1929-06-26 — Page 3

20

MOTOR NOTES.

SUNSHINE SALOONS.

When the Singer Sunshine Saloon made it appearance at Olyrapis last year, there were sceptics who said that the apparatus would soon wear out. These gentlemen may be interested to hear that, at Olympia, the head of the car was raised and lowered over 3,000 times, and that after Olympia the car was sent to the Scottish Show where another thousand operations took place. It then went on. to demonstration work, covering a large mileage, and in all the apparatus has now bear worked over 5,000 times, After the 5,000th operation the mechanism appeared to be working as well as

ever.

In practice it has been found that, simple as is the Singer system, the owner-driver seldom raises or lowers the heed more than once or twice a week. The most energetic hood-winder could scarcely operate the mechanisin more than 300 times a year, and if this figure is taken as a maximum, it seems that the Singer

demonstration

has craurned ten years' life into the short space of six months! This record refutes the sceptics and would seem to prove that the system will last indefinitely.

car

It is often said, cypically, that England has only a one-day sum- mer, but from April to September, at any rate, there are days, and even weeks on end, when an open car is preferable to a closed one. With the Singer system a genuine

saloon ear can be converted into a genuine tourer by the turning of a handle-without the driver leaving his seat and without, even, it being

cessary for the car to be stopped. This is obviously a tremendous ad vantage and it is a feature, inciden- tally, which is still exclusive to this make of car.

|

THE CAR FOR OVERSEAS.

THE

13

The new Wolseley “Messenger Six represente a very real and de Auite bid on the part of Britain's leading ear_manufacturer, to gain for England the overseas markets of the world. Before its production was decided upon, the various countries were personally visited, and a careful and thorough study made on the spot of the local conditions and requirements. Much was learned, and much valuable. data collected, and as a result & can was produced expressly suitable for the conditions-one which could

go anywhere and do anything." Built by a firm who have built Sixes for twenty-two years, it "hae all the traditional quality and thoroughness of British manufac ture, but superimposed upon these are the finest principles of modern motor engineering-methods which naly modern research and unlimited resources, have made possible. It combines the most graceful lines and the smoothest riding qualities with an unrivalled degree of power and a sturdy rohustness never be fore achieved. The open-armed wel come it is everywhere receiving is the best possible proof that in the Wolseley Messenger Britain has at last solved the problem of the car for service overseas

RELIABILITY TRIALS.

The world still thrills at the mention of Major Segrave's won- derful speed record on Daytona Beach of 31 m.p.b., a speed hardly conceivable "even in these days of continuous breaking of records al most as soon as they have been

established.

In the motor cycling world simi- lar records are being established on the Brooklands track. These are Arst-class and are certainly having their effect on the prestige of the British-built motor cycle, but there is no doubt whatever about the fact that the Reliability WOMAN MOTORIST'S LOSS. Trials arranged as they are with the most abnormal canditions CHEQUE BOOK MISSING do testify to the reliability of the

AFTER GIVING A GIRL

average machine for traversing mountainous roads, bogland and A LIFT.

even ploughed fields. Surely if the machine will withstand this rough riding, its components must be the sturdiest and most reliable on the market.

the and

"I hope that you will forgive me; I have always wanted pretty things," was the ples of Nellie Kay, aged twenty-four, a French teacher, of Theobalds Road. Cardiff, at Marlborough Street Police Court.

when she was remanded on charges of stealing a banding,ontaining among other articles a cheque-book, and obtaining sable tie and à tennis frock hy false pretence,

It was stated that Kay was walk ing from Cardiff to London, and near Oxford Mrs. Beatrice Everitt, a motorist, gave her a lift. Kay left the car at Shepherd's Bush, and Mr. Everitt then missed her

bag. Kay, it was alleged, obtained the fur and the frock by means of cheques from the book. She was arrested when she presented a cheque signed "Augusta Davis at a bank.

Kay said that she was "hard up" and decided to walk to London..

"Oh, please God forgive me," she exclaimed. I thought if I made out the cheques I could have pretty things."

12 H.P.

The Colmore. Cup

Travers Challenge Trophy wore both won by Mr. D. K Mansell

the beat performance on 2

Norton machine fitted with Renold

chain.

The Victory Cup was similarly won by Mr. N. P. O. Bradley an

Sunbeam machine equipped with

the same chains,

Heartiest congratulations are due to the riders and to the manufac turers of the machines and their components.

THE RESULT OF SERVICE.

Some six months ago a Star "Flyer" chassis was sold through Messrs. John Burns & Co., Ltd., motor agents, of Auckland, New Zealand, to the Gisborne Tram- ways Board.. This vehicle gave such real service," to quote the words of the agents, that three more Star "Flyers" have recently been shipped to New Zealand.

Now

are

HONG KONG DAILY PRESS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26, 1929.

POPULAR TROLLEY- | TAXES AND LIGHT

'BUS.

·GOOD SPEED AVERAGE.

'ECONOMIC CHANGES.

* CARS.

THE 10-H.P. SWIFT.

The other day at a' luncheon given by Mr. Gordon England, ef} the body-building firm, there were present representatives of the three An exceptionally good report is political parties, each officially de- to hand concerning the "Karrier-tailed to present the motoring plank" of their respective plas- Clough" trolley bus, which, info, writes a London correspon cidentally, was produced some little | dext. time ago as the result of a lengthy All the speakers attacked the and careful collaboration between existing system of motor taxation.

but none, it was disappointing to Karrier Motors, Ltd-of six notice, on the ground that it is un- wheeler fame-and Messis, Cloughfairly heavy.

For the industry Smith &Co., Ltd., the old- there may be some consolation in the fact that only the Liberals established London firm of Con-threaten the perilous experiment of tractors and Electrical Engineers,

removing both import duties and horsepower tax at the same time, thereby throwing the British manu facturers naked to the American wolves.

Half a dozen of these machines ee hp. double-deck six-wheelers each accommodating 80 passengers have for the past six months been

A Bcion of the Horse-Power Tax. operated with every success by the Doncaster Corporation on the Beat- The much-abused horse-power tax ley section of their system. In spite has mothered a number of car of the fact that this particular models which would have poor chances of survival in that event. route entails a large number of

Among them are the smaller light stops-approximately 40 in a round

cars, not by American standards journey of 5.4 miles-it is found that an average speed of 9.5 m.p.h.,

cheap in first cost, but very cheap which includes all stops and a four-by any standard to run and main minute lay-over at the terminal loop can be maintained, whilst it is further interest to note that re- has shown an increase of over 20 per cent. compared with tant from the former service of

venue

trama.

18-it. Booms,

tain and garage, and in respect of depreciation, length of life and comfortable service. If the pressure of competition forced their makers to discontinue these models, their disappearance would be a real loss to the unique variety of the British market:

“STOP-GO." :

GARDEN ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNAL.

MOTORISTS' VIEWS.

To the layman, a considerable improvement is noticeable in the traffic conditions in the vicinity of Garden Road following the installa tion of the Aga "Stop-Go" signal This opinion is confirmed by a num ber of motorists who have been asked for their views.

A suggestion was made by ond motorist that the branch of a tree in the compound of Murray Bar- racks Mess, which overhangs the roadway and obstructs Queen'a Road traffic approaching the signal from the eastern side, might be removed.

Working clently.

The signal has been in operation during the past fortnight and has worked efficiently. Some details of its construction may, therefore, not be out of place. The Aga system 15 in use in many ports of the world as ar aid to navigation, and there are installations along the coast from the entrance to the harbour of Hong Kong,

Ships coming into barbour from

D.W.GRIFFITH'S

Lady & Pavements

with

WILLIAM BOYD

the eastern entrance are guided by JETTA GOUDAL LUPE VELEZ

This past week I have been try Positive and negative trollies with booms 16 feet in lengthing a good specimen of this class, the 10h.p. Swift. Swift of Coven- enable the vehicles to operate at a

try has been à famous, name in the

the flashing eye of an Aga light on distance of about 13 feet from the overhead line, and they can also be industry since its inception, and Limtong Island. Close to it is an driven on sections of the existing everybody, knows its radiator with Aga automatic carbonic acid-work- the sliced-off corners and trefoil tramways where there is only one positive wire. In this case, the re

badge. The firm has had its upsd fog bell, better known locally as and downe, and now confines its | Beckwith's fog bell, after the name turn circuit is formed by means of

14" a negative rail-skate which trails activities to two models, a

of the former Harbour Master, in the groove of the rail. Power and a 10" With these, the "10" ful sir-pressure brakes act on all in particular, it is making a gallant Commander A. Beckwith, R.N. four driving wheels of the Karrier- built chassis, the compressor being driven by a small motor which, by menus of an electrical governor, is eut out of action when pressure in the reservoir reaches & predeter- mined amount and is allowed to function again immediately the pressure begins to fall. As a fur- ther safeguard, an effective trans. mission brake is also fitted.

recovery.

Artist's Eye and Practical Mind. The car reminds me somehow of

As one enters the roads, the next Aga lighthouse, is sighted to port, at Cape Collinson. This is our of

the earlier installations in Hong Kong, and was erected before the war. On Channel Rock, not far off aikoo Dockyard, is another Äga

a plump and sturdy little cob, well bred and well groomed-only ne cob of my acquaintance ever de served the epithet pratty," which is not out of place when applied to either the Swift tourer or salcoa It is a pleasure to look at, and as light pleasant to ride it, so thoroughly. well is everything done. No scamp- It is not claimed that this tspeed work here, no saving on mate- of vehicle competes with a similar six-wheel petrol-driven vehicle of rials or finish. which type the "Doncaster Corpora tion also operate a number of Karrier double deckers except when dealing with heavy town traffic where. slopping places abound. For operation at a high speed, as between distant towns, the trolley 'bus would poor competitor and could not under such conditions be operated economically, but the above-men- tioned increase in revenue on the

very

Worked by Gas.

The system was later introduced to street traffic in order to meet The designer of the saloon had the need for a practical, easily- both an artist's eye and a practical worked and cheap, yet effective mind. All the seats are roomy sad all have pneumatic cushions. Those arrangement, and the Aga "Stop- in front are adjustable-fore and aft, Go" signal is one of the coin- but whatever their position the trivances adopted with success in rear passengers are not squashed, thanks to sunk foor. Many of many parts of the world, particu- these small saloons give one, a feel-larly in U.S.A. ing, physical or mental or both, cf being hunched up. The Swift gave me the impression of being much larger than in feet and inches it really brake are on the right, but the driver can use his dear without any contortions.

19. Gear level and hand

Main parts of the installation consist of accumulator box and gas accumulator, post with turning shaft inside for the operating of the signal, "Stop" and "Go"

boards, lantern with lens, screen-

Bentley route, along with the fact that the Corporation have recently ordered a further six "Karrier Clough" machines, is not without import, and proves that where,

Sifce last year there have been there is available a cheap source of

some small changes in the engine, ing lamellas, Aga flash apparatus electric power and the necessary overhend equipment, the trolley which is now said to give to brake and signal glasses. The light- omnibus can replace the traffic-hp, and the performance of the signalling apparatus comprises gas car has been greatly improved by obstructing tram, with great bene fit to operating authority and road the adoption of a four-speed gear accumulator, pressure regulator, box. A good clutch, very light in flash apparatus, les," and gas action, and a clutch stop make gear-pipes. changing quite easy, and the gearn are really useful.

user alike,

is the time

to buy your Car.

Austin

CARS

famous throughout the world for Speed, Comfort, Economy and Reliability.

ALEX. ROSS & CO.

(CHINA), LTD.

PRINCE'S BUILDING.

TEL

KOWLOON GARAGE &SHOWROOM

TEL.

1496.

The source of energy for the signal light is dissolved acetylene,

Speed, Brakes, and Springs. While the ear makes no pretene, acetylene, dissolved in acetone sions to speed, I got the speedo and compressed in a boat cylinder meter needle up to 53 m.p.h. under filled with a porous material An favourable conditions, but 35-40

seemed its most pleasant speed, accumulator of the type in use local- though I had the feeling that whenly holds 600 litres of gas. The gas it had done another thousand miles consumption of the flas" "ight flame or so it would run more sweetly when pressed. Hills call for an in- is 1.6 litre per working hour. The telligent use of the gears if you pilot-flame, burning all the 24 hours want to climb quickly, but the gal- of the day, uses 10 litres of gas laat little engine will carry on to the last gasp on top without knock during that period. ing or thumping.

the signal.

Screen Plates.

Stop"

THE love story of a Queen of the cafes

and a Prince of the blood!

SPECIAL VOCAL EFFECTS BY

AT THE

MISS DORIS WOODS

QUEEN'S

TO-DAY TO SATURDAY -At 2.80, 5.10, 7.15 & 9.20.

THE GAY COMEDY of a chorus girl who posed as the daughter of a baroness at Monte Carlo!

CORINNE GRIFFITH

IN

THE GARDEN OF EDEN

AT THE

UPERB COLOUR SCENES

WORLD

TO-DAY & TO-MORROW

at 280, 5.10, 7.15 &′ 8.20.-

A COMEDY-DRAMA that mirrors the fads, fancies

and foibles of up-to-date femininity !

THE

BEAUTY SHOPPERS

AT THE

with "

MAE BUSCH, WARD CRANE

STAR

FINAL SHOWINGS TO-DAY

PETER PAN IN A NEW CUISE.

Pan-like qualitie

At 5.30 & 9.20.

COAL OIL.

Gradually, but with certainty, the

The brakes are first-class. Lady

In the corners of the drivers will enjoy the ease with which they can be applied, and the and, "Go" boards there are four kand-brake which operated separate screen plates, which do not revolve abocs on the rear wheels," an un- common refinement in a car of this with the boards, and which are so size, is very much more than a placed that only one of the boards

is visible to each stream of traffic. On a building site in Millbank, economic treatment of coal is pro mere parking brake. The suspen- This prevents mistakes which might London, is an old prewar Holis-gressing, and it will not be many years before this country is pro sion is equally good. This is one arise if both "Stop" and a Royce working under conditions ducing a very large quantity of oil of the most difficult problems cou- fronting the light-car designer, but Go" board should be visible at that must surely emphasise its Peter and the people will be using amoke- swift rides really, well over all the same time when approaching This engine is providing the mo- is now the case, remarks The Motor less fuel much more generally than

roads and at all speeds.

tive power for an air compressor Altogether, a thoroughly comfort. Another important feature of the mounted on the chassis frame in At places where the new fuel is obtainable the reports are that de- "little car, econ signal is that it can be put out of place of the old-fashioned body mand is greatly in excess of supply able and "nice

mical to rus-ite m.p.8. is 22-35 function in a moment. The light is The air compressor is used to em- and that once. it is used the de- aad easy to look after, and as extinguished by means of an easily ploy a number of pneumatic drills

mand is continued... Swifts have scores of enthusiastic accesible cock, and the lettered

And is in continual use day and The developments in these direc- owners in the wilds of Africa, its rides of the four signboards can night. We understand that the amendability and durability may be turned inwards by one single chassis was built in 1909, and al- tione, curiouely mough, adds our be taken as proved. There are movement, the boards being con- most until the date of its conver.contemporary, are not making any numerous body shapes and almost rected to each another by a conical son it was running continuously sole market at present, and it is

appreciable impression on the ben innumerable--colour schemes to bevelled gear. This feature of con- on the road. Its mileage cannot bo choose from at prices between 8220 struction is necessary owing to the under a quarter of a million, and zot quite clear why this is so. The home produced Equid fuel is ex- and 2295.

fact that the police officer on point is probably considerably in exempt from the tax, but the consumer duty might quite suddenly have to of this. In erite of this, the car of benzole is paying it all the same. leave his poet.

is just setting out on an entirely I would be interesting to know

19

INDICATING 'BUS STOPS.

There seems little doubt that if new and useful life and provides a through what channels the increased the traffic authorities are convinced striking confirmation of the com- quantities of borzole reach the of the usefainces of the system monly sopted truism that a Rolls market and the consumer. 'Bus Passengers are complaining after a more lengthy trial, we Royce car never wears out. bitterly of the difficulty of recogniz should see these Aga light signals The horse-power required to ing villages and other stopping at other street interesections in drive the compressor is about 25, places along country routes which Hong Kong. A locality with con- which is something under half lond bination is considerably less than are badly illuminated, and it is ditions almost identical in street for this Rolls-Royce engine, whilst the purchase price of the usual type. suggested by The Commercial Motor formation is the junction of Queen's the petrol consumption is found to of mobile compressor plant. that the names of the various stops Road East and Arsenal Street, be as low as two gallons of petrol Messrs. Mowiem also state that should be situated at the roadside where the old type of signal systemmnn hour. Another item taken into the usefulness of the chassis does not and arranged in some form of re- seems to occasionally provs account by Messra, John Moslem, end here, as, there being now no Bex lettering whim wond row youre of worry moteris on the contractors.boats the origing need for a gear box, this unit has

early in the compcrarely brigently precation find her or very sebepressed

salt- light emitted from most modern was established that the light was tion is that the cost of this com into a travelling craze for use with "buses.

defective in its operation.

(Continued af foot of next column); | a small 1;500 ce, Azzani povez wit.