MOTOR NOTES

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15882, 30 July 1919, Page 8

MOTOR NOTES

OF INTEREST TO THE MAN AT THE WHEEL. Many inquiries are being made whether the Dunlop Rubber Company propose to revive their world-famed “Watmambooi’' Road Race this year. The company stated that no attempt will be made this year, but if success attends the long distance events being held in Australia this season, consideration will be given to the question of again holding this great road event. It will be remembered that over-suc-cees brought about the abandoning of this race, as the huge crowds that attended tie finish became too largo to be properly controlled, despite barriers and liberal police assistance. Should the “Warm am bool” bo revived, the probabilities are that it will be held from Melbourne instead of finishing there. Good roads are an asset —and bad ones a liability. Modholes may look cheap, but they are the most costly tJitnga any community could be saddled with. In this connection it is interesting to note that many experiments are being conducted in the various Australian States with sections of reinforced concrete roads. From experience gained in other parts of the world, the cement road gives promise of fwog the road of the future. Its durability is remarkable, even under the heaviest traffic, and from an economy standpoint it is far ahead of any of the road-making systems in operation in this and other parts of the world Experts, from data collected after exhausting tests, state that the reinforced concrete road is the only sound and lasting one. agricultural MOTOR TRACTORS. In view of the efforts being made by M and E. \V. Merrewether, of the Ford r.epartmcnt. Taupe Quay, to induce the fanners of tie Wanganui district to go in for agricultural motor tractors, it is interesting to note that the Minister of Agriculture in France has recently ergaaised a service in -that country vtuch will supply to farmers a number of agricultural motor tractors, in order that there may be no delay in getting the recaptured regions under the plough. The experience of the directors goes to prove that working costs can be considerably reduced if the following points arc borne in mind;—To have plenty of work for the machines to undertake, a condition which, is amply realised in the reconquered territories. To avoid territory on which the ground is too rough and encumbered with rocks, tree stamps, ccc. To concentrate the motor tractors in a comparatively small area, which simplified their overhauling and general maintenance; and to use only standard tractor models for which spares can easily be obtained. The battery—which is the contrivance for chemically producing or storing electricity—was one of the first electrical inventions, and it is now the key to one of the latest uses or electric power. Battery driven vehicles are being increodtngiy used in Great Britain for many forms of transport within a radius of a few miles. These forms are really much more numerous and important than kg morally recognised. They include municipal services (refuse collection and disposal, street watering and sweeping, road rolling, and the cartage of road materials and public stores generally); public utility services (the carriage of coal to central electric stations and gas works; the disposal of ashes, the driving of tower and repair wagon.-, for tramways); the collection and distribution of coal, milk, bread, and other commodities; the delivery of goods by carrier? and department store.?: taxicab and omnibus services; and the internal transport of factories, docks, and warehouses. In these directions the electric vehicle lias proved itself more economical than other i eh ides, as well as more reliabi.- and more simple in operation. The ! of the war is bringing a revival of ..<tiv;tv by British manufacturers to uiec the demand tor electric vehicles, Arr.itgrments are icing made to turn o-.t larger quantities J of traction batteries of the most efficient

type, and to standardise tie motors, controllers, and other parts of the vehicle so as to encourage economical output. Several motor-car makers are also taking up the production of chasses and bodies for electric vehicles on a scale large enough to meet the needs not only of Great Britain, but of countries overseas, joritish motor-makers, battery manufacturers, transport associations, and electric supply authorities are in fact co-operating to develop a form of transit which Is ideal for city and. suburban purposes.

FAMOUS ROAD RACERS. An interesting article, written by an Australian, appears in a recent issue of the Motor Cycle and Bicycle Illustrated, of America. The history of the various attempts on the Australian 25 miles’ road record is given, and is worth repeating. Since 1902 some particularly brilliant° pedallers have attacked this 25 miles’ record. Bearden's record to the status of merely one for his State. Nor was he to enjoy possession of that honour,for very much longer, cither, for a compatriot, C. J. Senior, came with Ihr 3min lisec, and wiped Beardon’s name off the slate. Barker's time was destined to remain on record for no less than five years the most vigorous attack on it being 5 deiivefird by a Sydneyite, A. C. Walcott, who, in a 25-mile race from AMiiield to Campbelltown, over a very severe and hilly course, did Ihr 3min 5 sec in 1912. And it is a testimony to the ability of Australian amateur road riders that it was only one of them who eventually turned the trick of lowering it. L. N. J. Smith, a brilliant youngster from Queensland, in a 25-miles race at Brisbane, knocked a minute and a quarter off Barker’s time, and put the record at Ihr Imin 25eec, at which it skinds at present. Barker, however, continued to hold lie professional record, and retained it for another three years.

ENGLISH MOTOR CYCLES. A glance at the list of English motor cycles t>. be manufactured, ibis year shows that change-speed gears cf one kind or another have been almost invariably adopted. The majority of machines from 3v h.p. upwards appear to be fitted with throe-speed or infinitely variable gears, whilst among the lighter types the two-speed clutch less gearbox seems aery much in favour. A few small single-gear two-strokes are standardised, but one cannot help feeling that this is done chiefly with the intention cf keeping them within the poor man's purse. There can bo no doubt whatever final, there is still a demand for Iho singlegear 3.V h.p. T.T. machine, but the majority of manufacturers are not putting one ou the market. Motor-cyclists demand gears and clutches. Extra weight and orico go with them, but that is only to be expected. Few motor-cyclists realise what a big- increase in price of a machine is incurred by the addition of a three-Sfwed gear and it» essential fitment;?. One well-known firm in England .charges £sts for it? 1 h.p. singlegear model. For the same machine with a three-speed gear the price is about •£SO. This will servo to illustrate how these extras increase the price to the user. If a low-priced machine is needed, then all such fitments will have to be eliminated. Unit they are not- absolutely necessary has teen proved in the past by the fine work done by -inglegeared motor cycles the world over.