LORRY DRIVERS’ OFFENCES

Taranaki Daily News, 31 March 1934, Page 15 (Supplement)

LORRY DRIVERS’ OFFENCES

SOME REFUSE TO GIVE WAY.

SOUTH TARANAKI SIGN-POSTING.

(By

“Spotlight.”)

An undesirable practice in which motor-lorry drivers are the offenders has apparently been somewhat common in Taranaki of late. Several motorists have complained to “Spotlight” that a number of motor-lorry drivers have refused to give way to faster moving traffic approaching from the rear. In one instance, it is stated, a car had to remain behind a lorry for four miles before it was able to pass. And that in spite of the frequent blowing of the car’s horn. Not even the remotest stranger could now lose himself on the main road between Patea and north of Stratford. The recent work of the South Taranaki Automobile Association in erecting a large number of additional signs is greatly appreciated. Practically every side road, whatever its importance, has been clearly signed, and in the case of blind roads, the fact is noted. A commentary by a New Plymouth motorist who recently motored to Wellington and back is rather significant of motoring conditions on New Zealand main roads in the year 1934. To “Spotlight” he reported: “No accidents, no punctures, no speeding, no bad roads, in fact nothing of interest whatever.” ' While “dimming” a car’s lights at night is a punishable offence, “dipping” or focussing the lights downwards >• or to the side is a much appreciated courtesy by many drivers. when passing other vehicles. Too few, however, observe this courtesy, and make driving at night comparatively difficult for many whom they meet. A motorist who went from New Plymouth to Urenui on a recent evening dipped his lights to about 25 cars, but received the same courtesy from only three of them. CLOSED CAR VENTILATION DISPELLING FOUL ENGINE AIR. NEW MODELS FREE FROM DRAUGHT From the point of view of driving comfort and convenience, there is no more satisfactory feature of new car models than the general adoption of improved ventilation of interiors. With the steady growth in the proportion of closed ; cars from 15 per cent, eight years ago to more than 90 per cent, to-day, the feeble cry for better ventilation has become insistent. In the days when the touring car prevailed, the greatest objection to the saloon model, second only to its high cost, was that it was unbearably stuffy when the windows were closed, and unbearably draughty when they were open. Until recently the situation had scarcely improved, though coachwork designers have for years ’ been considering the matter scientifically and doing much to minimise passenger discomfort. To keep all the windows of a car closed is insufferable to healthy persons. The effect is not merely the same as in a room; there is the additional disadvantage of hot, foul air being forced back from the engine, and the frequent discomfort of the poisonous carbon-mono-xide fumes rising from a leaky exhaust system. Even if the atmosphere under these conditions were bearable, there is a further unpleasantness caused by the steaming of the windows, and particularly the windscreen. During summer days in the warmer climates these disadvantages do not always arise. But these are usually the climates in which dust storms occur, and the hottest weather is their most prevalent period. There is also the everpresent problem of rain. Yet, generally speaking, the difficulty in hot climates is that it is not possible to get sufficient air into the car even with all the windows wide open. But cars normally are bought for use all the year round. Even summer nights can be chilly, and in any case it is the worst condition and "not the best that must be considered. It is chiefly in the design of the body interior and the disposition of the windows that more scientific ventilation has been introduced in the new models. Among the more visible signs is the fitment of a slanting glass slat or panel at the top of each window frame on the outside. This allows the window to be opened two or three inches to the exclusion of direct air currents and without the possibility of rain entering. Among the more visible signs is the fitment of a slanting glass slat or panel at the top of each window frame on the outside. This allows the window to be opened two or three inches to the exclusion of direct air currents and without the possibility of rain entering. Other clever devices are the hinging of the rear quarter lights to open outwards at the rear, rear window panes that slide back into the coachwork, and a special ventilator to the driving compartment. Another car has hinged quarter lights whereby ventilation can be controlled. By adjusting the aperture, which forces rearward, the air is gently extracted from the interior of the body, rain being excluded. In hot weather, this device, in conjunction with scuttle ventilators, ensures a maximum flow of fresh air. To improve matters still further, proper attention is now being paid to the insulating of engine and exhaust fumes from driving compartments. MORE MOTOR VEHICLES FIGURES FOR GREAT BRITAIN. INCREASE OF 109,000 IN YEAR. A return issued by the English Ministry of Transport on the taxation of road vehicles shows that the gross amount received in payment for licenses issued during the 12 months ended November 30, 1933, was £29,201,133, compared with £28,431,766 in the corresponding period of the previous year. Particulars are given of the total number of licenses issued and surrendered during the 12 months to November 30, 1933, and of the approximate numbers of licenses current on that date. The total number of motor-vehicles, excluding tram-cars and trade licenses, was approximately 2,013,800, compared with 1,926,600 in the corresponding period of the previous year. The total number of mechanically propelled road vehicles registered for the first time in November, 1933, was 23,815, compared with 20,146 in November, 1932, the figures for the sev-

eral classes being:— Nov., 1933. Nov., 1932. Cars taxed on h.p .. 16,403 13,918 Cycles .. 1,714 2,185 Hackney vehicles .. 200 152 Goods vehicles .. 5,067 3,529 Other vehick* . 351 362 TaUte- .. 23,815 20,146