American marque arrives
The name of Mr Walter P. Chrysler is familiar to all who follow the developments in the motor industry, but until a few days ago the car which bears his name was unknown in Dunedin. On Saturday I had the pleasure of a run in this car, and though it makes large claims to general excellence it certainly comes through the most searching tests. The car was tried out on a watered street, in loose metal, and on some steep pinches. In each case it gave the highest satisfaction. The Chrysler is shod with balloon cord tyres. A low centre of gravity enables cornering at a high speed without skidding. This is aided, so it is said, by the rear spring being placed parallel to the rear wheels, and not to the chassis. From a standing start 45 miles per hour was attained in 50 yards. Four hydraulic wheel brakes are provided; their efficacy was proven by the tests made at a high rate of speed. This touring model is a five seater of attractive streamline body. The 68 horsepower engine is of six cylinders. There is forced feed and a seven-bearing crankshaft. The dashboard is very simple comprising the radiator, thermometer and gasoline gauge. Todd Bros are the distributors for New Zealand, and the local branch holds the southern agencies. — by ‘Accelerator’
Signs of things to come
The Main Highways Board is promulgating suggestions for the standardisation of signs throughout the dominion. The proposals are as follows: 1. The site to be such as to secure maximum visibility. 2. Arms of sign not to project over roadway. 3. The lower arms on posts to indicate the most important roads. 4. Height of lowest arm above ground to be not less than 5 feet 6 inches or more than 6ft. 5. The length of arms to be minimum 3ft and maximum 4ft. Depth to be minimum 7in. 6. The lettering to be in black letters on cream ground. Letters to be 5in deep for single line, or 2½in for double line. Route numbers 4in. The board has decided on the numbers to be applied to the different declared roads, and a list of the roads declared main highways, and the numbers allotted, should be prepared and issued to the public. As regards danger signs, the board suggests a red triangle with the nature of the danger stated on a board fixed below. These should be erected 300ft from the danger, on the left hand side of the roadway. At bridges over all important rivers a notice should be erected giving the name of the river. — ODT, 24.11.1924
Compiled by Peter Dowden
