PLEASURES OF HOLIDAY TRAVELLING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 December 1939, Page 21 (Supplement)

PLEASURES OF HOLIDAY TRAVELLING

Simplicity in Small Cars OR LUXURY IN MODERN CARAVANS Motorists are exceptionally well catered for in these. days in the way of camping gear and in motor camping facilities generally. For those who aspire to luxury, commodious and well-appointed caravans are available, but even small cars, which are deservedly popular with the public on account ol their economy in running costs, afford splendid facilities lor mol or louring for two people. In these days of rising costs ol petrol, not to mention restrictions, small cars are proving more popular than ever, as they enable extended camping tours io be undertaken at minimum cost. There is plenty ol room to carry a tent, stretchers and al! camping gear behind the two front seats of a four passenger model.

A really surprising amount of gear can be packed into a small car. There is no difficulty in accommodating all that is necessary for reasonable requirements, such as a centre-pole tent, two folding stretchers, mattresses, cooking utensils, food, clothes, etc., sufficient to cater for the needs of two travellers. If the rear seat is removed from the car, further space is made avaailable for gear and if care is exercised in packing, there is no need to have any articles attached to the outside of the car.

The cheapness of a camping holiday in a light car is not often realised. A case is on record in which two people proceeded from Masterton to North Auckland via New Plymouth, travelling as far north as Kaitaia and returning via Arapuni and Taupo, the tour occupying a fortnight, at a cost, including petrol, oil. food and incidental expenses such as camping fees, etc., of £l4 or £7 each. That is about as cheap a holiday as it would be possible to enjoy under almost any circumstances. the distance travelled being about 1.500 miles. So well is the whole countryside now supplied with petrol pumps that except for an emergency, it is not necessary to carry any petrol except in the tank. Even on a journey like that between Waikaremoana and Rotorua through the Urewera Country, petrol is obtainable at convenient intervals and there is no need to carry petrol tins. Similarly, garages are to be found at almost any small centre for repairs or incidental adjustments. Every centre of any importance and many small country districts cater for motorists by providing fully-equipped motor camps. In some of these hot water is supplied free while in most of them there are cookhouses, so that even if it is wet, the preparation and cooking of meals can be carried out under cover. For the more adventurous motorist who pitches his camp on the roadside, perhaps in some remote district, and scorns modern appliances, the problem of cooking food in the rain is a more complex one that is sometimes most conveniently carried out when the cook is attired in a bathing suit. There are many gadgets available, however, for those not wishing to suffer these inconveniences, and allow the boiling of water and cook-

ing of food to be carried out quite comfortably under cover of a tent. Motorists who desire more comfort and more elaborate facilities are exceptionally well catered for, as the increasing use of caravans bears witness. There are many handy men who have made their own caravans; but for those who do not desire to go to this trouble, there is a wide selection of New Zealand-made caravans on the market, from those of modest dimensions and fittings to most elaborate vehicles which meet every requirement of the most exacting motorist. Caravans are obtainable not only for pleasure and recreation but for those who wish to use them as a permanent home or as mobile shop units, containing both living quarters and windows for displaying goods. The more luxurious types are furnished with dining tables, settees, numerous cupboards, drawers, shelves and wardrobes. Diffused dome lighting is provided, with flush fitting house-type switches. A radio recess with a builtin aerial and power plugs and rubber insulated windows for dustproof travelling are other features, not to mention special type stoves that are said to rival the finest home cookers for efficiency and convenience. The sleeping accommodation is snug and comfortable. Large model caravans are completely self-contained, including separate toilet compartments with patent chemical lavatory and wash basin and a shower with a special air pressure tank for hot and cold showers. Family models have large folding wardrobe doors that open out at night to divide the interior into two separate bedrooms. An air-condition-ed insulated meat safe and ice box are also provided in some models. It can be seen that the discriminating motorist who desires all home comforts may secure all that he desires by selecting a caravan to suit his requirements.

Another development that has recently been announced is a portable cabin, so constructed that folded up it can be carried on the carrier of a car. It only takes 15 minutes to erect and about 10 minutes to dismantle. Two windows provide plenty of light and fresh air and the canvas roof may be rolled back to give a sunshine cabin. If desired, the cabin may be used as a garage.