Motor and Cycle

Otago Witness, Issue 3912, 5 March 1929, Page 69

Motor and Cycle

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DEMON.

When the Auckland Racing Motor Club holds its meetings at Takapuna this month, there is to be a race between an aroplane and the fastest rider of the day (states the Auckland Star). There was a similar contest at Christchurch at a racing carnival held towards 'the end of the war. The aeroplane, an old model, of cours,e came as low as safety allowed, and roared round one circuit of the course in an attempt to catch a motor cycle. The cyclist won easily.

Mr Samuel Broers, vice-president and director of the Firestone Tyre and Rubber Export Company, who has been in Wellington for some days before proceeding to Australia, intends to make a tour through the North and South Islands to study distributing methods, and at the same time view the scenic beauties for which New Zealand is well known in Canada and the United States. Mr Broers states that the Firestone vompany’s products sold in New Zealand are manufactured within the Empire. An up-to-date, strictly modern manufacturing, plant was recently completed in London. providing labour for 1000 British workmen. On the opening day of the new factory a luncheon was tendered to 250 guests. Sir Joynson-Hicks, British Home Secretary, made the keynote speech, in which he emphasised the splendid relations existing between the Firestone Company and its employees. The British factory is equipped with the very latest facilities to make life for the employees more comfortable. Restaurants, rest rooms, shower baths, etc., are only a few of the things with which the new factory is provided, tending to make working conditions extremely attractive. During the luncheon Mr Harvey S. Firestone, president of the company bearing his nanie, made a 10 minutes’ speech from his office at Akron, Ohio., by telephone. Amplifiers were erected above the speaker’s table, and Mr Firestone’s voice came over the wires and through the air in such a manner that each word was plainly heard by everyone amongst the large audience. It was the first time the trans-Atlantic telephone service was ever utilised in addressing such a large gathering.

BRITISH EXPORTS. The following figures of motor cycles exported to various countries are interesting. Tn the first six eases the percentage of British imports into' each country is

The total number of machines exported from Britain were: January-September. 1928 50.572; January-December, IJ-i, 52,408.

CHANNEL TUNNEL AND THE MOTOR CAR. «It is,” says the Motor, in an editorial. “ now 55 years ago since a scheme was evolved to construct a tunnel under the Straits of Dover linking Great Britain with France and the rest of the continent of Europe. Politicians and Government departments have, successfully vetoed the project, but it is once more to be revived with some likelihood of the ban being removed. That a land route between this country and the Continent would prove an immense boon to commerce, that it would stimulate passenger traffic both to this country and away from it, is widely recognised, but one of its greatest possible advantages lies

in.the increased facilities .which would lie given British motorists for touring abroad. ~ , , Interstate travel is very widely developed in Europe, where there are only the Customs barriers to be negotiated, arid no cross-channel passage, with its delays, expenses, and other disadvantages, to deter the road traveller. It may well prove that, given a tunnel under the Channel, the beauties of these isles will attract large numbers of French, Italian, Belgian, German, and Scandinavian motorJSt " In this connection it is desirable to look a long way ahead. Motoring is de-

veloping throughout Europe so rapidly that it is necessary to visualise a demand for the transport of cars across the Channel, given a tunnel route, on such a scale that no system of rail-borne traffic could possibly cope with it. One has also to bear in mind an enormous increase in road-passenger services. It is, therefore, desirable -to consider the practicability of constructing a tunnel for road traffic; The greatest problem that would present itself for solution would be that of ventilation, for in a tunnel of such length it would certainly be necessary to devise means of dissipating the fumes if vehicles proceeded under- their own power. “ft seems to us that a double line of electric railway trucks for the conveyance. of cars would prove expensive, troublesome (owing to the double loading and unloading delays), and even then entirely inadequate for meeting the _deinand.”

CARS AND DOLLARS. Motor vehicle production in the United States and Canada last year passed the

previous high record of 1926. Comparative figures for the last three years are as follows: —

Cars and trucks.—l92B, 4,630,000; 1927, 4,573.671; 1926. 4.428.286. Cars.—l92B. 4.044.000; 1927, 3,086,018; 1926, 3,936,933. Closed cars. —1928. 3,441,600 (85 per cent.); 1927, 2.555,223 (83 per cent.); 1926, 2,820.668 (72 per cent.). Trucks—l92B, -586.000; 1927, 487,653; 1926, 491.353. The wholesale value of cars for the three vears was 2.630.500,000 dollars in 1928, 2,264.616,222 in 1927, and 2,730,385,507 in 1926. The wholesale value of trucks was 415.320.000 dollars, 436,089,521 dollars, and 433,371,169 dollars.

RECORDS IN 1928. Motor racing and record breaking in 1928 was conspicuous for the battle in Florida between Captain Malcolm Campbell and Ray Keech, for the raising of a number of long distance records, and for higher speeds from low-powered cars. During 1928 arrangements were made between America and European racing authorities fox* mutual recognition of records so that now a number of American performances appear in the list of official world’s records. Captain Malcolm Campbell opened the year by raising the flying mile to 206 J m.p.h., and immediately after Ray Keech secured the laurels for America with a speed of 207$ m.p.h.. At least three attempts to improve on this will be made in 1929. Among the world’s records standing at the opening of 1929

Tn the restricted engine classes some remarkable records were established in 1928 in long distance trials in America. In the 1500 c.c. class Frank Lockhart’s speed of 164 m.p.h. for the flying mile, which was established in 1927, remained unbeaten, and apart from the two cars engaged in the Florida test no car in any class exceeded Lockhart’s speed in 1928. In the 750 c.c. or ‘baby” seven horse power class some astonishing speeds were attained last year on Brooklands and Montlhery tracks. The 24-hour record for 7 h.p. cars was achieved with an average speed of 65$ m.p.h., and a French car raised the five mile to 96$ m.p.h. Following, are some 750 c.c, records standing at the beginning of 1929: — Miles. Speed Driver. Car. m.p.h.

Over a dozen new records were created by 9 h.p. to 11 h.p. cars during 1928, and these small types are now attaining speeds approaching 130 m.p.h. Following were the principal records -in the 7501100 c.c. classes at the end of 1928: —

MILK IN BULK. On many of the main roads at Home are to be seen daily tank motor trucks conveying milk in bulk from the' larger creameries to the distributing centres. The containers are either aluminium or glass-lined, with the outer steel shell lined with insulating material to prevent any serious rise in the temperature of the milk in hot weather. The London Co-operative Society recently installed four 1300 gal tanks to run from their Buckingham Creameries to London. Each chassis is fitted with an air-compressor driven from the gearbox for speedily emptying the tank. Comparison of the cost of road transport with railway costs is rather interesting. Over the last half year, four tanks have carried over 233,000 gal of milk on this route, the inclusive transport charges amounting to .815 d per gallon. The standard railway charge for the distance is 1.45 d per gallon, to which must be added the cost of transport to the collecting station and from the destination station. THE YEARLY MODEL.

Is the policy of producing the “yearly model ” that has played such a big part in the automobile industry during the last decade foredoomed? Indications are that it is at least not probable. A year or two back it was the vogue for those who could finance it to “ trade in ” their automobile for a new model or new make every year, and the fashion was encouraged and fostered by the trade; but from indications that system of purchasing and merchandising cars

is losing ground. Latest figures from the L T nited States of America, where the custom had its birth, show that the first car owners now,, on an average, keep their cars two and three-quarter years. This longer use of cars is fraught with complications to the manufacturers with big outputs of medium and low-priced vehicles, but that new models each year are not essential to profitable trading has been demonstrated in striking manner by Rolls-Royce and Ford. The automobile industry is one of the world’s largest—and, strange to say, it has, during, the past 10 years, been built on a foundation of wastefulness as far as passenger cars are concerned. Unquestionably the modern automobile is a more efficient and durable vehicle than it was- in pre-war days, yet the yearly model has been the cause of large numbers of motorists trading in their cars after only 10 to 15 per cent, of the road life of the vehicles had been utilised, and for this small percentage of service they were prepared to pay—and did pay —anything from 40 to 50 per cent, of the value of their car for the pleasure of driving a new model or new make of car, maybe giving no better service than the vehicle traded in.

This practice has grown to such an extent in America that it is estimated 5,000,000 used cars are sold annually, whilst 3,150,000 second-hand cars are traded in before the year’s 3,500,000 new automobiles are marketed. It is stated that three-fifths of the twenty-odd million cars on U.S.A, roads were used cars when purchased. Less than 10 per cent, of new cars are now sold without a used car being traded in as part payment, and in most instances this involves a second “ trade in ” of another used car before the first used car is placed. This means the sale of two used cars before the transaction of selling a new car is completed. The trading in of year-old cars brought into being a class of buyer who appreciated the fact that purchasing a wellkept, second-hand car with 85 to 90 per cent, of its potential life still before it at 50 to 60 per cent, of its value was a worthwhile proposition. Many experienced motorists prefer buying their cars in this manner; and where good judgment is exercised they certainly obtain excellent value. They claim that a used car in good condition can be a better investment than a new car, and there are sound arguments in favour of this

content'on —as lo- ; as they buy right. The purchasing of third or fourth hand cars is, of course, a different proposition,, for only expert examination can determine their value.

The present-day ear is so well constructed that one can safely say that its minimum life is anything from five years upwards, according to its price, the attention the car receives, and the manner in which it is driven. One leading American manufacturer has already started propaganda that purchasers of his cars should use them for at least five years; and the probability is that other makers will follow this lead. If it became general, and the quality, efficiency, and durability of the modern car warrant it, probably it would be the ultimate solution of one of the greatest problems that the automobile industry has to contend with.

INTERNATIONAL SPORTING COMMISSION.

The International Sporting Commission, at which Great Britain, France, Germany, America, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Belgium, and Austria were represented, held its usual annual meeting in Paris recently and fixed the rules for 1929 automobile racing events. They all agreed that cars were getting too fast for the safety of their drivers, and so it was resolved that the best way to reduce speed and at the same time to help technical development was to limit the amount of fuel. Consequently the leading international events for 1929 will be held on a limited fuel basis. At the request of the American delegates, it was decided to adhere to these general rules for 1929 and 1930, for it was too late for them to be taken up by the U.S.A, this year. If they prove satisfactory it is understood they will be continued for a third year. The limit which was agreed to was 301 b of petrol and oil (the petrol having a density of 720 at 15deg cent.) per 100 kilometres distance of the race. Also the car should weigh 17cwt 801 b empty, with one spare wheel, and it should have a two-seater body with a width of 39in at a height of lOin, and no streamlining. Also a mechanic need not be carried in the international races. According to the debate, cars 1 built under these rules should be capable of a speed of 80 to 90 miles an hour, according to the course over which the race is run. So far the 1500

c.c. car race at Indianapolis, U.S.A., will be run under the old rules of last year, in which no fuel-consumption basis came into consideration. The committee • also officially accepted the new distances of 200 kilometres and 200 miles to be added to the permitted distances for which world’s records could be established.

AUCKLAND’S BIG FIXTURE. AUCKLAND. February 26. An endeavour to take back to Australia with them the principal honours to be decided at the big motor car racing fixture at Muriwai - next month’ will be made by three noted performers on the track who arrived from Sydney by the Maunganui yesterday. They -are Russell Taylor, A. E. C. East, and Frank Hosking. They have brought with them a four-cylinder and an eight-cylinder Bugatti car. Driving a Bugatti eight, the property of Mr Taylor, Mr East won the New Zealand light car cup last year with an average speed of 75 miles an hour. He will defend the title next month. The cup, which is a handsome silver trophy, was brought to Auckland by Mr Taylor.

PROSECUTION OF MOTORISTS. HAMILTON, February 26. Mr Justice Blair, commenting in the Supreme Court to-day on the fact that three of the cases related to fatal accidents at railway level crossings, said it was very difficult to say what could be done to prevent such accidents. One remedy that had been suggested was that there should be elaborate signals, or else that level crossings should be abolished and over-bridges or subways provided gradually by the Railways Department on main road crossings, but there were many hundreds of crossings on side roads. No one would suggest that the drivers wanted to cause the death of people. The most that could be charged against them was carelessness, but the law provided punishment for that, the idea being to impress on the minds of motorists generally the absolute necessity for care. If the view at an- approach to a crossing was obstructed it was the duty of a motorist to . take more care than otherwise.

The grand jury passed the following recommendation: —“That the Railways Department, in the case of flag stations having level crossings, be urged, to instruct a porter or other responsible person to flag all trains in and out of the stations from level crossing except, where automatic signals have been installed.’

shown. per cent. Australia 5,292 70 Vnion of South Africa . 4,552 80 Switzerland . 2,305 50 Austria . 2,714 50 New Zealand . 1,900 61 British India . 1,726 85 — Sweden • 4,121 Czecho-Slovakia .. • . 2,655 ■—■ I.taly n . .1 ava . • • -' - • Denmark • 2,179 . 1,402 . 1,311 . 1.251 — Netherlands . 1.197 — Hungary : Japan . . . • • • . 1.124 891 —

were: Miles. Speed m.p.h. Driver. Car. 1 207J R. Keech White 5 140.J Eldridge Miller 10 133J Marchand Voisin 50 1295 Breton Panhan 100 128J Marchand Voisin 200 110J Froy Bentley 500 117§ Marchand & Morel Voisin 1000 1124 Three drivers Voisin 2000 1123 Three drivers Voisin 3000 113 Three drivers Voisin 4000 7S3 Mr and Mrs Bruce A.C. 5000 78 Mr and Mrs Bruce A.C.

r 9C>1 V enatier Grazide 10 96J Venatier Grazide 50 832 Waite Austin 100 83’ Waite Austin 1000 64 Three drivers Austin

Miles. : Speed Driver; . , ■ Car. rt m.p.h'. 127J Morel Amilcar io 1262 Morel Amilcar 50 1031 Ghica Cozette 500 854 Purdy Riley 1000 561 If our drivers Marendaz 10,000 49 Five drivers Renault The following performances' in the 1500-2000 c.c. class are interesting: — Miles. ' Speed Driver. Car. m.p.h. Miller 10 1321 Eldridge 100 113J Don Sunbeam 500 88J Harvey Alvis 1 1000 84? Gillett A.C. 10,000 682 Three drivers Studebaker 30,000 68J Three drivers Studebaker