MODERN MOTORING.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 358, 12 February 1937, Page 4

MODERN MOTORING.

ADVENT OF CARAVANS

Stratford Pioneer Keeps Up

With Times.

Those member* of the younger generation who pride themeelves on keeping abreast of modern invention must move fast- if they are to outdo the modernity of Mr. A. W. Reid, Stratford, a pioneer of Taranaki, originator of the Stratford electricity syetem, and inventor, among other things, of the A.W.R. milking machine.

In his. l 84th year, Mr. Reid is occupied not With pondering on the glories of the past but with the construction of a motor trailer-caravan, of the type which has won popularity in America and Europe and is nowattracting New iZealand. motor-camp-ers.

Light Car.

Although similar in appearaance Mr. Reid’s trailer differs' from most others at present on the New Zealand roads, in that it has been planned for haulage by a light ear. When completed its total weight will not exceed a quarter of a ton, but it Will nevertheless be quite as strong and comfortable as any of the heavier models. Ordinary wood has been used only for flooring, the walls and roof being constructed of a special wood-pulp preparation which is at once light, Strong and thoroughly water-proof. At present this can only be secured from Canada but it is understood that a factory for making it is being started at Whakatane In the near future.

Steam Car,

Mr. Reid's interest in motoring technique is of long standing tor he was one of the first New Zealanders to become interested in this means of transport. In the days wheff "horseless buggibs'* wtere practically unknown in this country he introduced the steam car to this district. The construction of this, and two other similar models, he carried out himself. Technical difficulties with the transformation of kerosene into gas, the burning of which heated the boiler, made (hese cars somewhat unreliable, however, and when petrol-driven cars came on the market Mr. Reid was among the first to change over to them.

Having had this early experience ef the engines and being himself nn engineer in steam, Mr. Reid speiaks with some authority on the question of the relative merits of engines.

In conversation with the "Central Press” this morning he was emphatically of the opinion that in Spite of the g,eat improvements that have been made in , it, the steam Engine will never displace the present type of petrol engine, owing to the handicap of the boiler.

The Diesel type engine, however, he considers, will soon displace the petrol type. He saw the first diesel engine in England in 1901, a 10 h.p. model, and wae from then on keenly interested in its possibilities. Its great advantage was the elimination of the sparking plug. Simplification of the die; el engine was being rapidly effected and the day was not far distant when it would be possible to make it light enough even for general aeroplane use. NxZ. Rail Cars. Apropos diesel engines, Mr. Reid has some criticism of the New Zealand Railways policy with regard to rail cars. In the first place he conf aiders' that a mistake is being, made with regard to rail cars. In thp first place he considers that a mistake is being made in using petrol engines', when diesels have already pyoved more satisfactory for the purpose. Ho also considers' it ridiculous for New Zealand to experiment on her own account with the constructipn of the cars when the experimental has been long passed in America and Europe.