THE MOTOR WORLD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22831, 16 March 1936, Page 3

THE MOTOR WORLD

By ACCELERATOR,

TO CORRESPONDENTS. “ Husky,” Oamaru. —The feature is not considered necessary. “Anxious,” Otago.—Your communication should be addressed to the manager, Colonial Motor Company, Wellington. J. M., Cambrian. —I have forwarded your letter to R. ,J. Many thanks for your offer. STOPPING DOOR RATTLES. Many cars, after they have travelled for some thousands of miles, develop irritating rattles in the doors. This usually can be cured' without much difiiculty. If the edges of the doors and the door frames arc examined one or more rubber pads will be found. They are intended to act ns buffers between the door and the frame, but when they become worn they allow the wood or metal surfaces to rug together. Occasionally also stresses to the body of the car will cause it to become distorted, and a rubber pad of normal size will no longer be effective. In either case the pad should be unscrewed and a new one, cut for an old tyre cover, be substituted. “RED BADGE OF SHAME.” A red badge of shame to “ humiliate ” drivers who figure in automobile accidents was one of dozens of proposals for highway safety put before legislators and traffic officials, representing nine States, at a conference under the auspices of the New York Joint Legislative Committtee on interstate Co-operation. The proposal for rimming the licence plates of offending motorists with a scarlet line, to be carried for a 60-day period, was advanced by State Senator Walter W. Stokes, of Cooperstown, New York. Ho urged that such public humiliation be accompanied by strict enforcement of existing safety legislation. Most of the officials present agreed that the power of motqr vehicle commissioners to suspend and revoke drivers’ licences could, if strengthened, become the most effective instrument in the campaign to curb violation of the highway law. TRAFFIC LIGHTS IN 1868. Extract from the Express (London) of December 8, 1868; — “The regulation of street traffic of the metropolis, the difficulties of which have been §o often commented upon, seems likely now to receive an important auxiliary. In the middle of the road between Bridge street and Great George street. Westminster, Messrs Saxby and Farmer, the well-known railway signalling engineers, have erected a column 20 feet high, with a spacious gas lamp near the top, the design of which is the application of the semaphore principle to the public streets at points where foot passengers have hitherto depended for their protection on the arm and gesticulations of a policeman—often a very inadequate defence against accident. “ The lamp will usuallv present to viehv a green light, which will serve to foot passengers by way of caution, and at the same time remind the drivers of vehicles and equestrians that they ought at this point to slacken their speed. The effect of substituting a red light for the green will be to arrest the traffic on each side. No doubt this will be erected in many other places in London.” KIPLING. MOTORIST, The late Rudyard Kipling was among the greatest of writing men. In fact, in his way, he xvas supreme in our time. Which, indeed, is not seriously in dispute, save among the “ brittle intellectuals ” whom he occasionally flayed, and those unable to stomach the robustness of his imperialism. However, Kipling’s place in literature is not the point here and now; we arc concerned merely with some of his associations and writings about motoring. says The Motor. Those who know “Traffics and Discoveries” will remember a story in that volume called “ Steam Tactics,” in which a car named the Octopod annears. The Octopod was actually a 12 h.n. Lanchepter whiclx Kipling purchased in 1902. Originally an air-cooled model, it was converted later to water and was used by the famous author continually until 1012, • The Octonod is still in commission, and has been driven from London to Brighton in the veteran car run for the past two years by Mr George Lanchester. who was a personal friend of Kipling, and it is now used for disnlav purposes in various oevt-q of the country. Kipling not on-lv nrovided motorists with enioyahle reading about their_ own hobby, hut he gave very powerful aid to the presentation of the motorists’ ease to the general public. What is more, many people must have been brought to appre»?atd what wo call “touring motoring” through reading largpb. because bn could so effectively describe the charm nf the shifting scene. AN ENGINE THAT WON’T WEAR OUT. A motor car engine that never wears out is promised by experiments being carried out by a big Gloucestershire engineering firm. The experiments are the outcome of a new process of steel hardening invented by a Dutchman named Van der Horst. Ilis new chrome-hardened Steele are declared to be the hardest metals yet used in motor engineering under commercial conditions. So hard is the new metal surface that it io claimed that cai’bon deposits cannot remain on it—and so the motorist’s fear of (ho coked-up engine are, it is believed, ’killed. A secret method of electrolysis is used. The cylinder walls are more highly polished than glass, and are so hard that it is impossible to scratch them. Apart from cylinders, bearings can also be treated. So far, tests have been confined almost exclusively to Diesel engines. The exceptionally smooth surface can be used for coating the leading edges of aircraft wings to prevent the formation of ice. DRIVING PRACTICE IN U.S.A. Exceptions to the rule that “ the vehicle on the right has the right of way ” are given in a statement by Harrison G. Kildare, counsel in charge of the legal department of Keystone Automobile Club, in response to many inquiries from motorists who appear to be in doubt on the subject. The vehicle code, be says, lists the exceptions as follows: — 1. Any vehicle travelling at unlawful speed forfeits the right of way. 2. Any vehicle approaching an intersection from any direction must yield the right of way to a vehicle turning loft within the intersection, provided the driver of the turning vehicle has given the proper signal of his intention. 3. The driver of a vehicle entering a highway from a private road shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching on the highway. 4. Drivers shall yield the right of way to police and fire department vehicles and ambulances operated upon official business. 5. Vehicles entering a “through” highway or “stop” intersection shall yield the right of way to vehicles approaching in either direction on the “through” highway. 6. Vehicles must yield the right of way to pedestrians within a cross-walk when the signal changes. To guard against arbitrary exercise -of right of way by motorists on main highways, the code provides that drivers on "through” highways shall not be relieved of the duty to drive with due care with regard to safety of vehicles entering such ■ ighway. i RETURNING CONFIDENCE. A general spirit of confidence and quiet I optimism in business circles in New Zea- ; land and Australia lias impressed Mr |L. J. Hartnett, regional director of I General Motors for the two countries, who passed through Auckland on the Mariposa on his way from Sydney to San Francisco. Mr Hartnett stressed the value of the expansion of secondary industries as a lasting cure for unemployment. “It lias been most encouraging to receive such satisfactory reports of the pro-

Items of news —short descriptions of tours, the state of the roads, etc., comment, or inquiries—will be welcomed by Accelerator.

gress made in the Dominion during the past year,” said Mr Hartnett. “ Business activity in Australia is so closely linked with that in the Dominion that the position and circumstances of the one country are of the utmost importance to the other. A few hours spent in any of the principal cities of New Zealand are enough to convince any intelligent observer of the general spirit of confidence and quiet optimism which prevails—a remarkable change from the position of a year or two ago.” In Australia, too. confidence was returning to industry, commodity prices were rising, and much more money was changing hands than was the case a year or it> ago. During the year secondary industries in general had expanded considerably and he had been greatly struck by the advance made by the motor industry in. both countries. The number of new vehicles registered in Melbourne during the last month of 1935 had been nearly 70 per cent, greater than the figure for December, 1934. In recent years, both in the Dominion and in the Commonwealth, the motor industry, with its assembly plants, body-building factories and glass and upholstery works, had come to the forefront among secondary industries, and was directly responsible for a substantial contribution towards the wealth and revenue of the two countries. Of this fact the industry was proud. “Wc want to see what everyone else wants to see—a rise in the general price level, together with a ris§ in incomes,” said Mr Hartnett. “We want to see the purchasing power of the public increased. This is a big question, quite beyond the control of the ordinary trading concern. “It is specially pleasing to see that the devcloprtfcnt of the secondary industries of the Dominion is a major matter in the new Government’s programme,” he added. “After nil, it is the secondary industries of a country that are the greatest potential employers of labour, and in the expansion of these industries lies the most lasting cure for unemployment, creating a better condition of balanced economy.” THE LATEST OLDSMOBILE. Oldsmobile in 1936 is characterised by many quality features. The exterior beauty speaks for itself. Principal among those are:—Super-hydraulic brakes, selfequalising and self-energising; knee-action wheel, which smooth bumps from the road; solid steel “turret top" body:

centra control steering; ride stabiliser, which elmirninates car sway while rounding turns at high speed; hardened aluminium alloy pistons, electrically treated to make them far harder and more durable than those fashioned from ordinary aluminium. Those pistons reduce oil consumption, minimise carbon deposits, lengthen bearing life, and greatly lesson the possibility of scoring cylinder walls. Smooth engine performance is materially improved by the use of the light-weight pistons in conjunction with an especially heavy' counter-weighted crankshaft, and tri-cushion engine mountings of rubber bonded to steel. The Oldsmobile- Six engine develops 00 horse-power. Striking new design, sweeping in one graceful curve from bumper to bumper, marks the 1930 Oldsmobile. It includes an entirely new treatment of the frontend without sacrificing any of Oldsmobile’s identifying characteristics. The die cast radiator grille adds greatly to the striking appearance of the new front end, while headlamps, mounted high, likewise add distinction. The solid steel “ turrettop,” the V type windshield, the streamlined rear contours, the graceful lines of the doors—all blend into the harmonious picture. Rear panels receive an effective treatment. A wide chrome ornamental strip, extending well up through the centre of the luggage compartment door panel, flares at the top into a “ T." The name “ Oldsmobile ” is carried across the top portion of the “ T.” More comfortable scats and cushions, hardware which accentuates the simplicity of the interior design, and a Brazilian rosewood finish instrument panel give the new Oldsmobile ja fine interior finish. The new models are extremely roomy, with wide, comfortable seats both front and rear, and provide ample head and leg room. VENTILATION IMPORTANT. Personal comfort does not end with good springing, soft seats and plenty of leg and head room, remarks an expert. Efficient ventilation is just ns necessary to prevent undue fatigue not only on a long run, but equally when making short town journeys. A fuggy, fume-laden . atmosphere will quickly produce headaches and sickness. It is vita] that the air in a saloon he renewed. Much has been done during the past two or three yearn to improve (he ventilation of cars; systems have been involved to change regularly the air content of a saloon -without creating draughts, which in themselves are a source of discomfort for the occupants. The type which ha ; become very popular is that now used in various forms In several manufacturers. It comprises a small pivoted panel mounted at the forward edge of the front-door window, another forming part of the rear quarter light. Controls arc provided whereby the panels can bo opened to a certain extent, according to condHions. A slight opening creates an extractor effect, by means of which the vitiated air in the interior of the car is withdrawn, being replaced by clean, fresh air, which enters via a similar ventilator or by dropping a side panel slightly. Another scheme is to open the scuttle ventilator, sc long as this does not cause a direct draught on to the logs of the front-scat occupants. It is possible, with most of these systems, ultimately to determine the. beet settings to establish a practically draughtless system of ventilation. ft is important to remember, however, that if an efficient suction ventilation device be provided, air to make up for the deficiency inside the car, owing to the lower pressure, will enter through any available moans. Consequently engine fumes may be drawn in through the floorboards unless good insulation be provided between the body and the bonnet. This is being done on many modern ears by means of all-steel or well-constructed bulkheads in combination with well-padded floor boards. Many manufacturers are using thick fell underneath the ordinary, floor mats, in addMion Jo which the floor hoards arc made lo fit as near as possible without wide gaps Ibrough which the fumes can enter. This construction en sums also a freedom from unpleasant, chilling draughts around the feet. Ventilators for the bonnet are also essential so long as fumes are not deflected in such a way that they are able to enter the body again through the windows. Unobstructed passages between the engine and chassis have their advantage in this respect in that the fumes can bo drawn away under the car, whilst the provision of long pipes to the engine breathers taking the fumes down into the lowerwind currents are very much to be commended. Experiments have been made with rear window ventilators by means of which air is extracted by suction behind the car, and, whilst efficient when the vehicle is in motion, they do not prove quite so good when at rest.

For fitting to existing cars there are available special wincl-deflecting sidescreens so that the normal drop panel can be lowered, but the direct inflow of a wind current is prevented. It is necessary with such panels to see that there is no gap between the forward edge and the w.indscreen pillar, as the current may find its way through here and cause a direct blast into the car. A louvre above the side window is another marketed accessory, designed to allow the window to bo dropped slightly without creating draughts. . Another way in which manufacturers have endeavoured to ensure a clean, fresh atmosphere within the ear is to tit leather or rubber gaiters over the gear and brake levers and telescope fittings of a similar tvpe to the pedals. These, in conjunction with good floor covering, will prevent the entry of fumes. The sliding roof, if opened slightly, will produce an extractor effect, although when open fully it creates a rather strong draught at the rear of the car, not always pleasant for the back-seat occupants. Experiment will show to what degi'ee it can be opened so as to act as a ventilator rather than a chill producer. In the summer, of course, when the weather is warm, the full opening is to be recommended, used in conjunction with a partlyopened windscreen, to give an ctlicient cooling effect THE MOTOR CYCLE FIXTURES. March 17.—Monthly meeting. March ‘2B. —Hill climb. April 21. —Monthly meeting. April 26. —Social run. May 9.—Camberley scramble. May 19. —Monthly meeting. May 23. —Social run. June 6. —Petrol consumption test. June 16. —Annual meeting. CLUB NOTES. Motor cyclists are reminded of the monthly meeting of the cycle section of A .A, (Otago).. This will be held tomorrow evening at 8 o’clock in the club rooms. \ Pine weather favoured the cycle section for their evening pillion run. About 25 riders and passengers left the club rooms and proceeded via Mosgiel to Whare i lut. Around a cheery lire there was strong opposition between those enjoying a sing and others attempting to listen-in on a radio which Bob Stewart bad thoughtfully brought along. The fine supper was very much appreciated. Those who attended spent a good time at this evening run, which was appreciated as a novelty. A number of local riders will be making a trip to Invercargill next Saturday to witness the 100-rnilc race at Orcti Beach. Dunedin will be well represented by E. Rillstone (Velocette), R. HStewart (Rudge), P. Lyders (Excelsior), and, it is hoped, other speedmen. SPARKS A feature of the latest models of ons American make is that a coloured mascot is used.

A road sign on the road to Monkey Bay, Lake Nyasa, Nyasaland, rends: “Beware of elephants on this road.”

An old crocks’ club lias just been formed in France. Only pre-190G cars are admitted.

“ The one punishment of which motorists are really afraid is suspension of the licence,” said Sheriff Hamilton at Paisley Sheriff Court. ,

Policeman: "What is your age? " Fair motorist: “ Well, are you just taking a friendly interest or do you want to know my proper ago? ” A youthful motorist who was involved in an accident with a police car .in Chicago was sentenced by the magistrate to compose a 500-word essay on safety.

Hundreds of applications by women for driving licences were returned- from the lowa Registration Department because they had refused to state their ages on the forms.

Ex-servicemen in Poland will soon be operating “ bars on wheels.” They will be granted licences allowing for the sale of wines, beers, spirits, and warming foods, during the hours when public houses arc closed.

A 600-mile highway, spanning mountains, swamps, and some of the densest virgin forests of Siberia, has been completed by Soviet engineers between the inland town of Khabarovsk and the Far Eastern port of Vladivostok.

According to a correspondent who writes a letter to an English daily paper, while undergoing his driving test he was asked to pull up when the lady examiner shouted “ Stop.” The surface of the road was smooth and wet. He was told to stop without skidding. He satisfied his examiner with this, yet he was “ failed.” Asking why, he was told ho had not travelled fast enough for her to determine whether he had passed. His speed was 15-18 m.p.h.