THE SOLDIERS' MOTORCAR.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15873, 12 April 1917, Page 8

THE SOLDIERS' MOTORCAR.

ALLEGED OBSTACLES TO ITS USE.

ACTION BY AUTOMOBILE

ASSOCIATION.

At last night's meeting of the Council of the Canterbury Automobile Association, the president, Mr A. S. Clarkson, referred to the six-cylinder Mitchell motor-car presented"" for the use of convalescent soldiers at the Queen Mary Hospital, Hanmer Springs. .

Mr Clarkson said that the car was presented by Mr G. D. Macfarlano to the Association, which thought fit to present it to the convalescent soldiers at Ilanmer Springs. (Unfortunately novices got hold of the car, and tho contents of a letter he had received from Mr Duncan Rutherford, referring to the condition of the car, frightened him. As a result an engineer was sent from Christchurch to lianmer Springs and inspected the car and brought it to town. His inspection showed that the engine was in good order, but that a new magneto was required. With Mr Macfarlane's consent this had been provided. It was intended to send the car back to Jianmer Springs in complete order. "'The Government, or tho Minister of Public Health," Mr Clarkson went on, "has placed obstacles in the way of the car being used for the purposes we sent it up. The car was not given to the Government or to the Health Department—it has been only loaned—which was made plain when it was handed over. One of tho rules regarding the ear, posted up at the Queen Mary Hospital, provides thac tho car is not to be used for the transport of soldiers to and from Culverden. One of the reasons for providing the car was to convey fruit and produce, sent by Christchurch people for the soldiers, from Culverden to Hanmer Springs as, in the past, much of the fruit and produce sent had spoiled whilst awaiting transport. In addition, Dr. Hendry, medical officer,in charge at Queen Mary's Hospital, had pointed out to them the value of the ca r to convey accident and similar cases to town. If the car was not allowed to go to Culverden, of what use was it? I don't want to fall foul of the Health Department, but I think wo should approach the Minister in charge and explain matters to him in respect to the purposes for which tho car was sent up. Tho car is at present in Christchurch, and I have constituted myself custodian of it, and I don't feel inclined to let it go back at present." On Mr Clarkson's motion, seconded by Mr P. R. Climio, it was decided that a deputation consisting or Messrs Clarkson. Tisdall/ and Mills wait on the Minister of Public Health when ne next visits Christchurch, and draw his attention to tho fact that the rules with referenco to the motor-car loaned to the Queon Mary Hospital arc likely to defeat the object for which the car was sent to Hanmer Springs. Following is a copy.of tho -rules:— "Queen Mary Hospital—Rules re Soldiers' Car. "Tho purpose of the car is to provide cisa and recreation only for eoMiera wiw, from weakness or incapacity, aio unable, to take ordinary exorcise—its u<w is for them alone. Under no circumstances are women and girls or civilians, to be allowed to ride in the car. It is not to bo used to transport soldiers to and from' Culveraou. The Defence Department undertakes this , responsibility, and the Public Health controls soldiers only when tbey emter tho institution and until they leave it. A daily record ia to be kept of the journeys mad® and the mileage run. The car is not to be sent to Jollio'a Pace, except with an orderly officer in charge, and then only with, the distinct instructions that no one in it ia to obtain liquor or bring any bock in the car. The car most be properly honied and cared for. The car is not to bo need on Sundays or at night." The following engineer's report on the car as he found it when he went to Hanmer Springs was read:—Petrol leaks very bad from stop-cock filter and priming tap. Two flat tyres, Wiring mixed on magneto. No oil in engine, partially seized; pijjtons grinding; battery down flat; 'magneto out of repair. No petrol. Tho cox, when delivered at Hanmer Springe/ was in good condition.