THE MOTOR WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21953, 15 May 1933, Page 2

THE MOTOR WORLD.

By ACCELERATOR.

THE MOTOR • CYCLE FIXTURES OTAGO MOTOR CLUB CYCLE SECTION. May 16. —Monthly meeting. May 20. —Acceleration test. May 31.—Evening pillion run. June 3.—King’s Birthday trial. June 20.—Monthly meeting. RELIABILITY TRIALS. Motor reliability trials will be held on June ?• and 4 to Invercargill, via Balclutha, Owaka, and Fortrose. The return route will be by the main road. HIGHER PETROL TAX URGED. At a large rally of farmers at Pukekohe last week several sneakers urged an increase in the petrol tax as a' means towards the derating of country lands. There was once a goose which laid golden eggs—but that is another story. Mr J. N. Massey, M.P. for Franklin, said the question was a bigger one than most fanners realised. Apart from the county areas, the position of the ratepayers in boroughs and town districts had to be considered. It was all very fine to talk about increasing the petrol tax, but the point should not be overlooked that there was a limit beyond which the Government could not impose petrol taxation. All knew what happened when the last petrol tax was imposed—benzine consumption dropped considerably. It was estimated that the benzine consumption this year would be 30 per cent, less than it was the previous year. He had always advocated that the users of the roads should pay for their upkeep. Recent legislation would have the effect of reducing fixed charges and in this connection the land would derive a direct relief. The attempt by the Government to co-ordinate road and rail transport was a step in the right direction, and it was expected the farming community would benefit in consequence. When advocating the principle that the user pays, they should not forget that the motorist was not the only user, but that damage was also caused by cattle.

LAND SPEED RECORD. The well-known American racing driver, Harry Hartz, plans shortly to attack several land speed records, including the mile, with an ultra-streamlined car recently completed. The attempts will be made at Muroc Dry Lake, California, with the sanction and under the supervision of the American Automobile Association. The car, -which is. named the "Spirit of ’76,” i s of unconventional design, and appears strange in comparison with other famous machines, such as “ Blue Bird,” the “Golden Arrow,” and the “Silver Bullet.” It has a comparatively short wheel-base, and bears a marked resemblance to a barrel on wheels. The driver sits high, and is apparently unprotected by a windscreen, It is being freely stated in England that Kaye Don, formerly holder 01 the ■world’s water speed, record, will make another attempt on the land speed record at Daytona Beach early next year. He will drive’the'“ Silver Bullet/’ which has been lying derelict for a considerable time in a London garage. It is also understood that Mr Louis Coatalen, the designer of the car, will be associated with the enterprise. FREE-WHEELING. Fuel consumption tests have been made overseas recently with a car fitted with a free wheel over a distance of 50 miles. The saving effected by using the free wheel was found to be 10.6 per cent, at an average speed of 40 miles an hour, and 11.5 per cent, at 32. Emergency braking figures were much the same with and .without the free wheel. DRIVING IN GERMANY. Obtaining a driver’s license in Germany is .somewhat of an ordeal. In the first place, states the Motor, nobody is allowed, to teach another to drive unless he has a permit from the authorities to do so. The prospective driver must undergo a medical examination which will cost him 10 marks. Upon satisfying the medical officer, he can then go to the licensed teacher, whose charges are between seven and ten guineas, and enter a course of training. The teacher will expect to be supplied with a photo, a medical certificate, a birth certificate, and a police registration' certificate. If the pupil should be taking lessons outside the town in which he lives he needs to provide also a “good .conduct ” certificate issued by the local police authorities, -who are empowered .to investigate his civil conduct.,. The driving examination is very thorough, comprising a theoretical arid practical knowledge of the engine, driving, and the police regulations. When he has passed the tests he will obtain his license at a cost of another fee—about seven shillings. SCHOOL PATROL SIGNALS. “ Motorists should observe i the signals of the schoolboy patrols at intersections near the schools in Christchurch,_ just as punctiliously as they do the signals of adult traffic inspectors,” says the Canterbury Automobile Association in its latest safety-first message. “The schoolboy patrol system lias worldwide recognition now, and its purpose is to ensure the safe crossing of streets by school children. Instead of allowing children to rush from the schoolground at lunch time or break-up time in the afternoon and endanger their lives, and involve motorists in mishaps, they are marshalled in orderly fashion and directed across the thoroughfare by a senior pupil, who displays a 1 stop ’ sign to vehicular traffic. .“It is most important that all drivers should obey implicitly the signal displayed by the marshal in charge of the children. Oddly enough, there have been several instances lately of disobedience of the signals, and successful prosecutions have followed such disobedience. Children are entitled to the protection of the motorists, and their well-being should not be endangered by any disobedience of the very necessary signals given by youthful traffic inspectors. Ihe association and the educational authorities approve wholeheartedly of the schoolboy patrols, and all motorists are asked to cooperate fully in ensuring the success of the system.”

DRIVING THROUGH WATER. Two factors must be considered—depth and condition of the bottom—-when fordinpr streams or driving through water. It seldom pay s to rush water, except in the ease of a stretch only a yard or two wide with a soft bottom, in which there is danger of being bogged unless the car has plenty of momentum to caiiy it through. If a rush should become necessary, ignition trouble will be much loss likely to occur if the fan is disconnected and a bag tied over the radiator. If the water is so deep there is risk of it entering the breather, this should be temporarily plugged. Never attempt to drive through water which may be sucked into the engine through the carburettor, for if the cylinders become filled the engine will be wrecked in the effort to compress that which is incompressible. The only alternative to being towed or pushed through water of this depth is to fit an extension to the air intake, whi-«h rises well above water level. . With the exhaust under water there is a considerable increase in back pressure, which will tend to stop the engine, lo guard against this, always enter the water in low gear, so as to have a good reserve of power instantly available. BRITISH TRANSATLANTIC MARKET. A British motor manufacturer has invaded the American market by exporting a number of cars to Canada, where they are rtported to be selling well. The firm concerned is the Austin Company, which claims to bo the largest British exporters pf motor vehicles. They have recently appointed keen distributors in most of the leading Canadian cities and in some

[ltems of new* —short description*, of tours, the statu of tho road*, ato., comment, oi inquiries will be welcomed by " AooalaraUa.’ J

areas a lively demaud for English Austin models has already arisen. In British Columbia, where Austin cars have been selling for the past two yeax-s, they already rank high in popular demand. America is, of course, familiar with the Austin seven, and the United States model of this famous baby car, called the Bantam, is at present the lowest-priced car on the American market. THE CAR IN WINTER. Attention to the car prior to the commencement of winter is amply repaid by the additional comfort and safety joyed. Wet weather often reveals defects that have passed unnoticed during the summer and owners are advised to go thoroughly over their ears, making them road-worthy and waterproof. As far as comfort is concerned, provision should be made to prevent draughts or leaks (says "Focus” in the New Zealand Herald). Any i-eliable coach-builder will, for a small sum, go over the hinges, tighten screws, replace worn rubbers and generally place the body in a satisfactory condition, providing, of course, there are no structural alterations necessary. At the same time, a hood which has been perfectly satisfactory in the sumrfxer may need carefully repairing or dressing to prevent leakage in rainy weather. With open cars, sldescreens are usually a source of annoyance and these should be thoroughly overhauled and any broken celluloids replaced. The windscreen wiper is a necessary adjunct to safe driving and a good electric or vacuum instrument should be fitted if one is not at present on the car. Wet weather means fewer hours of good driving light and it will therefore be necessary to see that the lighting equipment is in perfect order. The battery should be sound, all the wiring, terminals and switches protected and in proper condition. The Motor Regulations include special provisions with regard to the number of lights pei-missible and the adjustment and focussing of the headlamps. Attention should be given to. this important detail without delay, and if the headlights are to continue to be satisfactory and non-dazzling, regular adjustment and inspection are necessary. The danger of unevenly-adjusted brakes is realised by any driver of experience and during the winter months, when xvet pavements are so common, drivers should see the braking equipment is in proper order. In fhis connection, badly-worn or smooth tyres are also a danger, and errors in the alignment of the wheels or in the steering gear could also produce difficulties in driving. Another essential is to protect the ignition system from water. With anything but new cars care should be taken that rubber-covered wires do not admit moisture and cause a short-circuit. There are various ways in which the ignition can be protected, and a few shillings spent in this direction would probably be much less expensive than having the car fail some wet night. Drying ' out a thoroughly wet ignition unit is not an easy task, particularly on the road, when the rain will not always cease obligingly. so as to ass|st the operation. The coil, distributor, and spark plugs are-all susceptible to rain water. CARE OF THE BRAKES. Although efficient brakes are vitally important for the safety of both motorists and pedestrians, it cannot be denied that the braking systems on many motor vehicles are badly in need of adjustment. Many motorists look upon brake xvork simply as an incident in the operating of a car or truck, but it is really more than that, for in these days of high-speed travel and fierce deceleration brakes are synonymous rvith safety. In certain American States brakes are tested regularly by Government officials, and it would be an excellent move if a similar procedure were adopted in New Zealand. Tests are conducted annually in Melbourne by the National Safety Council of Australia, but they are not compulsory. It is significant, however, that of the 506 cars voluntarily submitted for examination in Melbourne recently only 67 per cent, had efficient brakes. In a compulsory test the percentage probably would be lower. In some local cars and trucks the brakes are obviously iu a deplorabta state, the hand brake being needed in many eases to assist in stopping the vehicle. Moreover, many motorists find it necessary to leavj their cars in gear when parking on a hill. There is.no doubt that if the motoring public gave more attention to the care of brakes it would make for greater safety in the community.

The stresses that are imposed on brakes are little appreciated by many. For instance, brakes may be called upon for short periods of time to do six times as much work as the engine, yet the weight of the braking systems on most motor vehicles is less than one-sixth the weight of engine. Brake performance varies not directly, as the speed, but as the square of the speed, an important fact that few motorists realise. For example, with a car capable of stopping, say, in 20 feet, at 20 miles per hour, double the speed to 40 miles per hour and it takes 80 feet to pull the vehicle up. Experts declare that at 20 m.p.h. the car is capable of striking a blow equivalent to the vehicle falling 13.1 feet; at 40 m.p.h. the blow struck would be that from a car falling 52.4 feet. At 60 m.p.h. the storedup destructive force is equivalent to a car falling from the roof of a 10-storey building (120 feet), and yet many drivers are optimistic enough to rely on inefficient brakes to take care of and contend with such terrific forces.

When in good condition and properly adjusted brakes do really remarkable work, thanks to the great advances made in their design and construction. Despite their present-day efficiency, however, experts are still constantly experimenting with brake systems and linings that will be better able to handle the terrific forces set up when brakes are fiercely applied. ■So important is brake efficiency considered nowadays that a leading overseas car manufacturer set 10 ears each to travel 1000 miles a day to determine which lining was the best suited for that particular make of car. The test cost the manufacturer £SOOO. It is such experimentation that gives to motor users those really wonderful powers of deceleration that are a feature of modern cars and trucks.

Inasmuch as brakes constitute a life insurance policy, it should not be asking too much for motorists to keep them in good order and adjustment. Brakes should not be expected to do the impossible, nor should they be brutally treated by trying to do it.

THE MOTOR CYCLE FIXTURES OTAGO MOTOR CLUB’S CYCLE SECTION. May 10—Monthly meeting. May 20. —Acceleration test. May 31. —Evening pillion run. June 3.—King’s Birthday trial. June 20.—Monthly meeting. SOCIAL RUN. The Otago Motor Club’s Cycle Section correspondent kindly supplies the following:— Considering the unpromising weather conditions and the fact of a run being held on the previous day, the attendance of 14 on the run to the Spit goes to show the popularity of club events. S. Bridger (Ariel) led the way, and the run down with a back wind was enjoyed immensely. R. Reynolds (A.J.S.), unfortunately, ran over a dog, and it was hard to say whether rider or dog looked the most concerned. After a few hectic wobbles, Reynolds managed to get control again, and then went back to inquire after big victim. The dog had finished turning circles, and was gazing ruefully at his hind leg, which was showing signs of damage. The owner came along and, after examination, pronounced him fit, and added that it would be a lesson to him in future. We sincerely hope it will, for the type of dog which rushes at passing vehicles is a constant source of danger to the motor cyclist. Arrived at the Spit, the machines were parked and everyone set off for the Mole.

On the way'a penguin was observed tryto get out of sight among some rushes. Everyone clustered around this unique visitor, who seemed in no way dismayed at their attention. S. Bridget, thinking it might be hungry, tried to give it a piece of chocolate from his inexhaustible supply. Upon being told that the bird's beak was powerful and that a hit from its flaps could break his finger, he put on his leather glove, and, holding the chocolate in a pair of pincers, tried to tempt it with the dainty morsel. All ho got for his trouble was an unearthy shriek, which caused everyone to retreat rather hurriedly. It was agreed that penguins appeared to be ungrateful birds, anyhow, so it was unanimously decided to let it starve. The walk continued, and was beginning to become laborious, when a halt was called, and it was decided to go back for the cycles and attempt to get closer to the Mole before starting the tramp. Some chose to ride through thick sand to the beach and get as close as they could, while others rode along the sleepers of a railway line to within about 200 yards of their destination.

This time the “hike” commenced in earnest, and the party set off for the end of the Mole. The walk was not as enjoyable as it might have been, as the sand was blowing across, and as soon as the section above the beach had been traversed the spray off the ocean took its place. Arrived at the end of the Mole, the sky clouded over, and it commenced to rain. No time was wasted in getting back to the machines, and then the homeward trip began. There were no mishaps, except that J. Carson (Rudge) had trouble with his high-tension cable, which kept coming off hie plug. It was a bedraggled-looking party which arrived back in town, but on being asked if they had enjoyed themselves, all replied in the affirmative, though there wag a noticeable lack of enthusiasm in some of the replies. Members are reminded of the monthly meeting on Tuesday, and the.acceleration test on Saturday. PETROL CONSUMPTION TEST. Although the weather was bitterly cold, the petrol consumption test held by the Cycle Section of the Otago Motor Club on May 6 was well pati-onised. There were 3(3 present, 22 competing. As can be imagined, a fair amount of work was involved, as officials had to disconnect the petrol pipe of each machine froin the tank, and connect a rubber tube. This tube led from a tin in the rider’s belt to the carburettor. In the case of an inaccessible carburettor which could not be easily drained, the engine was run until all the petrol was used. Good work was done by the officials, and it was not long before the first man was off. A quarter of a pint of petrol was measured out to each man, the actual running of the test taking but a few minutes. A strong head wind was experienced, which no doubt accounted for the fact that many did not get the mileage they expected. E. Newall (O.K. Supreme) rode flat on the tank of his cycle trying to minimise the effects of the head wind. R. H. Stewart (Ariel) was observed blowing furiously into his tin so as to send the last of the petrol to the carburettor, stating that if he had not run out of breath there is no knowing what mileage he .might have done. The results were as follows;

After the officials had taken each man s milage, everyone set off for Macandrew Bay for afternoon tea, and while this was being prepared community singing was indulged in, S. Bridger doing excellent work at the piano. Afternoon tea finished, the home run began, and on arrival at the clubrooms it tvas voted the most enjoyable afternoon spent for a long time. SPARKS The latest amusement for young American couples is to go " coupeying.” She does the cooing and he the paying. A novel tax is to be imposed in Turkey. It is one of 25 new municipal taxes and is |d a square yard on space where motor cars are parked in public streets. * * * In Sweden, filling stations of large oil companies are marketing a motor fuel composed of 75 per cent, petrol and 25 per cent, alcohol, which is recovered from waste liquors of sulphite mills. * * * A woman driver in England, who said she was in the habit of allowing several people to use her car, was fined £lO and £5 os costs for having failed to give the name of a driver who was alleged to have committed an offence. * ¥ V Motor salesman: And what type of car do you prefer, madam? Fair purchaser: I hardly know. I’ve brought photographs of ray house, my dog, and my husband to assist you, and here’s a list of my favourite books. * * * In Manchester a new kind of rubber road, which may revolutionise the whole road-making industry, has been tried. Instead of using rubber blocks as before, the rubber has been melted and mixed with macadam, and then spread over the road like jam. $ # ' A “ micropoisc ” machine has been installed in an English motor factory' to determine the heavy spots in a car’s flywheel. Not only does it find the exact spot, but it automatically shows the operator how much metal to remove and stops him when the balance is perfect.

Distance. Miles per Name and machine. Miles. gallon. R. H. Stewart (23 Ariel) 4,0 12S.0 T. Newall (22 O.K. Supreme) 3.3 105.6 R. Reynolds (22 A.J.S.) • • 2.9 92.8 A. Watts (22 Harley) .. 2.8 89.6 . C. Brown (34 Ariel) . . 2.7 86.4 R. Xioralne (22 A.J.S.) .. . . 2.7 • 80.4 J. Mewhinney (3 A.B.C.) • • 2.7 86.4 J. Cunningham (22 Ariel) 2.6 83.2 A. Anderson (22 B.S.A.) , , 2.4 76.8 H. Rendall (22 A.J.S.) .. 2.4 76.8 H. Millard (34 Ariel) .. 2.4 76T8 P. Brebner (34 O.K. Supreme) 2.4 76.8 J. Gillan (34 B.S.A.) .. 2.0 64.0 R. Dickie (34 B.S.A.) .. 2.0 64.0 P. Wildey (34 Douglas) . • 1.8: 57.6 G. Dadson (35 Ariel) .. • • 1.8 57.6 A. Jolly (31 Ariel) • . 1.7 54.4 J. Swan (5.6 Ariel) .. • . 1.6 51.2 J. Smith (34 B.S.A.) .. 1.6 51.2 A. Beauman (34 A.J.S.) • • 1.5 48.0 J. Carson (34 Rudge) .. 1.4 44.8 B. Monk (34 A.J.S.) .. 1.2 38.4