Motordom

Southland Times, Issue 22215, 6 January 1934, Page 12

Motordom

News and

Notes.

OF GENERAL INTEREST

ON THE ROAD AND ON THE WING. THE LATEST HAPPENINGS. Autumn Manoeuvres. Our English motor correspondent writing on November 9 says that an altogether new form of motor sport has been devised by the staff of a wellknown Coventry motor firm who, in the course of a few days, will hold “Autumn Manoeuvres” of a tactical nature in the Cotsworth Hills. There will be two opposing forces, the Cotswold Army and the Buckland Army. The latter will attack the Cotswolians with a view to capturing their headquarters near Cheltenham. Zero hour has been timed for 10 a.m. and hostilities have been thoughtfully timed to conclude at 7 p.m. when an armstice will be signed in a local hostelry and terms for peace negotiated. The combatants of each army will carry distinguishing discs on the cars and marks will be awarded for capture or “destruction” of opposing forces. On becoming “casualties” fighting units must go back to their headquarters before returning to the fray as reinforcements. The scheme naturally is an entire experiment, but it is one which gives ample scope for the ingenuity of leaders and individuals. Modern Motor Manufacture. Whether possessed of a “mechanical mind”, or not, everyone who enjoys driving a car must be interested in the romance of one of Britain’s greatest and most prosperous industries—the motor trade. Dedicated to the wonders of a motor car factory, “The Philosophy of Production,” a well-bound book illustrated with very- striking and unusual photographs, which reached me by an English mail, tells in simple and straightforward language the story of one of Europe’s biggest and most 1 highly organized motor works, that of the Wolseley Company. By diagram and picture the book makes clear to everyone the modern system of flow production, and illustrates in fascinating fashion how the thousands of components travel in an unceasing stream along the tributary conveyer tracks to meet the main river where chassis are growing 'into complete cars. You see clearly how flow production works, and how, by co-ordination and synchronization, it not only saves time, space and power, but also produces cars with the high standard of quality and durability which characterizes modern Wolseleys.

The Motor Cycle Show. From our English motor correspondent, writing on November 11: Amongst the most interesting features of the forthcoming Motor Cycle Show will be a small section devoted to working models, from which visitors may follow clearly the operation of the modern machine. In this mechanical corner, as it is being called, will be found two most interesting exhibits. One of these is a beautifully sectioned 250 c.c. unit construction engine which is driven slowly by a small electric motor. Every operating part of the machine can be watched at work from the opening of the valves, via the unusual geared primary drive to the plates in the clutch. Not only this, but by means of electrical contracts the four cycles of the engine are registered on a frosted plate. As the engine revolves the phases of its operation can be followed on this plate, for the strokes coincide with flashing lettering denoting intake, compression, ignition and exhaust. Furthermore, the sparking plug points have been replaced by a small electric bulb which indicates the moment of ignition. The other exhibit will consist of one of the latest spring frame machines mounted on a platform on whch there are eccentric rollers arranged beneath the wheels. As these rollers revolve they bring the springing of the front and rear wheels into action and show how this type of machine damps out road inequalities. A Hunting Song. We learn that it is hoped to organize again an intensive onslaught against the mosquito peril in the near future, on the lines of that sponsored by the College of Pestology of former years. A National Anti-Mosquito Crusade is suggested, and it is hoped that motorists may be encouraged to join forces with the citizenry as a united whole in waging war against these dangerous pests.

The birds are collecting the doings Required for prospective nest-build-ing. Regardless of distant cuckooings. The brush of the sunshine is gilding With gold-fluff the willows and sallows.

The bees are abuzz in the clover. The March hares run mad in the fallows— Their Waterloo’s over.

Then hey for the Forest of Epping! Who’ll answer the call of Pestology? Who’s up and who’s doing to join in pursuing ? Who’s out for applied entomology ?

On spots that are swampy and marshy Tire merry mosquito is humming, While twirling his curling moustache, he Rejoices that summer is coming. His eggs he’ll be soon incubating. To hunt out his brood, stay no longer, Ye motorists; don’t keep him waiting, But chase him from Epping to Ongar!

Then, who'll go his egg shells a-chip-ping? Who’ll harry the merry mosquito? Who’ll give the That’s-that to the midge and the gnat? More chorus, and ditto rcpcrito!

At noon at the Pool of Dick Turpin The merry mosquito is drinking His fill, but at eve he’ll be chirping A different tune, I am thinking. When the horn of the huntsman is wound up (That is, when the Klaxon is tooting), When motorists join in the round-up Mosquitoes had better be scooting. So hey for a motoring sortie — Let’s all be determined to veto And all go destroying that highly annoying Malignant, agressive mosquito. FRED GILLET. ENGLAND. Ancient Highways. From an Englishman: What is believed to have been the Central Milestone of all Britain, from which the Romans measured all their distances, can still be seen in Cannon Street, almost opposite the Metropolitan Station. It is let into the wall of a church, and protected by an iron grille, and is either on, or close to the spot where it originally stood. If one continues along Cannon Street westwards as far as the Metropolitan Mansion I House Station, one shall discover anI other fragment of Roman London. Just [ opposite the station there is a narrow

lane running towards St. Paul’s Cathedral, a fine view of which can be seen framed by the tall buildings. This bears the name “Watling Street," and is an authentic fragment of that mighty Roman highway which ran from Dover through London to Chester, which branches to Carlisle, and to a point near Newcastle. When it was built a Reman temple stood on the site of St. Paul’s, which Stow informs us was dedicated to Jupiter, although some have thought it was a temple to Diana, and have even suggested that the pigeons which flock there to-day are the descendants of those originally kept there for sacrifice!

THE MOTOR INDUSTRY (

CO-OPERATION NEEDED.

IMPORTANT ADDRESS.

Sir Alexander Roger, chairman of the Birmingham Small Arms Co., Ltd,, stated that more co-operation was needed in the motor industry, when he addressed shareholders at the annual general meeting of the company on November 16. “The motor industry should be coordinated and standardized,” he said. “If some form of collaboration among the manufacturers were brought about the number of types of cars could be enormously lessened, expensive stocks would be reduced, service stations could be more effectively administered, with profitable and gratifying results both to the manufacturers and to the public.” Sir Alexander had previously reported a profit of £245,531 on the year’s trading. “We now employ directly 11,000 workpeople, which is 30 per cent, more than a year ago,” he said, “and if we include the employment which is given to our suppliers by reason of our purchases the numbers would be several thousands more.”

The motor cycle industry was improving, said Sir Alexander. He added that export sales of motor cycles represented no less than 221 per cent, of the total exports of the United Kingdom, the highest proportion yet attained. The cycle business had been a record in the history of the company. Referring to the steel business, Sir Alexander stated that the turnover of the company’s steel works exceeded that of the previous year by 27J per cent, and was, in fact, greater than for any year since 1929-30. “Business in this country is undoubtedly better,” he concluded. “This country is probably in a more stable condition than any other in the world; we have a Government which, at least occasionally, is in touch with reality and public opinion.” Over five hundred shareholders from all parts of the country attended the meeting, which was preceded by a tour of the works, lunch and talking films of the company’s products. NEW MOTOR CYCLE FLUID-FLY WHEEL TYPE. B.S.A. COMPANY’S SECRET. A machine which may well revolutionize motor cycling is announced by the B.S.A. Company, the world’s largest manufacturers of motor cycles. Briefly, it is a 5 h.p. overhead valve model incorporating the Daimler fluid flywheel and pre-selective self-changing gearbox.

Research has been going on for over two years, but although rumours have been current, the news of the actual production of the new machine has come as a bomb-shell in motor cycling circles. The experimental model has completed tests of nearly 20,000 miles on the road, but in order that the secret might be kept the machine has never once been allowed to stop outside the B.S.A. works.

In general details the fluid flywheel machine follows the lines of the wellknown 499 c.c. o.h.v. model. The engine and gearbox, however, are of unit construction and are so mounted in the frame that the centre of gravity is extremely low. This, combined with the fact that the transmission eliminates all engine snatch, makes the machine practically skid-proof. Gear pre-selections are made by movement of a small trigger on the left handlebar, engagement being provided by pressure on a pedal operated by the right toe. The action of the transmission is exactly the same as on any car produced by the 8.5.A.-Daim-ler-Lanchester group, and the machine has a top-gear range of speed from 0 to 65-70 miles per hour. Unlike so many motor cycles of unusual mechanical specification, the new B.S.A. has a most handsome and wellbalanced appearance. The primary chain runs in an oil-bath case and is provided with a spring tensioner, the final drive being on the offside of the machine. Lubrication is on the drysump system with a separate oil tank mounted under the saddle. The machine is finished in the well-known B.S.A. colours, the tank being chromium plated with green side-panels. The English price, including full electrical equipment, has been fixed at £79.

I have to acknowledge from the Alvis people a most interesting leaflet announcing their new Sixteen model. This car, from the literature perused, seems to be a really fine product. A synchro-mesh, all silent, four-speed gearbox is provided. This gives instant noiseless changing under all conditions. The Home price of this car is £595. Stewart and Ardem, Ltd., the London distributors for Morris cars, have sent me a brochure illustrating Morris cars, 1934. A postcard which they desire motorists to fill in reads: still (a) I am interested in the purno longer chase of a Morris Car. (b) I have purchased another make of car (c) I have decided to postpone purchase until (d) You may revive my interest in the Morris Car about next. (e) You may send a representative on a.m. at p.m. It is understood that this request places me under no obligation to purchase. This is an idea for an enterprising New Zealand firm. I have to advise also that the postcard is of the “Business Reply” variety. No stamp is necessary if posted in Great Britain or Northern Ireland. H.R.H. the Duke of Gloucester has taken delivery of a 1934 saloon model of the Wolseley Hornet, earlier models of which he has had for the past two years. The car, which is standard throughout, was supplied by the Car Mart, Ltd. His Royal Highness always drives himself, and will use his new Wolseley as a small runabout. Two features of the 1934 model on which he specially commented were the new synchro-mesh gearbox and the enclosed spare.

WHEN MOTORISTS MARRY

does the car come in?

SEVERAL SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT.

BY JOAN MAINE. When motorists many, they cease to be purely and simply car-owners. For a b’-ief period they become “contracting parties,” and then they automatically turn into citizens. _ That is the first chapter of their little story, one that is invariably written for them, though it leaves room for them to insert, between the lines, what Sir Walter Raleigh called “the secret of their days.” . When that part of the tale is over, the newly-weds emerge with an obligation to “behave adult —a duty usually construed to mean that they must practise cutting their coat according to their cloth, budgeting for a hypothetical expenditure, and adjusting themselves to circumstances governed by their annual income. Noble resolves, to give up the personal extravagances of yester-year colour the most drastically economical programme with such rich hues that the pinch seems as if it will not be felt. Luxuries are "swept ruthlessly overboard until the list of necessities is found to be inadequate. Instantly, a revision of the cuts becomes imperative. As an instance of the greatest ana grandest mistake that can be made, the question of motoring expenses may be cited. To the motoring couple it seems (for some inexplicable reason) to be highly advisable to cut the car off with a shilling. Indeed, this economy has loomed so large in their minds that they have probably half-pensioned the bus off before they published the banns. One supposes this display of thrift to be caused by the feeling that motoring is a hobby, and, therefore, a homebreaker, in that it appears on the budget and encourages the wanton habit of “going places and doing things” instead of “staying home.” But is this correct? Is it even behaving adult? Carrying on the Good Work. While it should not be demonstrable that the happiness of a married couple depends upon the possession of a car, it is undeniable that the marriage that holds motoring in store is desirable. Hundreds of articles have been written to stress the ways in which a car can contribute to the health and happiness of its owners, and by now the subject is rather overworked. But it is not yet overrated. It is possible that when Mars turns into a popular week-end resort and that when to travel by rocket becomes the dernier cri (with no ulterior meaning in the dernier), motoring may become meaningless. But for as long as it seemes desirable _to get from Coventry to Cornwall easily, pleasantly, and hygienically, every' car will have its day, and all motorists their special brand of pleasure. In to such an age and under such probable conditions the motorists of to-day have been born, and it is hardly profitable to legislate for generations that come after them. So we must make the most of a motor car while the sun shines upon our heads rather than upon our faces. To do this, the most reasonable attitude to take towards the car is, to paraphrase the parable of the fork, and to say that though feet were made before wheels, it is more civilized to progress under petrol vapour than under human puff. The car has still a social status to bestow upon us—even though we acquire it at the expense of hard work and unobstrusive diligence. Still, it seems that a car is a friend that justifies what it means —of labour, perhaps sacrifice, and certainly allegiance. In other words, there are few sacrifices to be made in the domestic budget that are disproportionate to the benefits of salvaging the car. Sooner or Later— A moment will come to the newlywed motorists when the car problem becomes acute. Perhaps one of the separately owned cars was scrapped (for - money, of course, not wilful destruction!) before the wedding-day, leaving one car for future use. It seemed in fair condition, both its patrons liked it, it had sentimental value attached to it, and perhaps it had won new laurels by seeing the motoringhoneymoon and the caravan-trip through. In fact, it seemed good for many thousands of miles more of trouble-free motoring. But —comes a morning when neither the housekeeping allowance nor the bank-balance can be raided for extra funds, and—well, petrol doesn’t pour out of the bath-tap. In spite of adjustments, servicing, de-coking, and such matters being carried out in the home-garage by the owner, and expenses being cut down to the minimum and even road-mileage jealously kept low, costs will seem too heavy. “We shall have to give up having a car,” says Johnnie to Frankie. “It’s the tax and insurance and running costs that make it hopeless to attempt to keep the thing.” Frankie nods her head sadly, and both mournfully bow to the decree. One hears of instances like this happening too frequently, and there is only one surprising thing about them: it never seems to occur to the sorrowing couple that a smaller car might offer them a happy issue olit of their afflictions! If they could put ten miles more into every gallon of petrol they used, they would immediately have effected a considerable saving. Their motoring would turn from being a reproach into being a care-free recreation.

These may sound kindergarten arguments, but they don’t seem to leap to people’s minds as they should. This may be because a 16-horse-power car has become such a habit that a mere 9-h.p. vehicle is regarded as being, possibly, a car, but definitely not a custom! Or perhaps some subconscious fear that to get a smaller car means coming down in the world deters the young couple from making a change. But it would not mean that at all It would mean that the couple started too high—not that they are considering a fall from the only standards of decency and respectability! As for the idea that nine, eight, or seven horses under a motor-car bonnet are at least five too few—it is laughable. The smallcar designer would never present his patrons with such a perfectly good joke—free!