“RUN” TO CAMBRIDGE

Waikato Independent, Volume XL, Issue 3667, 13 February 1940, Page 4

“RUN” TO CAMBRIDGE

AUCKLAND CAR-OWNERS’ TRIP ROAD JOURNEY IN 1908. Mention of a visit to Cambridge by members of the Auckland Automobile Association, during a Christmas “run” in 1908, makes interesting reading in the latest bulletin of the association. A history of mot- * oring in the Auckland Province is being written by Mr G. W. Hutchison, secretary of the association, and in it he recalls the 1908 trip. “The Christmas ‘run’ has become a popular feature,” he states, “and the itinerary for 1908 was, first day Cambridge, second day Wairakei, return via Rotorua and Waihi, the trip occupying five days: "It must, of course; be remembered that many of the roads at that tithe weirts not even. metalled, and after a few showers of: rain it was quite a common experience to spend the night stuck in some quagmire. “Notorious sections of the Auck-land-Rotorua Road were Rangiriri (Hills and Mamaku Hills, which even the best drivers frequently failed to negotiate after a night’s rain. Tales are told of the business acumen of the Mamaku Maoris, who kept the worst holes filled with water in order to earn a pound a time for pulling cars through with a horse team. “They didn’t know much about mechanics or torque, but they knew that one horse power and four legs were worth a pound at a time when twenty horse power in a motor-car was useless.” A photograph in the bulletin shows the cars that made the “run” lined up across the road in front of • the Post Office. They contrast severely with the modern cars of todhy, being much like “horseless” carts, with large wheels, small tyres, flat bonnets and high seats. None had windshields or hoods, and while all had horns, few were fitted with lights. The oldest vehicle was one that was driven by steam.