Vol 1, No 8 Editors:

February, 1963 Len Shearer

Ian Carron

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On New Year’s Eve, I met two members of the Metropolitan Scooter Club of Sydney. These were Bill Lewis (Maico) and Ken Travers (Heinkel), the latter of round-Australia fame. They had left Sydney on Friday and arrived here in Melbourne at 3.00pm on Monday. Very good travelling, as they went to Adelaide first, coming to Melbourne via Mount Gambier and Warrnambool. Main object of the trip was to advertise their Easter Rally. They supplied me with a lot of information and proved to be the most enthusiastic scooterists I have ever met. The time spent with them was far too short, and I am looking forward to meeting them again at Easter. Also down in Melbourne were Gary Miller (Heinkel) and Dick Mason (Triumph Tigress) from the same club, and they attended our club social. Yet another was Graeme Wallis, from Adelaide and Mildura, who used to drive a Maico. Two more members of the Metropolitan Club arrived a week or so later, girls this time. They were Wendy Ball (Diana) and Chris Donovan (Triumph Tigress). Their stay was short and they intended returning home via Adelaide, Mildura, Broken Hill, Hay and Wagga, I believe. They both were wearing white blouses with red-black-blue striped collars, their club colours. These interstate visitors impressed me tremendously with their keen-ness and enthusiasm. It now makes me look forward to Easter more than ever. I sincerely hope that M.S.A.V. can send a good-sized contingent to represent our State at this first-ever all-club rally at Narrabeen. —Len.

Having a name for one’s machine seems to be an essential thing these days. At present we have Rae’s "Patsy"; Richard’s "Gidget", Rex’s "Bubbles"; Cynthia’s "Wanganui" (The Red Devil); Peter’s "Smokey"; Ken K.’s "Exhaust Gas"; Margaret (Speedie Gonzales) has "Suzie"; Elaine’s is "The Monstar"; Danny’s is "Bobby"; Ron D.’s takes the title of "Rocket III"; Jerry rides "The Beetle"; Alex has "Oscar"; and Malcolm has "The Blue Horror". I can think of a few new ones, too. Ian’s is, without a doubt, "The Untouchable"; we could call Maurie M.’s "The Undrivable"; Alan’s might be "The New Breed"; and my own, of course, "Instant Rattles". - Len

Congratulations are extended to Malcolm Bevan, one of our best and oldest members, on the purchase of his new Hillman Automatic. Mal has sold his Maico and sidecar, after having had it for three years or so. We will miss "The Blue Horror" on our club runs, and hope that we see the Hillman in its place. Mal returned alone from Adelaide, where he had left the club contingent to visit relatives. Apart from a little bit of points trouble, it was a care-free journey, I am told. The Hillman made its first appearance at the maintenance day and barbecue at Rae’s home in the middle of the month.

Fourteen members attended the Albert Park Table Tennis Centre on Friday, January 11. The weather was too warm for any really enthusiastic ping-pong tournament, but Ron F. and Peter P. once again showed what just a little effort and determination can do. Ron’s off-spin was something to watch. We left to have supper at "The Bermuda", following which we all adjourned to the beach front to enjoy the night sea air. Left for home at approximately 11.15pm.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 25: Six scooters and two cars loaded with gear left at 7.30pm for Torquay. The trip as far as Geelong was uneventful, but from there it was a different story. Somehow we lost Marg and John G. and arrived at Torquay at 11pm minus these two members. Camp was set up and we all went for the necessary? supper. Alex and Ron went searching for the two lost riders, while Len cleared up the gear left lying round waiting to be stolen. Met Malcolm and John at "The Desert" café. All home to bed by 1.30am.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26: Some people never seem to sleep! Awake bright and early and down to town for breakfast. The service was very smart, all of us getting served within an hour; Ron, Cynthia, Mal and Rex walked out. Elaine and Ron W., Jerry and Ted all arrived before lunch. Laurie and Joyce M. arrived after lunch. The day was spent on the beach in the sun. One small tent was blown down during the afternoon. Nice to see everyone volunteer so quickly to put it back up. Half of us went into Geelong for tea, while the other half ventured down to Lorne. The Geelong crowd dined and then went to two different picture shows. Home by midnight.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 27: Once again all awake bright and early, and into town for a smartly-served breakfast. All piled into the cars and toured down to Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove for the afternoon. A grand wrestling match took place on the beach, with Marg and Peter making passes at each other. Home again for tea, and an attempted get-together in the big tent. This was partly successful, with half the members present. Then the rain started falling, just a slight amount, but steady. All to bed my midnight.

MONDAY, JANUARY 28: All up and about very early once again, but not very happy. The rain flooded out the small tents, and everyone crammed into the big tent during the early hours of the morning. One big happy bunch, I was told later. I was warm, anyway. Showers and meals were partaken of not very enthusiastically, and camp was broken while the water still fell. Left for home at 10.45am. Stopped for Geelong for petrol and eats. Then again at Werribee. Was this really necessary? Then on again to Laverton. Once again I repeat the same question. Flooded roads gave everyone, especially those on the scooters, a very happy time, and we all arrived at Richard’s home at 3.30pm or thereabouts. Thanks to Mrs Anderson for that lovely cup of tea. We needed it. Unloaded the cars and made for our respective homes.

CONCLUSION: I feel that many of our "experienced" members could learn a good lesson from this camp. I personally will not attend another camp under similar conditions. A little bit of gumption used by several people could have made things a lot easier. I am of the opinion that a camp requires three things to help make it a first-class camp, and these are:

1. A little bit of thought beforehand concerning comfort and commonsense.
2. Just a little bit more of club spirit.
3. A bit more thought for others, more "take" and less "give".

Len.

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LOCATION: Narrabeen Lakes, 15 miles north of Sydney, N.S.W.

ACCOMMODATION: We will have accommodation for you in 12 modern lodges, each capable of taking 22 persons. Each lodge has its own hot and cold shower and toilet facilities in a modern bathroom. There are power points in each lodge. Each guest will be offered a bunk with rubber mattress and blankets; all you have to bring is sheets or sleeping bag, whichever you prefer. Laundry facilities are also available for your use.

MEALS: All meals will be supplied and served in a modern dining room.

A guide to the menu is as follows:

In addition, Morning and Afternoon Tea and Supper will be served, and will consist of tea or coffee with biscuits or fruit.

We will have a cup of coffee ready for you on arrival, any hour of the day or night.

YOUR SCOOTER: This can be parked on the bitumen driveway which passes outside each lodge. You will be able to service it in a large shed which we will make available to you on the premises. This will make 24 hour servicing possible. Spare parts will also be available for popular makes.

TELEPHONE: A P.M.G. multi-coin telephone box adjoins the dining room for any necessary calls.

SPORTING FACILITIES: All types of sporting equipment is at your disposal, such as table tennis, badminton, trampoline, scooter ball. A large notice board will be prominently displayed to keep you informed of all our activities. A rowboat, canoes and a speedboat are all available for hire at very nominal rates. It is possible to water-ski on the lakes. The site is of an area or approximately 300 acres, in which you can see some splendid views, or just walk or loaf around. The water is good for swimming.

THE COST: All visitors will be charged £1 per day. This amount covers accommodation and meals. Our office will be situated near the main hall so that as soon as you arrive, you will be welcomed and given folders, etc. regarding full details of activities over the five days.

ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE BY CONTACTING THE FOLLOWING:

ALL SCOOTERISTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS FUNCTION, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND EVER TO BE HELD IN AUSTRALIA.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1962: A group gathered to begin their touring holiday for Christmas. In this mob were Margaret, Elaine, Rae, Anne, Rex, Ron D., Peter P., Jerry, Richard, Alex, Ted and Malcolm. They gathered at Alexandra Avenue at 7.00am, along with several other members who went to see them off. We got away to a bright and early start at 7.30, with Alex finding his front tyre flat. Slight delay of ten minutes. First stop at Geelong for refreshments at 9.00 o’clock, then on to Colac by Noon. Elaine had a wiring fault in "Monstar" and had to be towed from Colac to Warrnambool (2 _ hours later). Malcolm caught a bug which gave him three bites. Arrived Terang at 4.30 pm for more refreshments. Waited for the stragglers to catch up. Met two male members of the S.A. Vespa Club en route to Sydney. Arrived Warrnambool 6.45pm, pitched tents, then went up to town for tea. Back to camp for showers, then to bed. The four girls in a three-man tent! Boy, what a squeeze!

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1962: Awake and dressed at 6.00am. Packed and having breakfast at 8.00. Walked around Warrnambool, looked at Fletcher Jones’ gardens, then to the garage where "Monstar" was having her operation. Still not ready. After lunch Malcolm, Peter, Rex, Anne, Ron, Margaret and Rae went on to Portland. Booked in at the Portland Motel for six. Alex, Jerry, Elaine, Rich and Ted finally arrived after tea. All adjourned to Anne and Rae’s room at the motel and sang Christmas Carols, had supper and then Santa Claus came. All to bed by 11.30pm. How many slept in Room 24, boys???

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1962 (CHRISTMAS DAY): Breakfast in bed for the capitalists. Walked around and had a look at Portland. Christmas Dinner at Henty Hotel — most enjoyable. Left for Mount Gambier at 3.45pm. Broke all speed records with a tail wind. Ted lost his li-lo somewhere along the highway but fortunately Anne picked it up. Alex lost George (his hat) and had to go back a mile to find him. What member drank a "great flagon" of claret at Christmas Dinner, after saying there should not be any alcohol drunk at all whilst away? Arrived Mount Gambier 6.50pm and there met up with Ken (a Victorian scooterists). Made camp then went for eats. Later Rex, Ron and Rae went up to the tower to view the lights of the town.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1962: Had our first sleep-in till 8.30am. Ray arrived in his VW in the early hours of the morning and joined us for breakfast. Girls did the washing. After breakfast Rae bought herself a camera with a flashlight attachment. Eager to try it out, she managed to catch Anne in a store trying on new shorts. Let’s hope the snap is a great success (I will second that — Len). Ken left us and continued on to Adelaide. After sightseeing at Mount Gambier we headed for Port MacDonald. Along the way Alex apparently got bored with the road we were travelling on so took another. What a beautiful triple somersault over the handlebars of "Oscar". Fortunately no serious injuries. The beach was worse than Campbell’s Cove (if that is possible). Disgusted with the beach we went back to the tower and took some snaps of the lakes. Richard, Ted and Ron were too lazy to walk so decided to ride up a 90-degree slope. (All safe). After tea we went to see "Tarzan and the Lost Safari" and "The Delicate Delinquent". Rex and Rich were the only ones to see the whole show. Back to Max’s for supper and meet up with Ray, Anne and Margaret, who all went to a drive-in. Back to camp for sleep.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1962: Packed up and away by 7.15am. On to Millicent for breakfast at 9.30am. Away again travelling along a most uninteresting road to Kingston where we had lunch whilst Malcolm visited relatives. Left at 1.10pm and ran into some rain. Ray and Anne went on about 10 miles and made a cuppa. Arrived Tailem Bend 6.30pm for a rest where Richard went for a slide in the mud. Anne and Ray went ahead and booked out the "Bridgeport Hotel" at Murray Bridge. Had a most expensive meal at a small café nearby. Back to the boys’ room for a party. The latter turned out to be a flop.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1962: Up bright and early for breakfast and away by 10.00am. Richard still trying hard to get in the limelight by going for another slide in the mud on "Gidget". Arrived Adelaide 12.15pm. WE MADE IT!!! (obeying all club rules, and all in one piece). Ray and Anne left for Laura after we had made camp. Just going for lunch when Alex lost his keys. All spent 30 minutes searching for them. Eventually MR. McLEAN found them in Oscar’s saddle bag. Lunch at 2.45pm. Tour of Adelaide until stopped by a torrential downpour. Back to camp to the laundry. Two hours spent scrubbing white overalls with a nail brush. After a 9.30pm meal went window shopping around town. Back late to bed.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1962: Up again at 7.00am. When Richard is awake, everyone is awake. On the way to breakfast Rocket III was lectured by a "whop" for doing more than 25 mph whilst carrying a pillion. Rae and Rex became engaged at 10.25am. Beautiful solitaire diamond. After the great excitement had subsided we went shopping and spent our hard-earned loot. Back to camp to find Johnny Lambe and his mob ("A Weird Mob") had arrived. Off then to Adelaide airport for refreshments where all the shutterbugs went crazy. Richard caught a huge frog (all _ inch long). Margaret was off to book at the Y.W.C.A., but we convinced her our company was better. Back to camp for a sing-song. All singing different songs in a different key. After tea we went to see "Hatari" in the city. Ron was the only one guilty of falling asleep this time. Back to camp to find Anne and Ray had returned from Laura. We all went up to Mount Lofty to see the lights of Adelaide (1.00am). Back to camp.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1962: All to breakfast except for Jerry, who joined us later. Down to Semaphore Beach for the afternoon. We all got cooked. Back to camp for fish and chips. After a wrestle on the "Onkaparinga", Rex scoring a kick in the eye, we adjourned to "Eagle on the Hill" to bid farewell to Jerry, Elaine and Ron (after a drink at Jerry’s expense). They went "straight through in ‘62", arriving home safe and sound.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1962: Peter’s petrol tank sprang a leak and had to be repaired first thing in the morning before we could get on our way. Whilst having breakfast a parking attendant visited us. (Who had a guilty conscience?). All was well as he was Graeme Young, Captain of the S.A. Vespa Club. Just making a social call. After breakfast we met Graeme at the Vespa Club rooms for a conducted tour. Midday found us all ready and on our way only to find we had lost Ted _ mile along the road. Alex went back for Ted not knowing he was up at the front. Richard went back for Alex; Rae went back for him; Rex went back for her. All together again and on our way by 12.40pm. What was that streak of red and grey that passed? Someone tells me it was a Lambretta, and ridden by "Speedie Gonzales". Malcolm led us to the highway and made sure we were safely on our way. The blazing sun proved too much for us when we came upon the Barossa Valley Pub, so we stopped for refreshments (lemon squash). The ferry at Blanchetown was our next stop. Rex, Peter, Alex, Richard and Rae couldn’t stand the heat any longer, so went for a quick dip in the Murray River. Two hours later we headed on to Barmera Caravan Park where we celebrated the New Year on a bottle of sherry supplied by Ray. Happy New Year, everyone!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1963: Peter, Alex, Rex, Rich and Rae went for a walk around the lake until 2.00am. Slept under the stars until 5.30. Finally awakened everyone and got away by 8.30. Stopped for a marvellous breakfast at Berri Roadhouse. From there on to Mildura the countryside was barren and most uninteresting. Result was Peter, Rae and Alex almost fell asleep. Stopped for a rest while Margaret and Richard continued to Mildura. Alex risked his neck by losing Murgatroyd, going back and running over her twice. After crossing the S.A.-Victoria border Rex was looking for a town to refuel "Bubbles" but the town was not there. "NO PETROL". Waited for Ray and jerrycan with extra petrol. Finally arrived Mildura at 3.15pm (Victorian time). Over the border to make camp. Who were the capitalists who booked in at the Grand Hotel? After a swim at the Murray we went for tea in Mildura. The boys claim they saw a Sputnik.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1963: On the way to breakfast Rae dropped her "bone-dome" on the Victoria-New South Wales border. Funds getting very low for Rich, Rex, Alex and Rae, so a "community gang" was formed. One bottle of coke between us. Sent a telegram to Ron so he could meet us again at Echuca. Back to camp for a siesta. Could anyone recommend a good café in Mildura??? After tea we went to the fair where we met Barry and his brother (from the Vespa Club). Seven back to camp in the three-man tent. It has been reported that a certain lady dressed in white was found chasing a man in red across the sand dunes! Do you like the colour combination, Marg?

THURSDAY, JANUARY 3, 1963: Awake, dressed, packed and away from the camping area by 8.15am (all starving). Alas, no place to eat in town. We had to travel 64 miles to Ouyen, arriving at 11.00am. Margaret called on her sister for a loan but ended up buying Barbara coffee. Community gang had a milk shake. Has anyone ever seen how quickly a milk shake goes with eight straws? All contented once more and on our way. Had to make a slight detour and go over 15 miles of gravel surface rather than go 75 miles. We all know how to slow down "Speedie Gonzales" now! What happened to the trees on the side of the road, girls? Anne and Ray went to the end of the gravel and made a refreshing cup of tea. Very grateful indeed. Arrived Swan Hill at 3.00pm for a late lunch. This time is was 2/- worth of potato cakes for the community gang. Somewhere we lost Anne and Ray but they found us at Kerang having dinner. One mile from Echuca Margaret’s "Suzie" ran out of petrol. Alex came to her rescue with some fuel. After Richard finished wrestling with Margaret in the middle of the highway we continued to the camping area and made camp. All exhausted after a long trip of 250 miles.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1963: Slept in until 8.30am (quite a change). Can’t afford petrol so walked down town for breakfast, then back along the banks of the Murray River to camp. After an afternoon swim we returned to camp to find Ron had arrived. Rocket III must be Jet-Propelled!!! — Cheltenham to Echuca in 3 _ hours flat! Ron made a foolish mistake by showing his lunch to the community gang. He managed to save half a sandwich. Marg spine-bashed all day. Anne and Ray went for a short drive to Shepparton for tea. Feed time again, and still no petrol. Started walking to N.S.W. for tea but were stopped from crossing the border. Three unidentified men were then found chasing one female scooterist up the main street. Eventually Alex won her with his charm and persuaded Heather to join our camp for the night. Later same three unidentified men were found following another three girls up the street. Back at camp the boys from the local cop shop paid a visit (we’re buddies with the boys). Alex’s tent was invaded by Margaret, Rex, Ron, Rae and Ted, where we had great discussions on world affairs. We were disturbed by a possum and his three brothers sneaking biscuits from Ted’s house. Anne and Ray returned late and took Rae (in her sleeping bag), Ted and Ron down town for a midnight snack.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, 1963: Awakened bright and early by kookaburras. After breakfast Rex, Ted, Peter, Marg, Ron and Rae went to Torumbarry Loch, but Marg decided she would rather walk 3 miles along a gravel road than ride 9 miles. Left Loch with Peter and Ted leading. Rocket III had a very close call in 6-inch deep gravel, but poor old Bubbles didn’t quite make it. She slipped and threw Rex off. Bubbles escaped with a scratched side and a broken face, while Rex had a crook leg that had to be amputated at the neck. Somehow though, fortunately for Rex, we forgot by the time we limped back to camp and found Alex and Richard. They spent a quiet afternoon by the riverside. After five unknown personalities had almost wrecked the camp we adjourned to the big city for tea, then on to the movies, with one of our benefactors shouting.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 6, 1963: Our last day! Reluctantly packed up camp and down to breakfast before starting our run home. Finally away from Echuca by 10.00am. Speedie led the way again until Richard flew past. After an uneventful journey we met Elaine, Jerry, Cynthia and Len just past Kal Kallo. A short stop here for chin-wag and gossip. (Notice how rowdy it was until "The Whispers" was passed around. — Len). All back to Rae’s for afternoon tea and final break-up. A wonderful trip enjoyed by all.

"PATSY".

Rae B. sent Len a card from Adelaide. It was read out at the club social, and the middle sentence caused a laugh, quote "…and the T.M.S.C.A. arrived today. We are leaving tonight…"

Three new faces appeared on Sunday, January 13, for our trip to Rosebud. Richard brought his cousin, Ken Betts; Stan Mizon made his first appearance on a day excursion on his Diana Sport; and John David, who rides a Maico, came along as pillion. We extend a warm welcome to all these newcomers. Ron L. arrived on yet another different machine, a Lambretta this time. Every time we see him, he has a change of scooter! Ken K. rode Danny’s Vespa GS on its first club run, with its owner as pillion. Also nice to see Ken B. (Heinkel) and Hans T. (Maico) back on day trips. The trip down was uneventful, and on arrival we met Ted H., and later Alan G. turned up. Noticeable absentees were Jerry S., and three of our "regular" scooters Malcolm’s Maico, Cynthia’s Vespa and Richard’s Diana. A short game of hand cricket was started on the beach, at which Danny, Len, John and Maurie’s sister Glenda were prominent. Left for home at 4.00 o’clock. A number of us went to Ron Davies’ home for an exhibition of slides. All present enjoyed them very much, and we would like to thank Mr and Mrs Davies for their hospitality for the evening.

From Miss D.P. at our club social: "It’s OK my riding without a licence and carrying a pillion passenger — I know the local policemen."

Have you noticed the Mini-Minor around town with the sign on the back window saying "Help stamp out tall dogs"?

Once again, on Saturday, January 19, our club invaded the home of the Battersby family at Kew. Altogether, thirteen machines put in an appearance, and a number of car-loads. Operations were performed on "Patsy", "The Red Devil" and most of the others. Nice to see Ron D. and Peter P. enjoying themselves in the quagmire in the back yard. A barbecue followed on the front lawn, as the back was too damp. Stan M. showed some slides of his European tour, and later other slides were shown of the Christmas trip to Adelaide. A few dances took place, and a number of silly-type games, after which I was quite convinced we have a club full of madmen (and women). Rae had fun with her "fan-scissors-rocking-horse-sewing-machine-jack-in-a-box" antics. Richard started the old "balance on a beer bottle" trick, with several funny quotes ejecting from the competitors. Interest was taken in a brawl between "Satchmo" and "Gem", in which Pam’s French poodle came off worse. Ted H. showed us how to light up a dark room by blushing while sitting in the middle of the lounge-room floor and wearing only shorts. This one does take a lot of explaining. The congregation dispersed shortly after midnight, after being entertained with Ron F.’s "galahs". Once again we extend our thanks to Mr and Mrs Battersby and Rae for a wonderful day and evening at their home.

I notice in England that a club called The Boomerangs has just been formed. Comprising of real enthusiasts, they have brought in two unusual rules. The maximum age limit is 25, and a heavy fine is bestowed on any member who gets married while still in the club. — Alex McL.

"The life you save may be your own". OR MINE!

The A.B.C. of driving: Always Be Careful.

Darkness doubles traffic troubles.

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Any information regarding the M.S.A.V. can be obtained by contacting any of the committee members. We naturally don’t expect members to attend all club functions, but are quite happy if they do so. Club jackets, badges and pennants are obtainable at nominal prices. Come along and meet us, or contact us by any other means. There is no obligation to join. Fees are £1 per year, payable after the prospective member has attended three club functions, including a club social. These are held on the first Friday of each month at our hall, Siddeley Street, City, at 8.00pm.

The President,

The President,

The Vice-President,

The Secretary,

The Treasurer,

Miss Rae Battersby or Miss Anne Church

Mr Richard Henry

By their very nature, some get-you-home tricks always sound a bit un-orthodox. Here is an excellent example, but from experience I can guarantee that it is practical. Recently I broke the throttle cable on my Sunbeam so I connected the carby end of the cable to the kickstarter lever and used it as a foot accelerator. - Anonymous

PORTLAND — A dozen or more members of the Whitehorse Motor Scooter Club from Melbourne arrived in Portland on Christmas Eve. Some stayed at the motel and others at Centenary Park. The secretary, Mr Alex McLean, said they were very happy with the friendship and hospitality shown by Portland folk. The party had Christmas Dinner at the Henty Hotel and left for Mt. Gambier and Adelaide, via the Barossa Valley, Renmark and Mildura. This was the first Christmas trip for the party of young people.

ECHUCA — "Visitors praise caravan park": Assertion that the Victoria Park camping area would measure up to any in Victoria was made by the secretary of the Motor Scooter Association of Victoria, Mr Alex McLean, yesterday. Mr McLean was one of a party of nine motor scooter riders who stayed about three nights at the camping area on a round trip from Melbourne to Adelaide to Mildura and back to Melbourne via Echuca. Mr McLean said that eleven scooters started on the trip with twelve members, but three had to return early to Melbourne and nine were left to complete the trip. In seven years of the Association’s existence, members had travelled all over Victoria and on many occasions made interstate trips. The Association was originally known as the Whitehorse Motor Scooter Club, and although many of the members still wear the club’s blue jacket with a white horse emblem on it the club has changed its name. Mr McLean said the association made similar trips on long weekends and public holidays, and at Easter approximately 30 scooters from three Melbourne clubs would be taking part at a rally and sports day in Sydney, where the motor scooter sport is very strong. Cost to run the scooters is approximately six shillings for petrol and oil for every 90 miles. The party left Echuca for Melbourne on the last stage of their trip yesterday morning.

Jerry S. describing their first day of the Christmas trip: "…and Elaine was having a hectic time with electrical shorts…"

Recommended method of filling many gearboxes is to use a pressure-feed oil-can. This can be a fairly lengthy process, so I use a plastic syringe from an old cake icing set. The barrel is quickly filled with oil and the whole of the contents delivered in one shot. — Alex McL.

The first official club function for 1963 was the club social, held on Friday, January 4. We met a new Diana Sport owner, namely Stan Mizon. Also present were Dick Mason and Gary Miller, both from the Metropolitan Scooter Club of Sydney, over here on holiday. Another interstate visitor was Graeme Wallis (ex Mildura and Adelaide clubs0. Barbara Petrovic made her first appearance at a club social, and also Alan G.’s friend Bernadette. We extended a warm welcome to all these. Surprise of the night was the discovery that our hall had been cleaned out — fridge, piano, tea, urn, tea cups etc., trestle table and other accessories were all gone. Perhaps we can now arrange something for our own hall. Jerry S. gave a brief report on the Christmas trip and the Easter Rally was explained, details of which appear in other pages of this issue. Ideas and suggestions were made for the new itinerary.

THE INTER-CLUB SPORTS DAY IS SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY, 17^TH FEBRUARY, AT DEER PARK. THE M.S.A.V. WILL PARTICIPATE, ALONG WITH THE VESPA CLUB OF MELBOURNE AND THE T.M.S.C.A.

Novelty Races — Miss Sports Girl Contest — Slow Races

Yes, the usual thing happened. Rain caused the cancellation of events half-way through the evening on Saturday, January 5. We adjourned for coffee in the city. Apparently a lot of members didn’t read their itinerary. But both of us enjoyed ourselves, didn’t we Cynthia? - Len.