CYCLING NOTES.

Otago Witness, Issue 2572, 1 July 1903, Page 59

CYCLING NOTES.

— - Club life at the Otago Cycling Club's rooms is pretty lively just now. A billiard tournament has just been finished, the first and second players being Messrs L. Russell and It. Little respectively. A euchre and crib tournament is just about completed, the last round only awaiting settlement, and a eecond billiard tournament is being pushed on at the present time. The interest of members is being well maintained by the means of these tournaments, and as soon aa one thing is completed the committee are pushing along another, in order that there should be no flagging now that members are worked un to their present state. — The south roads are just perfection at

tho present time, and those who were out during the week and were delighted to get such fine ©yoling weather and good roads at this time of the year. As I write tho weather still hold*> good, Monday resembling a mild spring day more than anything else, and we cyclists are grateful. Mr W. B. Bell, well known in cycling circles hero, tells me that he has ordered a 3i horse-power Clement Garrard twin cylinder motor bicycle, and expects it to arrive in Dunedin in about five weeks' time. He loolsb forward with a. great deal of pleasure to doing his spins on the road at an increased rate of speed, and I opine that ere long there will be a fair number of motor bicycles to be seen at work on the roads about Dunedin. Mr Bell's maeliino is capable of a speed of 50 miles an hour with ease. The Otago Cycling Club's year ended on 30fch June. I hopt shortly to lay beforo my readers a copy of the annual report of the club. Mr D. Wall, a prominent member of the Dunedin Cyclime Club, has lately returned from a trip "to Victoria and New South Wales, where he came in contact with a number of cyclists. He reports a splendid holiday, and gather* that cycle lacing next season is likely to bo of great magnitude in the Commonwealth. During Us stay in Melbourne he did an extcmsivo amount of riding in motor enrg, and he has come back to New Zealand with a great idea of the potentialities of the motor car as a means of carriage and conveyance. -:: — For the information of competitors in the Timaru-to-Christehurch road race, the Dunlop Company advises that the old course will be adopted — namely, the main south road, that is, via Temuka, Geraldine, Rangitata traffic bridge, Maronan road, Tiuwald, Ashburton (refreshment will be provided here), and Dunsandel. Already over 50 nominations have been received for the event, which promises to eclipse the Timaru-to-Christchurch event of last year Occasionally the tyTes should be removed (about e^ery 1000 miles) and given a bath of French chalk. It is sui prising the

wonderful amount of buoyancy it imparts to a dead-running tyre. The chalk should not be used too lavishly, however, lest it may work into hard lumps and stick to the fabric of the tyre. Just a thin film of chalk is sufficient

The greatest interest in connection with the Timaru-to-Christchurch race is centred round the question, "Who goes to Melbourne?" The race for that honour ifl bound to be keen, as with Ralston, Calder, Arnst Bros , Connell Bros., Congieve, and a host of other gocJd men, it is certainly very open. It was the intention of the Dunlop Company to run a motor cycle event on the came day r.nd over the same 'course as tho Test Race, but after consultation with motor owners, it has been decided to hold it over until later in the year, wben it ia more than likely that the race will be from Oamaru to Christchurch.

— A motor muffler, or silencer, has been, devised by an engineer named Henz, who was formerly connected with the Daimler Motor Car Company, by means of which lost heat from a petrol motor is converted into electricity. Only 18 per cent, of the heat unifc3 generated in a motor are transformed into power, 17 per cent escapes into the exhaust, while the remaining 65 per cent, is carried away by the cooling water. It is the 17 per cent, of heat units lost through the exhaust that this inventor turns to profitable account, and for the purpose of converting this waste heat into electricity he has contrived a special apparatus. The current obtained from this source the inventor claims to bo of sufficient potency to bo utilised ac a head light to the vehicle, or to be stored away in an a^umulator for use in connection with the electrical ignition. A speoial gener..l meeting of the members of the League of New South Wales Wheelmen was held at Sydney cm MonJay evening, 15th ult. Mr V. Barnett, a member of the Australian Club, was voted to the chair, and he explained that Mr Branagan had been charged that afternoon with removing the property of the members from tho rooms, but he had be>en allowed bail, and was thus able to be present at the meeting. A number of letters were read from country olubs condemning the recent actions of the council and at the same time expreesing sympathy with Mr BraJiagan. After these bad been read, Mr H. M'lntosh said, as secretary appointed by the League Council, he had to protest agaimat fche meeting being held, as it was illegal. The council had called a meeting for Thursday evening, and members could then attend and expre33 their opinions concerning the couny oil's actions. He asked the chairman'e ruling as to whether fche meeting was in ordsr. The answer given was against Mr M'lntosh. Then, after a good deal of talk, it was umanimouely decided that, e&eing that the present council has ignored the wishes of the members of the League of Wheelmen, ais expressed at the general meeting held on June 1, it is resolved by the members of the league that their respective seats be declared vacant. An executive committee of 14 was next appointed to carry on the business of the league pro tern, and until a constitution had been adopted. Afterwards Mr J. Williams moved a motion, and ifc was carried, endorsing fcho action of Mr Branagan in taking pceeeesion of the property of the league's members. It was further resolved to form a Defence Committee, and to open subscription lists, if necessary, to assist Mr Branagam in his defence of the charge preferred against him.

Arrangements have now been completed by the Dunlop Tyre Company as regards the Wcstralian Test Race to select the representative for the big Victorian event, to be held on August 22 over tho Warrnambool course. Tho Westralian race will be over a course of 116 miles, between Beverley and Perth, and will take place about July 25 or tho first Saturday in August. The last, race held over this course was wen by the ex-Victorian. A. Jewell, off scratch. Tho rk'er establishing fastest tune over the Beverley-Perth course will have hi.s expenses paid to Victoria.

Edward James Branogau, 32. printer, appeared at the Sydney Wabt?r Police Court on Twsday, 16th ult. , to answer a charge of breaking and entering the office, No. 13, of 103 Pitt street, and stealing therefrom one cutler desk, two writing tables, one copying press, two chairs, cue office chair, one safe, a quantity of .stationery and book?, an ink well, a gun and gun ease, and fome cartridges, of the toUil value of about £25, the property of the Now South Wales League of Wheelmen, on or about Juno 14 ; also a charge of stealing an inkstand and damper, value £5, tho property of Alfred O'Brien, at Sydney, era or about June 14. On each oharge the accused was remanded until the following Friday, on the application of hi* solicitor, Mr Bull, who stated that the matter was one of the League of Wheelmen disputes c<3 to the ownership of the property. Bail was allowed.

• How odd high-framed machines appear to-dny. Seldom is ib that w© see one exceeding 24in, while fiOsn, especially in light, racing eyelet*, are very common. A few years ago 26in frames wore much in use, ami 27in and 28in by no means unusual. Some few riders had even 30in frames, and a Victorian rider 6ft 4in tall was once the owner of a machine with a 32in frame.

At the meeting of New South Wales League membpit? held at Sydney on Monday evening, 15th June, whereat the 6eats of the League Council were made vacant, it was elioitfxl that all of the funds of the league had been withdrawn from the bank and placed in another name

At a recent mating of thr> Lithgow Cyrillic Club (New South Wales) tho following revolutions were <>arrie<i : —1. "Tl'.it tin* r.otion of the council re the Dun lop Road Race \\&3 detrimental to ovcliac tromorally, and calls for our disapproval. (2) Tl»» eminoil's action in disposing of and expelling tho sc-erotary, Mr Branagan, and appointing a permanent secretary, without consulting the affiliated flubs, is illegal and unconstitutional, anJ calculated to create disorganisation and disunion (3) Th-at their action in appointing Mr A. E. O'Brien to an obsolete ofißoc tbat had not been filled for years to entitle* him to a seat on t.he> council was unwise, and mo^te with our strongest condemnation. (4) The council's action in voting the late, seoretarv. Mr O'Brien, £50 a.s an honorarium, without the ;onsent of the affiliated clubs, is unconstitutional, inasmuch an the leaeue funds are not at the di^po^al of the eounoil to vr>t,> it to whompocver they please (5) That we tliink t'lese blunders are 6uflßtient evidonc that the council is incompetent to govern cycling successfully : therefore, thpv no loneer retain cur confidence. (6) That tho .secretary he instructed to forward tlipm> lP^olutions to eounoillor Mr Allan M'Dougall. to present to the council, and to also supply the metropolitan, press with

a copy." The Litbgow Club is one of tho largest olubs affiliated with the league, and has a m-embcTship of over 200.

Piard, the ex-amateur, is looked upon as the coming 1 champion sprinter of France. Fresh sets of amateur cycling records were set up on the occasion of the Southern Cycling Club's six hours open motor-paced bicyc.e race at Herne Hill (England). The expectation that, with the assistance afforded by motor-pacing, a fresh set of record figures would be set up was socn revealed. Leon Meredith, the 50" miles champion, began by putting up new records from a very early stage, but his best of 32 miles 1630yd3 was destined to be very short-lived, for a little later on in the afternoon H. J. Harding did something better at Sydenham. However, Meredith rattled along at a rare rate, covering 50 miles in the freeh record time of lhr 35min 11 3-ssec, 63 miles 125 yds in 2hr. 92 miles 1690 yds in 3hr, 100 miles m 3hr 16min 30 ?.-ssec, 120 miles 35yds in 4hr. 147 miles 1215 yds in shr, 150 miles in shr 4min 14sec, and riding 33 miles syds in tha last hour) 180 miles 1220 yds in 6hr. With that record distance he won anyhow. F. T. Burgees (Paddington CO.), who was second, had only 157 miles 400 yds to his ciedit. O. W. R. Paterson (Southern CO.), 150 miles 630 yd?, was third. A ladies' automobile club hag been formed in England. King Edward during his stay in Paris gave one of the leading French firms an order for a motor-car. Writing- of this, an English automobile journal says: — "The enthusiasm with which his Majesty's visit to the French capital has been received by all classes of Parisians has been stimulated by the tactful act of the King in recognising an industry in which the French, with verygood reasons, believe themselves to occupy foremost place." The King's choice was a 24-h.p. Dai -cq car. All the contestants in the international race for the Gordon-Bennett Cup, to be held in Ireland on Thursday, July 2, are now available, with the exception of the German team. England will be represented by Messrs S. F. Edge (winner in 1902), C. Jarrott, and J. W. Stock?, all of whom will drive Napier cars. America's team is A Win ton, P. Owen (both on Winton cars), and L. Mooers on a Peerless. France supplies a dangerous trio in H. Fou.nier on a Mors, Chevalier Rene de Knvff, and either H. or M. Farmen, both on de Knyff and Farman will drive Panhards. Only one member of the German team is known with any certainty, and that is Baron de Caters. Two other drivers in Degrais and Hieronymus were originally selected, but when the la. English mail left these two chauffeur* were, it was said, ordered by the Automobile Club of Germany to be substituted by two amateur «J»ivcra. All the "German team will drive large-powered Mercedes cars.

It has been suggested that to run 5, 10, 15, or 30-minuto motor races in place of 5, 10, or as ijiany miles would provo a happy expedient, and would prevent uninteresting runaways that are frequent. With minutes instead of miles the basis, if a close race results, all tho better, a .d if trifling accidents happen there would then be a greater incentive to continue than on the basis of miles.

'During the forthcoming season motor bicycles are expected to become very popular in-deed. The manufacturers of forecarriages and trailer" are also very bu'^, which is not altogettur surprising, far most people who posscse a n">tor bicycle either have, or intend having, one of these very useful attachments in order that they may take a companion out with them on theif rides. In England splendid business is being done in motor bicycles. Firms have their hands fv.ll of orders, and many prospective motorists will have to wait two or three months beforo delivery of machine-

The World's One^milo Championship will shortly be held in Copenhagen (Denmark). Ellegaard won this^classic event iv 1901 and 1902, and from the manner in wh'ch ho is defeating all comers in Europe, the event looks a certainty for him again. The ony man in Europe capable of defeating tho world's champion is Major Taylor, w s .o last year won two out of three ra^ea in a match with Ellegaard decided in Pan=. For the same reason aa hitherto, Taylor will not compote — tho race is held on a Sunday. There is gome probability of both these champions visiting Australia next season. On the occasion of fche grand review before King Edward in Italy, a remarkable performance was given by -1200 B^rsaglieri on bicycles, who raced past fche royal stand ovei the rough ground. They kept almost as regular a formation as infantry on parade (report., an English cyclo journal). The huge concourse of spectators applauded vociferously. Italian soldiering cyclists are also said to have been much in evidence as a bodyguard during the King's stay in Italy. We havp often said that in addition io being on its own a glorious pastime, cycling is at all times a happy handmaiden to ailmost all other sports (remarks the Cyclist, Eng.). The cycle takes the golfer to his links, the cricketer to his pitch, with bat and pads and gloves strapped on hie handlebar, the footballer to the arena, of his brief fierce conflict, the ehootist to his coverts, the hunting man in pink, booted and spurred, to the cover side, tho beating man to tho river, and even a ping-pong dallier out o' nights, with his dress coat tails pinned behind and his racket in h:a shirt front. But never did the cycle render better service to fiercely contending athletes than when a crowd of pedalled cycles surrounded each of the uarticipants in the now famous Stock Exchange Walk. By no other means could the competitors have been so well attended to, for even five and a-quarter miles per hour kills a motor car. is nearly impo=siblc on a motor cycle, while- a horse and trap is too much in the way. The friend indeed on the pedalled machine could rido right up to his man, sponge him, talk to him, and comfort him without dismounting, could speed ahead a !c\r miles, and report how went the fray in frcait, or prepare some warm and comforting^ sustentation rc-ady against the steady plodder's arrival. Never has the _*ycle given greater proof of its immense utility to competitor* in such a contest a--> tho Stock Exchange Walk.

A gentleman just returned from Rotorua tells us (says tho Wanganui Herald) that tho eruptions at Waimxngu are increasing in magnitude, and those on the spot are beginning to feel apprehension as to the ultimate losult. Many of our readers are not ■ r- ''ia» the ares of the crater of Win naiigii is over an aero and a-half, and that, during an eruption, tho whole of the contents are hurled into the air over a thousand feet high— rocks, mud. and water forming one huge black column. Quite recently 42 such eiuptions occurred within the space of a few minutes, although the crater had been inactive for two days previously.