OUTBOARD MOTORS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 804, 26 October 1929, Page 8

OUTBOARD MOTORS

Sir.— I gather front the aquatic notes that there is an increasing interest being shown in Auckland in small fa«t boats driven by outboard engines, vvhile I think every endeavour should he made to stimulate young men’s interests in boating ©f every form (being an ex-yachtsman myself) I consider something should be done to render the sport less objectionable to those who do not participate actively m lL I refer to the noise made by the outboard engines. My home is' approximately a quarter of a mile from the waterfront, yet the roar and hum of the engines at times pervades the house. After a strenuous week amid tjie clangour of the city I look forward to a quiet and peaceful week-end at home, and I am sure that many others do the same. This desire was shattered on most Saturday afternoons and Sundays last summer (and probably will be again this year) by the (Continued in next column.)

almost incessant buzzing caused by small motor-boats. Each craft gives pleasure only to tlie one or two persons occup3 r ing it, while the noise created is no doubt most unpleasant to hundreds who have their homes near the waterfront or who are picnicking on the beaches. While I have no wish to offer only destructive criticism I must confess I can see no very effective remedy for the nuisance apart from the prohibition of the sport within harbour limits. Perhaps the compulsory use of silencers may lessen the trouble slightly, but this would not be popular among “outboard” devotees, as I understand it would decrease tlie speed of their craft. Well, even if it should, no great harm would be caused, as the boats never seem to have a definite objective but just run about hither and thither. I write this letter wishing the sport well but at the same time a noise which is surely objectionable to hundreds should not be permitted for the sake of the pleasure of the dozen or so enthusiasts possessing boats, I hope this matter will be taken up before the commencement of tlie season by those in control of aquatic affairs in Auckland. NAVIS.