Bengal Automobile Association
1904 August 28th. Inaugural run of the association.[1]
A scene unique in the annals of Calcutta was witnessed at the junction of the Outram and Red roads on Sunday morning, Aug. 28. The occasion was the inaugural meet and run of the Automobile Association of Bengal. Shortly after seven o’clock eleven cars and four motor bicycles had put in an appearance, namely, Dr. Cook’s and Mr. Inglis’s 6 h.p. De Dions, Messrs. Clarke, Pratt and De Brunner’s 6 h.p. Oldsmobiles, Mr. Marsh’s 6.5 h.p. Cardallac, Mr. Goodall’s 5 h.p. Humbrette,” Mr. Oakley’s 6.5 h.p. Deschamps, Mr. Acatos’ 12 h.p. George Richard Brazier, Mr. Oxlade’s Heatley, and Mr. Birkmyre’s 7.5 h.p. Wolseley, together with the motor cycles of Messrs. Bachmann, Behrens, Wezel, and Garvis.
Having lined up and passed in review before the cameras of several photographers, professional and amateur, the automobilists steered their cars down the Outram Road and Park Street, en route for Barrackpore. One of our representatives was favoured with a seat on Mr. Birkmyre’s fine Wolseley car, which also carried Mr. Taylor, another keen motorist, and other cars, in addition to their owners as mentioned above, had a full complement of passengers. Among the latter were several ladies namely, Mrs. Black, Mrs. Oxlade, Mrs. Oakley, Mrs. Pratt, Mrs. Grazebrook, Mrs. Inglis, Mrs. Rose, and Miss Nicholls. The powerful and delightful running car of Mr. Acatos was driven by his wife, whose skill and nerve have earned for her a deservedly high reputation in motoring circles, both at home and in India. Mr. Rolfe, the genial secretary, Mr. A. R. Reynolds, and a prominent member of the Association were also on the passenger list.
The first part of the journey, through the traffic-congested car-lined streets that need to be traversed before the Barrackpore road is reached, proved the least pleasurable part of the journey, unless an exception be made of a particularly dusty section of road which had to be covered ere the first stop was made. This was at Emerald Bower, some five miles out of Calcutta, the country residence of Maharaja Bahadur Sir Jotendra Mohun Tagore, where, at the invitation of the Maharaj Kumar Prodyat Kumar Tagore, the party made a brief stay to partake of light refreshments and to again face the camera. Opportunity was also taken to examine and admire the fine electric brougham of the Maharaj Kumar, who personally received his guests and whose kindly hospitality was heartily appreciated by the members of the party.
After a pleasant and uneventful run the automobilists arrived at the Kinnison Jute Mill, Titaghur, where Mr. A. Birkmyre, a member of the Committee, entertained the company to breakfast. Although general regret was felt at the absence of Mr. J. A. Kinnison, that gentleman, who is now at home, will be gratified to learn that the hospitable traditions of the Kinnison Mill bungalow were worthily maintained. The arrangements made for the comfort of the party by Messrs. Edmund Kinnison, Patterson, and Dykes, could not possibly have been improved upon. The splendid old bungalow, with its lofty rooms, wire verandahs, electric fans, and well-kept compound, occupies a position commanding charming views of the river and portions of the park. Its selection as the objective of the Association’s first run was most happy one, and a return visit will, no doubt, soon figure on the automobilists’ programme.'
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Homeward Mail from India, China and the East - Monday 19 September 1904