A GOOD HOLIDAY.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18893, 7 January 1927, Page 4

A GOOD HOLIDAY.

1000 MILES BY MOTOR. MR W. H. WINSOR'S TRIP. ! Mr W. H. Winsor, of Christchurch. lias come to the conclusion that one of the best and at the same time most inexpensive ways of spending a holiday is to do so in a motor-car. Ho returned to Christchurch after having been travelling for seven days round the east, north, and west coasts, and favoured "Roadster" with an account of his experiences Getting awar on Boxing Day, he reached Half Moon Bay, near Kaikoura, that evening. Unfortunately rain commenced to fall in torrents at Ipm and continued until about 4 a.m. on the 23th. The result was that a slip occurred close by and he was forced to remain where he was until the 29th. The slip could not be cleared until the weather lifted, but a number of motorists thinking that they could get through, essayed the task hut were forced to return to Kaikoura. Mr Winsor was towed through the Parakawa stream and was informed that about 50 cars had got across the same way before him. With the exception of the roads, a short distance out of Christchurch he found that the surfaces generally were quite good. A few more slips, which fortunately were only small ones, were encountered on the way to j Blenheim, but no difficulty was experienced in negotiating them. Troublesome Mosquitoes. i

How bad had been, the weather in Marlborough was indicated to Mr Winsor by the proprietor of a garage near the Wairau river, who stated that the stream had risen to within six inches of the banks and was in danger of flooding Blenheim. Between that town and its port, Picton, the road was covered in parts with sheets of water, some of which were 200 feet in length and of a depth of 18 inchces. This caused little trouble, however, for the reason that the route was clearly defined by posts, which also registered the depth of the water. Mr Winsor, who was accompanied by his wife, had a pleasant run to Nelson but found the mosquitoes a nuisance at night when camping. Going over the Hope Saddle after leaving Nelson, he was a little troubled with the road, owing to its being of a clayey nature, but as the weather was now fine and continued so until January Ist, he was given no concern in this connnexion. A nasty portion of road was met with near Murehison. where a deviation was being made, loose shingle making matters unpleasant for motorists.

A nice run took him through Inangahua Junction and Reefton to Greymouth, and subsequently to the Franz Josef Glacier. He was greatly impressed with the magnificence of the scenery south of Hnkitika, considering that it was superior to that of_ the Buller Gorge and waxed enthusiastic at the prospect opened up by the erection of a new bridge which will give access to- the Fox Glacier, twenty miles further on, without the inconvenience of fording the stream it will span.

Over tie Gorge. The worst stretches of road traversed on the whole trip were those over the Otira Gorge and in the vicinity., of Cass. Coming over the Gorge, Mr Winsor's car was shaken by the amount of loose metal on the road, while further difficulties were encountered in dodging a large number of excursionists who were on foot. After being delayed until the next day at the Waimakariri, which was at first too high to be forded, he had to drive with caution over the road near Cass.. A mob of sheep going in the same direction as himself made progress difficult, besides which the road was so narrow that it would have been impossible for two cars to pass. Had these met it would have lieen necessary for one to go back some considerable distance. He considers that if the local body concerned would make more use of a grader and of fine shinglo lying about, a ?reat improvement would be effected in the road, over which a considerable amount of traffic passes. The Kowai river was just passable, and an easy run over Porter's Pass and the plains brought him into Christchurch.

Altogether, Mr Winsor travelled 953 miles the car consuming 54 gallon!, of l>etrol and two gallons of oil. The car was held up three,times for punctures. Throughout the trip Mr Winsor and his wife slept in the. car,, room for which purpose was provided by making use of the space between the seats, one of which was fitted with hinges. A tarpaulin was carried with which to provide shelter when it was uesired to have meals.

"A CHEAP AND THOROUGH

CAR SERVICE SYSTEM."

5s 6d PEE MONTH. The following service is given twice a month is checked by an efficient card system, and under the direct supervision of a first-class mechanic: — 1. Greasing all Shackle Bolts, Steering Parts and Brakes. 2. Oil Magneto, Dynamo, Starter, and all other, parts requiring oil. 3. Examine Oil Level in Engine, Gear Box and Differential, and adding Oil if required. (This Oil is to be charged extra.) 4. Testing Battery and adding Water if required. 5. Pumping up Tyres. The Oil required for Crankcase, Gear Box and Differential housing will be charged for. The Greasa and Oil used in the Grease Cups is included in the monthly charge of 5a 6d. A more comprehensive service is available on application. W. J. SCOTT, 160 Gloucester street. —1

To eliminate valve noise, do not set the valve clearance closer than is specified by the factory. Too close in adjustment will burn the valve seats, cause a loss of power, and create noise.