The event of last week was the visit of the Automobile Club on Friday, when the 1,000 mile tour arranged by that club visited the district, making a considerable stay at Lincoln. When I approached the club some months ago with a view to altering their arrangements and taking Lincoln in tour, I stated that they could rely upon a good reception. As soon as they decided upon including Lincoln, and the local committee was formed, my prediction was verified, and the reception was a credit to the district and one upon which all concerned may feel proud. I was told it was the best reception the party had had during the whole of the tour.
The tour was taken for the purpose of proving to the world at large that motor cars are practicable things and to endure such a hard test as the 1,000 miles tour involved. It was also undertaken to remove the prejudice which exists. The perfect control over the cars, their ease of manipulation in even the worst traffic, the ability to pull up in a marvellously short space and their steady running evoked the admiration of all.
Even when running at, say, quite the legal limit, there was such perfect control that at any pace and anywhere, there was no danger whatever. Did some adventurous youngster dart across the road or some vehicle suddenly block the way, the cars were stopped instantly, and those following on also stopped without crashing into them, as the spectators expected.
The tour has been a splendid education to the public, who had a fine opportunity of seeing various types of motor vehicle in use. The steam car met with troubles through its single tubed tyres, all the other cars were petrol driven. A "home made" car from Misterton attracted considerable attention. It was a nice little affair and ran well. A well designed dog cart belonging to Messrs: R.M.Wright and Co of Lincoln was greatly admired.
There is one thing we regret in connection with the thousand miles trial, says the "Autocar", and that is the impression which has been left on the public mind as to the dirtiness of the automobile pastime. At most places many of the automobilists have arrived in leather suits, begoggled and bemasked, and it must be confessed, as grimy as powder monkeys.
We were told that in all the towns visited in the tour of the whole country they enjoyed themselves best in Lincoln. The roads were the best, the scenery among the finest and the public the most warmhearted and enthusiastic. Some members wanted to return to this grand old city to become better acquainted.
Lincoln has been well to the front of promoting the car movement, but from the keen interest taken by many Lincolnshire gentlemen on Friday, I anticipate seeing many more cars in use in the County.