Great Test for Motor Cars

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 112, 2 August 1927, Page 8

Great Test for Motor Cars

Dominion Reliability Trial <Special to THE SUE.) CHRISTCHURCH, Monday. IT i.s some years since anything in the way of a national organised motor-ear reliability trial lias been held in New Zealand, but “Chassis.” of the “Sun.” Christchurch, is in a position to announce that a Dominion trial is contemplated.

In Australia motoring clubs hold sixday trials covering thousands of miles, and there is no reason why the same scheme should not be carried out in New Zealand. Ordinary provincial trials are things of the past, in view of the perfection of the modern motorcar, to which 200 or 300 miles in a day is easy work. Through the organisation at the command of both the North and the South

Island Motor Unions it is possible to stage a national trial on big and worthwhile lines.

Mr. J. S. Hawkes, who makes the suggestion, told “Chassis” that prominent motorists in Wellington favoured the proposition, which will be placed before both unions in due course. The suggested programme includes speed tests, reliability, and hill climbs. The start would be made from Welling-

ton to follow the East Coast route to Auckland, where speed events would be held at Muriwai for standard touring cars. Then the return would be made to Wellington by the other coast. All cars would then go to Pic ton and the route would lay down the West Coast to Otira, then to Springfield and across country, cutting out Christchurch, and down to Mount Cook. Southern lakes, and Invercargill, where another speed event could take place on the beach about seven miles from town. The run would then lead back to Picton. with possibly a hill climb at Dunedin. The distance would be 2,000 miles, and would occupy at least a week or ten days. All cars would run to schedule and observe all by-laws and road rules. The promoters are hopeful of meeting with success, and all that is required is the support of motor trades and private motorists. February is mentioned as a suitable time for such trial. “A GOOD IDEA” MOTOR TRADER’S OPINION When seen this morning, Mr. F. G. Farrell, president of the AucKland Motor Trades Association, was of the opinion that the idea of holding a Dominion reliability trial was a good one. It was his opinion that these trials were more valuable from a social point of view than for technical reasons, as all modern cars were of a very high standard of efficiency. Although personally Mr. Farrell is keen on the idea, he does not think that the motor trade as a whole will support the proposal—probably individual traders will. Such trials as these are very popular in England and Australia, and there is no reason why they should not prove so here.

The Auckland Automobile Association has often received suggestions from members that a reliability trial be held in New Zealand, but for some time past the activities of the organisation have been absorbed in service work.

It is anticipated that the association will render what help it can to make a Dominion reliability trinl a succoss.