LOCAL MOTOR NOTES.
ICE HOUSE STREET-
SUGGESTION.
Ice House Street: provides an admirable short cut to and from the City for both pedestrians and brotor traffic. For this reason it has become a busy thoroughfare.
The road, however, is very Barrow, and the hoarding round the site of the new National City Bank of New York has still further re duced the width of the road, and formed a blind corner at the bottom.
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There are always a number of chairs at the bottom of the hill waiting for fares, while there is a constant flow of pedestrians across the foot of the hill on their way fu Battery Path for the Peak tram.
It has been noticed that many motor-drivers approach this hili frantically sounding their horns and attempting to make a clean run on top gear. If they receive the signal to carry on from the constable at point duty, they roar around the bend and rush the hill in a manner which would make a Shelley Walsh competitor green with envy. Pedes- trians and chair-carriers coming down the hill are suddenly called apon to display great aerobatic agility in order to escape injury.
The curious point of the matter is that, unlike conditions at other cross-roads, motor traffic is not re- quired to circle round the constable on duty, but is allowed to cut the
corner.
THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1930.
MOTOR NOTES.
OLYMPIA MOTOR- CYCLE SHOW.
GREATER REFINEMENT
FOR 1930.
[BY A LONDON CORRESPONDENT.]
The Olympia Motor Cycle Show held in London last month has be come an event of international im portance, and a visitor to the Show is amazed at the number of foreign languages he may hear spoken in the course of his inspection of some 300 models, the products of over 50 different manufacturers.
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The export statistics for the first" nine months of 1920 show a con: tlouance of the progress recorded during the last few years in the Overseas markets. The number of motor cycles exported during this period were 63,203 as against 50,32 in 1923. The value of motor cycle parts for the corresponding periods were £1,132,958 and £580,170.
Improvements for 1930.
It is satisfactory to record that the new models, while showing plenty of improvemente, are gener
If this rule were enforced it ally quite devoid of would put an end to any attempt
at rushing the hill, forcing driveinness."
freakish
There are novelties, of
to change down and reduce speed, course, but there is a welcome ten- and at the same time give him and others a clear view ahead.
The Ice House Street hill is sup- posed to be a one-way thorough- fare, but the point policeman always ver, politely holds up cross-traffic
dency to test out very thoroughly unorthodox products before offer- ing them to a highly critical public. The very important problem et
ensures an easy
TRAGEDY OF A BEAUTY,
SPECIALIST
Of course, those to whom speed sump lubrication system is working The coveted Hour Record has MOTÖR-CAR KISS "DENIED, is of paramount importance will be correctly. A new pattern geer once again fallen, after less than greatly attracted by the "Ulater" change lever
three months and this time to G. model, which is almost an exact change and makes it almost impos. E. Nott and his 499 .c. Rudge- replica of this year's very successible to miss middle gear.
Whitworth, "who put the figure up ful racers. It can now be obtain-
Another weeful point is the de- to 106.40 m.p.h. Then again, driven ed at an extra charge of Es above tachable back portion of the rear alternately by Nott and Tyrell the standard price with a guaran-mudguard, which enables the wheel Smith this machine, acquired the teed speed of 90 m.p.h., or, for an
Two Hours Record at 1029 m.p.h. This record was first established at extra £15, with a guaranteed speed
over the "hundred" mark by Nott of 100 m.p.h.
in 1928; then, early in 1820, it was beaten by a narrow margin and the Rudge has now won it, raising the speed by nearly 9 mph. The 200 Miles Record fell to Nott and Tyrell Swith at the same time.
The 250 cc. O.E.V, models are now all fitted with double port heads and enclosed rocker gear.
For 1030 the Humber Co. is."as on three concentrating usual, models with one side of engine-- 348 c.c. Although a number of im. provements have been effected, the price of each model has been slight ly reduced.
crankcare.
to be removed for tyre repairs, etc. The efficiency of the rear brakes on the larger models has been increas. ed, and special, waterproof guards are. Stted.
By the way, large numbers of Ariels are being shipped from the Birmingham works for the Turkish Army.
Unique Design,
One of the most stresting machines in the whole Show was
Wonderful Reliability. The performance of Mr. Syd Thomas' 600 e.. Ariel and aidecar
The death of a beauty specialist in a midnight motor smash in Pic endilly was described at a West- minister inquest last month on Mrs, Frances Mary Stewart, aged thirty-five, of Pond-place, Chelsea, who died in St. George's Hospital.
Mr. Amyas Douglas Connell, said that he was an architect and twenty-eight years of age. He met Mrs. Stewart at 6 pm, on that day with other friends, and they were all going to a festival play at Cambridge. When they arrived so they came back.
They went to a club and later he started to drive Mrs, Stewart home. He had met her twice before, and admitted that he admired her.
Coroner's Comment.
the 2.48 h.p. model Dhanelt with an in Australia makes interesting read-outside London it was too foggy, In the side valve model an im- overhead camshaft engine. It ising and gives some indication of proved fabrication system is em- unique in the 250 cc. class as havthe wonderful pitch of reliability to ployed, a Pilgrim pump with sighting an engine of this type and, at which the modern machine has won
Immediately after performing in feed integral being fitted near the its price of £45. complete with
The clutch, too, is of speedometer, it is the cheapest the 24-hour Trial of the A.C.U. of improved design, facilitating gear OH.C, model on the market. Victoria, recognised as one of the changes, and a neat detachable Though in no way a racing most dificult events in the coun cover fits over the valves and tap-machine, it nevertheless is capable, try, and after a loss of only one of 65/70 m.ph. and its petrol con- mark, the the machine took part in Pet head.
a record breaking run on the Motor The twin exhaust port overhead sumption is stated to be over 120 camshaft Humber has a remarkably... The Sturmey Archer engine drome track and covered 10,000 is very economical on oil; a duplex one accidental stoppage by pit fine road performance which though employs dry sump lubrication and miles in a fortnight. Except for not intended as a racer can show
this distance non-stop.
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He denied that he had his arm round Mrs. Stewart's waist, or that he had kissed her,or was looking at her at the time of the accident. was a sad case of a young woman Mr. Oddia, the coroner, said it
tive stranger, and added:-
In rear wheel to many machines of cradle frame of exceptional strength man while filling up, the engine ran being driven home by a compara
larger capacity.
Standardisation of Controls.
of
The Standardisation Committee of the B.C. & M.C.M. & T.U.. has been giving much attention to the standardisation of question motor cycle controls and a form of layout has now been officially re- commended which will afford the maximum convenience and safety
in use.
is used Lnd the power unit is in- clined forward in the frame. The whole design is particularly clear and neat and, undoubtedly, marks a step in the progress of motor cycle design.
The Dunelt Montlhery" model, the latest edition of the machine that created history by covering 25,000 miles in 23 days 2 hours has been improved in details and dry sump lubrication is now employed. Record Breakers.
for the convenience of those who silence, both exhaust and mechani- I have been undoubtedly caused by machines have inclined engines and
ignore the regulation!
Garden Road Corner?!
Work has been under way for the
cal, has been tackled very seriously, and the silent motor cycle is de- finitely nearer than it has ever been before, Chromium plating has made considerable strides in
the
The importance of this step is obvious for, in the past, accidents riders changing from one machine to another and, in an emergency, they have forgotten that the con- trol system was not identica, on their two mounts, with disastrous
results.
* Some of the latest A.J.S.
have been entirely redesigned. Lubrication is, a previously, on the dry sump principle, but the cil pipes from the separate compart-
Yet & further test of endurance was then carried out, in the course
of which the machine made 40 non stop ascents and descents of the notorious Blacks Spur Hill, which is 4 miles long, full of bad bends and has an average gradient of 1 in 4 with an indescribable surface. The previous record stood at 30 non-stop climbs.
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It is interesting to know that Mr. Thomas is in
way connected with the motor cycle business, being by profession a chemist and in his spare time an enthusiastic rider.
Evidence at Bow: The man was
an
ment to the engine now pass undertaken to hospital and the motor past week on the widening of the
"neath the bottom bracket and the combination was removed on bottom of Garden Road Hill. This
The Motor Cycle in describ-unions with the separate tank and ambulance. is being done by taking over part pact twelve months and in a gun-ing the new type of handlebar crank case are all that are visible. of the Barracks corner. "When com
to be found on which the Triumph Co. are fitting The engines on the new machines pleted it will help considerably in ber of cases is
to their "C" range of 1930 models, have not undergone much structur aesisting traffic movements at the tanks.
says that this is the cleanest type al alteration, but the big end bear. Colony's busiest cross-road. In- Then again, good work has been cidentally, the Stop and Go" done with a view to cleaning up which has yet made its appearance such excellent results in races and of handlebar of the normal type ing is of the type that has given signal worked by the traffic con- the handle-bars, and the position of
on the British market. There is rebords; it consists of a double row stable on duty at this corner is very the speedometer has received at
not a single slip on the bar and of caged roller bearings. The front satisfactory. The officers, in charge tention. In this connection, S. are evidently experienced men at Smith & Sons have effected a great al controls are mounted integrally. forks have been redesigned, giving their job.
improvement in the ease of tank. The throttle and spark advance are improved steering and read holding, mounted instruments by fitting the
qualities, while side links and shock speedometer in the right-hand for
absorbers have been strengthened." ward position of the tank, match- ing up with the filler cap, in which position it can easily be read. An- other innovation is the fixing of the instrument-head on the front fork with an enclosed drive off the front hob, a direct line being thus ob tained for the driving-cable.
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"perated by an ingenious type of twist grip, air and exhaust-lifter
levers are mounted in the inner
bende of the har and brake and clutch levers on the outer bends. These hars, which are adjustable for angle, give an exceptionally clean armearance to the front of the machine.
New Hillman Taxis, The Hillman taxi service (green with yellow band) have recently added to their fleet three Hillman limousines of dark blue colour. These vehicles are fitted with taxi- meters, and are identical with the luxurious models sold to the public for private use. The upholstery and springing of these cars is of the very best, and they should prove very popular. No doubt they will edly conducive to greater comfort already shipped oversens.
and safety on the road, is the eventually displace the public vehicles which overcrowd the limit Lucas handlebar dimmer switch. ed parking-space in the city. These! This device allows the main high vehicles do not present an attrac-efficiency driving light to be re- tive sight to a prospective fare when seen filled with disreputable looking "toute" in very dirty clothes.
The taxis, on the other hand, are driven by well-mannered drivers, who are required to keep their cars clean under the superintending eye of an inspector.
It is understood that this special A new fitting, which is undoubtFC of har has been fitted to several hundred 1930 Triumpas
An Oil-Pressure Gange.
range
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A.J.S. machines have been amass-
ing records during the past year; actually, between April and Octo ber they broke 117 World's Records and it is significant that it every chee K.L.G. plugs shared honours.
the
How Sales Are Stimulated.
There is no doubt that successes
in races and long distance trials.. have a very distinct effect on sales. The case of the Duneit long dis New features which apply to thelance record may be quoted as an Ariels include example, for the company's Ocer- petrol tanks of larger capacity and sens trade has increased enormous- improved appearance: quite an in-ly as a result. One dealer, for in- novation for motor cycle practice stance, who was previously wedded is the provision of an oil pressure to foreign roachines has lately gauge, which indicates that the dry placed an order for 100, Durelta...
entire placed for, traffic purposes by an which alternative dipped heam gives sufficient riding light but eliminates all dazzle.
A High Degres of Silence. The name of Professor A. M. Low, D.Sc., as an eminent auther- ity on "matters automobile" is known far and wide, so that bis New Show-Rooms.
opinions curry very considerable weight. When he says, therefore, Messrs. Alex. Ross & Co. are
that the
Silver new, Matchless building an extension in the front Arrow makes 60 per cent. less of their Garage in Kowloon which, when completed, will be used for noise than a standard type of a show-room. This extension has motor cycle, there must obviously been found necessary to provide be some points of outstanding in garage space for the increasing terest in the machine's design. De. number of cars on the Peninsula. signed by Mr. Harry Collier, who The show-room will be used to ex- hibit the Austin cara and A.J.S. motor-cycles, for which Alex. Roes are agents.
"
The Star Forry "Jam." Recently a raised platform was #built in front of the Star Ferry Wharf at Hong Kong to prevent cars turning and so interrupting the stream of passengers leaving the pier when is ferry arrives.
has over 30 years' experience of motor cycle manufacture, the en- Kine of this machine is a vibration- less monobloc twin-cylinder side- valve 4-stroke in which the two cylinders are set at an angle of 20 degreee and are formed in one very stiff cylinder casting. It develops a maximum of about 18 b.h.p. and gives the machine a top speed of 85 m.ph. A good feature the patent spring frame, which pro- vides complete insulation from road
This idea, however, has not fully shocks. The design ensures abso- solved the problem. Motor traffic lute lateral rigidity and freedom is still allowed to pass through the from side play, while adjustable crowd as, it emerges from the shock absorbers enable the rider to Ferry. Lorries, trucks, and fast- maving care still rush through at adjust the springing system to suit dangerous pice, blaring their varying road conditions- while the
machine is actually in motion. horns. It is seldom that a person Icaving the Ferry Wharf has not to jump back to avoid being khook- ed down.
It would be a great convenience to pedestrians if all motor traffic were made to stop while the crowd leaving the wharf is crossing the
How Racing Hpips Progress. The chief features of the latest Rudge-Whitworth models consist of dry sump lubrication on all engines, the enclosing of valve gear on all 500 .c. engines and the standard- isation of an improved type of cylinder head, which two years of racing has proved to give a marked increase of power with lean ten- dency to pinking. Further strong. This causoe A blockade both to er teeth are now. fitted to the 4- them entering!
and leaving Carel speed gear wheels with the result should be made to stop further on, that the fatur genoor
road.
Another bed feature is cars draw ing up to the entrance arid dis charging their fare just as the crowd is coming out of the whart.
and not immediately in front of the be 50 per cent. better than last wharf.
B.
S. A.
FOR
J
POWER SPEED SILENCE SAFETY ECONOMY
RELIABILITY
The Best Value in Motor Cycles
SINCERE'S
SOLE AGENTS.
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"This is the danger of young men driving with young women. They were gay and happy,... Le looks at her and crashes into a refuse" The jury returned a verdict that Mrs. Stewart died from injuries received when thrown forward in a motor-car at a time when it came in collision with a street re fuge, and when driven negligently by Mr.. Connell.
They added that the negligence was not gross or culpable.
Motorist at Penge: I saw the constable's left arm extended, but as I could not see through the con stable I do not know what he doing with his right arm
CORONER · REJECTS JURY'S RIDER..
EXONERATION OF A MOTORIST,
Dr. Edwin Smith, the North-east London Corner, last month refused to accept the jury's rider exonerat ing the driver of a
car which knocked down and killed Sidney Alfred Ricketts
Harold Cole, the driver, said that he was driving along Hackney Road about six feet behind an omnibus. The 'bus pulled up abruptly, and to avoid a collision he had to swere sharply to his child down, Cole mentioned that right. In doing so he knocked the a woman who was with him in the car should have been in court that day.
The Coroner's officer stated that the woman had been subpoenaed, but they were unable to get a state- mert from her.
Referring to his previous experi- ence, Cole said that he held a li- conce for driving in China.
Dr. Smith: I do not know what' Chinete roads are like. in England. There is great con- gestion of pedestrians, not of traffic.
Cole: They are worse than those
Dr. Smith: The congestion could not be worse than it is in London. A little boy who was playing with Ricketts at the time of the i accident said that there was not a 'bus near. when his friend was i knocked down.
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A woman witnesa also stated that she did not see a 'bus
The foreman said that the jury of accidental returned a verdict death, and exonerated the driver from all blame.
Dr. Smith. I do not think 1 can accept that rider.
The Foremaa: Two of the jurors were against the exoneration, in-
cluding myself."
Dr. Smith I refuse to accept · the exoneration. I rule that the evidence does not justify it. "The reason is that the jury's verdict legally stops at accidental death," he added, "and I shall not include the exoneration in the verdict.""
When the witnesses had left the court, Dr. Smith told he jury that the exoneration was not a proper addition to their verdict. "It is proper where the independent evidence entirely supports the driver to exonerate him. In this caso, not only was the driver's evidence unsupported, but was con- tradicted by other witnesses. That. is my reason for rejecting your exoneration."
EFFICIENT, GRACEFUL, & RELIABLE.
Further, for your comfort and contentment the Austin twelve embodies in high degree, all those features which the public demands in a medium priced, medium powered machine."
Note the elegance and distinction of the lines, the comfortable seating arrangements, the remarkable accessibility, the ease- of control, the useful turning lock, and the generous equipment.
Arrange for a trial run, its performance will be a revelation to you.
FOR FULL PARTICULARS APPLY TO
ALEX. ROSS & COMPANY (CHINA), LTD.
HEAD OFFICE: PRINCES BUILDING. HONG KONG
DEPOT:
Chater RoAD:-
Phone C. 487.
HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.
The Austin
Twelve
KOWLOON GARAGE
SALISBURY ROAD.
Phone
K. 1486.