NOTES.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 230, 8 March 1915, Page 8

NOTES.

An interesting test was recently carried out in the United States by the manufacturers of the Vulcan electric gear-change device. Using a 12-volt, SO ampere hour battery, 134,400 gear changes were effected, without any need f(-v re-charging. Calculating on a 100 gear changes a day for 3(55 days a year, this works out at four years' constant service without need of touching the battery. A further test of thu clever device showed that after 2"-!.-!')] changes, at the rate of GO a m'rute. there wag not the slightest indication failure or wear. Prizes valued at £IOOO, £SOO and £3OO have been donated by the Wellnome Bureau of Scientific Research in England for the three best designs submitted for an ambulance body, which shall fit a standard pattern car chassis for motor ambulances. The idea is to secure a type of body which, while replete with all requirements for field ambulance work, must be designed so that it can be readily adapted and fitted to the chassis of any up-to-date make of car. There is little doubt that the average owner-driver who looks after hi? own car makes a present to himself of a great deal of unnecessary work when lie purchases a ear. In the first place he likes his car to look smart, and so has far ton mueli brass or plated fittings on it These soon become tarnished, and really require polishing every day. Why have bright, fittings? If the motorist when ordering his car would insist on oxidised or painted lamps, horn, speedometer, clock, radiator cap, etc.., he. would save a considerable amount of unnecessary polishing. In this one point American ears set a good example. The motoring world did not like their funereal appearance when they first made their entry into this country, but their utilitarian principles of black oxidised fittings throughout appeal strongly to the ownerdriver who has a rooted objection to having to put in more work than is absolutely necessary to keep his car fit. Nowadays the polished brass work is increased by the electric-lighting outfit on the up-to-date ear, but owner-drivers should specify that this also be oxidised or painted, and not he bright—for show means more work. A section of the motor-cyclists of Nev South Wales are taking up a. movement to organise a military corps of motor cyclists. The idea is an excellent one, for even on the rough roads that abound in that country it is really wonderful what can be accomplished on the mandate motor-cycle. The value of a n>..> tor-cvelist for despatch work has, been well demonstrated in the European war. end coming nearer home we have the fin > record established by motor cyclists in the IDI2 Dunlop relay despatch ride from Adelaide to Sydney, when, despite adverse weather conditions, a message was