WHEELS of INDUSTRY "The wheels of wealth will be slowed
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by all difficulties of transport, at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."--John Eeattie Crozier.
WAR DEPARTMENT HOLDS TRIALS IN NORTH WALES.
War Department trials commenced in North Wales on Monday and close to-day, to ascertain the degree of performance likely to be afforded by modern four-wheeled lorries of 4-6-ton capacity, when carrying the useful military load of 3 tons. A number of representative vehicles is being tested.
Despite the subsidy, the 3-ton sixwheeled type of lorry purchased by the War Office for peace-time requirements has not proved to be an attractive proposition to operators in this country, so that the War Department engineers have deemed it advisable to institute a test which would reveal the usefulness for military transport of normal vehicles.
The trials are quite straightforward, an A.E.C. Matador, a Leyland Badger, a Thornycroft, an Albion model 54 lorry, a Morris-Commercial CS 9-60 lorry, and a Maudslay
tonner being set to climb both the new and the old Horse Shoe passes near Llangollen. Next comes a crosscountry run, followed by a brake test, of both hand and foot systems, on the steepest part of Bwlch-y-Groes, the trials being completed by a climb of the famous test hill, with restarts at suitable points. At the time hf going to press, all machines entered in the trial, together with, a number of War Department machines cntered for comparative purposes, were performing splendidly.
Northern Ireland Traffic Bill Passes Second Reading.
The Northern Ireland Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Bill passed the second reading, last week, without a division. The Bill consists of 52 clauses, 14 of which relate directly to public-service
and goods vehicles. The main provisions of this portion of the Bill, which include the introduction of goodsvehicle licensing on the area basis, are modelled on the British Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933.
Clause 12 of the Bill, regulating drivers' working hours, differs from the British Act in that it does not lay down a definite period of hours, but gives power to the Minister of Home Affairs to fix a scale, varying according to working conditions and classes of vehicle. The Bill also atithorizes the Minister of Home Affairs to fix a speed limit for goods vehicles of under 2i-ton unladen weight, which, hitherto, have not been subject to a general speed limit. Another clause enumerates those who may be carried on a goods vehicle, namely, the driver, owner, any employee, with the permission of the employer, and two persons to assist with the load.
Much regret has been occasioned by n.20 the absence from the Bill of any specific period of working. hours for drivers. The Minister of Home Affairs will, however, consult all the interests concerned before he issues the scale of hours.
Salesman Required for the Scammell Mechanical Horse.
A well-known firm of agents requires a first-class representative to sell the Scammell mechanical horse. Letters addressed "Mechanical Horse," care of the Editor, will be forwarded.
Marelli Brake Distributor.
We are asked by Feeny and Johnson, Ltd., 134, Ealing Road, Wembley, Middlesex, maker of the Marelli vacuumservo brake, to state that Spurling Motors, Ltd., has the rights for this brake, in the London area, only as applied to Bedford vehicles.,
New E.R.F. Agents.
Messrs. W. J. Boyes and San, 30, Blenheim Grove, Peckham, London, S.E.5, have recently been appointed official distribution and service agents for E.R F. oil-engined lorries ; their territory comprises that part of London south of the Thames and Kent.
Receiver Retires from T. S. Motors.
T. S. Motors, Ltd., 5, Iddesleigh House, Caxton Street, London, S.W.1, informs us that the receiver for the debenture holders of the company has retired, having realized a sufficient amount to discharge the debentures, leaving the fixed and other assets entirely free from any charge or encumbrance. NEW COMPANY TO PRODUCE PETROL FROM COAL.
We understand that a new company, with the title of the National Coke and Oil Co., Ltd., is to proceed with the erection of a chain of distillation plants for producing petrol from coal. It is intended to erect .20 plants at important centres.
For three years experimental and research work has been proceeding on the Cannock Chase coalfield, and motor fuel from coal has been produced and marketed for about eight months at the rate of 1,000 gallons per day. The company has as its chief technical adviser Dr. C. H. Lander, who was formerly chief of the Fuel Research Department.
An output of 20,000 gallons per day is the estimated production when the company's plants are fully working.
Scottish Road Users Association to be Formed.
At a meeting in Glasgow, last week, steps were taken to form a Scottish Road Users Association. Mr. D. A. Donald, highway engineer, declared
there were 2000, unsafe bridges in Scotland, but only half of the tax on motor vehicles was used for road improvements. Traffic signals should be in operation at every road crossing.
A committee, charged with, powers to take the initial steps towards forming a Road Users Association was established, consisting of Sir Alexander II. Seton, Bart., Mr. W. Campbell Stark, Councillor Victor D. Warren, Mr. Hugh McCreath and Mr. E. H. Collie, chair.man of the Glasgow Civic Society.
Dunlop's 1933 Trading Shows Greatly Increased Profit.
Further to the preliminary statement of accounts appearing in our issue for last week, we are now able to give fuller particulars of the trading of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., for 1933. The net profit amounted to £1,512,866, compared with £860,077 for 1932—an increase of £652,789. Adding the balance brought forward, the total amount available for distribution is £1,955,074. Of this sum, £403,956 is transferred to taxation reserve and £200,000 to general reserve. Preference dividends paid for the first half of the year absorbed £140,625, and payments of dividends on A, B and C cumulative preference shares for the second half• of the year will account for £145,313.
The ordinary shareholders are to receive a dividend of 8 per cent. (less tax), which will account for £486,765. After these allocations, the balance to be carried forward is £578,415. During the year a profit on exchange of £203,766 was realised, this being transferred to the contingencies reserve. USING HOME-PRODUCED OIL.
Recently a representative of our associated journal, The Motor, was
able to try out a car running on heavyoil produced as a by-product of the
manufacture of petrol from coal by the Low Temperature Carbonisation process and distributed by Carless, Capel and Leonard.
The engine was of the ordinary petrol type, but it was equipped with an Atomizer carburetter, a dual instrument which permits starting on petrol and changing over to heavier fuel when the engine is warm. During the test it was ascertained that there were no objectionable exhaust fumes, but the fuel itself has a smell resembling that of creosote. A high power output was obtained, and the performance on top gear was good.
Glasgow Association's Annual Meeting.
At the annual meeting of the Glasgow and District Horse and Motor Contractors Association, held last week, it was intimated that a special committee, conversant with transport contracting, had been appointed to &a:leg-6rd members' interests in connection with questions arising out of the Road and Rail Traffic Act.
Mr. David Murray was elecred first honorary president. Mr. William Dalziel was elected president and Mr. Donald Mackay re-elected secretary,
Leylands at a Fire Brigade Conference.
At the Professional Fire Brigades Association Conference, to he held at Eastbourne on May 16, Leyland Motors, Ltd., will be exhibiting a Leyland-Metz turntable escape and a 400-gallon fireengine.
Road-Rail Co-ordination in France.
A saving of £25,000,000 a year is expected to result from two important decrees affecting the organization of the French railways, recently submitted to the President of France.
Long-distance journeys are to be reserved exclusively for the railways, but as regards local transport motor users are to he allowed much more freedom, On local lines the railway authorities will be allowed to run only goods trains and railcars, in which passengers can be carried for short distances, and the companies will not oe permitted to organize auxiliary road services. If road and rail interests fail to agree amongst themselves, their differences will be submitted to arbitraticin.
Motor Taxation Yield in Ulster.
Last year, the Nor4hern Ireland Government collected I8G,060 in motor taxation. The fo owing details of sources from which thel total was collected Were given by tle Minister of Home Affairs in reply to a recent question in Stormont:— Goods vehicles, £207,488; agricultural tractors, motor ploughs, etc„ £99; road locomotives and tractors, £669; hackney carriages, £49,774, and taxicabs, £11,947. General trade plates yielded £10,681, limited trade plates, £895, and drivers' licences and other miscellaneous receipts, £27,770.
United Dominions' Bristol Office.
A branch at 31, Corn Street, Bristol, has been opened by United Dominions Trust, Ltd., and a luncheon was held
on Wednesday, May 2, to mark the event. The guests were received by Mr. P. R. Jackson, general manager, and Mr. Duncan Carmichael, one of
the directors. The office at Bristol is managed by Mr. A. J. Mountford■ who has represented the company in that town for some years.
PERSONAL PARS.
Mr. G. W. H. Bathe, 0.B.E., who has been engaged for some time at the head office of Nathan Fine, Ltd., the• Manchester clearing house, has now been appointed manager of the company's Hull office.
Mr. Lachlan Mackinnon, Glasgow Corporation's transport manager, is to attend the International Congress of Transport Authorities to be held in Berlin and Munich, in July. He is to be accompanied by Councillors Alex McLean and William Reid.
The Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., advises us that, owing to a lengthy and trying indisposition, Mr. E. M. Batchelar has had to relinquish his position as municipal sales representative for the company. Although Mr. Batchelar is still far from well, there is a definite improvement in his health and, after complete recovery, he will take up fresh duties in the company's sales organization.
The many friends of Mr, W. M. W. Thomas, who has been connected with Morris Motors, Ltd., for several years and is President of the Motor Trade Association, will be pleased to learn that . he has been appointed by Lord Nuffield to be a director and general manager of Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., Birmingham. Mr. H. Seaward; who has been in charge of ,the body department of Morris Motors, Ltd., will take over the control of the, sales department vacated by Mr. Thomas.'
Mr. J. M. L. Mitcheson, His Majesty's Consul in charge of the trade department of the British Consulate-General at New York, is paying a short visit to this country, and will be available at the Department of Overseas Trade on May 22 and 23, for the purpose of interviewing manufacturers and merchants interested in the export of
United Kingdom goods to the United States. He will subsequently visit a number of provincial industrial centres.
Those concerns desiring an interview with Mr. Mitcheson should write to the Department at 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, quoting reference 24648/34. A.E.C. DIVIDEND INCREASED.
The Associated Equipment Co., Lid., is paying an interim dividend of 2 11/111 per cent. (less tax) in respect of the current year. For the previous nine months the interim distribution was 2 per cent., which was followed by a final :dividend of 3 per cent.
Road Accident Returns.
The Ministry of Transport returns of persons killed or injured in road accidents during the week ended April 28, 1934, show that, in England, 82 persons were killed and 3,535 injured, whilst 80 were reported as having died through previous accidents. In Scotland 12 persons were killed and 328 injured, and in Wales one person was killed and 149 injured.
Maintenance Engineer Available.
We know of a man with 25 years' experience in the commercial-vehicle in dustry and who for the past three years has been chief engineer of an important coach-operating concern, who is now available for a Similar position on the pasienger or haulage side. Letters addressed " Maintenance Engineer," cars of the Editor, will, be forwarded.
The World's Largest Garage.
What is believed (after inquiries at home and abroad) to be the world's largest garage is now in an advanced stage of construction. The owner is Thos. Maiden and Sons,: Ltd., Cross Street, Sate, Cheshire, and the site Of the garage is 14 acres. The premises will include a coach bOoking office and waiting rooms and there will be parking 'facilities for 1,000 motors, 400 being commercial' vehicles. A resthouse with dormitory for long-distance lorry and Coach drivers will be provided.
Further Goodyear Extension.
The Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd., was just completing an extension which added 35,000 sq. ft. to the floor space of its plant at Wolverhampton, when the steadily increasing demand for its tyres and other products made necessary further extensions, and these are now under way. Ever since it was built more than six years ago; the factory has been operated day and night with three eighthour shifts, providing steady employment for some 2,000 workpeople.
Poor Wages in Devon 7:11d Cornwall.
"Down here in Cornwall, so far away from London, you do not quite appreciate what the Road Haulage Association has done to safeguard your industry," said Mr. C. Hodgson, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Area of the R.H.A., in addressing, at Canaelford, the first open meeting of hauliers held in North Cornwall.
There were, he declared, some glar ing discrepancies in wages paid in Devon and Cornwall, which varied from £3 to 30s. weekly, and, in some cases, even 25s. He would like to see better conditions obtaining there.
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It was decided to call another meeting to consider the advisability of forming, a separate section, with headquarters at Camelford, for the convenience of North Cornwall hauliers.
Soviet Lorry Production Exceeds Schedule.
According to the monthly review issued by the Moscow Narodny Bank, Ltd., the output of lorries at the Stalin Motor Works, Moscow, during the first quarter of this year, amounted to 4,535 units; 612 were produced at the Yaroslavl works and 6,705 at the Molotov works at Gorky. The quarter's total of 11,852 vehicles is stated to represent 100.9 per cent, of the plan.
The Stalingrad works produced 9,266 tractors during this period, the Khar kov works 10,305, and the Cheliabinsk factory 1,224. In this case the total of 20,795 tractors amounts to 92 per cent. of the plan.
A Meeting of Interest to Class C Applicants,
The Nottingham and District Industrial Traffic Club is holding a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce, Smithy Row, Nottingham, on May 16, at 7 p.m„ when the speakers will be Mr. E. J. Shapland, of the Traffic Commissioners' office, and Mr. W. Ferrier Brown, M.I.Mech.E., M.I.A.E., certifying officer, East Midland Traffic Area. The meeting is of importance to all those applicants for Class C licences under the Road and Rail Traffic Act.
Selling Electric_s in London.
The Wimbledon MotOr Works, Ltd. .(Dates Bros.), London, S.W., has recently taken up the sale of Morrison Electric vehicles, and one has already been supplied to the'Southdown Farm, Ltd., Wimbledon, for special ice-cream deliveries.
CANADA NEEDS GARAGE TOOLS.
His Majesty's Trade Commissioner at Toronto reports that a local firm desires to be placed in touch with United Kingdom manufacturers of tools for motor garages. Those concerns in a position to offer products of 'United Kingdom manufacturer may obtain further particulars from the Department of Overseas Trade, :35 Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, reference GY137-69 being quoted.
Parcels Delivery Co-ordination.
A conference was recently held at Goole between representatives of Red Arrow Deliveries, Ltd., Lep Transport and Depository, Ltd., and United Automobile Services, Ltd., as a result of which facilities have been provided for the delivery of parcels in Northumberland and Durham on the first-named company's behalf, as well as for traffic in the reverse direction.
Negotiations have, we learn, also been conducted with Scottish Express Deliveries, Ltd. (North and South Transport) whereby its south-hound service will, III future, terminate at Blackburn. The traffic will be conveyed thence over the joint service operated between Birmingham and Blackburn by Blackburn Parcels Express and Red Arrow Deliveries, Ltd. The latter has also made a connection which gives a thrice weekly service to Corby, Stamford and Peterborough.
French Fuel-pump Trial.
It is reported from Paris that arrangements are being made by the Technical Commission of the French Automobile Club for holding a trial of fuel pumps for oil engines.
Mr. Bristow's Booklet: New Edition.
The fourth edition of "The Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, as 'it Affects Commercial Motor Users," in. Mr. F. G. Bristow, C.B.E., revised to date, has recently beer) issued. A copy will he sent upon application to the British Road Federation, 50, Pall Malt, London. S.W.I, enclosing lid. in statnps to cover postage.
PEEK FREAN BIDS FAREWELL TO HORSES.
When the day's work ended on May 4 at the biscuit factory of Peek Frean and Co., Ltd., at Bermondsey, London, S.E.16, 12 van horses were led from the shafts for the last time and, on the following day, Scammell mechanical horses took over their duties. Some of the van men are to be trained as motor drivers.
"These are the last of the horses which have served us so faithfully," said Mr. T. W. Read, the company's forwarding manager and a member of the Industrial Transport Association. "'[hey are going because we cannot afford • slow motion' in these days of rapid movement and prompt delivery of goods."
So long as 30 years ago the company owned no fewer than 70 horses, but to-day electric vehicles, that are nearly four times as fast as the horse, and petrol vehicles, that are even more
spelt are employed. Incidentally, in the London area of the company the motor vehicles are able to cover a radius nearly six times greater than that covered by the horse-drawn vans.
Lamplugh Reorganization We are advised that Lamplugh Spring Seats, Ltd., has been reorganized by the introduction of a new board of directors and management. The company is in a position to undertake the manufacture of a wide range of seating equipment for public-service vehicles. Its works are at Bushey Mill Lane, Watford.
Higher Haulage Rates Without Undue Increase in Traders' Costs.
Haulage rates in the West Riding o/ Yorkshire have been raised without unduly increasing the costs of traders, stated Mr. Robert Barr, of\the national council of the CornmerCial Motor. Users Association, at Hull, last Friday. Increases in certain cases were especially necessary-in view of the higher overhead .charges n'ow involved.
There must, he said, be closer working between small and large operators. They must aim at removing all suspicion and jealousy.
In conclusion, Mr. Barr emphasized that hauliers should not be content to remain on the defensive in the protection of their interests ; -they should organize for attack, and not leave the offensive to the railway companies.
Mr. Charles Holdsworth, chairman of the Bradford section"of the Road Transport Rates Tribunal, said that West Riding hauliers were now reaping the benefit of the hard work which had been put into the work of rates stabilization.
Mr. G. E. Gilbey, chairman of the North-Eastern Division of the C,M.U.A., presided.
Sound Amplifiers for Lorries in France.
Under an amendment to the French Code de la Route, all industrial vehicles in France over a certain weight must now be fitted with sound amplifiers, which enable the driver to hear the warning signals of cars wishing to overtake, and pass them. This regulation -came into force in January
and has already been complied with very generally. In practice the appliances, which comprise microphones at the rear and small loud-speakers beside the drivers, appear to work very well, says our Paris correspondent There have been certain complaints as to non-selectivity of sound, but these seem to come, for the most part, from owners of old chain-driven vehicles. Surprising as it may seem, great numbers of old chain-driven, war-type lorries are still on the road in France.
Death of Mr. William Edwards.
We regret to learn of the death of Mr. William Edwards, of Edwards Brothers (Tippers), Ltd., Bolton, the well-known manufacturer of tipping gears and commercial bodies.
The chassis price of the Commer 20-25-cwt. model is £165, and not as given in our Buyer's Guide in our issue dated April 27.
In our reference, last week, to a mock trial, to be held at the London School of Economics, the charge being " Treating Pedestrians as Inferior Road Metal," we gave the date as May 5. This should have been June 5.
LEICESTERSHIRE HAULIERS MEET AND DINE.
The first annual dinner of the Leicestershire area of the Road Haulage Association was recently held at Leicester, when more than 180 persons were present. Mr. F. Platts, chairman of the area, presided.
Proposing the toast of "The Association," Mr. 0. J. B. Cole, the Chief Constable of Leicester, said that although some of the members might find the recently imposed regulations a trifle irksome, they would result in vehicles being kept in a fit condition, to the increased safety of everyone on the road.
Mr. W. Donaldson Wright, in responding, said it was regrettable that in the new Bill before Parliament it was not proposed to alter the speed limit of pneumatic-tyred vehicles of '2i tons and over from 20 m.p.h. In view of the improvement in the design of such vehicles, it was time that tho
limit was raised to 30 m.p.h.—the speed at present enjoyed by similar vehicles engaged in passenger service.
Mr. J. G. Cartwright, an ownerdriver of Leicester, said that the time had come when horse-drawn vehicles should be removed from busy thoroughfares. The operation of the new Act, however, rather encouraged this form of transport.
Visits to the Ford Works.
The Ford Motor Co., Ltd., announces that the motor ship "New Dagenham " will leave Westminster Pier at 11.30 a.m. from Monday to Friday inclusive throughout the season, to convey visitors to the Ford works. The vessel returns to Westminster by 5.30 p.m. The fare for the return journey is 3s. 6d. and tickets may be obtained, prior to the date of the visit, from Ford dealers and the usual booking agencies.
Big Extensions by Hepworth and Grandage.
Extensions on a far larger scale than was at first anticipated are to be made at the works of Hepworth and Grandage, Ltd., Bradford, and the capital of the company is being increased to £175,000 by the creation of 100,000 ordinary shares at 10s. each.
MERSEY TUNNEL TOLLS BASED ON UNLADEN WEIGHT.
Mersey Tunnel Joint Committee has submitted to the Ministry of Transport for approval a revised schedule of tolls based on the unladen weight of goods vehicles, instead of, as formerly, on carrying capacity. The main particulars are (trailer charges are shown in parentheses) : Goods vehicles (unladen weights) not exceeding 12 cwt., Is.; 12 cwt.-1 ton Is. 6d. (2s.), exceeding 1 ton 2s. 6d. (2s.). Motor tractors not exceeding 2 tons 2s. 6d. (2s.); 2 tons-4 tons 3s. 6d. (2s.); exceeding 4 tons 5s. (2s.). Steam vehicles: goods vehicles 2s. Od. (2s. 6d.); roller, 5s.; tractor 55. (2s.); furniture van 3s.; furniture van and trailer Ss.; showman's special vehicle 2s. 6d.; tank wagon 3s. 6d.
The above tolls may be increased by 50 per cent, between midnight and 5 a. m. GUY 12-TON TRACTOR UNITS FOR A HAULIER.
We have been asked to point out that the Guy tractor units, described in our issue of last week, are being supplied to Mr. A. H. Barlow, transport contractor, Ardwick, Manchester (who runs a regular service from that centre to London) by Mr. B. A...Hopcutt, St. James Garage, St. James Square, Wolverhampton, who is a Guy distributor for Shropshire.