High Road and By-Road

Waikato Times, Volume 103, Issue 17326, 11 February 1928, Page 24 (Supplement)

High Road and By-Road

A 810 YEAR. The year 1927 was a notable one for motoring achievements, both in organised competition, record attempts and endurance tests. In, the way of speed, the most phenomenal land records ever made have been accomplished by British, French and American cars during ihe past 12 months; some of the most extensive endurance tests possible have been carried out, and other fine feats have, been accomplished in races. The outstanding records of the year were, of course, made abroad—the first which stirred the world being the feat of the British driver, Major Seagrave, with his Dunlop shot “Sunbeam,” in which he exceeded 200 m.p.h. for the first time in the history of motoring. At the other end of the scale of records .was the astounding achievement of the Hon. Victor and Mrs Bruce at Montlhery, Paris, whose record drive of 15,000 miles in 2261 hours established one of the most remarkable automobile feats yet recorded. With the smaller racing cars some very fine performances have also been recorded abroad, notably that of G. E. T. Eyston, with a 1496 c.c. “Bugatti” eight, who covered 115 miles 982yds in a hour at BrooJrlands.

The Australian performances were excellent, when it is considered that they were al accomplished on stock model cars of the touring type—not built for racing or record breaking performances—and driven by what might be called amateur or ownerdrivers.

The brothers H. R. and Allan Clarke, of Sydney, driving a 14.40 h.p. Vauxhail, created a new 24 hours track record at Maroubra Speedway, New South Wales of 1479 J miles in January. Six months later this record was eclipsed by Messrs D. Attwood and E. Golliver with a 3581 c.c. Chrysler, at Lake Perkolilli, Western Australia, covering 1607 miles in 24 hours. On the road a number of records ranging from minor distances by motor cars and motor cycles. Long distance records were those from Darwin to Melbourne (3465 miles) covered by Dr. Alan McKay and Barney Wood with a 2370 c.c. Essex car in six days 3hrs 58min, and Darwin to Adelaide (2091 miles) in six days 17 hours by the same motorists. Melbourne to Sydney (565 miles) covered for the first time in less than 12 hours on the road by Messrs E. J. Buckley and L. Bartlett of New South Wales (Hudson car), w’hosc time was llhrs 54min 30sec. In the opposite direction, 11. J. Beith (Chrysler oar) covered the same distance between the two capitals in lihrs 14min on December 21. Fremantle to Adelaide (1734 miles) in 72hrs 42min by Messrs H. Ciutterbuck and J. M. Thompson, of Adelaide, in a Chrysler.

A COLUMN FOR MOTORISTS.

The light car record from Sydney to Melbourne was also broken by Drake Richmond of Melbourne in his 990 c.c. 8 h.p. Fiat, whose time was 14hrs 47min. The greatest distance of a 11—9692 miles —was covered by Messrs F. Woodward and B. Mayor, of Melbourne, in a Buick, in which they drove completely around Australia in 46 days, thus establishing the first timed record for a circuit of the continent. A long distance motor cycle record was also established just before the old year closed, Messrs Norman Cunningham and E. Cracknell with a 998 c.c. Ilarley-Davidson and side-car which they rode from Perth to Sydney —about 2900 miles —in six days 2hrs 26min. The exceptionally fast speeds recently established in connection with the inter-state motor car records between Sydney and Melbourne has raised the question as to whether such speeds are nod desirable or safe on the road. If a consensus of opinion was taken amongst the leading automobile traders on the subject, there is little doubt that any further highspeed demonstrations of this character would be discountenanced. Whilst such high-speed drivers have a value from an engineering standpoint as a test of sustained efficiency, the risk of accident, not to the expert drivers, but to other uers of the roads is becoming too imminent. When a speed of from SO to 90 miles an hour has to be attained at times on unguarded public roads, it is time a halt was called by all concerned; for sooner or later a bad smash is bound to occur. It says much for the nerve and skill and endurance of the long list of record breakers, whose names have been associated with these. interstate records, that not one serious accident has been linked up with these long-distance speed road tests, over a period of 20 years—but, despite that fact, higher speeds and changed conditions now call for a cessation of suoh demonstrations on public highways.

Some of the automobile clubs long ago ceased to give their support and official recognition to such attempts, and the time has now arrived when a combined effort of automobile clubs and trade associations should be made to stop any further attempts of a nature likely to endanger the safety of other users of the road. No exception can be taken to properly conducted reliability trials and tests where speeds are controlled and kept down to safe limits, or to trans-con-tinental runs, where road conditions are against high speeds, but on main highways, frequented by a large volume of traffic, it's a different matter. The element of risk is now too great, and those concerned should voluntarily drop any further attempts that call for unduly high speeds before the authorities take steps to veto such demonstrations.

MOTOR CYCLE NOTES. A 175 c.c. French motor cycle recently introduced is known as the Allelulia. * * * » -IT" It is reported that a rise in price of motor cycles of 10 per cent, is anticipated in England. * * * * Motor cyclists of Great Britain can take especial pride in the fact that motor cycling is one of the few sports in which their country is supreme. * * * * Motor cycles were used extensively during the French Army manoeuvres, armoured side-car outfits and others equipped with radio sets were a feature. * * * * Imports into Germany are increasing. for 1907 more machines were sent into that country during the first eight months of last year than the corresponding period of 1926. * * * * In the United States of America British machines are beginning to secure prominence in winning reliability trials and hill climbs. Ihe B.S.A. and A.J.S. are mostly represented. * * * • A new Belgian motor cycle, the “La Mondiale,” is of very interesting design. It has a pressed steel frame and forks, and an almost totally-cn closed engine, the drive being by friction by five ratios. * * * * During September 545 fewer motor cycles were exported from the United States than during the corresponding month last year. The shipments for the first nine months of the year fell from 17,501, in 1926, to 14,430, in 1927.

SPARKS. Construction of a green coloured concrete- highway system involving over £1,200,000 is under consideration in Texas. The county officials are experimenting with colouring matte.-’. It Is considered that green tinted surfaces will eliminate sun glare and eye strain. Red pigment has already been used on roads in Florida. * * * * A Christchurch motorist back from a North Island trip says that the way ia tedious in some districts for the man who does not follow in the wake of the service cars. At certain points drovers with huge mobs of sheep know when and where to expect the service cars, and “park the sheep accordingly. The private car drivers must needs sit awhile in contemplation of a sea of woolly backs.

a * ! Inventors tfTl over the world are trying to improve the motor car, and a surprising number of applications for patents are made by New Zealanders. Needless 1/) say, not one invention in .100 possesses real merit. During 1920, 2137 applications for patents were made in New' Zealand. Of these 228 related to devices or designs for vehicles, 73 to gas or oil engines, and 35 to oils and lubricaLions. >