MOTOR WORLD

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 248, 17 August 1928, Page 7

MOTOR WORLD

NOTES AND COMMENTS SMOKING PUNISHABLE 4 It is not generally known, or, if known, it is not recognised, (states the' Dominion), that it is a punishable offence for anyone to smoke within the precincts of a petrol station or garage in which petrol is used or stored; also it is not permissible for a driver of a motor-car to keep his engine running

whilst receiving supplies of petrol. The latter by-law seems rather restrictive,

but is based upon a possible contingency which might mean the destruc-

tion of the car. The contingency mentioned is the possibility of a spark of carbon or even a flame issuing from the exhaust coming in contact with petrol fumes from an overflow. Breaches of the by-law may be observed almost any day, but it is the intention of the authorities to tighten up on such offences in the future in the interest of public safety. In most of the big garages in the city there is a restriction placed on smoking anywhere in. the vicinity of petrol or petrol fumes, hut there arc other places where the law is not so strictly obeyed, and it may be well for the management of such places to know that the authorities arc on the alert.

APPROPRIATE EPITAPHS Here lies the body of Harold Green, He travelled too fast with rain on the screen. Samuel Brown lies in this dump; He tried to drive while he was drunk. Beneath this mound is Charlie Haines. Al nd on the hills; he had no chains. Here lies the body of William Drake, He drove his car without a brake. Reposing here is Walter Styles, He took a bend at fifty miles. Here arc the remains of Percy Glass; There wasn’t room; he tried to pass. Tn memory of poor old Harry Sim, He was foolish enough to go and dim. Here lies trusting William Kidd, He bought some tyres that wouldn’t skid. Resting here is Cecil Frcar, Something wont wrong with his steering gear. ELEGANCE IN COACHWORK The Concours d’Elegance will be held in Boulogne in September. This annual gathering attracts entries of British, Continental and American 'ears of all types, and the awards are greatly coveted by body-builders. The cars are judged by a committee, and 50 points are allotted. Elegance of line can earn up to 20 points, comfort 20 points and ingenuity and originality in fittings and accessories, 10 points. The winning designs are studied by coachbuilders in all parts of the world and the event stimulates competition and results in some worthy contributions to body-building. This year 22 body categories will be recognised. Fabric saloons and sports bodies are expected to constitute a large section of the display. A HINT ABOUT REVERSING So long as he can take plenty of “sea. room,” the novice generally manages somehow to manoeuvre his car hackwards; but when fie is flustered or is closely hemmed in he is sometimes at a loss as to which way to move the steering-wheel to turn in the desired direction. In such a predicament he should bear in mind that the front edge of the steering-wheel must be moved toward the direction of the hack of the car should proceed. It should, however, also bo borne in mind, that when the back of the car moves toward the right the front of it moves toward the left, and vice-versa; crumpled front wings have often occurred as a result of forgetfulness on this point.