MOTORING & CYCLING

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1504, 20 February 1919, Page 30

MOTORING & CYCLING

Photographs of private motorists in their cars, snapshots taken while on tour, or accounts of motoring trips and other items of interest to carowners, will be inserted in these columns if posted to “New Zealand Sporting and Dramatic Review,” P.O. Box 52, Auckland.

A Gisborne motorist who has just returned from a tour of the North Island declares that the roads of the Poverty Bay district are by no means the worst he experienced. A section of the main road from Hamilton to Auckland was in a shocking condition, being entirely unmetalled and a complete quagmire for several miles Motorists were compelled to cut manuka and lay it down in order to get along, and for cars to become bogged was not an uncommon experience.

A case of interest to owners and drivers of motor vehicles came before Mr. F. V. Frazer, S.M., and Mr. Wilkin, J.P., at the Lower Hutt Magistrate’s Court, when N. Clout was convicted for driving a motor vehicle without having a registered numberin front. Constable Holmes stated that the case was brought merely as a warning to motor vehicle owners that the law required that registered numbers must be shown on both front and rear of motor vehicles. Defendant was fined Is. and costs.

Motorists on the Motu-Opotiki Road are reported to have had an unenviable experience last week. Several cars set out from Opotiki on the Tuesday, but owing to the heavy rain were compelled to return to Opotiki. On Thursday no less than seven cars were stuck in the Waiaua River, which had .risen in consequence of the rain.

At a meeting at the Pioneer Sports Club, Christchurch, at which Mr. J. C. Mercer, instructor at the Canterbury Aviation School, was present, all arrangements were made for a five-mile race, aeroplane v. motor cycle, at the forthcoming motor carnival.

Two more pupils took their pilot’s certificates at the Sockburn Aviation School last week, including R. Matheson, of Dunedin, who completed his training under Mr. J. C. Mercer, the late Mr. Hill’s first lieutenant. Matheson was 27 minutes in the air. He flew very well, and made an accurate landing.

In an article in the King Country “Chronicle” descriptive of a motor trip from Waikato to Wellington, D.M.R. and C.M. say: “We had often heard of the tar and macadam roads of Taranaki. They are beyond praise or description. At the two toll-gates we passed, our offerings were made thankfully, as though at a religious ceremony. The connecting roads receive attention as well as the main roads, and these highways and byways are fast becoming the playgrounds of the people. One wonders not at all that Taranaki land reaches *lOO per acre when it may be approached by a roadway better than Victoria Street. It is suggested that commissioners from the various local bodies in Waikato should join and undertake a tour of inspection of the Taranaki roads. Waikato has not the metal and shingle readily available, but there must be a magic in the administration yonder that calls for investigation. The question is, how long are we to remain a harassed and mud-bespattered people, while our neighbours go easily and with joy about their business.”

Many strong remarks have been used in describing the state of the roads in the northern half of the North Island, but a gentleman who recently traversed the Napier - Gis-borne-Rotorua road states that the ordinary vocabulary is not expressive enough to describe that “particular” road. At the time of his journey it was almost impassable owing to the accumulations of dust and sand, which, in some instances at least, was 18 inches deep. Except in the immediate vicinity of the towns there was not a yard of metal on the thoroughfares. Much of the land traversed was well fitted for settle-

ment, to which the need of roads is the chief hindrance. With the present development of motor traffic roads are of great importance, and many of the settlers interviewed stated their intention of agitating for the roads in preference to the railways.—“ Wellington Post.”

At the motor by-laws conference in Gisborne, Mr. S. S. Dean quoted Clause 9 of the Motor Regulations Act, which was as follows: Every person committs an offence who drives a motor on a public highway recklessly or negligently, or at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the nature, condition and use of the highway, and the amount of the traffic which actually is at the time or which might reasonably be expected to be on the highway. After further discussion it was decided to fix the age of taxi drivers

at 21 years, and of private drivers at 17 years. For motor cycle drivers the age was fixed at 16 years. Mr. C. Perry: You don’t fix any maximum age? (Laughter.). It was decided to refer the decision to a further conference.

At a meeting of the committee of the Auckland Automobile Association it was decided to support the representations of the Canterbury Automobile Association in regard to asking the Government to bring down legislation providing for uniformity of motor regulations. A letter was received from the Acting-Prime Minister, stating that he would bring the association’s representations regarding the permanent construction of the Rangiriri Hills section of the Great South Road before the Minister for Public Works. It was decided to make direct representations to Sir William Fraser regarding the matter.

Mrs. Lloyd George, in support of a scheme for providing motor ambulances for the wounded, said that they had stood between us and slavery. We must now stand between them and misery.

A London cable states that Sir H. Norman, M.P., created a sensation by arriving at Westminster in a motor scooter.

A party of motorists kato district had a recently. It appears en by R. N. Aitken, was coming from making a deviation at in attempting to avoid overturned over a to 60 feet. There sengers, and they only A Gisborne resident ing around the North written the following visitors’ book at the Tourist and Expansion New Plymouth: “Since iBHBRHHR borne we have covered miles on all classes of once encountering reached Mount Messenger, which we consider is a disgrace to any district. Can nothing be done to make them passable for motorists? As it appears to be the through road to

Auckland it is not asking too much to get the worst mud holes fascined. From the appearance of the. road there does not appear to be even a surfaceman engaged on the portion that is bad. A road in the state that Mount Messenger is, is a sure block to tourist ■ motorists.”

Mr. John Farrell, manager for' the “Business Before Pleasure” Company, and the other members of the company, journeyed to Wellington from Masterton by motor cars and were most enthusiastic over the magnificent scenery witnessed on the journey “over the hill.”

The following statement was issued from the office of the Naval Adviser: “In view of the number of inquiries which the Naval Adviser is receiving as to the probable date of return to the Dominion of. the New Zealanders who enrolled in November, 1916, for service with the Motor Boat Patrol, it is notified for the information of relatives and others concerned that no information has yet been received from the Admiralty on this point. As soon as it is, it will be handed to the Press. It should be borne in mind that these men form a very small portion of some thousands of colonial ratings serving in the Imperial Navy, and also that the Admiralty may be relied upon release them at the earliest possib

ial to the Lake Coleridge scheme and the inestimable value it would yet be to the whole of the South Island. The paper closed with

an appeal to all industrialists, male and female, to urge the utilisation of the yet unharnessed power, which must inevitably take the place of the coal furnace. Railways and everything else that moved would, in the near future, be driven by electricity and the saving in the cost of coal by the introduction of the electric spark would be almost incalculable.

Lieutenant H. V. Hemus, R.N.V.R., is returning to Auckland shortly. Lieutenant Hemus was one of the first members of the Motor Boat Patrol to leave Auckland, and he has been on active service ever since.

'Lieutenant E. H. S. Batchelor, who has been acting as Identification Officer at Lyttelton for the past seven months, is relinquishing his position, with the object of re-enter-ing the motor trade with the firm of Messrs. Joseph Hamlet and Co., of Christchurch.

A NECESSITY. When you wake up with a parched tongue or a dry throat you will find a teaspoqnful of Fluenzol (momentarily gargled and swallowed) most soothing. Fluenzol (1/6 and 2/6) allays inflammation in the throat or nose and cools the system by dispelling fever germs. Invaluable and quite ffeharmless for restless children. 11

lights needed atieuuon, and the police had been very willing in connection with tests. As a protection to the pedestrian and the motorist in general if the lights approved by the police were installed in cars it would to some extent place the drivers but of the reach of the law. In the interests of the tourists, uniform by-laws should be compiled so that the tourist would fully understand them, irrespective of the district he might drive through. The speaker referred to a large hole in the Ormond “dip” road, which badly needed attention. It was for the association to push these and similar matters until they were dealt with. The election of officers resulted: —President, Mr. J. C. Field; Vice-presidents, Messrs. L. T. Burnard, Graham and W. R. Barker; committee, Messrs. C. H. Bridge, Fairlie, F. R. Ball, S. S. Dean, E. A. Evans, Mander, Elliott, Chas. Matthews, A. W. Mann and Major Beere; honorary treasurer, S. S. Dean; honorary secretary, E. L. Lees.

®3tago Motor Club ran off a motor cycle races on the beach on February 8, coninterest being taken in the events. The following are ||||gßiMults:—Six-mile Handicap (unfor side-cars) —F. McDonald, HMg. Duncan, 20sec, 2; L. Biggs, B. Time, Bmin. 23£sec. TwoHandicap (for motor ijjMgjgiß to 560c.c.) —A. J. CuthbertSffirag|Mtch, 1; C. F. Carter, 16sec, HBH|B)onald, 4sec, 3. Time, 3min. ' •.•'Br-mile Handicap (unlimited, ■^Olvf^ftcycles)—W. H. Jones, 4sec, BHHHHen, 18sec, 2; F. McDonald, smin 25 l-ssec. TwoRace (for motor cycles HHHHkc.) —F. McDonald, 1; C. F. L. Fox, 3. Time, 2min. Two-mile Scratch Race motor cycles)—F. K, 1; W. J. Barnes, 2. Time, Twenty-miles Hanited, for motor cycles) — ’ ' ■hd, 55sec, 1; C. F. Carter, Time, 27min. 41sec. Motor HBHjHace—R. Hudson, 1; S. Hud- * * * DeCosta, of Gisjust completed an enjoytour to Wellington, Tara■Httßdand, Rotorua and the Bay districts. Mr. DeCosta told *a 'Poverty Bay “Herald” representative that while at Wellington and Auckland he made it his business to inspect the concrete roads, in company with one of the council’s officials, and he was satisfied that concrete roads were the only solution of the reading problem in this district. At the next meeting of the Borough Council he intends urging that any further permanent road construction on the present method should be discontinued, and the system of concrete roads adopted. The new highway that is being constructed at Auckland to afford another outlet from the city is being put down in concrete, whilst this modern system of road construction is also being adopted at Wellington. The Gisbornite was shown concrete roads that had been down for 10 years, and had given satisfactory results.

The need for more motor cars being placed at the disposal of the Wellington Voluntary Motor Corps for the transport of returned soldiers to their homes upon days on which drafts arrive was stressed at a recent meeting of the corps. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) said that he was particularly pleased with the generous spirit shown by a number of members of the corps, but a larger membership and a greater enthusiasm were necessary if the work of the organisation was to be successfully performed. He suggested that in order that the transport of the whole of the men might be adequately met people who owned motor cars should provide taxi cabs as substitutes on occasions when they could not lend their own cars for the purpose. More help in the direction he had indicated was needed. In fact, he thought that something better would have to be done in regard to receptions to returned men. If they desired that the soldiers should settle down in civil life in no disgruntled spirit then they should encourage them to do so by according them warmer welcomes on their return to their native land. Captain W. Pryor, who has charge .of the work of the corps, in remarking that more enthusiasm was necessary, expressed his appreciation of what a number of the members and the ladies had done. But they could not carry on their work unless they had the assistance of all the motorists in Wellington. On a recent occasion the corps had not carried out its job thoroughly, and the result was that a car had to be hired. He appealed to all the members of the corps to attend in full force every time a transport arrived. He suggested that means should be devised of restricting the number of soldiers’ relatives who attend the wharves and the railway stations. Cases frequently occurred where motor cars were overcrowded, and this was likely to result in damage to the cars. “There is one thing I want to speak out about, and it is a matter upon which I feel very strongly,” remarked Mr. Pryor. “That is that hardly any of our wealthy people are represented in the membership of the corps. The wealthy people of Wellington have not given us the assistance they should have done.” He thought that a committee of two should be set up to interview the wealthy people, and point out to them what was their obvious duty to the returned soldiers. Flags were waved to the men when they went away, but some people hesitated to turn out to welcome them when they returned. All members present signified that to the best of their ability they would place their cars at the disposal of the corps to meet returning drafts of soldiers. A resolution was also carried to the effect that the secretary, Mr. H. J. Stott, by circular and advertisement, should invite all motorists not on the roll of the Wellington Voluntary Motor Corps to place their cars at the disposal, of the corps for the transport of returned soldiers. It was also decided that on future occasions no more than three next-of-kin per soldier should' be carried on the motor cars of members of the corps.

A “victory” motor run is to be held shortly by the Auckland Automobile Association, when the inmates of all the juvenile charitable institutions will take part. It is estimated that fully 80 or 100 cars will be required to convey all the children, and it has been decided to circularise members of the association, and also private owners regarding the provision of cars. Mr. G. WT Hutchison, the secretary, who brought the matter up, stated that now that hostilities had ceased motoring should receive a great impetus, and the association should embark upon a progressive policy and endeavour to enrol every motorist in the Auckland district as a member. He suggested that if a “peace” or “victory” run were held, it would have the object of bringing the activities of the association under the notice of every private motorist, each one of whom would be invited to take part in the run, and it would also serve to celebrate the victory of the Allies. A “victory” run would give an enjoyable, outing to those who were unable to afford a motor ride.

Close upon 100 spectators were out on the Trotting Club’s course at Sockburn, when training operations for the motor carnival were in progress. The big attraction was the “try out” of the aeroplane v. motor cycle race, which was successfully brought off. Mr. J. Mercer, in the 100 h.p. Cauldron, did five laps of the mile course, and Mr. E. C. Hinds, on his 7 h.p. Indian took the part of the motor cyclist. Hinds did one lap at over 65 miles per hour, and it looks as if the race at the carnival will be a close event. Mercer had a passenger, but will not carry one in the race.

If the average business man were told that the most profitable way to use a motor truck is to run it empty, he would, says an American writer, probably consign his informer to the gentle care of a commission in lunacy. But the owner of a certain slate mine in the up-state part of New York would merely nod wisely and remark that he had noticed the same thing. The quarry in question is a mile and a-half from the railroad station. The running time for a round trip is accordingly small, in comparison with the combined load-

ing and unloading time. This brings it about that when the truck is used in the ordinary way, as a truck for carrying the slate, it spends most of its time standing dead at the shafthouse or the station, being loaded and unloaded. This, of course, is plainly bad; but the remedy requires a good deal of vision in the seeing, and even more nerve in the believing. In the present case, after a good deal of persuasion, the quarry man was brought around to give the trailer a trial. He brought three of these and issued orders that henceforth the motor truck was not a truck at all, but simply a locomotive. It runs continuously, never carrying a load on its own bottom, but always hauling one trailer. It leaves the mine in the morning with a loaded trailer, hauls this to the railroad, picks up the empty trailer left at the last trip, drags this back to the mine, and when it gets there the third car is loaded and waiting. In this way there is always one trailer loading, one unloading and one en routei in one direction or the other. Twenty round Trips are made in a ten-hour day, and six tons of slate delivered each trip. Operating on this schedule the cost of hauling the slate to the trains has been cut in half, and the

owner, who was frankly sceptical over the idea of running his truck with all that space on its floor yawning to the skies for a load, is enthusiastic over the trailer.