The Motorist.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume XIV, Issue 824, 21 December 1905, Page 20

The Motorist.

(By

“Petrol.”)

An employee of the War Department, England, in the execution of' his duty, was testing a Government car in an un-

frequented road, when he was stopped by a policeman, and summoned. Although an officer from the Army Service Corps testified to the defendant’s capacity as a tester and expert, this did not prevent a fine of £5 being imposed.

The use of the roadway for other than ordinary purposes is felt, not merely by motorists, but by other users of the road. Sometimes people stand and talk m the middle of the street, while in the suburbs and in the rural districts the thoroughfares are utilised as playgrounds for children,

places for cricket pitches and football., and sundry other diversions. What motorists dread perhaps more chan anything eise is the habit of children straying or playing on or near the roadways. The youngsters consider it fine fun to rush out suddenly when a motor is heard, and stand in its path till it approaches closely, and run off screaming with de.:ght. « * * * . Continued experience with the motor cycle in Europe is emphasising the necessity for a two-speed gear in ’hese machines, and experts are of opinion that the mechanism for the alteration of the gear should be apart from the motor proper,' and contained in the rear hub, as with the ordinary bicycle. A car that is well built of good material, but is so designed that the removal of one vital piece necessitates taking down others, is less desirable, from a practical point of view, than a machine that is not quite so well built, but whose parts are easily got at for quick adjustments and little repairs. Attention to the small needs of the car counts for a great deal in the long run, and, per contra, neglected squeaks, knocks, and grinds are apt to develop, and cause serious damage, all the more exasperating because, unnecessary.—“ Automobile.” * * * * Richard Glaenzer has in the “ Century Magazine” some good motoring proverbs. Amongst them are: — Oils well that ends well. To speed is human; to be caught is fine. Approach railways warily, lest they lead thee to Heaven. All does not go that glitters. A tack in the tyre is a thorn in the flesh; both are tiresome. Thou will swear by thine auto seven times, the eighth thou will do so at it that is Kismet. It is a short ride that hath no mending. An auto is not without odour, save in: its own front seat. Say not: “We shall return at five”— ye may do so at sixes and sevens. Judge not an auto by its smell; all comparisons are odorous. * * * * Several members of the Automobile Association intend going far afield this Christmas. The roads are in infinitely better ordei’ than they were at the same time last year, and the runs should prove enjoyable.