Motoring and Cycling Notes.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 December 1911, Page 4

Motoring and Cycling Notes.

(From the Dunlop Rubber Company.)." Tlio proposed duty on imported motor chassis has .been abandoned. The outcry from ull sections of the .motoring community "was such that the Commonwealth. Ministry decided to drop, the proposed tax. ,_whieli Would have benefited no one, in fact, it was'the other way about, for it would have given a great set-back to motor body building, an Australasian industry that 'has grown into big dimensions during tho last two or three years. As wo pointed out in these columns, the cost to motorists—if the new tax Iliad 'been made law—would have been at least £100,000 a. year, and every Australian motorist has something to be thankful for in that inimcdate action was .taken by representative 'bodies to oppose the chassis tax, and that such representation lias been successful. Chassis will now come in under the same terms as in the old tariff, viz., ■English chassis free, foreign 5 per cent.

A visitor at the opening of • the recently held International Motor Show at the Olympia, Loudon, writes that whilst the external appearance of most of the 1912 model ears shown at the Exhibition differed little from those exhibited last year, there woro many important changes apparent when a careful inspection was made of the engines and chassis. As regards frames, little alteration has been made. 'Engine strokes still show a. marked increase in length. The standard 15 h.p. engine for 1911 ihad an. 80 m.m. bore and 120 m.m. stroke—in the 1912 models the boro remains the same t but tihe stroke has been lengthened in many instances to 130, 140, 150, 160 and in one case to 170 millimetres. These figures are nk>t for racing monstrosities, but for ordinary touring models. What a difference from the equal bore and stroke practice, of a few years back. Silent chains have been adopted by many makers in fact ne.iriy lalf o ? the cars shown at the Olvmpia had their timing gears (iliain driven, and in one or two instances change speed gears also. Tho sleeve valve has gained a few adherents, but the majority of makers still pin their faith to the poppet design. Detachable wire 'wheels of the Dunlop and R-udge-Wihitworth type were •shown on a, big proportion of the Encrlish oars exhibited, and it very evident that the detachable wire wheel will yet be standard on all ■cars. Thermo-siphon cooling has become more popular with makers, many of wilrom are now adopting this system of ensrine cooling. Four speeds were fitted to most 'of the low powered cars shown, " whilst the " mate " type .of change has now become very near universal. Detail improvements in lubricating svs terns, also in magnetos, and in spring suspension, were also, in evidence. All told, tho Olympia of 1911 was a magnificent exhibition of the world's finest ca.rs.

There are indications that sooner or later tho antiquated method of starting up a motor car will bo abolished. Already two or three manufacturers actually embody selfstarting mechanism in their engines, whilst self-starting devices arc being put on the mn.rket inpendently. To start on the switch is a peculiarity whirih' some engine possesss to a '-greater or lesser degree, hut this entails forethought beforehand, mnd it is never very certain. By the possession of a device wheh is certain, the motorist would he relieved of. considerable trouble, especially the owner-mechanic whrf tends ill-is car personally and does not keep a chauffeur. But to be marketable •such a device must he simple, light and easily applied. We are inclined to think that once the actual benefits of self-starting 'become realised, it will not he long before every car possesses some means >of achieving this object. It is simply a case of demand. If the -purchaser insists on it; the markers will respond, and once such an equipment becomes standard, simplicty will ho aimed at, and designers will set to work to make self-starting an easy matter.

Few cities in the world are more ready than Paris to take up clever inventions. Their latest innovation is motor driven' - street sweepers.

H. Long, five English motor cyclist, Tins ridden the stupendous distance of 40,037 miles around Egland in ten months. Th'is ride works out at 1000 miles a week, and/demonstrates what a remarkable piece of mechanism the up-to-date motor cycle is; so great is the- mileage recorded; by Longj' that very few riders will grasp what such a record means. During the ride, 445 gallons of petrol were consumed, giving an averae of 90 miles to the gallon, 2 7igallons of lubricating oil, whilst five hack and three front tyres and thirteen driving belts were worn out. • Marvellous to state, during the whole ride Long only had to repair ten punctures. The test was 'undertaken with a view of demonstrating what the present day motor cycle is capable of withstanding, and was properly authenticated.

A most interesting and artiste lOad racing souvenir will shortly be issued by the Dunlop Rubber Co. The souvenir will take the form of a folder (36in. x 6Jin) depicting the winners of all. the big Australasian road races for 1911. Photos of the following .riders will be given: P. O'Shea (N.Z.), Australasian road! champion, 1911-12; J. Tebhs (Vic.), winner of Warrnambool-Melbourne road race; W. Rennie (Vic.), winner Goul'burn-Sydney road race'; G. W. Prebble (N.Z.),: winner Christchurch. Timaru road race; E. M. Gtray (Vic.), winner Beverley-Perth road race; J. C. Eeenan (Tas.), winner Launceston-Hobart road race; W. Grigg (S.A.), winner Burra-Noa-tfh Adelaide road race, and W. Holker (Qld.), winner of Queensland 100miles -test: race. The- production will be an artistic one in three colours, and it is sure to be eagerly sought after 'by- road racing enthusiasts throughout the Commonwealth and New Zealand. The folder will •be ready for distribution early . in January, and will he Obtainable gratis through cycle agents or direct from the Dunlop Rubber Co. Application through the post must bo accompanied by a- penny stamp to cover postage.

It is cabled from New York that A. J. Clark, the Australasia track ih'as, -with Fogler (U.S.A.) as a team"mate, carried 6"ffi- another 6 days' race in America. The distance covered by the winning team was 2718 miles. Clark's engagement in : the'event "under notice accounts for-the absence of his nomination from the list of starters in the Sydney 6 days' raqe. -