TOPICAL NOTES.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 12, 15 January 1924, Page 10

TOPICAL NOTES.

"Sparkwell has been informed that half the proceeds of the Auckland Motor Trades Association's Motor Olympia, which is to be opened on February 3 in the Prince's wharf shed 21, are to be devoted towards the funds of the Auckland War Memorial. This, I am sure, will meet with tlie wishes of all motorists and the general public. The Auckland Automobile Association's Northern motor tour was commenced.on Saturday last, and provided the weather remains fine those members who are taking part should have a most enjoyable time. The cars left Auckland on Saturday, and made Whangarei the same evening. On Sunday they left for Kawa Kiiua, and yesterday they went by train and launch to Russell, and are remaining there all day to-day. Tomorrow the car? are to leave again for Kawa Kawa, and then on to Kaitaia. On arrival there the remainder of the itinerary will be drawn up. The numerous motor accidents attributed to tyre blowouts raises two important questions:—Are the accidents caused through using too small and light-weight tyres, or are the mishaps the results of careless driving on corners! An inspection of a number of cars on the road discloses the fact that many cars are undershod for New Zealand road conditions, thereby putting an undue strain on the tyres, which in many instances are also too lightly constructed to withstand rough usage on our roads and trackß. As regards careless driving being responsible for many accidents, thsre is no doubt that such is the case. Inexperience phis lack of judgment is the chief cause of the trouble. One has only to watch many motorists taking turns at speed to realise that owning a car does not necessarily mean that the man at the wheel is a competent driver. Few inexperienced carists are good judges of pace, and therein lies the danger. The man who is continually driving on the brakes and swishes around corners, thereby throwing an enormous lateral strain on the tyres, is the individual who, sooner or later, strikes trouble, and unfortunately, it is not always the culprit who comes off worst. If investigation could be carried far enough, it would be found that few motorists who have graduated from the bicycle or motor cycle meet serious mishap through their own negligence, their experience of pace and the realisation of where danger lurks preventing them from taking undue risks. A powerful car in the hands of a "won't be told," or "won't learn" driver, is a loaded magazine of trouble. Let the novice driver carefully watch other drivers' fault}' handling of their vehicles on the road and he will quickly realise that there is a vast difference between the skilful handling of a car and the slap dash methods that invite rajshap. and sooner or later succeed. It is as well for new beginners to realise that a competent driver is not made in a few days or weeks, and that - the best practice is to drive carefully andslowly until one •gradually absorbs the necessary experience incidental' to skilful driving. Arrangements are well forward in connection with the Motor Olympia, which promises >to eclipse all previous motor exhibitions in the Dominion. A total of thirty car exhibitors are to display. 108 motor cars, and there will be 25 trucks on exhibition. It was originally intended to allot space for the display of accessories., oils, etc., but owing to the whole of the available space being booked co quickly, cars and trucks only are to be shown. The ground floor will be wholly taken up'by motor cars, while on-the second floor motor cars and trucks will be shown. Tenders for exhibition stands, signs, and signwriting,. specially designed lanterns, orchestral music, electrical installation, toilet rooms, and telephones, have been: already" considered by the executive at a total cost of £2345.. A special.feature is to be made of 'the orchestral music. There will be two orchestras of 12, members each, one playing on the first floor, and the other on the second floor, afternoon and evening. . Very careful consideration has beengiven to the„ .a-* l cr of the arrangement and decoration of. the shed. .Owing io the fact that the she'd is very lovy, the arrangement is \jo le as simple as possible, ■ thus avoiding confusit n. Therefore the;various stands will have'no actual rails or divisions whatever. The signß will be uniforta in size* and letter-" ing, mc main signs bearing the names of the cars, while the dealers names are to appear on. the pendants- beneath.- The ligh J 'ng s.heme is for..a! s- '-. r f wood and paper semi-direct lan terns,,arranged in five'rows down the lengthrof'the shed* The colour scheme is based on a • rich orange, a colour that- with 1 great .bril.< liance and life has' yet body -anddepth enough to hold itr own again-1 the white walls and ceilings of the shed. The coloured lanterns and signs, tQ be arranged above the level of the tops of the cars should enhance the general brilliance of the scene without interfering, in any way with the main show, the car themselves. Bunting and drapery is to be t barred altogether, and the only, decorations will comprise. palms, growing plants, vines and flowers in the greatest possible - This will provide a soft rich background for the cars, without hiding them or detracting from thehrbeauty or importance in any way. Another important and new departure from the.ordinary motor show is that in lie"ti of the usual practice of every stand owner-erecting any and every sort of "decoration," the promoters are talcing the matter in hand, determined, upon some simple and uniform scheme to. car?y it right through. The general effect of the whole show,-will so far outclass the ordinary helter skelterarrangement that any imagined loss of individuality in the booths will more than be compensated for, and the attention, will he concentrated on.the cars and the furnishings' of tho stalls. The stands along the walls' are to be made somewhat higher,. than those in the m iA.dle.. This will give them some compensation to equalise the' advantage of ro6x_^i r i a l B^lU - and of the roOia'WUl.-he improved.