Motoring.

Southland Times, Issue 18853, 19 June 1920, Page 9

Motoring.

(By "Headlight.”) In conversation with one or two local men interested in motoring from the standpoints of Goth sport and business I have learnt that there a- a fairly strong feeling that something should he done to form an association in Invercargill. For instance, Mr John Gilkison held very decided views on the matter. Surely with such men as ha prepared to lend their weight to the movement there need he no iear of failure. With over bud promi-ed members the officials (or Home of liiein ' of the recently re-formed and now defunct body grew afraid because there was a lack of support from the country. Land settlers are notoriously apathetic in in utters affecting them until they see that it is to their undoubted benefit to take a hand. To give tins enlightenment would have been the duty of the nucleus of what would, tlicit* can be Little doubt, have •swelled to a powerful and influential organisation. 'lii ere is one consolation it is never too late. The time for outings approaches with spring, so those interested, even for the sake ot the social amusement attached Io a "run.” should get busy in order to have the organisation completed tor tlie successful formation of a Boulhland Automobile Club. The proposal, which, emanating from Councillor C. Kerne and adopted in the form of a motion to be forwarded to the Government by the Southland County Council at its last meeting favouring the imposition of a tyre tax is one that should be favourably received by most motorists. That is, of course, if the money raised from such a source is to be used in the provision of better roads. Probably it would pay motor owners to give twice as much as the present price of tyres in order to have good roads. The North road, alone, not to mention others leading into Invercargill, must be a great indirect source of revenue to the tyre companies.

The Austin Motor Co., Ltd., London, one of the leading automobile concerns in England .intend shortly marketing a one-seater 6-cylinder biplane suitable for private use. The power unit will be a 45-50 Anzani engine, which will give a speed of 85 miles per hour and enable the machine to climb 5000 feet in 8 minutes. The construction of the planes enables them to be folded up ao that the machine can be accommodated in a garage of normal size. One man can easily fold the wings back to the sides by unfastening only four bolts. The price in .mglaml will be about £450, and the material and workmanship of the best.