Cycling and Motor Notes

Otago Witness, Issue 3040, 19 June 1912, Page 59

Cycling and Motor Notes

BY DEMON.

cycle raco of the New Zealand season will this year be decided over the Timaru to Christehurch course—last year the contest was concluded in Timaru. It is further stated that full particulars of the contest will be available in the course of a few weeks, and that the race will be decided in ample time to permit those competitors who may also wish to start in the Warrnambool to Melbourne road race every opportunity of doing so. It is on the cards that special inducements will be held out to induce several Australian cracks to take part, and, if this can be accomplished, unusual interest will be created in the strenuous test of 1912.

The Tourist-trophy Motor Cvclo Races, which rank as the two leading motor cycle road races of the world, will be decided on the Isle of Man, England, or. June 28 and July 1. This classis event, which is divided into two sections, the "junior" and '"senior," attracts not only the fastest, riders in England, but also from America and Europe. Last year --American machines scored in the "senior" race, the first, third, and fourth places being filled by " Indian " machines. The "junior" was won by a 2£ h.p. twin cylinder Humber. Both races have filled well this year, 35 riders having nominated for the " senior," which is limited to machines of about 4 h.p., whilst the " junior," limited to machines of 23 h.p., has drawn 19 entries. The times recorded in last year's events were:—.Junior, 150 miles in 3hr 37min 7sec; senior, miles in 3hr 56min lOsec. The course is a very hillv ami tricky one.

—— Wireless telegraphy has developed so ouickly, and now attracts so little attention, except when it is the means of announcing Some catastrophe, that its simComplete wireless installations,” says the Car, “ for sending and receiving messages over short distances are now so compact and so cheap that it is quite easy to e-quip a motor car, so that it can communicate with wireless stations—or with similarlyequipped vehicles, up to a distance of about 20 miles! The cost would probably range from £lO to £20.” This now adaptation of the “wireless” opens up the question as to whether cars that arc used for touring will yet carry their own means of communication. There’s no doubt many a motorist, when he is stalled on the roadside, miles from assistance, would welcome such means of communicating with the nearest garage.

An American Motor Company .is now marketing portable motor oar garages, and claims that they offer the simplest and least expensive solution of the problem of housing automobiles. The prices range from £4 Is 6d for a small runabout up to £95 for a building to house three cars. The parts are ready crated for shipment, and can be readily erected by any person of ordinary intelligence. faster than one accomplished over the same distance on a racing track. Tne recent remarkable performance, established by J. Dawson, in the 500-mile Road Race, held" at Indianopolis (U.K.A.), which he won in the world's record time of 6hr 21min 6sec, is nearly 19 minutes faster than Messrs Coatlen's and Richard's record for the same distance on the Brooklands track, England. Such a performance is almost incredible, but the figures were established in public, and are beyond dispute. Some little time back we drew attention to the risks attending motor cyclists carrying a passenger suspended over the back wheel of their machines. The practice is evidently proving popular in England, for many of the fair sex are to be seen at week-ends being carried pillion fa~sliion. sitting on a cushion, which is strapped on the luggage-carrier. The leading English cycling journal has now taken the matter up, and strongly condemns the practice on the grounds of personal risk, and cs one—owing to its inelegance—not likely to popularise motor-cycling. The motor cyclo ru<J-u'isation ride

organised in England proved a success, and some very fine performances were recorded by many of the motor cyclists, who upon receipt 'of a call to mobilise at a point which had been kept secret, had to leave immediately for the appointed rendezvous. The first rider to answer the call arrived at 9 a..m., having covered 130 miles in 4hr lmin that morning. He was closely followed by dozens of other cyclists from different parts of England. One rider came in 160 miles in 3hr 48min. The experiment demonstrated that the* English military authorities have some fine material to work upon for scouting and despatch work in case of any national emergency. Mr O. R. Gerrard, of Chrisfiehurch, is at present in Dunedin with his 38 Ih.p. Knight-Daimler car. A German/ petrol supply company has prepared books of coupons, entitling holders to receive petrol at numerous depots, the addresses of which are given on the books. The mo to rist presents coupons of the necessary value to the keeper of the station, who is obliged to supply the spirit without making any charge. Already 8000 of these books have been issued. As the arrangement ensures that the motorist shall purchase the particular brand of petrol in question, and pay ready cash for the booklet, the extra cost \>f distribution in remote places is covered. The advantages to the motorists are those of fixed price and quality. New figures for the 24 'hours' motor cycle road record were established last week by a Victorian rider in W. E. Peverill, who covered a distance of 522 miles in the full day, as against the previous best —517 miles by P. O'Brien. The ride was accomplished over a 21-mile -course, between Keilor and Gisborne, on the MelbourneBendigo road, Victoria. Peverill's performance—considering that he had about - 13 hours of night riding. to contend -with, in addition to very cold weather —was a good one. Apropos the new figures established' for a full day's motor cycle ride on Victorian roads, the very short section of road selected for the record ride gives ri6e to the question. What is a fair length of course for a record of this description to be made over? When the first attempt was made in Australia away back in 1902, to establish an all-day motor cycle road record a course was selected from Melbourne to Hamilton (via Geelong), a distance of 203 miles. To-day a 20-mile course is - considered sufficient! If this kind'of thing js allowed to continue the next announcement will be a new motor evele road record around one of our big parks. - - .. It is now some considerable time since the proposal was first brought forward to amalgamate the Otago Motor Cycle Club and the Otago Motor Gar Association. The Cycle Club decided at the end of last season that it would not be prepared to entertain the proposal as laid down-by the Car Association; but tho latter body has apparently been keen on amalgamation, and as a result of a conference between the executive of both bodies it has been decided to combine and form a new association, called the "Otago Mptor Club." The committee is at present drawing up a new.set of rules to be submitted to a oombined general meeting of members at an early date, when new officers will be elected for the ensuing 12 months. The basis of amalgamation is as follows:—The Otago Motor Cycle Glub arid the Motor Association will drop out of existence, and in their place will be formed the new body; the whole of the members of both bodies to be proposed collectively as members of the new club, and both bodies will, of course, hand over their funds to the new club. Tho officers will consist of a president, four vice-presidents /(two carownera* and two cycle-owners), a secretary and treasurer (which office shall be remunerative), captain, vice-captain, and a committee of eight (four cycle and four car owners). Sub-commitlees will be formed to govern the different interests of car and cycle owners, such sub-committees to report to the general committee. A monthly general meeting of members will be held, to arranges club rune and competition*, eto. An effort i s to be made to obtain improvements to bad roads, and also to open roads which "are now closed to motor traffic. As the result of a conference between the executive of the Otago Motor Cycle Club and Ota.go Motor Association and members of various local bodies, with a view to placing motor traffic on a better footing, the two first-named, bodies/ have agreed to the following propositions:— 1. That tho speed limit-round dangerous corners be limited to eight miles par hour. 2. That motor" cars and cycles should carry a number jr. front as well as in the rear 3. That owners of cars and cycles should pay a small yearly tax. such'sum to be divided among the various local bodies, and' to be used solely for improvement to roads. 4. That no races be hef'd on tho open road without the consent of the governing council The New Zealand mile record of 56 2-ssec, made by A. M'Dougall during tho Otago Motor Cycle Club's competitions at Easter, still stands, although various attempts have been made to lower same. Messrs Wilson. Fraser,. and Co., of InvercargiW, offered a medal for the rider who recorded tho fastest time over a mile on any beach in New Zealand, and I am informed that this has been won by Air' Howarth. of Christchureh. whose time, after a number of attempts, riding a racing; Triumph, was 57eee. The Well-known li.vejcargill rid<?r. W. Jackson, also put up good time, but could not improve on 57 2-ssee. The petrol consumption test organised bv the Otago Motor Cycle Club, arranged for June 3, had to be postponed on account of tho bad weather. One of the riders, however, started on an ofncinl attempt on the New Zealand record of 216 miles to the gallon, but on account of intercepting storms and heavy mad.<» the > mileage covered amounted to only 170 miles to the gallon' Mr A. Fogo. vice-oaptain of the Otago Motor Cycle Club, has just returned from a three months' tour of Australia. Mr Togo reports that the motor cycle business is booming on the other side. He was fortunate enough to attend a number of competitions held there, and ventures tho opinion that our riders would hold their own with the best riders in the Commonwealth I hear on good authority that sorno of our best k;x:al riders arc seriously con sideling purchasing high-powered twin cylinder machines for the corning season. to use in conjunction with a (side-car. The side-ear ha ;; become very popular in Great Britain, and is undoubtedly a very comfortable and cheap method of travel

There are now about 20 side-cars in use round about Dunedin. Messrs Wimpenny Eros, are now occupying their new garage at 137 Moray place, formerly the Bink Stables. The interior of the building has been quite transformed, and every thing ha« been arranged to conform with up-to-date methods for the handling of repairs and garaging of care. The floor space covers. 11,700 square feet, and the one piiiar in the centre offers no obstruction to the entrance or exit of cars. The Premier Garage is one of the bestappointed and most conveniently-equipped of any in the Dominion. The fine large workshop (80ft by 20f t) is entirely enclosed [from the garage, and the facility for^xeeuti ing is excellent. Three large" screw*. j cutting laches, together with other machino I tools, convey the idea that work can bo expeditiously handled. This department is in the capable hands of Mr J. Pr Wilson. , who ha<; been' appointed foreman in charge of the repair staff. Mr Wi'son's experience as' an and toolmaker will assure the highest class of work under his control. On either side of the entrance to the garage is the general offices and stock-room. A large rubber room 16ft by 40ft will accommodate tyres and rubber goods. The facilities for washing cars have been well considered. A washing floor capable of takina two cars is provided with the overhead hose system. The new garage is certainly an acquisition to the city, and local and l visiting motorists will' have the personal attention of Mr H. Wimoenny, who, being relieved of the mechanical work, 1 will devoU L all his time in the garage. j British brains and workmanship again came out on top at the recent championship, motor boat racing carnival held at Monaco glonte Carlo). The Duke of Westminster'* ng'ish built boat, the Ursula, again carried off the blue riband event, the Cup of All Nations, winning this classic race by 10 minutes from the nearest competitor. The remarkable speed of nearly 40. miles an, i hour. was maintained throughout the 934 | miles' course, which was covered in 2hrs I 40min 27sec—wonderful travelling considering the fact that the race was held around a circuit which had to be negotiated 24 times The "Ursula, which won this event 'ast year, is fitted with a 24-eylinder 760 h.p. engine, made by the, Wolseley car people. ( .»- ■ A few days before his fatal accident ' on the Brooklands track, already recorded. Arthur J. Moorhouse, one of the finest motor cyclists in Great Britain, established seven new long-distance records, the figure* being:— v j 150 miles in 2hr 16min 18seo. j 200 miles in 3hr lmin .54 2-ssec. I 250 miles in 3hr 55mm 30soo In two hours he covered 13.0 miles 1020* yards. . In three hours 197 miles 1271 yards. . „ In four hours 250 miles 1045 yards. I In five hours 277 mijes 950 yards.; Incidenally he increased the American age records for three, four, and hows. The direct cause of his death wts,:aa has already been stated, that -while moving at 70 miles per hour, through taking one ofhia hands from the handle-bar to mako some < adjustment. The machine ran wide, left tho track, and crashed into a telegraph pole, i -t-~ Orio result of the high price of petrol in England has been to direct attention to a liquid fuel obtained from peat. It is defined as "industrial alcohol." The advantages "of peat fuel are important. , It is - safer as compared with petrol in not "forming an explosive mixture at ordinary temperatures; it can be extinguished when on fire by water, and it consumes only one-third of the amount of air for a given power, thus making it a better liquid fuel than petrol. Any internal combustion engine operating with petrol can be worked ' with peat fuel without any structural change whatever,, and will give a 10 pet cent, increase in power. The fact that tht exhaust from the peat fuel engine is not at hot as that' from petrol indicates that there '- is less danger from fire, low? offensive odou* from the exhaust piuje, and less probability of burning the lubricating oil. Ml the above statements are borne oat by tho fact that the exhaust is smokeless. By reason of cleanliness in the fuel in handling- mors power and lotas offensiveness in the exhaust, experts declare there ig no reason , that they eon now see why it should hot 1 displace and, entirely lupplant petrol, even if that eiprrit dropped to a price of 9d per gallon. The "Charley" suspension car was recently given a trial run in Melbourne be. fore a large number of spectator*. The I car used had solid rubber Jyres. Those in- 1 • equalities in the surface, which were hard and unyielding, always made their presence > Known, if' not felt, when the wheels struck ' them; the impact was distinctly,heard, but there was no "bounoing" oyer them, lajt a weU-defined tremour ran through the car. On>« could tell tha* the wheels were travelling over some fearfully rough ground. although no drsoomfort resulted. The oar ' was driven over the sleepers and bags, and at a pace that would have broken the ! sprinirs—probably th» axle—of an ordinary motor vehicle. At my suggestion (says j "Forti's" in the Australasian) the "Charley" I car and another with the customary springin s wore driven abreast up and down the road, when the difference in the body movement of the two oars was shown in a remarkable manner. The "Charley" moved along on an almo*t even keel, while the I other car was tossed about to an extraordinI orv degree, due to the greater pace main- • tained by the first-named motor than the I condition of the road ordinarily allowed. As a direct result of an unfortunate i.ocident, when a heavy towiing car crashed ink> the rear of an infantry column on the inarch, with fatal results, the British army will hereafter carry a "tail light," so to spoa'k. At least that is the effect of an mteref-Hng divisional order which haa just been issued, and which requires that when soldiers are en mirche at nigh+ one of the men in the rear must carry what is styled a "reflex" li.'ht attached to the back of his b*lt. The device is not a light at all, though it, serves all the purposes of one. It is «implv a reflector, which is designed, i,'o reflect the light from the powerful head lamps of overtaking cars, and thus warn drivers of the obstruction in the road. Mr Ernest Ternh Hooley, oomnany promoter, of England, who presented £IOOO ! worth of gold plate some yeans ago te ' Westminster Cathedral, was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment recently. Hooley made- a fortune cf five millions, as if by inan-ic. and within a few years of doing, so was a bankrupt. He was engaged in flotations of such concerns as Clement-Gladia-tor Components Tube, D"r.-lor> Pneumatic "Tyre, Humbert, Singer, Swift, and oths* ■ concerns. Ne'zaTO, the world-renowned motor j racer, who has # pulled off the greatest : records of all, Ss_ now engaged in motot I car building on his own account. Hie ca.i [ bears hi-s name. Nazzaro and Fabry {&!•*

a great racing man) have designed the car, which U of 20-30 h.p., nd the chasis is to sell in London at £485. Nazzaro will personally tune each oar before it loaves the fE^ y An item from Sydney :-At the meeting of the Health Committee of the City Council, Alderman Meagher said that one of the worst nuisances in the city was caused bv motor oars. It seemed to be the aim of the drivers to produoe the greatest volume of notes possible: "It would appear, he Baid. "that there is a sort of contest among them, and a prize for the man who can toot his horn loudest, and scare the largest number of ladies and poor old men witli rheumatism, and give the greatest shocks to people nith weak nearts. I was wafking down CasUereagh street the other davr when there were a number of motor cars about, and from one there waed a squeak like that of a little I»F. *»*■ J** Jot squeezed under a gate, and in auaner to thifl there oamo a series of loud grunts from another car that nearlv frightened the life out of a decreprt old man who wa„ crossing the street. There is no necessity fcV this noise. Why not have horns that «ve a musical note? As far as motorists aVe concerned, they seem to be trying ro Jet horns as near; ee possible mtmbb the krvnting of hogs." It was decided to ask thecit7«obcitor to draft a bylaw providing for uniform sirens? DEATH OF WILBUR WRIGHT. The death hfifr typhoid is announced of Mr Wilbur Wrfght, who, with his brother, Mr Orville Wright, was one of the pioneers of aeroplane-flying. . The deceased airman, W dbur Wright, was the son of a clergyman of Dayton, Ohio, U.S.A. He and his brother, Orville, were pioneers in the conquest of the air. To the brothers Wright the world to-day owes much in the science of aeronautics. The brothers owned a small cycle factory in Ohio, and thsre they began to experiment with gliding machines in 1900. Gradually they gained experience, and developed their gliders till they arrived at a practicable flying machine. In 1908 Wilbur went to Paris, taking his aeroplane with him. He indulged in a series of experimental flights at Le Mans, his machine being greatly admired by French experts. He beat all previous records with a flight lasting lhr 31min 25 4-ssec, in which he covered about 56 miles. Subsequently on October 11 he made a flight of lhr 9min, accompanied- by a passenger. And on December 31 he succeeded in remaining in the air for 2hr 20min 236ec—in fact, the best results of tho day were obtained by the Wright Bros.— Orville in America and Wilbur in France. Airmen tho world over will regret the untimely death of tho flying American. MOTOR-CYCLE BOOM IN SIGHT. Tho demand for first-class motor cycles is so great in the Old Country and America that orders from Australasia are not executed for weeks, sometimes months, after they axe received. The possibilities of the

modern motor cycle, with its high degree of efficiency, are just becoming known and appreciated here, and the demand, even*at this season of the year, is so active that local agents anticipate a boom next season. They fear that there will not be sufficient machines available, because, it is- said, the Home markets can easily absorb all stock that is produced, and will do so for some considerable time to come. If a firm like the B.S.A. Company would only supply component parts in the same manner" as they do their cycle parts, of which so many bicycles are built up in this country, a splendid assembling trade could be started here immediately. Given the parts, the machines could easily be put together, with the big advantage of directly benefiting the community, whereas, now the leading English makes, which arc much sought after out here, oa'hnot-be supplied. There are hundreds of cycle agents in Australasia who will shortly be in need either of complete machines for sale or of component parts to assemble —preferably the Latter,— and manufacturing firms in other parts of the world, who are quick to appreciate the business that is waiting to be done in this country, may be first in the field, and benefit from a big and lucrative trade that rightly belongs to Britain.