1931-09-24 — Page 3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1931.

18,000 MILES IN AFRICA.

Trip of a Correctly Lubricated Car.

A NEW RILEY.

"Army" Model Available

to the Public.

A new Riley touring car has just been announced. It is known as successful the aimple but sufficient reason that it is an exact replica of the 9 h.p. cars which the company la supply ing to the War Office.

Surely one of the most ambitious journeys ever undertaken must be that brought to a termination by Mr. F. W. Hockey. Mr. Hockey, who used an Austin Seven, has provided us with his of the story which, by reason duration of the trip and the nature of the try traversed. in of some considerable length.

Behind the introduction of this car there is a wealth of interesting history. Some two years ago the military authorities took delivery of a standard Riley Nine tourer with a view to putting it through its paces. They tested it vigorously for cross-country performance, etc., and then suggested modifications. These were effected, and the car, in its new form, was delivered in July,

1929.

Once again it was put through the most merciless tests for a dis- tance

Mr. Hockey purchased new Austin Seven touring model in Johannesburg a fow weeks before he started on his journey, and apart from providing for a reserve aupply of petrol and the carrying of a second spare wheel, no other alterations were made.

The scene of the start was Johannesburg which was left behind

of 10,000 miles, all over on August 31, 1929, no fewer than seventy-five Austin Sevens forming ploughed fields, up freak gradients, an escort. The first part of the in deep sand, through hedges, across journey was particularly strenuous ditches and so forth. It passed by reason of the loose sandy nature these tests satisfactorily und in July of the tracks and the terrific wind last year first contract was storms encountered, but Nairobi placed. Since then orders for fur- was eventually reached without any ther quantities have been placed by trouble being experienced. Mr. the War Office from time to time Hockey spent four months in Nairobi securing photographs of nature and animal life.

The departure from Nairobi was made at the commencement of the rainy season, and as Mr. Hockey left his passenger behind at Nairobi, the prospects of carrying on alone not of the brightest. This part of the journey was marked by extremely rough going, the roads being nothing more than a tangle

of ruts and pot holes.

were

the

cora natural- Lhey nre suitable for

and "Army" models have become familiar sights in the Riley works.

The performance of the

ig stuff on Yough

and ly amazing, thue particularly overseas conditions: it was thie that decided the manufacturers, to offer exactly, similar models to the public.

In most respects the new "Army" model has the specification of the standard 9 h.p. tourer, but it has much larger tyres-31 ina. x 25 ins.

and a greater back axle reduction. this making the gear rather lower than that of the standard car. Even so, however, a apead of 60 m.p.l. is possible.

The increase in the wheel.size raises the ground clearance to no less than 11% Ins. so that extreme- ly rough going can be negotiated; the springs, too, have been specially strengthened. The cars are finish- ed in green, and the hood and side curtains are of normal pattern, except that the rear light can be rolled up to allow improved ventila- tlon a distinct asset when the cars are used in tropien! countries.'

This "go-anywhere" model should do much to enhance the prestige of British cars overseas, by reason of Its superior performance on any sort of going whilst it has "the Bri- tish light car's economy. It should also prove popular amongst compet!- tton drivers, who will find it ideal for the tracks and gullies beloved by trials organisers.

On arrival at lloima, where ter rific rain storms were encountered, the speedometer showed that 10,000 miles had been covered. So heavy was the rain that the wind-screen- wiper was useless, the only way to proceed in safely being to open the windscreen. At Bangassu Mr. Hockey was informed that for the next 900 miles of his journey no supplies of petrol would be avail- able, so that every possible gallon Wis taken

on board before de-

The South African Railways ad- parture. At Archambault Mr. Hockey "found" cight gallons of ministration has converted to sic-, petrol, for which he had to pay 9s.tual rail service a fleet of two dozen per gallon.

A MORRIS RAILWAY FLEET.

Morris models, sua means of en- suring the Independent, rapid and economical transport of its officials over a wide network of metals.

Some idea of the conditions which obtained may be appreciated, from the fact that at Fort Lamy the

These interesting conversions are thermometer registered 130° in the shade, At Jos a special permit had equipped with specially robust axles to be obtained as the roads were and flanged wheels, to cope with closed owing to the rainy season. the formidable shocks and stresses In consequence the camel track was produced by the passing of the vehicles over railway points, na used, which meant miles of second gear work. On the way to Kaduna compared with ordinary road work. The original road springs, shock from Jos numerous

of awarms

and gear locusts were seen, a sight that Mr. absobere, differentials

ratios have been retained, however, Hockey says was somewhat awe- inspiring. Twenty miles from Kano, the diameter of the rear wheels boing the same as that of the orl- the next point on the route, a tornado struck the little Austin ginal road wheels. Seven, the car being almost lifted off the road. So heavy was the rain at this point that Mr. Hoskey could only see a few yards ahead of the

car..

The last stage of the journey was from Kano to Jebba by rail, ae there is no and from Kaduna. From Jobba the journey was continued by road to Lagos via Ibaddan, the largest native city in Africa, and so ended a trip of 18.726 miles cover ed In eleven months.

Frontal alterations have taken the form of small and substantial wheels to mitigate trouble caused by stones on the ralls, while steering has naturally been done away with. To reverse direction, Jacks are en- gaged with centre of gravity sockets litted to special sub-frames, and the cars lifted bodily and turned round.

Fuel consumption averages 80-33 P8. A speed limit of 80 m.p.h. is imposed for light. rall motor- trolleys, but, these Morris "converta"

THE CHINA

A FATAL SLEEP.

Racing Driver Who Dozed.

*

In the 10,000 kilometre European reliability trial organised by the German Automobile Club, out of a team of nine, eight Ford entrants won first-class awards, and "one second-class. The whole were awarded the team price for the most consistent performance, irrespec- tive of class, price or type.

&

The route covered is considered by many to be one of the most gruelling in Europe, and the Ford type of springing played no small One part in achieving success, German driver dozed at the wheel when doing about 80 m.p.h. in. Spain. His car left the road and hit a tree; the driver was killed and the mechanic seriously injured.

The awards were announced at a banquet at which the members of the winning. Ford team were hon- oured by the president.

"DON'TS" FOR DRIVERS.

To the Inexperienced motor; ist practically the whole dic tionary seems to be full of "don'ts," but there is little doubt that the longer one motors the more one realises the importance of this little word. The following collec- tion of don'ts," varying from the safety first aspect to the welfare of the car and better driving methods, are worthy of the attention of all motor- ists.

Don't try to get too great a, milenge out of a gallon of oil. It won't pay you. One often hears and fends of drivers who get anything up to 5,000 miles out of a gallon of oll, and this without changing the lubricant in the sump.. No- thing is said, however, about the wear which takes place in the engine under these condi- tions If the motor is to have B reasonable 'chance of trouble-free life the oll should be changed every 1,000 miles, and, for city driving, every 500.

Don't be tempted to buy cheap, unbranded oil; it will probably turn out rather ex- pensive in the end.

Don't neglect points that need lubrication merely be cause they are almost in- accessible.

Don't be afraid of gear changing. If you have not the knack of getting the lever across silently take a couple of lessons and get it. It will save you money, and will add materially to your driving pleasure.

Don't forget that you owe R measure of consideration and all reasonable courtesy to all other road users.

Don't drive in such a way as to splash pedestrians or other road users with mud if it is at all practicable to avoid do ing 80.

By keeping your wheels out of the worst pot holes and going slowly in muddy places you can avoid a lot of inconvenience to other people.

Don't reverse without pre- viously giving yourself, the #all clear."

Don't forget that your per sonal comfort is an important factor to your safety as road- using unit,

Don't drive on one brake only. Use each alternately and gently.

Don't abuse the use of the horn, or Imagine that its warning gives any automatic right of way at cross roads. All the best drivers uso a 'minimum' of such wounds, emergencies excepted, of course.

MAIL.

Those who have ridden in this new Buick, are amazed at the unusual degree of comfort and the marvellous performance of

The BUICK 8

The Eights with Buick's Prestige

No matter which model or series you choose ---- you can expect the quality that has made Buick the outstanding value in its price class for over 25 years. This adherence to Buick quality from the beginning has developed confidence in the public mind—” confidence that causes thousands of Buick owners to buy Buick again and again.

114" Wheelbase Buick Models. H.K.$6,955 to H.K. 7,525 118" Wheelbase Buick Models H.K.$8,275 to H.K.$ 8,775 124" Wheelbase Buick Models H.K.$9,820 to HK$ 9,980 132" Wheelbase Buick Models H.K.$9,820 to H.K.$12,295

THE DRAGON MOTOR CAR CO., LTD.

Telephone 30228.

39. WONG NEI CHUNG ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.

MOTOR SCIENCE.

'Varsity Don in Motor

Shop.

A university- don from the New World has come to the ancient seat of learning of the Old to devote himself to the practical application of science to industry.

He is Dr. G. L. Kelloy, until lately one of the professors at Harvard, the great University of America. He has come to Oxford, where are the works of the Pressed Stoel Company of Great Britain, to apply his knowledge of metallurgy to the production of pressed steel bodies for British motor-cars.

Here he is supervising experi- mental and research work,' and in a chat with an Oxford reporter in mail week he said he had no qualms about foranking an academic life for Industry, with which, for some. years, he had been in close contact in America.

British Workmen-Excellent.

"I have not yet been in England long enough to form convictions,” he added, "but my observations have led me to the opinion that the salvation of British industry les largely in the development by mass production in which the United States has led the way.

"You have some very definite ád- vantages your British workers, for example, are excellent, and con- siderably in advance of the general level in America, where the men of many races, many illiterate, and most difficult to instruct, constitute a real workshop problem.

"It is casential. however, that you

In summing up, Mr. Hockey says are naturally capable of exceeding Don't overtake on corners,should keep up to the highest pos

that he used Mobiloli. "BB" for the

engine and gear-box of his Austin}·

this figure considerably.

Seven, and that not the slightest MORE DISTINGUISHED OWNERS

trouble was experienced throughout, Little or no difficulty was experi enced in securing supplies of oll

from start to finish, in spite of

OF HUMBERS.

Three recent additions, to the al- ready lengthy list of distinguished

even if some one waves you

on, or tintil you know from your own observation that the road is clear.

.... Don't play with, the adjust- ments on your car urlem yoB koow how to do it,

sible level the purchasing power of your people and, so maintain de mand. Like most Americans. I be lieve in high wages and in getting foremen to ace that they are earned. It is one of the essential factors, in keeping up the power of the con sumer to bay what is produced And, of course, with high wares must go Increased output."

the fact that Mr. Hockey gave no Humber car owners include Sir shoot after abset, Into Buge ma advance Information regarding his

Clive Wigram, K.C.V.O... C.B. (Aachines, and shaped, as though it A Developing Industry. project.

Blatant Private Secretary and were cardboard, into various.

The making of pressed steel This is a very one story of re- liability, both of a popular British Equerry to His Majesty the King), sections which, welded together, bodies in cars, upon which, at the small car and of Mobiloil as, with Commander Harold George, Camp emerge as the body of a car-the Oxford factory the company em- the exception of one broken spring bell, D.5.0., R.N. (Equerry to lightest and strongest it is claimed, ploys 8,000 men, working at ma- and three punctures, no trouble of H.R.H. The Duke of York), both of on the road. It may bend, but it chinery costing about £500,000, is

developing rapidly, adven any klud was experienced."

whom have purchased 16/60 h.p. will not fracture. Nineteen gallons of Mobiloil "B" models, and the Rt. Hon. Bir The appointment of an overseas were used, which works put at Just Malcolm Robertson, P.C., G.C.M.G., scientist to the oversight of such over 985 miles to the gallon. hir, who has taken delivery of a Human important industry is a step Mockey drained the crank-case three ber Thrupp & Maberly Limousine which will be watched with con-

siderable interest. I'de Ville. times during the journey.

Pressed atcel, most of which fa specially made at the Newport (Mon.) works of Lysaghts, is fed (Continued at foot of preceding Column.)

Beautiful Cars

GOOD CARS ·

8-10

BUILT TO LAST A LONG,

Advancing Traditional Excellence LONGER WHEELBASES give gracious riding comfort and smart, feel appearance-DOUBLE-DROP FRAME, box-type, provides low-wung grace and great strength of chassis--ADVANCED PERFORMANCE from engines of greater power and greater efficiency-MONO-PIECE STEEL BODIES, Insulated, jointless and squeakless, ez- tremely strong; with exceptional upholstery sad other fine appointments-INTERNAL-EXPANDING HYDRAU- LIC BRAKES, weatherproof, positive, self-equalizing,

LONG TIME

THE New Dodge Six and Eight are designed and built on the principle that whatever will make for greater satisfaction to owners will add to Dodge Brothers.good, will and prestige. Dodge engineers deliberately set their standards higher. than is ordinarily considered necessary. A finer material--a closer limit of precision--a - more

careful operation-a more exacting test-these are the reasons why Dodge cars can be driven with pleasure for a long, long time. 5 And the beauty of the New Dodge Six and Eight coo- tributes to lasting satisfaction, for their harmony of line, balance and proportion assures that their style will be good style for many seasons.

DODGE BROTHERS

SIX

AND

EIGHT

SOUTH CHINA MOTOR CAR CO.

Tel. 25644.

33, Des Voeux Road Central.

Tel 25644.