WHEELS of INDUSTRY "The wheels of wealth will be slowed
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by ail difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Deattie Crozier.
• Private Cars for Business Use : a Test Case.
Two cases at Cardiff., defended by the Automobile Association, where two motorists were charged with using their private cars for the conveyance of goods without having paid the higher tax applicable to goods-carrying vehicles, raise a point of wide interest. It was contended by the A.A. solicitor that no. offence was committed, because, according to the Act of Parliament it was only when a motor • vehicle is constructed or adapted in such a way as to bring it into the class of goodscarrying vehicles that the higher rate of duty became payable. The Cardiff Stipendiary held that the offence was proved and imposed fines in each case.
The effect of this decision, if correct, is that it is an offence to carry parcels or even small articles in cars of.low h.p., and in view of the serious ithportance of the matter to the general body of motorists the Automobile Association is appealing to the High Court on the ground that the, decision is wrong.
Solution to Transport Problem in Sight ?
A further development in the transport situation at Carlisle is recorded. It will be recalled that the corporation decided to establish a bus system, but the scheme was not approved by the Northern Commissioners, who suggested that all the local transport interests should get together and endeavour to solve the city's traffic problem.
It is now stated that the Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., Preston, which several months ago took steps to purchase the local tramways system, is again negotiating towards this end and that the company is 'endeavouring to acquire a controlling interest in the leading bus concerns working in the district. This course will, it is felt; Secure the co-ordination upon which the Traffic Commissioners insist.
A Belgian Petrol-substitute Trial.
With the patronage of the Belgian Minister of National Defence, the competitions committee of the Royal Automobile Club of Belgium is organizing a trial of motor vehicles using fuels other than petrol. The trial, which is known as " La Calorie Economique," will consist of runs from Spa to Liege on August 27th; Liege-BrusseLs, August 28th; Brussels-Ghent, August 29th; Ghent-Ostend, August 30th; closing with a flying-start speed test over a kilom. at Ostend, on August 31st.
The event is open to foreign as well as Belgian motor vehicles, entries being divided into four categories: vans and lorries carrying from 10 cwt. to 30 cwt., 2-3-ton lorries, lorries and tractors with trailers carrying over 3 tons, and coaches and buses. The competing vehicles will be allowed 30 minutes per day—i.e., morning, midday halt and evening—for (1) Engine-starting, lubrication and radiator and fuel-tank replenishing; and (2) adjustments and repairs.
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For any excess time occupied marks will be deducted from the total of 300 allotted at the rate of one mark for each minute for causes 1 and two marks per minute for 2.
The awards will be made on the following basis:— Entrants must state the cost per unit of quantity, usually per litre, of the fuel that they intend to use, and at the end of each day's run the fuel consumption will be measured. For purposes of comparison of the economy effected It will be taken as a basis that a motor lorry uses 900 calories of petrol per metric ton-kilom. of useful load and a bus 90 calories per passenger. The purpose of the speed trial is to determine the most efficient in this respect of vehicles that may be equal from the point of view of fuel costs.
Good Trolley-bus Profits at, Darlington.
Darlington is one of those centres in which tramways have been abandoned, and the corporation relies upon trolleybuses for meeting the passenger-transport needs of the local populatirm. In the year ended March 31st last these vehicles-32 in number—Were serving a population of approximately 74,000 and were being operated over a route mileage of 9.57. In this period the vehicles covered a total mileage of 1,052,314 and carried 10,563,060 passengers, both these 'figures being considerably higher than the comparable -totals for the previous year.
The income from the operation of the trolley-buses amounted to 154,967, whilst working expenses totalled £38.071, so that the gross profit on the year's' working was £16,896, this amount being reduced to £6,989 after meeting loan, interest and tax charges. The balance Was transferred to the reserve account, which at the end of March last showed a credit balance of /15,415.
At the end of the period covered by the report the fleet consisted of 24 Clough-Smith 31-seaters, 6 English Electric 32-seaters and 2 Ransome 32seaters,
Serious Complaint Against Northern Commissioners.
At a special meeting Thornaby Town Council passed a resolution registering "a strong protest against the discourteous treatment of Thornaby Corporation's witness in his evidence to the Northern Area Traffic Commissioners, especially at the public hearing on Suly 21st." The Mayor, who was the witness in question, described the ommissioners' attitude as "grossly insulting and improperly insinuating." He has personally addressed the Minister of Transport on the matter, whilst a question raised the other day in the House of Commons is reported this week in our Parliamentary news.
A New Railway Distribution Scheme.
In developing its schemes of co-ordination between road-and-rail services, the Southern Railway has introduced a railhead distribution scheme by which provision is made for the collection and delivery of all classes of goads from and to premises, together -with storage, when required. Under this new scheme goods can be sent in full truck loads at low rates to be stored for a short or long period and then delivered to the local customer by railway lorries as and when the sender gives instructions.
The scheme is designed to deal with traffic consigned in bulk for delivery to a number of consignees. It provides for collection and delivery services from and to all places situated within a 10-mile radius of selected stations.
Result of International Aluminium Competition.
At the beginning of this year the European producers of aluminium organized a competition in which prizes were offered for suggestions designed to develop the use of aluminium and its alloys. The committee of judges. has now finished the examination of the • entries, and the following prizes have been awarded :— (1) A prize of 25,000 French francs, awarded to Mr. Constantin Szneekler, 1, Rue Chaper, Grenoble (Isere), France, for a contribution on the use of altfminium in leather dressing and tanning. (2) A second prize of 25,000 French francs has been divided equally between Dr. R. Hampel, Elsasserstrasse 15, Pojeduch, b. Stettin, Germany, and Mr. de Hoes, 3, Rue de Veeweyde, Bruxelles-Midi, Belgium, for two entries relating to the use of aluminium in radiators for central heating systems.
The special prize of 50,000 francs has -not been awarded.
All About Motor Boating.
Motor boating is a pastime that is "catching on," for it offers a thrill all its own. "Where can I learn more about the sport? " is a question often asked, and we would remind readers that "The Motor Boat Manual" supplies in concise form all the information required. Every actual and prospective motor-boat owner should possess a copy.