MOTORING
SUPPLEMENT
OF
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH.
SATURDAY, 10th SEPTEMBER, 1927.
Being The Official, Organ of
THE HONGKONG AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION.
Kowloon's Buses.
ALISE
CURRENT
COMMENT
Taipo Bridge.
RAILWAYS AS ROAD
CARRIERS.
Companies' Bid for New Powers.
THE AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION.
Synopsis of Annual Report, 1927.
(Special Report to The Hongkong Telegraph.)
sums at frontiers in respect of duties on motor vehicles.
Membership was increased by 40,126.
The total membership to-day is 344,483.
Carnet facilities have been ex- tended by the addition of Austria, During April, the last month of Germany, the Irish Free State and the financial year, over 11.000 Norway, and, thanks to excellent motorista were elected as new menu-arrangements made with the Spán: bers.
ish Government; members can now have A.A. triptyques for Spunish
Considerable opposition is likely to be aroused by the decision of the The large type buses which The news that the Taipo bridge railway companies to seek Parlia mentary powers enabling them to been are such an attractive feature of temporary structure had
operate road motor services un- Kowloon's passenger service are damaged by the typhoon to such hampered by the present restric
The latter, which are im- giving every satisfaction, and with an extent as to render traffic imtions.
posed by statute, severely limit the the number gradually increasing passable, was no great surprise to companies, and recent attempts to as time goes on, residents on the those well acquainted with the go beyond those limits have met
It is now many with mark hostility. mainland have every reason to be New Territories.
It is to be proud of the modern transporta- months since the temporary bridge noted that the present is the first tion facilities provided. Ex-was erected, pending the erection occasion on which all the railway perience will doubtless teach the of a new one. Long and patient companies have acted together in the matter, although they
lately taken comme Companies concerned that it pays has been the wait for the open-have to purchase superior types ofing of the new bridge. vehicles, and although small buses indeed cheering to read that the representations to the Govern- satión, are more economical on the lesser question as to whether the new ment concerning the aromalies cycles, Road Service Outfits and
same plea for bridge can be quickly finished, or of the situation, and have also en-supervising staff cars, covered doubled.
used routes, the quality applies.
Garages.
Road Service.
It is action in regard to making The A.A. Road Service Organi
on its various vehicles,
whether the "temporary bridge deavoured, with some success, to during the year over 20 million
secure the co-operation of the rail- miles.
severe.
During the Easter holidays alone, over 187,000 members recely- ed roadside assistance.
toure.
Ireland. Membership in Ireland nearly
AA Road Patrols gradually. penetrating the country; over 4,000, road signs erected.
Irish members now have their own handbook.
Scotland.
Equally good work done in Scot land; AA. patrols on practically all Scottish main roads.
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shall be replaced, is being con-way trade unions. Their latest sidered. It is to be hoped that the step is of the more interest as it The Police and Fire Brigade new bridge will win. The new follows so closely on the policy of
Over 200 additional Road Patrols reducing shortdistance fares in dis- Oficials are now inspecting gar-structure is a distinct improve tricts where motorcoach and om- engaged for the 1927 season, Sp ages, and all garage owers are ment on the original one, which nibus competition is particularly that every road of importance in
succombed to the 1923 typhoon.
England, Wales and Scotland is required to be in possession of It will have an extra span, with It is rather unfortunate that the continuously patrolled by A.A. a permit. sary that restriction be placed in resistance to the water.
A.A. Road Service was extended It is obviously neces- narrower supports, offering leas position should have become obs
At this cured by interminable arguments by the provision of super-telephone
Free Legal Defence. cases where the storage of a car
s to whether the railwaye, in their boxes, illuminated signposts, also spot the water swings round a capacity of local ratepayers, are "safety posts" installed on the new One of the greatest privileges of presents a danger to domestic curve, just before reaching the subsidising their highway competi- arterial roads, which after dark A.A. membership, Free Legal De- dwallings, especially in tenement bridge, with the result that during tors by contributing more than they can be extremely dangerous on fence, widely called upon by mem- districts, and all possible pre-stormy weather there was great should towards the cost of main their crossroads and corners. bors.
Over 55,000 AA road signs pressure at one end. The one taining and repairing the roads
This erected in the British Isles, af·· fire risks. The question does bank has been dug away to enable used by those competitors. arise, however, that both Hong the water to diverge more, thus has really nothing to do with the which 12,000 were erected during The Association is strengthened kong and Kowloon are seriously making the pressure more even, matter, the point at issue being the past year.
whether arbitrary and narrow res- Powerful carbide fog flares now in its decision to carry on the lacking in garage accomodation,
and preventing it from converging trictions on the provision of road issued to all patrols at telephone fight for reinstitution of the Petrol and every encouragement should doubt that the new bridge will services by railway companies are boxes situated on country cross-Tax by the unanimity of members
caution must be taken to avoid
on the one sile.. There is au
Touring. Over 400,000 home routes issued to members, or accounting for 164 million road miles.
Petrol: "Tax.
on this important matter. Analysis of 100,000 renlies received to the Association's recent Questionnaire to members showed 97% in favour of petrol taxation.
Road Fund,
be given to the construction of stand up
not injurious to the interests both roads and danger points. to any Hongkong of their shareholders and the public buildinga for the purpose. With-weather, and will solve the diffThe restrictions are certainly illo- gical, since they often make it im- possible for the companies to pro- vide useful supplementary facilities to their train services in districts where road transport is in need of
The series of "A.A." Day Drives; now embraces 200 centres.
Following the diversion of a huge development. This applies to both
Following special' and reciprocal sum from the Road Fund for other goods and passenger traffic.
arrangements between the Associa- purposes, the Association organiz- As an instance of the difficulties tion and various foreign Govern-ed a Pelition to Parliament-which which the companies, have to enments and Motoring Organisations, was signed by 860,000 road users counter, the fate may be cited of members can travel throughout urging that any surplus beyond re- the Bill promoted a few years ago Europe with minimum of delay or quirements for road construction by the companies now forming the inconvenience, avoid the obligation and maintenance, should be devoted London, Midland and Scottish. to take out local licences etc, and to the reduction of the existing
are not called upon to lodge large' motor taxes..
in the next few years, motor culty once and for all. vehicles will probably increase A New Car. to double their present number, The announcement of a new and the problem of garaging them model by a well-known car manu is indeed a vital one. As far as facturer always arouses consider Kowloon is concerned, that stretchable interest, and the intimation of vacant land along the railway, that the makers of the famous opposite the
Peninsula Hotel Chevrolet have arranged for a new appears to be an ideal location, type to be sold in Hongkong, should there being room for both garaging arouse even more interest. We un- and parking spaces. The matter derstand, that this late model has is probably one for private enter-new lines, new finish and new de- prise, and we hope it will not be sign of numerous important operat- They did not ask for unreasonable long before something is done. ing parts and other unexpected powers, and the extent to which. changes. The Chevrolet slogan they were willing to meet opposition Bean Vehicles.
"For Economical Transportation" is illustrated by the undertaking China is among twelve countries is well-known, but, the makers now which they gave that no new road to show that with vehicles required would be built at to place immediate orders for the propose new 30 cwt. Benn commercial economical transportation one may their own "shops," but that the con- have also comfortable and even tracts would be given to outside vehicle which was sponsored by
luxurious transportation.. The makers. After protracted argu- Sir Robert Hadfield at Tipton, arrival of these cars will be await-ments, the Ministry of Transport Dare is roaming about England cars for the first six months of England, in June, in a speech in
sprang a surprise by insistence on ignorant of the fact that a brand which he vigorously defended the ed with much interest..
British manufacturer against A Fiat Win accusations of neglect of overseas;
PRIZE WINNER LOST, CAR OUTPUT AHEAD.
Some one of the name of Alan
With a production of 1,744,040
a clause providing that the railways new Wolseley Motor Car is await- 1927, the automobile industry has should in no case charge less than ing him as his prize in a récent exceeded its 1926, figures for this
period by almost 10 per cent. -* other purveyors of road services; competition.
As this would have stifled effective competition, the Bill was with-
markets. Overseas purchasers, of The Hongkong Agents for Fiat a cable this week course, have not yet seen the cars received chassis, which is of entirely new from Monza, Italy, stating that the design, but are relying on experi-Grand Premio Race, one of the most drawn.-Ex. ence of the old 25 cwt. Bean lorry, important Italian racing events, coupled no doubt with confidence was won by a Fiat car.
in the name of Hadfields, the Canadian Buicks. Sheffield steel firm,.. which now controls Bean Cars, Ltd.
Flying Squad.
TAXI DRIVER'S FEAT.
A Midnight Dash to London.
From the
Dragon Motor learn Car Company, Ltd., we
of that the initial shipment
1928 Buicks Cars will The announcement of the dis-the. banding of the Flying Squad and soon be here, although every
In a thrilling night dash to the recent amalgamation of the car has found an owner before, ar- members with the Special Police rival. Other shipments have, of London to take a lady from New- Reserve shows that an effort is course, been arranged for. It is port to the bedside of her dying being made to bring the special interesting to note that these cars mother a driver accomplished the police of the Colony under one have been produced in the Buick distance of 166 miles in the re- head. While the idea may not Company's Canadian factory, and markable time of 4 hours 50 mins., find favour with some, who would they bear the "Maple Leaf" which making an average speed of 35 prefer the Flying Squad to remain mainly distinguishes them from miles per hour.
The car, which plies for hire in a separate unit, yet the general the output of the American plant. idea is sound. Much more can be There are several important and Newport, was a two year old four- co-attractive features confined to the teen-thirty Armstrong Siddeley, accomplished with operation than could be attained Canadian models, and they are and was one of a fleet of cars were the two bodies to remain sure to attract favourable atten- which assisted in the distribution
of newspapers during the general· separate. When the Flying Squad tion when they arrive.
strike last year.
closer
was first started a great deal of enthusiasm was shown in Hong- kong, although it must be admitted
that the movement did not make such headway, on the Peninsula. Of the 37 members of the Hong- kong section, nearly
all
CANADA'S ROADS
JUMP.
"have re-joined as members From a few hundred miles of
LOCK YOUR CAR.
Canada cars are an
On the grounds that unlocked open invitation for of the
section, at new
the improved roads in 1917, time of writing, and it is confi has jumped its total to 126,269 theft, the National Automobile dently expected that the remaining milos. Of this amount, 47,177 Chamber of Commerce U.S.A., hus started a campaign urging each seven will come into line with the miles are gravel road and 7,500 are
car owner to lock his car when not zest,
of macadam and concrete,
In use,
21
WELL SIR-
IF YOU'RE GOIN'
IN THAT THING
I DON'T THINK
YOU'LL EVER GIT THERE
HOW LONG DOES IT
TAKE TO GET
RIDGEVILL
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
"፦
FORE-WHEEL BRAKES, THROTTLE
-CONTROLLED MECHANICAL
OILER AND AIR-CLEANER
are prominent advancements.
SPECIAL SPORT SOLOS ARE
LEADERS
FIRST SHIPMENT ARRIVING 20th. SEPTEMBER By the S. S. "EMPRESS
OF CANADA."
BOOK YOUR MOUNT NOW.
THE GASCON MOTOR CO.,
2 Kwong Wah Road (Opposite The Steam Laundry)
Telephone K.1242.
REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN ON ALL MAKES OF MACHINES.
Take Bus Route No 7. (Passes Door).
Mobiloil
Make the chart your pile
When You Say:
Give Me A Gallon of Oil."
·You Forget-
Poor Oil Breaks Down
A blast of power! A smashing explosion! A one-ton force applied to the heads of your pistons a concentrated pressure of shatter- ing force,
2,500 of these pressure forces exerted every minute you, travel in the average car at 20 miles per hour-5,000 at 40 miles.
If you could see how ordinary olls collapse under this work and heat, you would never again say merely, "Give me a gallon of oil", ¡No!
You'd never again take chances on olls that are good enough under favourable conditions but not good. enough under spurts of speed, or long fast driving, or in climbing long steep hills.
Remember this the very next time you buy oil; Mabiloil is s specialized LUBRICATING QIE Mobiloll retains its lubricating value at the highest speeds Mobiloll lubricated the planen used by the US. Ariny "Round" the World" filers, by Commander Byrd, when he flew to the North Pole, and by Capt. Lindbergh in his thrilling fight from New York to Paris.
VACUUM OIL CO.