FIRST WOMAN ROAD SCOUT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 290, 6 December 1929, Page 16

FIRST WOMAN ROAD SCOUT

“TINKERING WITH ENGINES’’ INNOVATION IN BRITAIN Clad in a. new uniform, unsullied by even th© smallest spot of engine oil, Britain’s girl road scout began work on th e Kingston by-pas s a few weeks ago. She is Aliss Grace New, the first official scout of the Women’s Automobile and Sports Association. Miss New’s handsome uniform —blue jacket and breeches,'white cuffs, Wellington boots, and blue peak cap—to say nothing of the attractive face beneath the cap and her shining motorcycle combination attracted considerable attention. She started her duties by receiving the good wishes of a party of friends who had come to see her. The first case handled by Miss New was a car belonging to a Press representative, who disconnected a sparring plug wire. Afiss New drove up immediately, touched her cap with a smile, and wa s soon securing the disconnected lead. “Only a very small matter,’’ she declared briskly. “You will be all right now.” Asked about her work, Miss New said she had been, interested in motorcars ever since she was a child. “I have received no special training for thi 8 work,” she added. “It is just second nature to me. I have always loved tinkering about with motor-car engines, and my favourite hobby is decarbonising my friends* machines. That is- how I usually spend my Sundays. •

“I can undertake to detect any trouble on the road, and, unless it is a really big job, repair it. I do not mind wriggling under car s or getting my hands dirty. I have also in ray kit a first-aid outfit, and I am prepared to render help in case of accident.

“My duty for the time being will be to patrol the Kingston by-pass for eight hours a day. Later on I expect I shall be put on roads in other districts. ’ ’