READERSVOICE.COM aims to give a few interesting samples from out of print books. This edition features some 1930s editions of the UK magazine, Motor. It ran from 1903 until it was absorbed by its rival Autocar in 1988. It included some news gags and other humor.

Motor had a section called In the News. This included a column called “Well, Well…” which consisted of news gags. Witnesses in court say things like: The trolley-buses were moving in a stationary fashion.

And if they were late to a court appearance for speeding, they give the excuse that they didn’t want to be fined for speeding again.

Here are some from various late 1930s editions of Motor.

August 23, 1938 edition:

 After suspending a driver’s licence for a month, Oakmere (Cheshire) magistrates then suspended the suspension for an hour. The erring driver wanted to take the solicitor who defended him two miles to the nearest railway station.

September 20, 1938: 

The vicar of a big parish is selling his car and putting the proceeds toward a fund to enable a curate to be obtained. We understand the curate will not be expected to carry the vicar about the parish.

Vienna police have been forbidden to use the Nazi “Heil!” salute while on traffic duty. Motorists have been puzzled as to whether the policemen mean “Stop!” or merely “Good morning.”

March 14, 1939: Motorist: “I didn’t mind the constable taking notes, as I’m a bit of a nosey parker myself.”

Singapore authorities have forbidden the washing of cars in the streets. Does leaving them out in the rain count?

-continued next page

-readersvoice.com