MOTORDOM

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 196, 8 November 1927, Page 6

MOTORDOM

By-

HEADLIGHT

Your Oldsmobile — Its Care and Maintenance

A SUN special feature to assist the oicner-driver to obtain the maximum results in performance by the proper care and treatment of his car.

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Don’t lose control of your car. Keep up the instalments. * * * A detour is the roughest distance between two points. Time saved at a crossing may be lost in the emergency ward. Good roads promise better living conditions in the country. Be it ever so humble, there is no parking place like your own garage. You. can’t tell the horse-power of a car by the number of spark plugs it has. * * * A highway of green concrete is to be built near Austin, Texas, that will obviate the glare that usually comes from light-toned pavements. * * * The next thing in air cleaners well might be one that will purify the atmosphere at the intersection where two truck drivers merely collide. * * * The language of the industry is apt to be confusing. Who, for instance, would ever think it is absorbers that take the bumps out of the roads—not the bumpers? Chevrolet production for the first seven months of 1927 was 697,318 units, as compared with 728,697 for the full year of 1926. * * * Tighten all bolts when greasing your car, as the constant vibration is likely to loosen the tightest nut, resulting in heavy repair expense. * * * Sheik Sam has joined the heavenly band. In driving he used only one hand. Always have your motor oil changed at a given mileage. Oil is good insurance against repairs and expense. * * * The Sunbeam Company announces that the 16 h.p., 20 h.p., 25 h.p. and three litre six-cylinder models and the 30 h.p. and 35 h.p. straight eights will be continued for 1928. * * * An electrically operated motor horn that imitates the human voice and utters warning words has been invented. We suggest that a carefully selected vocabulary be provided. * * * “Well, Si, how did that chauffeur make out as a farm hand?” “He was all right on milkin’ cows because he thought he was draining a crankcase, but we lost him when he crawled under the mule to find out why it wouldn’t go.” * * * To determine if the wheels wobble, you should jack up each wheel and spin it. Should a wheel be out of true, take your car to a good mechanic before your tyres are ruined. “The difference between a policeman and some girls you take for a ride in your motor-car,” mused Montmorency, “is that when the officer says, ‘Stop!’ he means it.” * * * A cylinder head gasket will seat better if soaked in water a few minutes before installing; it is always necessary to retighten all head bolts after the engine has run, allowing for expansion. * * * Shock-absorbing devices require adjusting after- the car has been run in Excess of 1,000 ‘miles. After the parts have worked in, and cable or straps stretched or set, tightening is necessary.

Give your Oldsmobile a few minutes of your time each week, and you will be amply repaid by years of trouble-free running. There are three main things you must attend to: (1) lubrication, i.e., oiling and • greasing of engine and chassis, (2), electrical equipment and (3) tyres. Because of the extreme simplicity and straightforward design of the Oldsmobile car, these items do not present any great task, thereby allowing the owner-driver to give his or her car every attention in an efficient manner. In the case of a new car the crank case should be drained after the first 500 miles and refilled with fresh oil. After this it will be necessary to drain and refill only after every 1,500 miles, although it is advisable to inspect the oil level every 250 miles. Use a good quality medium body engine oil. The internal working parts of the engine are lubricated under a pressure system which is connected with the oil gauge on the dash. Always keep an eye on this indicator to see if the system is working. An oil filter is fitted which keeps the oil free from impurities and foreign substances, but there is always a certain amount of infiltration of water or petrol. That is why it is necessary to completely change the oil occasionally. Gearbox and differential should be drained and refilled on the completion of the first 1,000 miles, then examined

Roads & Councils

Several cars have been right through to Whangarei recently and some good travelling times are reported. Increasing numbers of motorists are making week-end trips to Silverdale, Orewa, Waiwera and other East Coast resorts. The bfid condition of the Lincoln Road, on the Auckland-Helensville highway, has been the subject of representations made by the A.A.A. to the motorists’ representative on the Main Highways Board, Mr. M. H. Wy n yard. The Pukekohe police have been active on the Franklin roads recently and it is understood that a number of motorists will be receiving prosecutions shortly. The rough state-of the tram tracks on the Remuera Road between Newmarket and Mount Hobson has been the subject of many complaints by motorists. This section of the tramways has received a good deal of patching but there are considerable lengths in very bad. order. Titirangi is a delightful spot for picnics when it is reached, but the 2i-miles metalled road from the concrete near New Lynn, is in an extremely bad condition. Potholes are common and the whole surface of the road is broken and uneven. Will the day ever come when we will have a good road right to one of Auckland’s most beautiful reserves? The Main Highways Board has asked the Ohinemuri County Council to build up its highways, under a progressive policy of maintenance at an expenditure of about £2OO per mile per annum. The board is prepared to subsidise the Pokeno-Waihi main highway from Paeroa to the eastern county boundary on the basis of £2 10s for £l.

TRIPS TO KAURI FORESTS Everyone has heard of the gigantic kauri trees, but few have had the pleasure of seeing a piece of native kauri bush. Aucklanders will now be able to visit a fine piece of kauri bush whenever they please, for Sharpe’s Bush at Henderson has been opened up for the public. This bush includes a fine area of kauri trees, a number of which measure up to 20ft in diameter. There are also several abnormally large titrees on the property. Sharpe’s Bush is reached by running out on the concrete to Henderson and then following the Waitakere ridge and Ferndale Road. The bush is just over the large bridge before starting the climb for the ranges. The Month’s Best Alibi First Witness (passenger): We weren’t doing anything like 30. We may have been hitting it up when we struck the hill, but we slowed down to 20 in two car lengths. Second Witness (also passenger): We didn't go faster than 15 and slowed to 10 at crossings. Defendant Driver: We were practically at a standstill when the officer came up— Judge: Stop at once, or you’ll be backing into something. Fifty dollars.

regularly—say, every 500 miles—to see that oil is up to the proper level. Never use grease, but keep to some good heavy oil equivalent to 600 W. Special black transmission oil may be used. The clutch is the single plate dry disc type and requires little adjustment. It is also self-lubricating. The universal joints, being made of rubber instead of the usual mechanical type, will not require lubrication. The lubrication system for the rest of the chassis consists of an easily-oper-ated high-pressure “Alemite” gun system, which should be gone over- regularly as indicated in the driver’s manual issued with the car. This covers the brakes, steering, wheels, chassis, etc. Easy steering is essential, especially on long tours, and it is therefore of vital importance that both the steering box on the chassis and the various connections should have regular attention, and it may be advisable to err on the side of frequency rather than wait for a general overhaul. The carburettor should not be touched for adjustment except by a competent mechanic. We come now’ to the electrical equipment. This will require little if any attention if general care and cleanliness is maintained. The car is locked by a switch operating on the coil and the engine cannot be started up while locked. Trying to overcome this by crossing the wires will only short the whole electric system. Always carry a spare fuse and spare bulbs. Spark advance is automatic and more accurate than could be achieved by hand. Playing a very important part in theelectrical equipment is the battery, which calls for regular and careful attention. The lugs and cable terminals of the battery should be periodically examined to ensure that the nuts holding the cables in position are quite tight. Should the battery be removed for any reason it is advisable that the terminals be cleaned and vaselined before replacing. Most essential of all is to see that the acid level in .the cells is kept above the top of the plates. This can be done by the addition of distilled water; before replacing the battery cover see that the tap is quite clean and dry. If the battery runs down have it recharged as soon as possible.

Tyres should also receive their periodical attention. Once a week is sufficient to see that they are kept at the correct pressure, for correct pressure is the secret of long life with a balloon tyre. A ballon tyre gauge is necessary, and see that pressure in four tyres is right, for too low a pressure affects the performance of the car inasmuch that steering is made heavy, the engine sluggish and petrol consumption increases. It also increases your chances of the bugbear, punctures. Don’t forget to keep your radiator filled with water, your fanbelt adjusted and the tank well supplied with petrol. Washing, correctly done with a chamois leather and cold water, does not hurt the coachwork, but improves it and keeps the car looking smart. If every Oldsmobile owner gives attention to the points mentioned above a considerable benefit will be obtained in the way of greater reliability, more satisfactory running and the lowest possible cost.

I GARAGE I GOSSIP i-

Reynold Carey, Esq., lion, treasurer of the Canterbury Automobile Association, visited Auckland last week. Among Mr. Carey’s many motoring interests, not the least important is the South Island Motor Union Insurance Scheme. * * * Mr. A. H. Ivory, New Zealand secretary for the “Aard” organisation, is at present visiting Auckland. Mr. C. Burgess, Auckland manager for A. Hatrick and Co., Ltd., is on a business trip to Wanganui. Mr. C. Chegwidden, automobile auctioneer and valuer, High Street, has taken over the business in Parnell, known as Motor Replacements, Ltd. Incidentally, Mr. Chegwidden has for sale an “Opel” roadster, Germanbuilt. A try-out in this car revealed that it is very similar to the “Fiat” models, and is credited with being able to do 50 m.p.g. Mr. Harold Heath is leaving Wellington to-day for London. Mr. Heath is a member of the organisation of Rootes, Ltd., London, distributors for many well-known English cars. * * * Mr. Martin H. Press, ,of Sydney, also a member of the same organisation, is at present .in Wellington. Mr. A. C. Booth has taken over the Auckland management of Messrs. Maoriland Motors, Ltd., agents for Fiat, Bean, Paige and Jewett, in succession to Mr. C. R. Angus, who has joined the staff of Marquette Motors, Ltd., Sydney. Mr. Leon Harris, factory representative for the Auburn Motor Co.. U.S.A., is at present visiting Auckland. Mr. W. Noton, managing- director of Campbell Motors, Ltd., North Island distributors for the Durant Co., has returned from an extended tour of Canada, America and England.

AN OUTING FOR MOTORISTS

NORTH SHORE STRAWBERRY TRIP

The “blackberry picnic” is quite an institution with many city motorists in the season, but a special offer this year is a “strawberry trip.” The gardens of Auckland so far as strawberries go are on the North Shore; one farmer at Birkdale has 160,000 plants to care for. The picking season has now commenced, and in order to permit city men to enjoy the delights of buying berries fresh from the garden, the j North Shore Expansion League has , arranged for half-rate excursions on ' the vehicular ferries on Saturday and Sunday, November 19 and 20. Excursionists may go to Birkenhead or Northcote and after “doing” Beachhaven and Birkdale, cruise round to Brown’s Bay, Milford, Takapuna and Devonport. The vehicular ferries now run until. 11 p.m.

ACTIVITIES WEEK BY WEEK

Circulars are being sent to all members inquiring where they intend touring at Christmas time. When the replies have been received suitable looseleaf itineraries'will be prepared by the service officer and his staff, but will not -be posted before December 1. The special “cats-eye” sign erected in the Domain Drive last week has been favourably commented on_ bymotorists who have had occasion to use the road at night. The service officer is experimenting with another sign in which there is one white reflecting disc grouped with the red reflectors. It is thought that this will provide an even more conspicuous sign. SERVICES OF ENGINEER The association has appointed Mr. F. J. Cullen its advisory mechanical engineer and members may for a fee obtain reports regarding any car in which they are interested. Mr. Cullen has had extensive practical experience and lias been interested in the technical training of motor mechanics for some time. He has also lectured on several occasions to A.A.A. members. Mr. Cullen visited a number of motor factories during his recent visit to England and the United States. The A.A.A. suggests that the services of Mr. Cullen might be particularly helpful to a motorist considering the purchase of a used car. The usual monthly meetings of the council will be held on Wednesd'-y evening. The map of Rotdrua and environs which the A.A.A. has compiled, and which will be available free to members, should be ready by the endxif this week. All the popular drives are described, and motorists visiting the district this year should obtain a copy. The service officer of the association leaves next week for a tour of the King Country, sign-posting en route the road from Te Awamutu to the junction of the Te I-Cawa-Kawhia highway. He will then go over the road between Te Kuiti and the National Park, returning after an inspection of the Taupo, Rotorua and Mamaku roads.

TRUCK DEPRECIATION

DROP IN FIRST MONTH Every truck owner is familar with the word “depreciation” as applied to motor trucks, and in some cases his experience has been bought very dearly through the depreciation factor. It is to be regretted that intending truck buyers are not more familiar with the factors controlling depreciation of a motor truck. A notable feature of motor vehicle depreciation is, that the loss incurred in this direction in one year is very little more than that incurred in the first month of service of the vehicle. It will be appreciated that a cheap motoi truck must suffer a far greater proportionate depreciation than a higher quality vehicle, and this is especially true if it be called upon to carry loads in excess of its rated capacity. Beaiing these facts in mind, it would be a much better investment for the intending new truck buyer who has only a small amount of capital available, to purchase a used and thoroughly reconditioned vehicle of a type known to have a low depreciation rate, thereby saving the initial depreciation on his investment which has been lost by the original buyer.

TYRE IMPORTS The total value of tyres and tube* imported during the first half-year ?; 1927 was £504,392, as compared £538,432 in the corresponding per-^ of 1926. Great Britain’s share this yw is 27 per cent, of the total, as 15£ per cent, in the first half or * - • Whatever may be the reason for * reduced imports, the motorist wjlij“V overlook the fact that tyre quaJt.. • improving yearly and the driver j was satisfied with 6,000 miles tyre of five years ago now gets , miles and even 15,000 miles greater comfort. Research experts , not resting and the annual outia> . car for tyres must continue to crease. . Following are details of the of tyres and tubes for motor vew into New Zealand during the nrs*. months of 1927: — .„ 0 Canada £2 ?A-l Great Britain France U.S.A ’ Italy Belgium 06 Australia ,c Germany Sweden _ HI £504,39-'

NEWS AND NOTES

SPORTS MOTORCYCLE CLUB The monthly meeting of the club was held last week in the Chamber of Commerce. A letter was received from the New Zealand Auto-Cycle Union asking wliat support would be forthcoming toward the expenses of a proposed New Zealand rider for the next T.T. races The club deferred discussion until ’more details are to hand. A resolution was passed recommending the more effective silencing of motor-cycle exhausts. Resignations were received from the secretary, V. Perry and H. Rate lifts. Mr. F. Crosbie was elected to the vacant office on the committee, and the election of a secretary was deferred in order to communicate with Mr. A. Hay, who had some time previously offered his services in this capacity. It was decided that the City Council be requested to receive a deputation suggesting that the pillion-riding restriction be modified before Christmas. The club is holding a social and dance, organised by the lady members, on Wednesday evening, November 9, at St. Sepulchre’s Hall, Khyber Pass. On Sunday about 20 machines turned out for the run to Kawakawa Bay. An amusing incident was . the late arrival of one of the judges for the McLeod trophy, who had forgotten to put his clock ahead, and consequently arrived almost an hour late.

SOME DAY.

DIESEL ENGINE'S THREAT.

RELATION TO THE MOTOR. When one considers the marvellous degree of efficiency to which the modern internal combustion engine has been developed, with its four, six, eight, or even 12 cylinders, its smooihness and silence of operation, and its flexibility" it may come as a surprise to many to learn that a coterie of eminent engineers are convinced that its supremacy may one day be threatened by the Diesel engine. The average motorist has little knowledge of th e Diesel engine, although he may know, for example, that it operates on oil fuel as distinct from motor spirit, and that it has for some years been used for the propulsion of submarines. Actually, the Diesel has been extensively developed of recent years hand in hand with the petrol engine, and lias been built in a variety of sizes for stationary work, while an increasing number of quite large surface vessels is being fitted with these engines in place of steam. Although the Diesel is an internal combustion engine it does not operate on the same principle as the power units at present employed for automobiles,, in which the cumbustible charge of petrol vapour and air is drawn into the cylinders, ignited and burnt instantaneously. ... In the ease of the Diesel engine only pure air is drawn into the cylinder and compressed, and oil fuel is then injected as a fine spray into this highly compressed air and burns gradually so long as the injection is maintained. The air is compressed to a pressure of about 5001 b a square inch, and the temperature is sufficiently high to ignite the spray of oil. During the working stroke the pressure in the cylinder docs not rise much above the compression pressure, but in view of the high pressures which have to he dealt with, the Diesel engine is necessarily of very robust construction, and its weight per brake horsepower somewhat high. The important problem of weight is the main difficulty to be surmounted before Diesel engines can be developed for use on cars, lorries, or possibly for airplanes. In cases where weight reduction is of importance, the weight per b.h.p. has been reduced from 300 to 2001 b, although for stationary work the weight per b.h.p. is considerably higher. In high speed engines the weight has been reduced to as little as 601 b per b.h.p. with four-stroke engines, and 451 b per b.h.p. with engines operating on the two-cycle principle, hut even these figures appear high when it is considered that petrol engines have a weight per b.h.p. at normal output 16 to 241 b, and at maximum output of from 8 to 161 b, including radiator, fan, pumps, carburettor, magneto, and silencer, complete and in running order, hut without fuel or water. Nevertheless, considerable attention is being paid to the Diesel engine behind the scenes, and in engineering circles it is not considered impossible that the day will come when, the various difficulties having been surmounted, this type of power plant will be utilised for mechanical transport on land and in the air, for it possesses one great virtue, economy in fuel consumption, apart from its uncmc^fionpri reliability. •At last a place to park, cried Columbus? as he discovered the New World.

IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS

SOME POINTS TO REMEMBER If a motorist is involved in an accident upon the road, be careful to note the following- particulars where applicable:— 1. The names and addresses of bystanders who witnessed the accident. 2. The side of the road on which he was travelling- prior to the accident and the direction in which he was 3. The speed at which he was travelling. 4. The exact width of the'road and the condition of the surface, etc. 5. What signs he gave of his approach, i.e., bell, horn, voice, etc. 6. Whether the other vehicle was carrying the lamps in accordance with the regulations. 7. The measurements of the tracks of the wheels from the side of the road, both of his car and the wheels of the vehicle with which lie collided. 8. Any particulars of the manner in which the party with whom lie collided 9. The direction in which the other party was travelling. 10. In tjie case of the other vehicle being a motor-car or a motor-cycle, its number and description.

If a person lias been injured by an accident and a claim is likely to be made, it is advisable to instruct an independent medical man to examine the injured party and report. Under no circumstances should any money be given to a person involved in the accident, nor should anything be said which could afterwards be construed into an admission of liability. No letter should be written exeept under legal advice.

BATTERY TERMINALS.

TROUBLE IN CORROSION. WHERE IT OCCURS CHIEFLY. Notwithstanding the fact that the modern equipment battery is claimed to be well constructed, the old-time trouble of corrosion of the terminals is by no means extinct yet. Very bad cases can occasionally be seen, and it is no exaggeration to say that some corrosion is present in many cases. J’o see a battery that has done much service quite free from the trouble is somewhat exceptional. Primarily, the cause of the trouble is that the system of construction used is not strictly efficient, and does not keep the acid in the battery. The rubber packing glands, ebonite collars, and other devices through which the terminal lugs pass, do undoubtedly, after a time, allow the acid to creep past and attack the terminals. It will always be noticed that the corrosion is much more pronounced on the positive terminal, showing that there is an electrolytic action at this point- It is sometimes observed on examining house lighting switches and fuses in damp positions, where the current supply is direct current, that the positive terminal tends to corrode. If it were possible to use non-corrodible metal for the terminals and connections, the slight leakage of acid would not lie a serious matter. The leadcoated type of connector is not efficient as a corrosion proof device, although one would expect that it should be quite practicable to produce one. Corrosion should not he allowed to develop, as it will create a had contact, cause serious local heating, and weaken the charge and discharge currents. In the case of a terminal being corroded, the connection should be unscrewed, and the corrosion thoroughly cleaned off by scraping and with emery cloth. The usual application of vaseline is not entirely efficient. The better plan is to screw up the connections tightly and, after seeing that the terminal is thoroughly dry, to paint it several times with vaseline, which is practically boiling hot, so that it penetrates into all cracks. Better than the hot vaseline is anti-sulphuric paint, such as P. and B. paint (paraffine and bitumen paint), or a celluloid enamel, which is a solution of celluloid dissolved in amyl acetate. By scaling up every crevice through which the acid could reach the metal, the trouble can be minimised, if not eliminatedThe enamelling or -painting should extend right up to the cable, and if any bare wire shows at the connector end this should he first tightly taped over with pure rubber tape secured by solution.

Oil the braking mechanism at regular ntervals. Make sure that tlie brake tubes operating on tlie rear axle housing: are well lubricated.

ROADS IN BAY OF PLENTY

TAURANGA, OPOTIKI, ROTORUA One of the most interesting round trips in the Auckland Province has recently been completed by Air. C. R. Starkey, in the course of his work of organising the agencies for the “Sun” motor-cycles. Air. Starkey thinks this trip a very suitable one for touring motorists to include on their holiday, and lias given THE SUN a brief report on the roads likely to be troublesome. From Auckland through the Hauraki Plains the roads are in pretty good order, the short bad piece on the. Pokeno-Paeroa Road having been metalled. The roads are in good border until Katikati is reached, mid-way between Waihi and Tauranga. From Katikati to Ongatete, a distance of about 18 miles the clay roads are in a poor condition and treacherous after rain. Motorists would be foolish to attempt this at the present moment, and chains should always be carried. The road will be better in the summer time. From there to Tauranga the roads are in good order. Between Tauranga and Tc Puke there is a fair amount of clay and chains will be necessary in wet weather. From Te Puke to Matata the road is metalled and in fair condition. From Matata on to Whakatane and then on to Opotiki the roads are equal to any in New Zealand. Mr. Starkey usually goes only as far as Opotiki, returning first to Whakatane. From Whakatane to Te Teko the roads are good, but after Te Teko they are heavy and sandy until the hills just before Lake Rotoma are reached. From here to Rotorua they are good. The only really bad piece between

Rotorua and Auckland is on the Mamaku Hills, which is extremely difficult after rain. Should the motorist wish to visit the Arapuni power station a branch off should be made from the Mamaku road just before Tirau. There is a large notice at the intersection. The roads are good all the way. From Arapnni motorists can, if they desire, go on to Te Awamutu. A few miles out from Arapuni there is a clay piece that will be difficult in wet weather, but the rest of the way is perfect. In the case of motorists who wish to strike across between Matamata and Tauranga they will find the Kaimai road in fair condition, although mostly clay. The road was reported to be in poor condition last. week. It is Mr. Starkey’s opinion that no one need fear these back roads in fair weather. The service officer of the A.A.A. is making a special trip early in December to get complete information on the Kaimai road and the road near Katikati.

PURCHASE OF USED CARS

VALUE OF PROPER MARKETING While official figures show that already the number of motor vehicles in commission in New Zealand has reached a total which represents one unit to every eleven of the population, thousands of cars are not owned by the people who drive them, as many large companies and Government departments own fleets of vehicles. This indicates that the field for further car marketing is still enormous. NEW PROSPECTS Under normal conditions the prospect market of car buyers is automatic and self-producing. If it were possible. at any given date, to imagine the existing market sold to saturation point, then the succeeding week would open up a new held of possible buyers. New companies and business houses still, are being organised;

USEFUL HINTS

STUDS AND SPLIT PINS. HOW TO TIGHTEN OR REMOVE. The job of tightening or unscrewing a stud in, say, a cylinder block should always be carried out in a proper manner, otherwise there bs» a risk of damaging a thread of the stud. In some eases it is possible to grip the plain part of the stud with a pair ,-pf footprints, being careful afterwards to smooth off any burrs which may have been formed, but a better and more businesslike method of removing a stud is to use two nuts locked together. One nut is screwed on to the stud until enough thread projects to accommodate the other, which is tightened hard up against the first by using two spanners, one on each nut, just as when working on the lock-nuts of a valve tappet. When the two nuts are tight, an attempt to unscrew the lower will result in the stud being unscrewed. Similarly, the action of trying to screw down the top nut will cause the stud to be tightened in its hole. When the job is finished the lock-nuts can be undone by using two spanners in a manner which causes the top nut to be screwed off the stud, while the lower is screwed further on. As soon as the nuts are' “unlocked” they can be removed separately with the fingers, or, of course, by the use of a spanner. A simple rule to remember when using lock-nuts on a stud is: To unscrew',pull with the spanner on the lower nut; to screw up, pull on the top nut. Sometimes a nut which is splitpinned has to be removed, so that, first, it is necessary to pull out the pin. In many cases this is by no means easy, especially if the pin is large and a tight fit in the hole. The trouble is usually that the legs of the pin cannot be straightened sufficiently, so that any attempt to hammer it out bench it again just inside the slot of the nui. The best course to adopt in this ca. j is to grip each leg in turn in a pair of pliers, and work it backwards and forwards until it breaks off. A bluntended punch can then he used to drive out the remainder of the pin. If, for any reason, the pin cannot be removed it may, as a last resort, be sheared by unscrewing the nut, and afterwards drilling out the pieces in the bolt. This is, however, a very unsatisfactory practice. Sometimes when lightening a castellated nut the slots come out of line with the split-pin hole in the bolt, when the nut is home. In this case it must be removed, and a washer inserted underneath *'

NEW SYDNEY SPEEDWAY

CATERING FOR MOTOR RACING A company has been formed to employ the Sydney Sports Ground as a speedway. Those behind the scenes are said to be influential business men with capital. They propose to make the grounds* one of the most popular in and around Sydney for motor-cycle races, catering for motors of 2i and li h.p. The track is to be made safe for speeds averaging up to 50 miles an hour, and an up-to-date safety fence, costing at least £350, is to be put into hand immediately. The new speedway will open early in November, with a comprehensive programme, Tn which the best riders on dirt and concrete tracks are to be asked to compete for prize money which, it is said, will be bigger than that offered by any other promoters. Not only is the ground to be utilised for motor-cycle racing, but it is intended to introduce many novelties from other sports. The Matamata agency g>f the Auckland Automobile* Association has trebled its membership within a year. There are now about 60 financial members.

younger members of families whose parents already own an automobile are themselves coming on the market; old cars are daily going out of commission: new people and new families are coming into the territory, and of course any drop in price, however slight, opens up a new field of possible prospects. For a long time the problem of the disposal of the used cars, which, in increasing numbers, had to be traded in when new cars were sold, was a matter of great concern to car dealers. That problem has been partly solved by the introduction of houses specialising in the sale of used cars, and incorporating, as a feature of their sales service, the auction room. The growth of these establishments is particularly instructive, and may be regarded as a clear indication of how rapidly the trade is expanding. Further, the purchase of a used car is an adventure no longer fraught with risk to the purchaser—in fact, it has almost ceased to be an adventure. To-day up to 50 per cent, of all new

MOTOR CAMPING GROUNDS

NO PROVISION IN AUCKLAND

To visitors from the South this touring season, Auckland will appear to be the only city, or town of any size, in the North Island, which has not given consideration to the necessity for providing camping facilities for touring motorists. An increasing number of motorists are availing themselves of the camping grounds provided throughout the Dominion, and new grounds are being set aside and equipped in several of the smaller "towns. It is now probably too late to get any ground equipped in a proper manner before the holiday period, but that is not through any lack of support from the Automobile Association. The matter is still in the hands of the City Council for action.

cars sold in Xew Zealand are sold or a trade-in basis, and that these usee cars find a ready market shows th< confidence reposed by the ptxblic in th< used car establishment handling the business.

WAITOMO CYCLISTS | CLUB RUN TO MAROKOPA Favoured with splendid weather conditions the second club run of the season of the Waitomo Motor-Cycle Club took place on Sunday', when over 30 members participated in an enjoyable outing to the Marakopa Falls. A start was made from Te Kuiti at 5.30 a.m., the falls being reached shortly after 11 o’clock. The route taken was through Waitomo, the worst road conditions being met with

up to the caves, after which a marked improvement was experienced. An interesting time was spent in inspecting the magnificent falls, which make an ideal picnicking centre. After lunch had been partaken of, several members of the party paid a visit to the large natural bridge of limestone, situated about four miles from the falls, which forms one of the attractions of the district. The return ney* was completed shortly after i.. full advantage having been of the first day of daylight-saving. The run was a. decided success, and future fixtures being pleasurably anticipated by all the members.