A Two-Cylinder Rexette.

Progress, Volume I, Issue 5, 1 March 1906, Page 118

A Two-Cylinder Rexette.

For the man of moderate means who has not the wherewithal to purchase a motor car, a tempting substitute is offered by the new type of Rexette (illustrated herewith). This serviceable and compact little vehicle has made more difficult than ever the problem of solving where the motor cycle ends and the motor car begins. Three persons can be

accommodated in the coach-built body, and the front seat holds two additional passengers. The frame is of steel tube, the lugs and brackets carrying the engine, gear box, springs, etc., being brazed into position, so as to make them integral with the frame, the absence of clips making for greater security. The engine, of 8 h.p., is of the inclined twin-cylmder or V type, and is situated immediately beneath the driver's seat. A spray carburetter, and electric ignition of the high-tension coil and accumulator systems are employed. Attached to the left-hand side of the engine is the changespeed gear box, wherein is contained the necessary train of wheels for transmitting the power to the rear road wheel at different speeds. There are two speeds forward, the slowest of which is capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of fourteen miles an hour, while the top speed is equal to thirty miles per hour. The steering is of the rack and pinion type so largely used on small cars, and there are two powerful band brakes operating on the rear wheel hub.

It is stated that the natives of the Cook Islands are showing a growing inclination to have their lands surveyed and dealt with by the Land Titles Court, while numerous applications have been received during recent months from persons desirous of taking up land in the Islands. Arrangements are being made to prepare information for intending settlers. The fruit trade of the Islands is steadily increasing, and consideration is now being given by the New Zealand Government to the fostering and development of the trade. It is probable that a trial monthly service will be run to the Islands by the Union Company for a few months next season. A comprehensive scheme dealing with the question of education in the Islands has been considered by the Government, but further information will be obtained before the matter is definitely settled.

Electric ignition as applied to acetylene is a recent development, by means of which acetylene can be instantly lighted by turning a key or pressing a button. It is claimed that a considerable saving of carbide attends the use of this device, inasmuch as the lighting and extinguishing is done in a way that tends to limit lighting to the actual requirements instead of being needlessly extended. The method was recently demonstrated at the ninth annual meeting of the International (American) Acetylene Association.