High Road and By-Road

Waikato Times, Volume 104, Issue 17574, 1 December 1928, Page 23 (Supplement)

High Road and By-Road

THE MOTOR INDUSTRY IN BRITAIN SOME INTERESTING POINTS. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ltd., has issued an authoritative survey of the motor industry of Great Britain and several interesting points in connection with the British motor industry are illustrated. Growth of Output. Possibly ono of the most striking characteristics of the British motor industry has been its expansion in the out of its factories for in twenty years it has increased production from 12,000 cars and commercial vehicles, which was the sum of its efforts in 1907 to 209,000 in 1927. Of this latter total the number of cars produced was 157,000, while the balance of 25,000 represented commercial vehicles. In this latter connection it is Interesting to note that the number of commercial vehicles alone is nearly live times as great as the total number of vehicles produced twenty years ago, while the number of cars is nearly fourteen times as great. This increased production has naturally had the result of decreasing the ratio of cars to population, and while in 1917 there waa only one car to every 550 persons there is now one to every 56 persons. With increased output it is satisfactory' to notice that prices have fallen until at present, taken on a gold basis (i.e., in pre-war money) the current prices of private cars and commercial vehicles are 50.1 per cent, and 38 per cent, respectively below the pre-war level A further point in connection with 192 S prices is the radical advance in design, performance and equipment both of cars and commercial vehicles. As compared with 1914 to-day's prices include in most cases spare wheel, four-wheel brakes, lighting and starting equipment, speedometers, etc., which were all extras on pre-war models. Exports and Imports. British exports during 1927 still showed an increase over 1926. despite the conditions prevailing in the

A COLUMN FOR MOTORISTS.

second half of the year in one important market. It is interesting to note that while in 1923 the total number of vehicles exported by the chief producing countries was 271,746, of which Great Britain's percentage was 2.3 per cent., it had risen to 330,233 in the first six months of 1928, and the British manufacturers' percentage of the total exports had doubled^ The import of complete commercial vehicles into Great Britain during 1928 has dwindled to a negligible quantity, while there has been an increase in the number of chassis and complete private cars. For the nine months ending September, 1928, the total value of exports of vehicles, chassis and parts exceeded that of imports by £1,341,965. The motor industry is one of the most important in Great Britain, and while in 1907 the numbers of people employed directly in the construction and repair of road motor vehicles (excluding motor cycles) and in the manufacture of parts, accessories and tyres for the same was 34,000, and *the average earnings of all skilled and unskilled men were 40/81 per week, the numbers employed in 1927 had increased to 257,000 earning on an average 80/7i per week. "TRY AND SMILE." MEETINGS ON THE ROAD. Some advice from America: — Make new acquaintances when you arc touring. Talk with the natives beats the guide books, when it comes to human interest. It is a training in human nature. It is the only way to get the atmosphere of new places. It broadens your point of view. It is a liberal education in history, tradition and legends. Ask questions. Thomas Jefferson was known as "the most inquisitive boy in Albemarle County," and in his inter years he said his insatiable curiosity did much to give him understanding of the people. Meet strangers with a smile. There is something interesting in everybody, and it takes small effort to And it. The man who tours the highway with an icicle between his teeth might as

well go through a picture gallery wearing dark glasses. , MOTOR CYCLE NOTES. Poor "pick-up" missing on hard pulls or high speeds is sometimes caused by faulty or poor grade sparking plugs. * * * • Most motor cycle dealers in the United States of America insist on a deposit of 33 1-3 per cent, and demand the balance of the payment to be completed in from six to eight months. • * * » Many carburettor troubles would be avoided it more care was tasen to tree

benzine of all dirt before its admission to the tank. If pouring from a tin, strain the petrol through a fine gauze. * * * • Dust or dirt on the reflector or glass of a lamp will substantially cut down the light on the road. To olean the reflector use a very soft clean cloth without using pressure and rub in a circular motion. Never rub a reflector with a cloth which is covered with dust or grit. 9 * 4 * The Royal Automobile Club of Great Britain is now operating over 300 telephone boxes in England and Wales. They are kept in order by road scouts on cycles or motor cycles.