MOTOR-CYCLE NOTES.
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The Success of the Trial,
THE HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1930.
MOTOR NOTES.
The course, although the very THE NEW ERSKINE. best obtainable an the Peninsula, was perhaps a little monotonous towards the end. One or two riders would have preferred a little faster speed than 20 m.p.h., but this was impossible owing to police objec-|
The one topic of conversation amongst motor-cyclists" over the week-end has been the success of the recent trial. All who took part are unanimous in their praise of the manner in which it was conducted. They are entirely satisfied with the system of points, the secret checks, and the marshalling on the course. There are now many motor-cycle owners who are deeply regretting their hesitation to send in entries.
The weather during the few thystions. prior to the trial was little short of atrocious, and only the most hardy were ready to ride regardless of weather conditions." The writer is aware of a large number of new riders who had filled in their entry- forms but hesitated to send them
For thirty old to finish out of in owing to the bad weather, Fortu
a total of Glty starters was extreme nately, conditions actually tumedly good. To the writer's knowledge out to be ideal, and although a little several riders among the starters cold during the night, the rain knew very little or nothing of stayed off and next morning the the mechanical features of their sun came out to open a really fine machines. However, many came day.
through without a moment's trouble, for the which speaks highly mechanical perfection of mowr. cycle engines to-day.
Thanks to the Organisers.
However, it was certainly fast enough around the tricky reser- voir corners daring the night lap. Had it been possible to raise the speed a little during the morning run, this would have overcome the monotony.
To organise a successful trial is by no means a small task to under-
The dread of the secret check pro- take, and nobody is more acquant- ed with the difficulties of the job duces somo humour. A side-car than the blotor-cycle Section of the outfit-and in fact many others Volunteer Corps and its officials. A which was passing the last corner suitable course must be chosen; of the Shatin Hill, drew into the
MORE POWER PER POUND THAN ANY OTHER CAR OF ITS PRICE.
+
SOME UNIQUE FEATURES.
THE MOTOR TRADE IN THE EAST.
ERA OF LOWER PRICE LEVELS PREDICTED.
That the world was experiencing an economic change, with lower The Studebaker concert has price levels, and a wider distribu- startled the motor industry with tion of commodities, and that pro- the introduction of a new Erskine, ducers in consequence would haye which will be called the Dynamic to face the facts and produce Erskine, The Hong Kong Hotel cheaper to sell more was the opinion Garage, who are agents for Stude- baker cars, have just received their first model, which will be on view at the Company's showrooms to day.
1
The whole car, from rear-wheel
to front, has been re-designed, and includes features of cart twice. its
expressed to the Straits Times by Mr. James Mooney, president of the General Motors Export Co., when he passed through Singapore on his way to Java,
оп
Rubber Consumption. Increasing.
The consumption of rubber is the increase," he went on. Every year there are small slack periods, but there is not the slight est doubt of the continurd and increasing demand for rubber. It is increasing in all parts of the world. The production of cars will bo higher than last year, and I estimate it at something over 5,000,000.
Production Must be Cheaper, '
With regard to the slump on the New York Stock Exchange, it is generally presumed that it will affect business to some moderate degree, but its effect will be short-lived. It may blow over in from three to six months. Mean while business goes on pretty much the same as before.
"I have a feeling that we are
́ ́ ́ JAY-WALKING" IN SHANGHAI.
·
THE ART OF DEVIL- DODGING.
вдуз
fotorists who have driven only in this country are apt on all oc- ensions to ery out against the Transport in the East. methode of the 'jay-walker.'
should imagine, therefore," "For the last ten years prices
Focus," in The Light Car and have remained as an artificially high Cyclear,, "that a course of driving level, and they do not represent Chinese towns, would result in their in Shanghai and, presumably, other values," he continued. "We are being able to face the peculiarities nearing the end of that era now, of British pedestrians with equani- and the next ten years should be mity. I express this view after a chat with a relative just returned more prosperous for the world, but from a fairly lengthy residence in there will be many economic chan-Shanghai, where it is the custom of The lower-class Chinese folk-known, generally, as coolies-auddenly to dart across the road in front of an oncoming car, quite regardless of its speed or of the prevailing road conditions.
Kos.
"
Better Transport Needed. We are picking up again now, and industry will be established upon a far more eficient basis than hitherto, We shall have to watch production costs, but there is no need to be pessimistic about it. Goods will move in large quantities, and be more widely distributed.
The cause of this peculiar be-
haviour is not a sudden desire to commit suicide-in fact, it is the coolie's earnest endeavour to get
well clear of the car-but because Returning to our own business, he has suddenly decided that he is possessed of a devil, and that, the motor trade in the East is reasonably good-it has fallen off a therefore to dart in front of a car little-but not to any remarkable and just escape destruction will extent. One of the things I am in- mean that the devil who is follow- terested in the East is the questioning him must be destroyed. There of internal transport. There is after he goes on his way rejoicing buses. The cities of the East are might quite well happen within the growing considerably, and their next half-hour! populations must be served with better transport.
minimum number of entries must be side of the road and shouted out price. The engine contains numer reached the saturation point. "One business will have to face these scope for, new openings in motor | until visited by another devil, which
made certain of; a large number of his trial number to several campers marshals must be persuaded to gathered around a fire. He thought that they were a secret checki Oa stand out in the cold all right the other hand, many riders passed taking the riders' times-just for the fun of it! and lastly, but most im through secret checks without hav portant of all, the work of ascering the alightest suspicion that their taining each riders' starting time times were being taken. and checking the times at the con clusion of the trial so as to decide
the winner.
We feel sure, therefore, that in congratulating the organisers on the complete success of the event, wo are voicing the feelings of every rider who entered the trial.
What about Another?
But what about the next trial t This is the question which is worry ing almost every keen cyclist in the Colony. They have seen what success the last one turned out to be, and are anxious to know when the next will be held. This is a very difficult question, The Volunteer Corps are not, at least at the present moment, enthusiastic
Probably unknown to many riders and somewhat fortunately-free liquid refreshment was supplied at one of the filling-stations around the course by Mosers. Gilman. Co., agents for Finlaters' wines. In- cidentally, the thanks of the trial riders are due to the petrol com- panies for their kind offer of free
petrol and oil These companies had their representatives at the start and at Castle Peak, and who were always ready to attend to riders' needs.
The A.P.C. who
have filling stations at Taipo Market and Fanling, kopt open all night to supply the riders.
about organising another event of THE CAR OF THE FUTURE. this kind "for Bome considerable time, and rather hope that others inay new take up the reine and organise a trial, in which the inst organisers can compete in riders, and not as marshals. Perhaps the IKAA. will oblige?
It took over two years to arrange another Reliability Trial after the first held on the Island, but this is far too long to wait. The dif- fculties of organising are well known. but there are a large num ber who would support an attempt to hold one with enthusiasm. I need not take place for quite a few months-two every year would be very fair but let us hope that we have not to wait for another two years to pass before we have the opportunity of competing in another trial.
Some Suggestions.
SOME SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS..
At
On the question of long-overdue improvements in motor-care, The Light Car and Cyclecar says: "It would be absurd policy to expect a driver to carry his headlamps in a box, take them out at lighting-up time and screw them on to their brackets. Cannot the same be said in future. with regard to jacks present we put up with only one jack, which has to be pushed pre- cariously under the axle. In years to come a set of jacks will be part and parcel of the chassis and it will be possible to lift all four wheels together. Jacks of this kind are already available, but their use is by no means universal.
For the next trial a course over
"Then there is the matter of the Island and on the lines of the hurication, which is still a messy first trial would be most popular business. The day must arrive when We would point cat, however, that one has simply to fill a tank on the it was far from the intention of the car, which feeds the engine, gear- organisers of the last trial to supply box and back axle. Prosperity anything of that mature. The last awaits the man who introduces an trial was a test af endurance, coil suitable for the axle, gearbox, curacy, and perfect running, and engine sump and chassis bearings. this they accomplished to a very Until then one must, be satisfied high degree as many experienced with filling each separately, but riders met with all sorts of trouble surely the dip-stick can be dispensed which they least anticipated.
with and a rotating indicator fitted in its place."
The next trial should supply gruelling test for both rider and machine. It should be held in Hong Kong, where stiff hill climbs, cool running, and clever riding would be necessary. The inclusion of a short acceleration test of 100 yards or more, would attract the faster riders, while a braking test, a water-splash (if one could be found), and a mechanical inspection of the machine at the finish would do much to provide an ideal trial which would appeal to all types of riders. Trial Results.
Working cut the points of 50 riders taken at the many various checks entails a great deal amount of work. Each marshal is supplied with a check-sheet, and these must be compared for the final resulta, The officials of the trial find that they cannot have the resulte ready for publication until after Wedne day, before which a number of meetings must be held. Incidental ly, outside assistance is being ob tained to check the results of the trial, so as to avoid any possibility of complaints being made. A Fez Reflections,
In looking back on the event, the writer is struck by the very keen sense of sportsmanship shown by all the rider In many cases riders of different mounts, seriously com peting against each other for honours, went, out of their way to give assistance when it was needed. The hearty comradeship between riders was also evident dur- ing the halt for breakfast as Castle Peak. Riders unknown to each other intermingled and exchanged. incidents of their ride, beside the roaring fire, and instead of rivals. became one happy band of motor- oyclists thoroughly enjoying the thrills of the event.
In the course of an interesting talk Mr. Mooney, said that some people expressed the view that the motor car industry in America bad
cannot definitely say that, for when we reach what we think is satura tion," he said," we always find that some additional channel of con- car-mmption opens out. No one denies that, there was some alight over- production in America last year, but the use of motor vehicles is moving steadily onwards, and acce- leration still exists.
ous improvements that cannot be seen, but will be greatly appre- ciated by owners. It has been de- signed with an entirely new burstion manifold, giving a better and quicker supply of vapour gas to the engine, resulting in all-round improvement in performance and reliability. The engine develops the exceptional power of 170 HP. at 3,200 r.p.m., which is claimed to be higher than any other car of its price. The car will sell in Hong Kong for about 83,810, Hong Kong
currency.
Adopts European Feature, The new Erskine is fitted with the Lanchester vibration damper in the clutch, a feature of engine design of European cars only found in higher-priced cars. This damper subdues motor vibration,,, and con. tributes materially to the smooth- rese which is so pronounced in the New Erskine. Its effect is particu larly noticeable at high speeds.
Other features are the new Ben dix duo-servo brakes, which wil bring the car to a standstill within To feet at 45 m.p.b., literally miles within the standard code of safety.
A new silencer, "known as the Burgees Acoustic Muffler, is fitted, and it is claimed that this absorbs icas power in silencing the exhaust note than any other eilencer de- signed.
The engine, which is mounted on rubber bearings, may be driven at 40 m.p.h. when new, obviating the necessity to "run in the motor at a monotonous speed of 20 m.p.h. Body Work by Studebaker. The body design is "by Stude baker," This is sufficient in itself, as all the art in design of the Stude oaker designers is embodied in the new Erskine, giving her very hand- some lines. The new radiator is large and efficient, while a new type of front springs is fitted, making the car very emooth on the road.
Four Models.
The new Dynamic Erskine is offered in four models, the Regal Sedan, Club Sedan, Lardau, and Coupe.
Ful details about the models can be obtained from the local agents, the Hong Kong Hotel Garage,
FIRST IN HONG
"1930 "
KONG
BRITISH MOTOR CYCLES.
NORTON
MODEL NO. 18.4.90 HP.
"Unapproachable" as the machines have proved in the past, 1930 witnesses an even iner production in NOETON. Hany important improvements are embodied in the new NORTON designs including enclosed valve gear mechanism and push rods, detachable cover for Rocker Box, improved arrangement of cylinder head layout, efficient silencer, and Chromium plating.
COME AND INSPECT IT AT
#
THE SINCERE Co., LTD.
SOLE AGENTS.
moving towards an era of lower commodity price levels. We must try and produce cheaper. Every
facts. I don't mean one particular branch of business, I mean industry in general. My views are based on observations in different parts of the world. It is the natural con- sequence of post-War conditions.
After a crisis such as we have pass- ed. through, there is always a gradual move towards lower com- modity price levels.
"We intend to pay a lot of atten- Smeed who accompanied me on the tion to that branch of business and boat, has come to this part of the it will be largely concerned with country specially to make observa- producing the type of chassis, and tions. He will study the conditions Mr. Ira here as well as in the Dutch East bodies, most suitable."
TRIM LINES
(Continued on next Column.) Indies."
NEW COLOURS sparkling PERFORMANCE
ALL at a remarkably low cost
1930
The 1930 Whippet is the leader in its price class-a car with smart, sweeping lines and harmo niously blended new colour. combinations.
In engineering, the Whippet is also far advanced, being the low- est-priced car to offer all these important features: Full force.
The Whippet
LOWER COST OF O EDATION
Agents !
GILMAN & CO., LTD.
4A, DES VEUX ROAD. TEL. C. 290.
WILLYS OVERLAND
feed lubrication, silent timing chain invar-strut pistons, oversize balloon tyres, "Finger-Tip Con- trol", and big four-wheel brakes. See the 1930 Whippet at the showroom of your nearest Willys- Overland dealer. He will be glad to arrange a demonstration at any timesuitable to your convenience.
PRICES
WHIPPET 4 CAR'
ROADSTER $1,760
5 PASS. SEDAN... $2,140 COUPE... 82,040 TOURER... $1,620
- CALL prices and spectheuttane
Garage & Service Station:
“DURO” MOTOR CO., LTD. 132, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON
TEL K. 226.
FINE
MOTOR
CARS