Cycling & Motor Notes

Otago Witness, Issue 3442, 2 March 1920, Page 51

Cycling & Motor Notes

BY DEMON.

One well-known American motor cycle manufacturer produced 62,685 maohinea during 1913. Thirteen years ago his output was 50. •Considerable interest js being taken in motoring circles, as to what make of car the Prinso of Wales •will favour and useduring his Australian visit. The probabilities are thai the Prince's party will bring- three or four cars out with them on board the Renown. If this is done, then British-miado cars are almost sure to be selected. —--Motor racing is to be revived at Brooklands Speedway, England, about Easter time. In pre-war days many noticeable speed records were established on this great track, but during the war the surface-

I suffered through use of the grounds by the military authorities. The track has now been repaired, but even then it is doubtful if Brooklands will carry the sustained speed that has recently been recorded on the more up-to-date built American speedways. ——A light motor car is to be shortly marketed in England at £IOO. It is to be known as the "Garden," and will be a twoseater. The design of the engine and the transmission is said to be so simple that it is difficult to imagine how it has not been thought of or produced before. The power unit is 7-8 twin-cylinder air-cooled engine. The whole machine weighs 34cwt, the weight of many motor-cycle sidecar outfits. Surprisingly few parts are incorporated in the car—the principal reason why it will be sold at the figure. The wheel track is 3ft lin, wheelbase 6ft 3in, ground clearance Bin. The little car is built on sporty lines, and will have two speeds forward and a reverse. According to Mr C. M. Banks, deputy chairman of the executive of the New Zealand Union, the membership of the Wellington Club is increasing faster than that of Canterbury. "Wellington motorists just seem to be lealising the good work that is being done for them, by the club, and are now joining in hundreds; and I shall not be surprised if our membership in a few years exceeds 3000." _ • I In connection with the existing aerial service between London and Amsterdam, two sets of aeroplane landing-wheels and . tyres to suit the special conditions of_ the j Dutch landing-grounds were required in a hurry. The tyre company did not happen | to have the particular tyre required in i stock in London at the moment, but, getting immediately into touch with its Paris branch, the tyres required were sent across to London by the 'Air-Co." express, and within five hours of the receipt of the order the wheels and tyres were ready for fitting j to the British Aerial Transport Company's I machine waiting to proceed to Amsterdam. 1 It was a notable achievement. ,

AN INTERESTING RETURN.

1 ... I The following interesting return of registrations of motor cars and motor cycles during the year 1918 has been compiled by his Majesty's Trade Commissioner from statistics supplied by the various registering j authorities in New Zealand:

Country of Origin, Cars. Cycles 396 1508 2716 1093 1440 —' 86 — 10 — 10 14 1 14 Origin or make unknown .. 46 27 4705 2667 Districts in which Registered. Cars. Cycles Auckland and Poverty Bay 1326 576 4-07 191 32S 203 1024 591 Nelson and Marlborough .. 152 52 564 517 161 124 Ota-go and Southland .. 743 413