MOTORING & CYCLING

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1453, 28 February 1918, Page 26

MOTORING & CYCLING

The inmates of the Soldier’s Convalescent Home at Lowry Bay, Wellington, were taken for a motor car outing to Wainui-o-mata the other day, and voted it most enjoyable.

Several motor tractors have been introduced into the Ashburton County. Recently one was observed in the Mount Hutt district hauling two binders.

The 18 cadets who have completed their training at the different aviation schools in the Dominion, and who are proceeding to the Old Country to join the Imperial Flying Corps, waited on Sir Jas. Carroll the other day. At their request Sir James prepared a cry for them, and instructed them as to the necessary action. The cadets were highly pleased with their “anthem,” and will practise it vigorously at sea.

A witness stated during the hearing of a motor collision case in Masterton that he had orders for 600 British-made motor-cars for delivery at the termination of the war.

The following new members were elected at the last meeting of the Canterbury Automobile Association: Mrs. J. Henderson, Mrs. Moares, and Messrs. D. Gillanders, R. Hay, H. M Anderson, T. Hadley, C. R. Murray, J. O. Redfern, A. J. Wintie, W. H. Williamson, N. Woods and T. Mercer.

A taxi-driver was fined in the Auckland Police Court by Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., for carrying seven passengers on a car licensed to carry four only, The driver pleaded guilty, but stated that on going to a house in response to a call he found there seven young soldiers who were going back to camp, and had little time in which to get to the station. He felt that he could not very well take some and leave the rest, so he took them all. The magistrate said he had no doubt this was one of the awkward situations taxi-drivers had to meet, but as taxicabs were licensed, and their carrying capacity determined with due regard to the safety of the public, a fine would have to be imposed. As a concluding remark the magistrate said he did not suppose for one moment that the driver forgot to charge the extra fares.

The Imperial Air Fleet Committee, which four years ago presented the aeroplane Britannia to New Zealand has now handed over to the Dominion Nottingham Chamber of Commerce, another gift plane, purchased by the It bears the name of “ Nottingham,” and if it is destroyed in the war, to which it has already gone, it will be replaced by the War Office, so that at the end of the war New Zealand will have two up-to-date aeroplanes as the nucleus of her own air fleet. Over 20,000 people assembled for the ceremony of naming and handing over the aeroplane. Replying for New Zealand, Sir James Mills prophesied that the time was not far distant when the Atlantic would be bridged by aeroplanes, and then it would be possible to go on by Honolulu and Fiji to New Zealand. He recognised that New Zealand was in this war fighting for her own existence, since if Germany triumphed she would, in her thirst for colonies, take the southern dominions of Great Britain. He pleaded that after the war the colonies should no longer be regarded as dependencies, but should take their place in the councils of the Empire. The Nottingham is a long, grey, slender, but powerful, biplane, with a red-white-and-blue trailplane, with the name of the city printed on either side in white letters.

His Honor Mr. Justice Chapman gave his reserved decision last week in the case in which the Wairarapa Automobile Association (on behalf of a member, K. M. Stewart) tested the validity of the Greytown Borough Council’s Motor By-law. It was contended by the Association that the speed limit in the borough of 12 miles per hour was unreasonable, and very exhaustive evidence was taken in Greytown. His Honor upheld the con-

tention of the Association, declaring the by-law invalid and allowed the appeal with £6 6s. costs Mr. T. E. Maunsell appeared for the Association, and Mr. T. F. Martin, Municipal Association Solicitor, for the Borough Council. There was heard at the same time an appeal by the Wellington Automobile Club, questioning a similar by-law by the Petone Borough Council, Mr. Myers appearing for the Automobile Club, and Mr. Kirk for the Council. A similar decision was given in this case. The decisions are of considerable importance, as many other boroughs in New Zealand have similar by-laws.

Mr. Wilson, of Dunedin, who is chairman of the Roads Committee, in conversation with a Dunedin reporter, stated that the way a large number of motorists indulged in the craze for speed was scandalous. Gordon Bennett’s times were frequently made, and from 30 to 40 miles per hour were of hourly occurrence on every road. Owing to the war, all roads were deteriorating, and consequently speeds should be reduced to 20 miles an hour, and from 15 to 12 miles an hour round corners.

An extraordinary affair occurred in North Canterbury recently, a motorist being stung into unconsciousness by a swarm of bees. As a party of motorists were returning to Rangiora from Christchurch along the line road at Flaxton, they came upon a motorcar, the driver of which was lying on the side of the road in a delirious condition. The disabled man was recognised as Mr. Harneiss, representative of the New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association, Ltd., at Amberley. When returning home he had been attacked by a swarm of bees. The occupants of the second car rendered first aid and Mr. Harneiss was taken to the Brocklehurst Hospital and attended by Dr. Burnett, of Rangiora. Next morning he was reported to be making a good recovery.

The whole of the American automobile industry has offered its assistance and whole-hearted support to the U.S.A. Government. This is the decision of over 600 manufacturing concerns, and 27,500 dealers. The influence of the automobile industry in America is enormous, as may be judged from the following figures: There are 230 makes of passenger

cars, 372 manufactures of commercial motor trucks, with a capital investment of £147,000,000 and 200,000 workers. The annual wages paid total £55,000,000. The production for the year ending last June was 1,806,194 motor vehicles, of which 112,000 were motor trucks. There are in addition 1,080 manufacturers of bodies, parts and accessories, with a capital of £67,200,000. In this direction alone there 32,000 workers employed, their wages reaching £57,600,000. Last year £95,000,000 worth of tyres were made, covering 18,000,000 covers and tubes. Garages total 25,500, located right through the United States. They represent £36,800,000 captital, and employ 230,000. All told, it is computed that over £211,200,000 is invested in the American motor industry, which is many times bigger than all the motor businesses of the rest of the world combined.

Mr. and Mrs. Martin Elgar, “Fernside,” Masterton, were entertained by the members of the Wairarapa Automobile Association the other evening and presented with handsome gifts in honour of their recent marriage. Mr. T. E. Maunsell was in the chair, and the Hon. Sir Walter

Buchanan made the presentation. Mr. Mr. Maunsell said that it was with the very greatest pleasure he asked those present to toast their president on this particular occasion. In voicing the feeling of those who he represented the speaker said the present was a tribute from a grateful executive — a circle of friends who never wanted to meet a more genial, hearty gentleman than Mr. Martin Elgar—and it was their earnest and sincere wish that both Mr. and Mrs. Elgar should have a long and prosperous life among them. The Hon. Sir Walter Buchanan then uncovered a beautiful epergne, having a tastefully cut glass dish mounted on a silver stand of palm leaves with a deer resting at the foot of the palm. In asking Mr. Elgar’s acceptance, Sir Walter said that to assist in the presentation to his friends Mr. and Mrs. Elgar was indeed an honour. He had known the former for a very long time, and he now wished him with all his heart the best of every good wish.. The toast was then drunk in bumpers with musical honours. Mr. Elgar, on rising to respond, was greeted most heartily. On behalf of Mrs. Elgar and himself, he thanked the members of the executive from

the depths of his heart. What he had done for the Association was a pleasure, and he hoped in the future he would be able to do still more.

The present, of course, says “Light Car” (England) is a most opportune time, just when manufacturers are looking forward hopefully to a termination of the war, and settling their plans for post-war productions, for an announcement to be made by the second largest motor concern in America of a completely equipped £lOO car. It will be so comforting for those who are contemplating the last word in light car design, to have the prospect of yet another American vehicle competing on similar lines to their own. They know only too well that the immense outputs which are possible only in America (because it is by far and away the largest carusing country in the world) make competition on anything like equal terms out of the question. They do not need telling that if such a car is dumped upon the British market, and is really all that is claimed for it, patriotism will go by the board, and the British manufacturers will be left in the cold. Therefore, exactly what is to be done, the future attitude of

the British Government towards imported cars is a matter of great concern to manufacturers in this country. The announcement of this new model, although it is hopelessly outside the light car standard, is bound to have a bad effect upon British trade overseas. It finds us wondering how it is that with America at war, and still able to safeguard her future development, the British manufacturers are tied hand and foot, and not even, in most cases, permitted to turn out experimental models as a counterblast. We shall have to be very careful that we do not find future British trade hopelessly crippled by the circumstance that we are putting out our whole, and not merely the larger part, of out efforts into war production. We may point out also that the American Government is considering the proposal to limit the output of pleasure vehicles, such as motor cars, in order to release labour. Here we do not limit; we prohibit altogether. The Allies can hardly be said to be pulling together if one has its peace time industries completely demobilised and another is merely limited in its production. Hence the value of putting into effect the Paris Economic Conference proposals.

One often hears the statement made that one outstanding feature of British cars is that they are built to last. As a striking commentary on this practice, as distant from American methods, we may quote what the “Horseless Age” of America gives as the second-hand values of used cars. One built in 1913, we are informed, is only worth what it can be sold for-as old metal! A £2OO car built in 1916 is worth £66 to £B4. For a 1915 model, £46 to £72 is the value, and so on down the scale to 1913, when it is scrap metal. Just for the sake of comparison we may point out that the most representative British light car, the Singer, priced originally about £2OO, is now fetching in England, £152 for a 1913 model, while a 1916 model is worth £255. Even without the shortage of new cars to ef-

fect the price of old ones, a 1913 Singer would probably have fetched £lOO in the present year.

Particulars are now to hand of the big six day’s bicycle race held annually in Madison Square Gardens, New York. A cablegram a few weeks back gave the result —Goullet and Magin being the winners. During the week’s race, the winners captured most of the special prizes given for intermediate sprints, the two riders scoring 1,103 points, as against 592 of the next best team. During the final hour 22 sprints were decided, 10 of which were won by either Goullet or his team mate Magin. In fact, this combination practically outclassed the field. The winners collected in addition to special prizes £6OO for the first prize, whilst another Australian in F. Gorry participated in the second prize of £4OO. During the contest, extending over 143 hours 50 minutes, the leaders rode 2509 g miles. Tremendous crowds witnessed the event.

There are at present eight bicycles awaiting ownership at the Masterton police station. One of the machines (states the Age) is not likely to be claimed, as it has a history. A few years back it was reported to the police that timber on a certain site was disappearing mysteriously. A constable was set to watch, and one evening he discovered a bicycle to which was strapped a piece of timber. With visions of promotion he quickly appropriated the machine, thinking that when the owner called

for it at the police station his apprehension would be an easy matter. The culprit was never discovered, and the bicycle is still in the hands of the police.

Those in high places believe 26 to be about the top limit for men to learn to fly, albeit there are exceptions who fly as ‘keenly as ever, and perhaps more wisely, when nearer 35 than 25, writes C. G. Grey, editor of the “Aeroplane.” Some men fly well at 40, but by that time their fighting days may be considered as over, for they have lost the quick hand and eye of youth, even if they have gained wisdom and experience. From 19 to 25 is undoubtedly the age for the genuine Hun-strafer of the air, and perhaps from 23 to 30 is the period when the best headwork is

done in the way of intelligent reconnaissance, clever photography, and other jobs requiring brains rather than the reckless daring of extreme youth.

At the monthly meeting of the Otago Club, Mr. Stevenson moved to the effect that the club rescind the resolution passed at the December meeting of the club to contribute a share pro rata of the cost of the appeal against the conviction of motorists travelling at a speed of 12 miles per hour. Several members of the Wairarapa Motor Club were prosecuted in the Wellington courts for exceeding a speed of 12 miles per hour, and this club had asked the Otago Club to contribute towards the cost of appealing against the decision. Mr. Stevenson spoke at some length on the matter, and concluded by saying that it would be far better not to interefere in the matter, but to let the Wairarapa and Wellington clubs fight their own battles. Mr. Wright also spoke at some length on the question of speed limits, and contended it was quite time low speed limits were abolished. He strongly opposed the motion. Lieutenant Garden said that a speed limit of eight miles an hour was simply ridiculous, and it was quite time that the club took the matter in hand and made an effort to have such low speed limits abolished. Mr. Wilson contended that if the low speed limits were abolished the thoroughfares would be infested with road hogs. The speed limits, no doubt, needed some readjustment, but at the same time a speed limit of four or eight miles was simply ridiculous. He supported Mr. Stevenson’s motion. The chairman said the club should turn the appeal down on account of the fact that the Otago Motor Club had fought their own battles without outside assistance. - A certain amount of good would no doubt be derived out of the discus-

sion. Mr. Stevenson said that the club should send a deputation to the City Council and ask that a proper and fair speed limit be fixed. The motion to rescind the resolution was carried. Mr. Wilson moved as an admendment that, while the club was not in favour of the present limits, they were not in favour of abolishing them altogether, and that the whole question should be gone into and made more suitable to meet present conditions. The amendment was carried.

A reserved judgment of Mr. Justice Chapman in respect to two appeals against convictions registered in the Wellington Magistrate’s Court, in regard to motorists who had exceeded the speed limit, was delivered in the Supreme Court last week by the Registrar (M. W. A. Hawkins). The first case was an appeal from a conviction for driving a motor-car beyond the speed limit allowed by the Petone Borough Council’s by-laws. Thomas Inglis was the appellant, and was represented by Mr. M. Myers. Mr. R. C. Kirk appeared for the Petone Borough. The Justices who entered the conviction had held that the

allowance approximately of five and a-half minutes in which a car is allowed to pass through the borough on the Hutt Road is not an unreasonable limit. His Honour held that there was quite enough to show that the limit was unreasonably sweeping in its effect, including, as it does, streets where there is, practically speaking,, no traffic beyond the ordinary visits of tradesmen’s carts. In the second appeal, by Kenneth Mcßean Stewart, against a decision in regard to his alleged breach of the Greytown Borough by-laws, his Honour said there was no essential difference between the two cases, but perhaps the objection was more accentuated in the case of Greytown. The speed limit was 12 miles an hour without modification. By raising the limit to 20 miles an hour a wayfarer might be enabled to gain three minutes in passing through by the main street. The application of this speed limit to all streets at all times rendered this by-law unreasonable, in his Honour’s opinion. In each case the appeal was allowed, with £6 6s costs.

The demand of the Government for 200,000 ash trees for the purpose of aeroplane construction reminds “Light Car” that this tree played a great part in victories of old, for were not the famous long-bows of the English archers, whose skill won the battles of Crecy (1346), Poictiers (1356), Homildon Hill (1402), and Shrewsbury (1403), made of the tenacious wood of the ash and the yew? And, my word, these men could shoot! It is recorded that they could pierce the armour worn by knights at a distance of 400 yards. The ash tree has been called the “Venus of the Woods.” It lives about 170 years before beginning to decay compared with the 500 years of pine, 425 years of the silver fir, 275 years of the larch, 200 years of the b rch. 130 years of the elm, and the 300 years of the oak. But, of course, trees still live long after decay has begun, and there are elms 300 years old, oaks 2,000 years old, and yews 3,000 years. In the churchyard of Tewin (Herts) there is an ash tree with seven stems which is connected with a curious legend. It is on the tomb of Lady Anne Grimston, of the Earl of Verulam’s family, who died in 1713. Lady Anne denied, it is said, that there was any resurrection of the dead, and on her deathbed said. “If there is any truth in the fable that dead bodies rise from their tombs, seven trees will grow out of my grave.” Strangely enough, the massive stonework of her tomb is now split up in all directions, and from the opening there rise seven branches of the tenacious ash, which has grown over the heavy iron railings til the branches have embedded the metal!”