GROUND. \ “ For many years, even harking back to the old motor cycling days, we have taken the greatest' possible interest in camping, and wo can honestly say that all our experience has hot found tis better motor camping grounds than those pr 6-. vided by the Temuka Domain Board,” said Mr H. Wooff, of 93 Sherbourne street, St. Albans, Christchurch, to a reporter at - Temuka. Mr Wooff, with Mr C. Chapman, of 24 Hills road, Shirley, and their wives and families were then just on the point of returning to their homes after having spent- three weeks in the Temuka motor camp grounds. “ We have nothing but unbounded praise for the camp, and its superb scenic surroundings,” he continued with very evident _ enthusiasm. “Every convenience is provided for, gas rings, water, showers, washing equipment—in short, everything. The motor _ camp must be a success because it is in the country—close to shooting, near to fishing and athletic sports are handy; and yet at the same time it is within a'stone’s throw of Temuka.” Since the camp was opened just before Christmas, no fewer than 43 separate parties have camped on the grounds. A PEDESTRIAN’S PARADISE. At present (says a Christchurch paper) two trucks and an old car comprise the sole motor-driven traffic of Stewart Island,, and these rush up and down the precipitous and winding tracks near Halfmoon Bay in great style. It is, however, proposed that a motor road should be put through the island from coast to coast, which would result in a winding drive of ■4O to 50 miles of great scenic beauty. Already there is a track which extends a certain distance inland. Such a proposal will probably not be well received by some people, especially by those who regard the island not only as a bird sanctuary, but. also as a sanctuary. for the pedestrian, for it is about the one place;in New Zealand where he is at present .unbothered by cars. In fact, whep ,thp captain;,of the s.s. Tamatea, which plies between Bluff and Stewart Island, was ashed by a holidaymaker recently how 'much the , freight would be to" take a car across Foveaiix Strait he was quite indignant at the suggestion. “We don't want any of these beastly motor cars on Stewart Island, thank you,” he said. “It is about the one place still left bn God’s earth where you can get away from them! The car did not leave Bluff after that.’ SIXES VICTORIOUS IN ECONOMY TEST. The economy of six-cylinder cars was officially demonstrated when three Chevrolets swept everything in their class in the recent women driver’s economy contest conducted by the Gilmore Oil Company of Seattle, Washington, under the auspices of the American Automobile Association. In a field of 44 entrants, Chevrolets not only won first, second and third places in their class, but the total consumption of the three winning sixes was less than that in any other class. Twenty-one different makes of cars ranging from standard-sized four-cylinder cars to the newer eights were entered in the economy; contest. The course extended for 188 miles, from Seattle to Mount Baker Lodge, and included 19 miles' of detour. Every kind of traffic condition and all of roads were covered' by the contestants. Miss Beulah La Haise, driving the victorious Chevrolet, covered the distance with an average petrol consumption. of 41.36 ton miles to the Imperial’gallon. Total consumption was 6.7 gallons, or better than 27 miles to the gallon. The Chevrolet sixes which came in second, and third against seven different makes of cars,, also average better than 24 miles to the gallon. Officials of the American Automobile Association checked every car to make sure that it was strictly a stock model, and every gallon of spirit and oil used. An observer rode with every driver to keep track of mileage gas and oil consumption. Earlier in the year the Gilmore Company also sponsored an economy run at Log Angeles, California, under American Automobile Association sanction, in which a Chevrolet six captured first place, in its class as well as. winning the sweepstakes for all classes. MAKING MOTORS MIND. The following helpful hints for the motorist who wants to get the most service and enjoyment out of his automobile are supplied by Mr W. B. Franklin, service manager of General Motors New Zealand, Ltd.:— , When a battery is charged or discharged very quickly it will overheat, and the over-heating may result in the plates warping. When the plates warp the paste will fall out of the grids. Not only will this prevent the battery from taking a charge, but it will short-circuit the plates at the bottom. Using the starting motor for a considerable time at a stretcli means a quick discharging of the battery and a possible overheating and warping. Therefore, if the engine does not start quickly, do not use the starter for a long time, but get out and find out why the engine does not start. Never put acid into the battery. Distilled waiter is the only kind to be poured into a battery. This is because in distilling water the steam is driven off, then caught and cooled. This process leaves the iron and other minerals behind, so that the water obtained by distillation contains nothing that can cause destruction to the battery plates. The distilled water should cover battery plates. For cleaning spots from the car upholstery, household ammonia has much to recommend it. As compared with many substances, such as naphtha, it has the especial virtue of being non-inflammable and consequently less dangerous. Never hold a match over the battery to check the level of the solution. It is like holding a match over the “ gas ” tank. .It is most important that tyres be kept properly inflated in warm weather. Heat is rubber’s natural enemy. Underinflated tyres, flexing more, generate more heat. . % Repairing an oil leak in the engine not only reduces the cost of lubricant but also is an effective guarantee that the engine will be getting an adequate amount of lubricant most s£ iba tfmoi

[ltems of news—short descriptions, of tours, the state of the road*, etc., comment, or inquiries will he welcomed by “ Accelerator.”!

The modern automobile requires a delicate touch in driving. Owners who are aware of the fact and who try to get the “feel” of their new cars quickly are the ones whose repair bills are usually lowest. COOKING FOR CAMPERS. The food problem is a vital one to the motorist camper. After years of experience some seasoned motor campers have succumbed to the luxury of the oil stove or some other like contraption. These may be a safeguard in nn emergency, but the born holiday-maker finds joy in the camp fire. Given the fire, how shall w r e cook, and what? “Martha” supplies the following advice in the Christchurch Sun: For the first day it is a wise provision to take some cooked food along, such as pasties, pies, or sandwiches. Fruit should also be taken. Small patties and tartlets are more convenient than large ones. Pack your sandwiches into small parcels—one for each picnicker. Slice meat and joint poultry, and pack the whole in greaseproof paper and lettuce leaves. Glass jars with screw lids make excellent containers for liquid and semi-liquid foods, such as fruit Salad, cream and mayonnaise dressing. Remember to pack the tin opener and corkscrew. It is a good plan to carry dried fruit such as apricots, peaches, figs, raisins, and dates. Take along a good, strong iron frying pan in which to frizzle the breakfast bacon, saute chops or steak, or fry fish, all of which you might possibly procure on the way; or if a lid accompanies the pan, make various sorts of stews., Also take along some self-raising flour (you can make your own- by mixing a teaspoon of baking powder with each breakfast cup of flour). ■ With the self-raising flour and a little water or milk; not forgetting the indispensable pinch of salt, a light dough can b© made and shaped into small flat scones—girdle scones—which can be cooked by making the frying pan moderately hot, 1 greasing it slightly, and using it as a girdle over the fire. When one side of a scone is nicely brown, turn and cook the other. As they come out of the pan wrap them loosely in a slightly dampened cloth. Of course, you will have a tea kettle or a billy. I much prefer the latter, Billy tea, properly made, is superior to the “ ambrosial nectar ” of the gods. There’s the rub! Few campers make billy tea properly. To have billy tea in perfection you need to take along yards, of cheesecloth and a pair of scissors. Cut the cheesecloth into little squares and tie your tea loosely—very loosely—up in them. Immerse one of these little bags in the water the instant it boils. Instantly also take the billy from the fire. Cover it closely, and leave for a minute or so. Then retrieve the tea bag, and the tea, fresh and fragrant, is ready to serve. You see, there is billy tea and billy tea. Next time you go camping just try my method. These open-air meals, cooked by the camp fire, are in my reckoning far more enjoyable than those taken at roadside hotels, while on the average motoring tour. By way of contrast and complaint, “ Martha ” has some caustic Comments on the ways of wayside inns. We have not all had her unenviable experience, but her comments on this age of canned food wall find wide agreement. Nearby to the country hotel at w'hich she stayed “ was a river teeming with salmon and trout. Anglers brought them in as gifts, yet I -dare swear that the salmon rissoles we sometimes had for breakfast were made of tinned salmon. There was fresh fruit in the garden, yet to the best of my belief what the boarders were regaled with was tinned., This I know. If New Zealand is to lead—as I hope she will—as a tourist resort, something will have to be done in the matter of the catering problem at some of the wayside hotels.” - ■ mMOTOR CYCLE NOTES. The lowest-priced motor cycles displayed at the British Motor Olympia were the two-stroke models of the Velocette, Radco and Excelsior. The highest-priced machine was the SSIOO Brough Superior at £l7O. ■ “ ■ : , , v ~<■! * * * " The Auto Cycle Union of England having invited the N.Z.A.C.U. to nominate! two' representatives for the next tourist: trophy race to be held on the Isle of Man next June, there should be no dearth of applicants for the honour of representing the Dominion in this international event. * * . # . At an inquest 'in England recently the coroner said that in the present state of London streets it was incumbent on pedestrians to show the utmost care and caution; if they failed to do so they were guilty of contributory negligence towards their sufferings. The same remarks might apply on the streets in our New Zealaud cities. BRITISH MACHINES ABROAD. Out of 195 foreign motor cycles imported into Belgium during the six months ended with June last no fewer than 122 came from Great Britain—an advance from 55 in the first half of 1929. Next in the list was the United States with 33, France 24, and Germany 13. Of 3419 foreign, including British, motor cycles, valued at £158,400, were imported into Germany during the six; months ended with June last, as compared with 5643 and £272,000 respectively in the corresponding half of 1929. On the other hand, the exports of German motor cycles during the same period increased from 4377 machines (£206(000) to 5255 (£214,000). SPARKS. Leon Serpollet, a Frenchman, obtained the first automobile license in the world in Paris in the year . 1889. * * Up till 1896 in Gloucestershire, England, horseless carriages w'ere permitted to operate only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 12 noon. * * * Forty British cars were paraded in the paddock at Brooklands recently for the Maharaj Rana Bahadur of Jhalawar to try. Sj? 'l* The novice who asked “ How do you turn on the radiator W'hen the engine gets cold? ” is now progressing as well as could be expected. * sf: * Speed cOp: That’ll cost you something, lady. You were going 50 miles an hour. Fair blit female: Why, officer, the man said I could go as fast as I liked after the first 500 miles. * * * In future all blind men in Paris are to be provided with a white stick, which they will raise when they wish to cross the street. This will be a signal to motorists to stop. * * * At one of London’s new kinemas a liveried chauffeur meets the car at the entrance and drives it to a free garage. So far no make has proved too much for these accomplished drivers. * « * During the 12 months up to August 31 last 4,848,316 motor vehicle licenses were issued in Great Britain; 848,039 annual, 355,643 part-year, and 3,644,634 quarterly licenses constituted the total. •P 'P *P It is important that the spring shackle bolts be kept well lubricated to insure proper spring action and maintain riding comfort. The manufacturer’s recommendation should be followed regarding the lubrication of the spring leaves. * * * On January 31 a party of Christchurch motorists will go to Hanraer to attend the official opening function of the log cabin erected by the Canterbury Automobile Association on its own camping ground. A dance will be held in the evening. , * # $ Mr C. F. Kettering vice-president of General Motors Corporation and director of its research laboratories, is the inventor of the self-starter. When a friend was killed by the kick-back of a hand crank Mr Kettering put his mind to the problem of eliminating this danger, and the result jras the present-day selfetarte* l —__

Mr H. Butcher and Mr J. Roberts, of the Auckland Automobile Racing Club, Ltd., last week visited the Ninety Mile Beach to make preliminary arrangements for the garaging of “Wizard” Smith’s car in March. Surveyors will also be present in connection with the providing of light and telephone facilities at the beach. # * # A certain Christchurch motorist decided to attend to a puncture (says “Chassis”). He found the nail hole, made a neat little patch, made repairs, replaced the tube, and' gave it the air. Then he collected his tools. A tyre lever was missing. He searched for a long time and finally, when he decided to release the jack, noticed two bulges in the tyre cover, That’s where the tyre lever was. And it’s true. * s|! * Although Berlin recently celebrated the passing of the 100,000-mark in motor vehicles within its extensive borders, the latest comparative data found in the German press put Munich in the lead as the city where automobiles and motor cycles are the most popular. There is one motor vehicle for every 27 Munich residents, while Berlin has to be satisfied with one automobile to every 43 of its citizens. Stuttgart takes second place with one for 30; Dresden fourth, with one for 34; and Frankfort-on-Main fifth, with one for 36. Latest figures show that 500,000 persons are engaged in the automotive industry, and about £200,000,000 is spent annually in keeping the 1,200,000odd motor vehicles in the country in operation. * * * Despite all science and invention there are many jobs in the construction of an automobile that still depend on the trained senses and handwork of the master craftsmen. _ No machines have yet been devised which can satisfactorily handle the finish filing on the cam sleeve used in the Buick syncro-mesh transmission; skilled hands and a trained eye are necessary in this delicate task. After the cam sleeves are turned from a heat treatment process they are turned over to a group of specialists who finish them with the same care and precision that a jeweller expends on the finish of a fine stone. With delicate instruments they measure, the, sleeves for any possible distortion, and then finish the smooth surface with delicate hand files. This job is one of the hundred or more additional operations necessary in building the Buick synco-mesh transmission.