Vol 1, No 7 Editors:

January, 1963 Ian Carron

Len Shearer

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Many people buy motor scooters with the sole intention of using them as transport to and from work, or for shopping. These machines often lie idle at weekends and on holidays. Many owners do not realise the fun that can be had by joining a scooter club. Theatre nights, weekend trips, club socials and many other functions are enjoyed by numerous scooterists throughout the world. The M.S.A.V. is an all-makes club, that is, we accept any make of machine (125 c.c. or over), whether ridden by male or female. Perhaps you feel that you would not mix very well with our members for various reasons. Many trades are represented by our members: We have a comptometriste, tramways employee, accountant, builder, printer, surveyor, draughtsman, bank employee, engineer, crane operator, truck driver, scooter despatch rider (naturally), shoemaker, chemist, secretary, sheet metal worker and postal employee, along with dozens of others. These members come from a variety of suburbs including Brunswick, Mont Albert, Bentleigh, St. Albans, Ivanhoe, St. Kilda, Hawthorn, Cheltenham, Kew, Vermont, Springvale, Fitzroy, Camberwell, Reservoir and so on. One thing that we all have in common is that we are all motor scooterists. Our club socials are held on the first Friday of every month, in the R.S.L. Hall, Siddeley Street, City. Come along and give us a try. We will do our best to make you welcome.

To save battering in the thread of the electrode on your spare spark plug, which can easily happen if lying loose in your tool kit, simply fit it into the spark plug spanner, electrode-end first. Adhesive tape or a rubber band can be used to keep it in position, and the spanner will protect it from any heavy or sharp knocks.

There have been many queries and debates recently in the scootering world regarding the number of scooter clubs in Victoria. Here is a brief history of Victorian clubs as far as we know. We apologise for any errors, and for any left out, if such be the case:

In mid-1955, the first motor scooter club to be formed in Victoria came into existence. This was known as the Motor Scooter Association of Victoria. This all-makes club took as their emblem The White Horse, and so also were known as the Whitehorse Motor Scooter Club. Shortly after the M.S.A.V. began, the Vespa Club of Melbourne sprung up. These two clubs were the only ones in Melbourne up until 1958. Towards the end of that year, a rift appeared between the members of the M.S.A.V., and the club broke up into two separate clubs, one retaining the title of M.S.A.V., the other keeping the title of the Whitehorse. A short time after this happened, two new clubs were formed, the Rabbit Club and the International Motor Scooter Club. These two collapsed after a period of approximately twelve months. The M.S.A.V. also ceased to exist as an active-membership scooter club. The field was now back to two — the Whitehorse and the Vespa Club. In mid-1961 the Melbourne Sporting Scooter Club was formed. In mid-1962 the Whitehorse Club took back the name of the M.S.A.V., and the Melbourne Sporting Club changed their name to the Touring Motor Scooter Club of Australia. So now we have at present three clubs in Melbourne:

We had heard of another club at Mildura called the Sunraysia Motor Scooter Club, which was an all-makes organisation. The latest we have heard from Mildura is that the all-makes club is now defunct, and that the only scooter club in Mildura is the Sunraysia Vespa Club. Any information regarding this, and any other club, would be welcomed by the editors.

Now get this picture! Peak-hour traffic (5.15pm). Corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth Streets. Policeman directing motorists. Trams starting to cross intersection. Suddenly a scooterist (God bless him) scares the daylights out of everyone by pulling to the centre of the road and making a complete U-turn. Jolly good show, Mr McL.

After an absent period while my job had me touring Victoria, I can at last get back into the fray, and relieve some of the load from my local co-editor’s shoulders. I can verify what he said about the Sunraysia Motor Scooter Club, as I was at Mildura a couple of weeks ago.

Struck some very nice scenery a little while ago near Hamilton — a popular place called Hall’s Gap and the Grampians. It’s funny, but in all our seven years the club has never been there. We must see what can be done about it. It would be a nice long-weekend trip for the new year. What about it, members?

After eleven of our scooters left this morning on their Christmas trip, Len and I are sitting in the afternoon heat, enjoying a nice brown ale, while yours truly tries to think of witty things to write. Whew, it’s hot, pass the bottle, Len.

We read in last night’s "Herald" that a load of haggis was seized in a smuggling attempt through our customs recently. Wonder if Anne C. had anything to do with it? Aye, or noo, lassie?

Think it’s time to get that other bottle out of the freezer. Looks like being a hot and "wet" Christmas.

Once again we appeal to ALL members for articles for this, YOUR magazine. As you can all see, it is getting bigger and better each issue, due largely to the efforts of Len, and we both want to see it stay that way. If you have seen other club magazines, you will undoubtedly realise that we have a newspaper to be proud of, even if some of it is written with the encouragement of "giggle water".

At last it has started to rain, though still hot as many will remember. But at least it’s wet outside as well as in. Here’s cheers again, Len!

Christmas is nice and close now, and a very expensive time of the year it is too, at least it’s only once every twelve months. Heaven help Marg and I when Melanie gets old enough for walking talking dolls, etc. I had a look through the doll shop at Chadstone recently, and lovely as they are, what a price. One can pay as much for a doll and out-fit as I expect to pay for Melanie’s wedding.

Must have a crack at my co-editor for another shooting trip shortly, as it has been quite a while since we’ve been out on a hunt. But we’ll get over Christmas first. Would be good to get up a shooting match some time in the club, boys versus girls perhaps, as Len and I know of a disused shooting range about 10 miles out of Melbourne. Could be great fun. We might have a few Annie Oakleys in the club yet.

Nice to see so many new members along, as new faces are always welcome, and help to keep the old M.S.A.V. the State’s best club. — Ian.

Sorry to hear of Ron F.’s recent mishap. His Diana Sport was struck by a car while parked at the side of the road, at and the moment is being repaired. Ron tells us it could be off the road for quite a spell.

Word has been received that one of our members, Johnny Grubb, is soon to leave our beautiful city. Joining the navy early in the new year. We extend our best wishes to John and hope that he remembers us when "living it up" in each and every port that he visits.

Thirteen scooterists invaded the home of Mr and Mrs Battersby at Kew, the day after our Seventh Birthday Party. The majority of members were wearing dark glasses. The object of the meeting was a maintenance day, with a barbecue in the evening. Most members worked wonders on their machines, especially Peter P. cleaning Elsie’s chrome-work. Soft drinks during the afternoon went down well to the hard-working(?) bunch. Danny and sister Barbara arrived late in the afternoon. This was Barb’s first meeting with the club, and we say "welcome". Alan’s friend Bernadette also came along. Rae did a marvellous job cooking the chops, steaks and sausages, and these were disposed of very quickly (eaten, that is). Then followed a dance in the garage, and a sing-song around the back yard, with Peter P. leading us all. Hans B. gave us a "demo" on the piano, and the group then relaxed for a change. Stan S. arrived late, along with Dennis and Libby W. Believe the show finished around twelve-ish or so. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mr and Mrs Battersby (and Rae, too), for a very enjoyable day at their home.

MAICOLETTA, 250 c.c., bright red duco, pannier bags, very good tyres. Mileage approximately 25,000. This machine has more trophies to show for itself than any other in our inter-club sports. Enquiries to Mr Ian Carron, 38 Valentine Street, Ivanhoe, Telephone JX 2776 after hours.

LAMBRETTA, 1960 model, 125 c.c., good duco and tyres, 8,000 miles on speedo (genuine). Owner going overseas soon and must sell. Price £110. Enquiries to Miss Joyce Goldsmith, 12 Panorama Avenue, Highett, Telephone 95 3013.

VESPA, 150 c.c. Reconditioned motor, tyres very good. Price £110 or offer. Enquiries to Mr Jerry Seifert, 114 Riversdale Road, East Hawthorn.

The following machines can be inspected by arrangement with Mr Ken Kilgour, 42 McArthur Avenue, St. Albans, Victoria.

LAMBRETTA, LD, 150 c.c., (re-possessed), £20 cash.

HEINKEL, 175 c.c. (4-stroke), £40 cash (re-possessed). Speedo shows 25,000 miles. Tyres and duco average. Motor excellent.

Overheard at our party: "Hey, mate, have (hic!) you got the time pleash?" Pause to analyse the question, then: "Yesh, as a matter of fact, I have". Another pause to permit the reply to become clear, followed by a very thickly-spoken "Thanksh very much", and the questioner walked away.

The M.S.A.V. were well represented at the Vespa Club’s Christmas Party at "The Camellia" in Thornbury, on Friday, December 7. Present were Mr and Mrs Carron, Elaine, Jerry, Peter, Ron D., Danny, Richard, Alex, Rae and Len. Surprise of the night was the arrival of Mr Philferan in his car, a model FJ Holden. Fancy keeping it a secret for a month! Congratulations, Pete. The cabaret-style party was enjoyed by all. The band proved extremely versatile, with cha’chas, fox-trots, waltzes, old time and even an occasional twist. Main course was a choice of chicken or crayfish, and these also went down very well. Highlight of the evening was the drawing of the raffle for half-a-dozen bottles of beer. After re-drawing it five times, a winner was finally found — a non-drinker I am told. Also present were several Touring Club members, including Mick (loved that technicolour outfit), Frank (with a positively beautiful greenish-blue, or blueish-green bow-tie), John, Judy, Ian, Robyn and Geoff. A "balloon scramble" at the finish sent everyone home quite pleased with a successful and well-organised function. Other personalities who came to notice during the evening were Ken Emery and Tony Tonon. Need we mention who they are?

A large scootering rally is to take place at Easter, in Sydney. More details about this will appear in the next issue of this magazine.

Well-dressed gentleman to police officer: "Constable, someone has stolen my scooter."

Policeman: "Well, fancy that. And did they take your lollipop and balloon too?

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

This remark was overheard recently: "Gosh, is she dumb? I’ve taught her everything I know and she still knows nothing!"

We extend our congratulations to Stan and Dolina Savage on the arrival of their second baby daughter early in December.

Sunday, December 2 was the date for the inter-club excursion down to Carrum Beach. The Vespa Club provided six scooters and a few car-loads of members. The T.M.S.C.A. provided the largest group with fourteen machines, and the M.S.A.V. were represented by 12, three of which arrived shortly after lunch (Maurie and Glenn, John Wilson and Elaine W.). It was unfortunate that prominent members Ron D. and Richard H. couldn’t make it, but at least half our club was there. Then the group ventured forth to the water where the M.S.A.V. led the field into the water. Alex, Rae (about time too), Ken K., Alan and Len braved the elements and took the plunge. The Touring Club organised a ball game on the beach and most of the members joined in. A few Touring members and Vespa Club-ites managed to get wet after lunch. A castle-building contest was then arranged. The Touring Club’s model of a Vespa was extremely good; the Vespa Club made a map of Australia with "Vespa Club" printed on top; the M.S.A.V. were more original — Alex made himself an aeroplane, and the rest created a life-like "Sabrina". Following this came a number of relay races, tug-of-war and a sort of cross-country feat which left all entrants thoroughly exhausted. A few drops of rain as we were leaving turned into a steady downpour, but everyone present had enjoyed themselves immensely anyway. Met Ron and Rich at Warrigal Road, along with two other ex-members, Gloria Hardy and Brian Robinson. A number of the group decided to have a few hours at ice skating — Rex, Alan, Rae, Alex, Gerry and Danny. Half-way there Alan thought his machine had stalled and got off to find out why. But alas, it was still travelling at 30 m.p.h. He wasn’t hurt (apart from his pride). Hear a whisper that the same thing happened to Sidney from the Touring Club. Must have been something in the air at that time. The group arrived at St. Moritz to find it closed. Who’s bright idea was it to go skating on Sunday night? Rich and Ron joined them and they all went for supper somewhere in town.

Saturday evening, December 22, was the planned date for our night at the trots at the Showgrounds. Being the night before the Christmas Trip was to begin, the roll-up was very poor, those present being Maurie, Joyce, Hans Trixner (long time no see), Cynthia, Rex and myself. With yours truly leading the group, we took a long short-cut through Macauley and Newmarket and arrived just after the first race. Parking our machines was fun. The old bloke in charge says "Over there". We did. "No, on second thoughts, over here". We moved them. "No, move ‘em again." Easily done. "Better still, over there". After a lot more of this, he stung us for 2/- anyway. He should have paid us for entertaining him! Our V.P.I. Books took us in and we settled down nicely in the Leger. With Joyce acting as bookmaker we proceeded to place our penny bets on the nags. After seven exciting races, Rex finished up 1/8 in front. Left the Showgrounds in good time (11.00) and arrived home nice and early. - Len

Here are a few hints which may save you money on fuel consumption. They are only a small number of a large variety of gas-eaters.

CLUTCHES which slip will waste a terrific amount of fuel. Keep springs adjusted.

CHOKE LEVERS and cables will not work properly if out of adjustment. Check for play.

CABLES and levers must be well lubricated so that they work smoothly without snatch.

FUEL TAPS leaking can cause a large decrease in m.p.g. Also turn off when stopped.

PISTON RINGS don’t last for ever. When they wear, poor compression causes low m.p.g.

PLUGS and caps must be of the correct type. Clean and reset the gap regularly.

FILTERS are there to catch dirt but also to let the petrol through. Clean them often.

CHAINS flapping about will increase friction in the whole final drive. Check adjustment.

THROTTLE SLIDES must return to the stop and not be held partly open by the cable.

SPECIAL OILS and additives will help to reduce friction and improve power and performance.

DECOKE regularly. Carbon will block ports and silencers and cause excessive back-pressure.

JOINTS between the carburettor and barrel must be tight. These frequently give trouble.

SILENCERS which are full of carbon and unburnt oil will not allow the engine to develop full power.

TYRES will create a lot of "drag" if they are not fully inflated to correct pressures.

BRAKES must be properly adjusted. Ensure that your foot doesn’t rest on brake pedal.

TIMING must be exact. Retarding loses power; advancing causes pinking which is damaging.

JET NEEDLES which are bent or badly worn will not give correct petrol/air mixture.

CONTACT BREAKER POINTS must be set to the correct gap or misfiring and power losses decrease m.p.g.

HIGH TENSION leads and plug caps must be clean and in good condition in order to give a good spark.

HUB BEARINGS should be free to turn quite easily and be lubricated with recommended grease.

AIR CLEANERS also prevent damage to the engine but waste fuel if they are blocked.

BARREL joints can vibrate loose if they are not kept tight by spanner or wiring.

Blimey, wot ‘appened! Alex was first to arrive at the meeting spot. Eleven (11) machines turned up with one VW (Dennis and Libby) to leave for Adelaide. This number was almost three times that of last year’s total of four. Richard, Jerry and Ron D. looked very smart in their white overalls with M.S.A.V. and a White Horse on their backs. Alex had some signs printed saying "To Adelaide or Bust with the M.S.A.V.", and these were taped to all the scooters. The piles of luggage varied from neatly-packed boxes and a bundle to a truck-load compressed into a sardine-tin packing crate with bulges. I simply had to ask one person, "Are you going to Adelaide for a holiday or to live there?" No offence, Margaret. Then that secretary had to keep in the picture by getting a flat tyre just as they were leaving. It was quite obvious that we were an all-makes club, being represented by two Maicos (Peter and Malcolm); one Diana (Richard); five Vespas (Rae, Rex, Jerry, Alex and Ron); one Heinkel (Ted); and two Lambrettas (Margaret and Elaine). Anne C. was pillion with Rae. With Mr and Mrs C., Rae’s parents, Margaret’s sister (I can’t recall her name), Cynthia and myself waving furiously as they finally got moving, we ended the club’s year on a very cheerful note. -Len

A survey was undertaken recently in the Melbourne scooter retail field in an endeavour to establish exactly how many makes of scooter (over 100 cc) are now available. After conferring with quite a few agents, I was astounded, to say the least, to learn of the number of machines now unavailable in this city. There is now a very small selection of makes which can be bought immediately "off the showroom floor". Up until two years ago, it was possible to walk into a shop and order any popular machines such as a Maicoletta, Heinkel, Diana, Vespa, Bella, and so on. Today the story is quite different. They are: Vespa (four models, standard or special); Lambretta (two models, standard or deluxe, another model due to arrive soon); JAWA Cezeta (one model); Rabbit (4 models); Diana (2 models due to arrive before the New Year!).

The following popular makes will be no longer available here: Maicoletta, N.S.U., Heinkel, Bella, B.S.A. Sunbeam and Triumph Tigress, and many other not-so-famous ones. When I began scootering four years ago I had a choice of no less than 18 different makes, at least half of which ran in two or more models; (eg N.S.U. had the Prima D, the 3-Star and the 5-Star). Today only one third of this total is available.

Many sceptics will no doubt ask what the 18 machines were. I can answer that quite easily, although a few of them arrived just a little less than the stated four years ago. They are: Vespa (125, 150 and GS); Diana (200); Lambretta (125, 150 and 175); Cezeta (175); Maicoletta (250); Heinkel (175); Motobecane (125); TWN (Contessa 175 and Tessy 125); Puch (125 and 150); Peugot (150); Prior (200); Bella (200); Pop (200); Silver Pigeon (200); Rabbit (125, 150, 200 and 250); NSU (125, 150 and 175); Iso (150); BSA Sunbeam and Triumph Tigress (175 and 250). A total of 30 models. Almost all of these scooters were available up until the "credit squeeze".

What caused this catastrophic decline in scootering in Melbourne? Was it because the "novelty" wore off? Did the "credit squeeze" cause it? Or was it the salesmen themselves who failed to promote their products enough? Whatever the reason, scootering isn’t what it used to be.

The scootering enthusiast knows exactly what his machine is capable of: Its pulling power; its strength; its economy; and its simplicity. Many people unfortunately regard our scooters as "gutless wonders" and "toys". The average person is of the opinion that a scooter travels at nothing over 35 m.p.h., and that on steep hills we have to start pedalling. How misinformed they are. Three scooters recently toured Australia, 15,000 miles in ten weeks, and each carrying a load equivalent to more than its own weight. How many motor cars could equal this performance? I don’t believe there is one. I can remember once seeing a "gutless wonder" challenged by a "souped-up" Ford. The Ford finally passed the scooter at 75 m.p.h. Not bad for a "toy". The driver of the car soon changed his opinion of motor scooters.

But getting back to the sales of scooters. There have been many debates in our club recently as to what can be bought and what can’t. They are all named in the pre-written text. If you have owned a certain model mentioned as unavailable, have liked it and want another one (new), your chances of getting it are not very bright. Enquiries can be made to interstate dealers, but then you could have service and spare parts difficulties.

The prices vary quite sufficiently to make a prospective scooter buyer think twice about purchasing a new one. A Lambretta (standard) goes at £223/10/-; a Vespa 125 (standard) is £210. The Vespa and Lambretta 150 models are both the same price; these are the two most popular makes on sale. The Vespa range goes to a total of eight models (up to 299 gns.); Lambretta 175’s are due to arrive soon, price approximately the same as the most expensive Vespa. Diana consignments are due to arrive with the Lambretta, I believe. These can be up to as much as £325. Yet JAWA Cezetas (175 c.c.) are readily available at £169/10/-. A small number of ISO’s are in stock, standard £159/10/- and deluxe £179/10/-; N.S.U. 150 c.c.(3KL) is going at £149/10/-; Rabbits have four models on the market: The 125 c.c. (kick start) is sold at £199; 125 c.c. (electric start) £225; the 150 c.c. (kick start) is £239; and finally the 200 c.c. (electric start) sells for £299. The 4-stroke model (250 c.c.) is no longer available.

Now there’s an impressive list of prices and sizes to thoroughly confuse a prospective customer.

I could almost write a book about scooters, and scooterists. Being one, and knowing the advantage of two wheels, and the fun I have had as a result of buying a scooter, I would like to see scooters come back in large numbers in Melbourne. With the roads becoming more and more congested with traffic each year, I believe that this dream will come true eventually.

The Christmas Treat to the Bayswater Boy’s Home proved once again to be a tremendous success. Nineteen machines gathered at Mont Albert to prepare for the first leg of the trip. Bad luck that Ron F. and Tom G. had to pull out. Ken K. made a terrific "Santa Claus" and our arrival at the home was well received. The gifts of two basketballs were greatly appreciated by the youngsters. John W. showed enthusiasm in getting there on his own just a little late. After dozens of rides down the hill and round the two bends and back again, the goys were entertained by Stan, Peter and guitar, including putting them all under the "Limbo Stick". The ice-cream, coke and icy-poles were cleaned up in record time, and we were given afternoon tea before leaving. Many thanks to Malcom B., who took the position of traffic controller at the main gate. Peter P. gave one lad quite a thrill by letting his bag fall off its carrier. The time seemed to go very quickly, but the boys enjoyed themselves immensely anyway. The return trip was uneventful, with various members branching off on different roads to go home. Many thanks also to Peter and Stan for their help.

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The Seventh Birthday Party of the MS.A.V. was a tremendously well-received evening, with over 80 people in attendance. Perhaps the highlight of the function was the appearance of Jack Murphy, founder of the club, and his wife Dot. Jack presented the club with the original books of the M.S.A.V., thus certifying that we are still the original club as was formed. Belle of the Ball was Nola Murphy, Jack’s daughter. Various prizes were awarded for Monte Carlos and Lucky Spot dances, and a set of sherry glasses was won by Jerry Seifert with his lucky entry ticket. Members of the Vespa Club and the T.M.S.C.A. helped make the crowd larger. As usual, the bar was well supported, with the usual sods keeping the barmen busy. Good idea keeping it closed during the dances, though. The buffet-style supper was enjoyed by everyone, and black coffee went down very well after it. The whole night could take pages to sum up, so we shall not endeavour to attempt it.

THE BAND, whose versatility kept everyone happy with cha-chas, old time, twist, prize dances, occasional jokes and several barn dances.

JERRY SEIFERT, whose hand-drawn placards drew comments from all (mostly kind ones).

THE BRIGHT PERSON who souvenired our treasured club emblem, our White Horse. Glad it returned, as it would not have been of much use to any non-member of the club.

RAE and ANNE, who spent quite a deal of time buying prizes, balloons, streamers, flowers and so on for the decoration of the hall.

THE GROUP who helped to decorate the hall on the Wednesday prior to the night itself.

ALEX McLEAN, whose efforts to gain posters of several scooters from various retailers also took a great deal of time and patience.

THE MEMBERS of both the Vespa Club and the Touring Motor Scooter Club of Australia who, we feel, helped the evening to be a successful one.

RON FORDHAM, who arranged a terrific dance programme which was the main source of enjoyment for most present.

THE WHITEHORSE MEMBERS who sold and distributed the tickets for the party.

THE UNKNOWN PERSONS who suggested we hold another one like it next year.

CYNTHIA NOBLE, our newest lady member, who was asked to cut the cake for us, and with a perfectly steady hand did so.

THE KIND PERSON who showed me where my car was, how to start it and pointed the way home for me.

THE STAFF of the Whitehorse Inn, for tolerating us for five whole hours.

The evening of the Bayswater Boys’ Home function was the date arranged for the Christmas Party of the Touring Motor Scooter Club of Australia. We were represented by eight members, namely Ron D., Peter P., Cynthia N., Alan G. and friend Bernadette, Jerry S., Elaine W. and Len. Also present were a number of Vespa Club members, Paul, George, Neil and others whose names I can’t remember. A total of approximately 50, I think. "Skip" from the Youth Club acted as Master of Ceremonies and several of the Touring Club members wore fancy dress, including Ian as a ballerina (or was it a fencer), and Bob as "Jayne Mansfield". Personally, I would have preferred the original thing. Robyn was cute in her "Charleston" get-up. A number of barn-dances and progressive jives were started but lacked much backing by the majority of the crowd. A "find-the-objects" paper game went over quite well.. Later on a "hat-designing and making" game was begun. All I have to say about this is that I sincerely hope that scooterists stick to their scooting and never take up millinery. At 11 o’clock we all adjourned upstairs for a terrific feed of salads, sweets, iced drinks and so on. Noticed Tony Tonon there too. Boy, that bloke’s in everything. The stage was very well decorated, with "T.M.S.C.A." in the background, and three scooters (Diana, Vespa, Lambretta) affronting the curtains. Music was provided by tape and the dancing on the concrete floor was quite good. We extend our thanks to the T.M.S.C.A. for the provision of a colossal effort to entertain us. — Len.

Sunday, December 16 was a day we won’t forget in a hurry. Twelve machines gathered at Alexandra Avenue for our second "unnamed beach" run within six weeks. With Peter P. leading, our first stop came less than five miles from the city, for coffee and so on. After half-an-hour or so, we resumed our journey, this time to Laverton, where we stopped to eat again. Then the real fun began! Mr Philferan led us a merry dance down all the side streets of Point Cook and Werribee that he could find, each time landing us on a seaweed-covered and smelly beach. After amusing himself (and us) by driving through a small river, getting bogged in the middle, stepping in it and having his photograph taken, we finally managed to arrive at a less smelly spot for lunch. Following this a type of ball game was held, in which Dennis W. tried very hard to behead us all with a flying spade. Malcolm B. arrived to bring our total to thirteen machines. Also forgot to mention Ted Hill, from Sydney, who drives a Heinkel. Welcome, Ted. Also met Derek South (T.M.S.C.A.) down there. Ron L. gave us a thrill early in the afternoon by jumping off his Vespa at 25 m.p.h. in a patch of gravel. Demands for a replay by the camera-bugs were not acknowledged. Left for home very early (2.45) with a nice colour raised from wind-burn.

The year’s last club social (30^th November) presented us with quit a few unfamiliar faces. Maurie Allen and fiancee Glenn came along, bringing with them an N.S.U. rider, John Wilson, who rides a Prima 3KL. Hans Bongers introduced a pillion friend, Marian Graham, and Cynthia was there too (her first club social). The club now has a Peugot — first ever — which is ridden by Alan Gates. We extend to these scooterists our best wishes and welcome them to the M.S.A.V. Also very nice to see Elsie Brown back after a few months absence. Laurie E. showed a number of slides from the Adelaide club and Elaine W. also had a few from Dromana and Arthur’s Seat. Richard gave us all a laugh with his "winking game". Many thanks to Rae, Jeanette and all the other girls who helped with the supper in the absence of Mrs Carron.

Occasionally, especially with a beginner, a scooter can appear to become very sluggish, especially on hills and on take-off. The cause of this trouble could simply be a badly blocked muffler. One way of checking, particularly with a machine equipped with a non-dismantleable one, is to simply disconnect it from the cylinder. If the scooter is still sluggish, you can bet that the trouble lies elsewhere and not in the motor itself. It is however, inadvisable to run too long without a silencer. Clean it out as soon as possible.

Several years ago I removed the barrel from my N.S.U. Prima D. Not knowing very much about what I was doing, I broke a piston ring, and the pieces fell down into the crankcase. Not having a magnet with which to draw them out, my brother and I decided to do the only thing possible. We picked the scooter up (the whole 260-odd lbs. of it), turned it upside down and shook it like nobody’s business. The troublesome little bits fell out quite easily. — Len.

Reading an overseas scootering magazine recently, I was surprised to learn of the huge number of clubs in the United Kingdom. A quick count of those listed put the total over the 60 mark. The majority of these, it appears, seem to have at least 15 to 20 active members each. One club mentioned, The Prima Eagles, held a club function a few months ago with 100 scooters in attendance. Imagine that happening to us. The leader would be arriving at the destination just as the rear rider was leaving the starting point.