NUMBER PLATES.
ORIGIN OP PURCHASE. Details have leaked out respecting the purchase in the U.S.A. of ihf: number plates used in connexion with the registration of motor-cars in the Dominion. It is understood that the Postal DeX>artinient took over the work at a period which gave them little time to complete arrangements before April Ist, when the Act was to be put into operation. At ail events one of the principal ofUeers of the Department called together representatives of about half a dozon of tho .manufacturing firms in Wellington to discuss his proposals, including supply of the plates, cost of thorn, and other matters.
After going into the question they informed him that the manufacture of special machinery required for tho purpose would occupy from three weeks to a month, and that the earliest at which the order could be completed was five months. The price of the plates would be in the vicinity of 5s per pair. As it would have been impossible to get the work through in the * time required before the Act was put into operation the officer communicated with manufacturers in America, and. received a reply to the effect that the order could he completed in six months time from the date of its receipt. The price of the plates would be 15 cents a pair (roughly about 7{d).
" The wide disparity in the price and tho celerity of the despatch promised by tho , overseas! manufacturers 'left the officer no"alternative hut to accent, however desirable it as that local industry should be encouraged. The price paid for the American aiticle has allowed for the payment of exchange, transit, an.l cost of distribution, find leaves a slight profit on the retail urice of 2s per pair. The'Depatment has littlo knowledge of the actual number of plateß required because In some of tho rural districts registration records had j;ot been very carefully retained, but the Department made a shot at 100,000 plates, which, in \*iew of tho largest figures published of the number of cars registered, was not very wide of tho mark. As a matter of fact just over 09,000 vehicles havo been registered. No difficulty as to the number of plates required should arise in the future.
BURNISHING THE FENDER. Notwithstanding the extreme care and pains taken in enamelling and careful washing, the finish on fenders, wind shields, hoods, etc., will show a tendency to dull from service. This is attributed to the fact that enamel has a peculiar affinity for dirt. The fenders arc subjected to exposure, to dust and dirt, oil, grease, and heat. These conditions in time cause a sort of filmy covering to form, which deadens the original gloss. The longer this condition is allowed to exist, the harder it will be to, restore the lustre. Bestoration of lustre is brought about by the simple expedient of taking off the greasy substance which is adhering to the surface of the enamel. There arc a number of preparations for removing the dirt and cleaning the enamel which can be secured from any accessory house. Careful washing with Ivory soap and water,' afterwards removing the suds before they are allowed to dry, and polishing with a chamois will restore the finish. Fuller's earth and water can also be used to rub off dirt.
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Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18365, 24 April 1925, Page 6
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550NUMBER PLATES. Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18365, 24 April 1925, Page 6
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