MOTOR MATTERS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 287, 8 January 1915, Page 2

MOTOR MATTERS.

NEWS AND NOTES. The North Canterbury Motor Cyclists' Club will hold a hundred miles race on New Brighton Beach on January 23. Entries will close with the secretary on January 16. A special motor tax is to be imposed in New South Wales on similar lines to that now in operation in Victoria? only with one important difference., In the latter State, the large amount collected is set aside for road-making and improvement, whilst in the mother State the money proposed to be raised by the Holmau Administration will not be earmarked like the Victorian tax, but simply imposed for revenue purposes. The number of cyclists enrolled in England for active service are surprisingly large, their utility at the front being recognised and appreciated by the War Office. The new battalions formed periodically from volunteers supply good subjects for illustrations occasionally seen, in the London wheel papers. No trouble is experienced in filling up the ranks; in fact, the authorities, very shortly after the call, post notices to the fact that the lists are complete. One picture, showing the reserve battalion of the London regiment on parade before Major-General Sir ■ Francis Lloyd, is a splendid illustration of this arm of the service, the lengthy ranks of men and .iiiachines -being very imposing. "Athletic exercise in the open air," says "Cycling,"" is the finest nursery for the British spirit of adventurousness that'finds its outlet in national service. ■ Steadiness of nerve, self-reliance, physical form the heritage of the vigorous cyclist. ■ A pastime that produces men with these characteristics serves the nation in; peace by preparing its manhood for the tremendous test of war, a test that none but the lit can survive."'

There are 1,548,350 cars on the, roads in the UiS'.A.!- The registration-to July 1 showed a gain of 294,485 in the first six months' of 1914.

This is' what sometimes happens,in Calif ornian Rugby:—" Chico, Npyeinbei- 27/7-T.he Ohicd State Normal School Kttgby team defeated the high school team in'the annual game, sto 0. The contest was the most bitter e% r er fouglit between the schools. After the game the Normals attacked the high school at ai locjjl theatre, and the. latter armed with -rotten eggs and. other missiles, fought back. Girls and boys joined in the melee, and a free-for-all encounter ensued." •, ~-,.;. ■ •• • •