Loose Leaves.
Page 2
Page 3
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
AMONGST the many suggestions for limiting the speed of commercial vehicles which have been put forward recently in the correspondence columns of the daily Press, one of the most futile and dangerous is that for a mechanical governor by which the speed would be limited to the maxi, mum permitted by the law, and we are surprised to note, that amongst the writers there are a few names well known in the motor industry. We are fairly sure, however, that they cannot have had any experience of driving a governed vehicle.
In the case of a comparatively slow lorry it may not be so difficult, but for a coach or fast bus to be definitely limited in this manner is actually dangerous. Momentary acceleration to a speed above that at which a vehicle normally 7 travels issometimes essential to avoid accident, and when this extra speed is required it is most disagreeable End disconcerting for a driver to find that the engine suddenly cuts out," or that the brakes are automatically applied—an arrangement suggested by some genius with more ideas than experience.
ONLY a few weeks ago we referred to the experi
ences of a man who sent his luggage by train and was somewhat surprised at the charges made. We had an unfortunate experience in this direction.
al8 Wishing to proceed on holiday in Devonshire, we consigned a cabin trunk to the tender mercies of the railway, and were assured that it would be at its destination in three to four days. Actually, it took seven, putting us to considerable inconvenience. Between the same stations on the return journey it took only four days. When we complained to the agents in Devonshire we were informed that we were comparatively lucky, as there were many cases far worse than ours. , IN making a personal driving test on a ear equipped with the remarkable Robertson torquecontrolled universal gear, which we described recently, we were struck by its potentialities for use by drivers who have had the misfortune to lose one or both of their nether limbs, for the throttle lever, which constitutes the chief means ofcontrol, could just as easily be mounted on the steering wheel instead of taking the form of an accelerator pedal.
EVEN those amongst us who have not travelled in our Dominions quite realize that the road conditions obtaining in some parts of them must be peculiar, but it may be news to many that in Australia it is sometimes necessary to proceed in reverse at A good speed for distances of five miles or more, this, of course, when other vehicles are met head-on where passing is impossible. How many reverse gears would stand this treatment? In the case of one of our most famous cars every one of a hatch tore out its reverse pinion when subjected
to. this trial, the small bearings not being in,tided for such lengthy periods of use. This will -give some idea of the requirements which may ha e to be met in overseas service; there are, of co rse, many others, such as ample clearance and a rack width that will enable a vehicle to run wit its wheels in the ruts made by other traffic—a oint which does net always receive consideration. WE have decided in our own minds that the town is 'quieter than the ceuntry." Staying laLt week' at a place where there Was remarkably little road traffic, we were awakened at 4.30 am.. by a most , strident cockcrow, which was certainly far worse than many motor horns. To add to our discomfort, the challenge was taken up throughout the surrounding 'district.