HIGH ROAD AND BY-ROAD

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19759, 14 December 1935, Page 28 (Supplement)

HIGH ROAD AND BY-ROAD

THE HOLIDAY SEASON. TIPS TO TOURISTS. STOWING LUGGAGE. (Compiled by General Motors New Zealand Limited.) The proper _ stowing of luggage, in a motor car is one of the most important, though most neglected, requirements for a pleasurable tour. To have one’s luggage arranged conveniently, and so compactly that it will remain in jflace all day and arrive at the end of the run with its contents in good condition, means extra comfort, safety and enjoyment for both the driver and the passengers. Expert travellers adhere to a few simple rules that take most of the tribulations out of baggage handlingon a motor trip. First, they insist that the luggage be loaded in exactly the same, way every time it is placed in the car, each piece always in its regular place. In packing their bags and suitcases, they place the things they might need during the day in the bags that are easiest to get at. The highest development of this system, strongly recommended by. experienced long-distance tourists, is to pack in a single bag everything that will be needed during the one-night stop en route to the destination; then all the other bags may be left locked in the car. This system saves many, minutes loading and unloading, and adds greatly to the traveller’s convenience in his hotel.

When possible, suitcases should ride fiat, of course with the same side down as when packed—though the hotel porter, unless you watch him, will more often than not lay them in the car upside down. If the cases must ride standing up or on end, they should be packed extra tight, with all inside fastenings drawn up taut, to prevent the cargo from shifting. Provision on Cars. Body designers have done much to promote the ease of luggage carrying in recent models. Many cars are provided with inbuilt trunks; coupes have compartments that may be used for large suitcases and'bags; and some popular priced sedans and coaches have large luggage compartments back of the rear seat, easily reached by tipping forward the seat-back. However, most touring probably is done in sedans with the luggage placed inside, in the passenger space, and it is in loading these models that care is most necessary for the comfort- of the passengers and the peace of mind of the driver. Here again the body engineer has added by providing adjustable front seats, which make

A COLUMN FOR MOTORISTS

it easy to load the baggage, and by eliminating the fore-and-aft hump in the floor. Some travellers remove from the floor the folding foot-rest, so that the rail and its mountings will not interfere with loading. With either two or three passengers in a sedan, it is best to place suitcases on the floor of the rear compartment close to the right door. Preferably they should lie flat, with the heaviest pieces at the bottom. Whether they lie flat or stand up, a neat trick that saves lots of trouble is to move the adjustable front seat all the way forward while loading, to gain the advantage of several inches extra leeway. When the bags have been placed, press the front seat backward against the bags, which thus will be firmly clamped against the rear seat, secure against bouncing. Lighter bags, such as hat boxes, may'be carried on the seat; a small satchel, handy for guide books, maps, cameras, etc., may be placed lengthwise on the floor of the front compartment between the feet of the passenger. Umbrellas, canes, etc., can be inserted after the suitcases are in place, as there is always space between the luggage and the front and rear seats. Cars with the front seat-back recessed for extra foot and leg room offer special advantages for stowing this kind of article. COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE. LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT. When on a holiday trip it is advisable to wire for rooms in advance in popular holiday resorts. If you decide not to go to the destination you had intended, however, wire again so as to be fair to the hotelkeeper, and to fellow motorists who may need them. Put a bathing suit and towel in your car. You may not have any intention of bathing when you start, but you are almost sure to come across a nice little beach or an attractive river that will make you want a dip. A suit takes up very little room in a door pocket, and can be left there permanently. When on tour carry the necessities ; for a night’s stay inside a small bagin the car to obviate the necessity of unpacking the main luggage. Stop in time for dinner. After a long day’s motoring a scratch meal late at night, particularly if served by a tired and dissatisfied staff does not help a pleasurable holiday along the way. Carry some soap in an easily accessible position in the car in case it is necessary to change a wheel or do any other odd jobs in the car. It is worth while to take a camera. If you take it you may not use it, but if you do not you are sure to want

it; so put it in the car’s pocket, and see that you have films. You will, of course, carry as little luggage as possible, but a camera is worth its space. Carry a small first aid outfit.. This does not imply that you are going to have an accident, but it is very easy to cut or burn hands or arms in such simple jobs as changing a plug" or jacking up. This is when iodine is a good companion. Get an early start in the morningYou get the best of the day this way, and see how you enjoy your bacon and eggs when you put in 50 miles before breakfast. Do not try for too big mileages in hot weather. A lot of fun of summer motoring is stopping for a smoke or a bathe in any shady spot that appeals to you. Motoring to time in the heat is liable to spoil things. SOME GENERAL HINTS, MAY SAVE ANNOYANCE. You are on holiday, so take your time. Remember that on a holiday tour the battery is very hard at work. Give it a thought once a week, and top it up with distilled water, if necessary. You can get distilled water at any garage along the road. In all car traffic keep well over to the left so that faster vehicles can pass with ease. Remember your own opinions of the man who keeps to the centre of the road and will not let you pass.

Quite often in summer you may not need to use the windscreen wiper for weeks on end, but when you want to use it you may find it out of order. In such case dry the windscreen and wipe over it a piece of common soap, smear it well all over, and then polish it with a dry cloth. Rain will run off without forming large drops, and a practically clear screen will result. The effect should last for a couple of hours. Alfresco meals taken picnic fashion are one of the delights of touring. Make sure, however, that your car is not so parked that it obstructs other traffic. Keep it clear. of the roadway. You also will find it much nicer to eat your meal away from the dust caused by traffic.

Rugs should form part of the equipment of every tourist. They are useful when picnicking, and alternatively, if you want to bathe and change in the car they will protect the upholstery from w-ater. Before you leave have the back axle and gear box drained and refilled. Do not pass a petrol station with only one gallon left in the tank. Even if you get 30 m.p.g. you may not find another station for 32 miles—very nice on a hot day. Have the brakes adjusted . before starting out, and if there is any doubt as to the state of the linings have them renewed, particularly if the tour is to be in uphill country. Remember to check the pressure of the spare w'heel tyre occasionally. It can quite easily lose its pressure, and so cause much annoyance if you happen to have a puncture. Check the level of water in your radiator daily. It is quite a simple precaution, and can save you quite a lot of trouble.