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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

12th April 1927, Page 42
12th April 1927
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.

Albion's Successful Trading.

The report of the Albion Motor -Car Co., Ltd., for the year ended December 31st last has just been issued, and it shows that, after making provision for depreciation, income tax, interest on debenture stock and certain other items, the company made a profit of £102,764, this sum being increased to 1117,374 by the amount brought in.

The directors have transferred £50,000 to the reserve fund, thus bringing it up to £160,000, also 14,000 to the benevolent fund and a similar sum to a fund for the provision of a recreation ground. In addition, a dividend on the preference shares, at the rate of 6 per cent, per annum, less tax, has been paid for the half-year ended June 30th last,

and this absorbed £4,016. After deducting these items, the balance avail able is 155,358. This sum is to be appropriated by the payment of a dividend on the preference shares for the second half-year at the same rate as for the first half (14,016), and by the payment of a dividend on the ordinary shares for the year at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, less tax (£365800). The balance to be carried forward to the next year will thus be 114,542.

American Vehicle Registrations.

The Bureau of Public Roads of the Department of Agriculture of the United States announces that over 22,000,000 motor vehicles were registered in America during 1926, an increase of slightly over 2,000,000 on the

figure for 1925. Florida, with an increase of 40.2 per cent., s1.lwS a larger gain than any other State.

Of the total number of Vehicles registercd 19;237,171 were pii,s,senger automo mobiles, taxis and buses, and 2,764,222 motor lorries and road tractors. The increase in lorries and tractors was 13.2 per cent., which is somewhat larger than the increase for all classes.

Irish Free State Imports.

Official returns just issued show that 35 commercial 'motor vehicles, of an estimated value of £7,990, were imported into the Irish Free State during February last, bringing the total for the first two months of the year up to 50 vehicles (£11,417), as compared with 26 (£5,095) in the same period of 1926.

Mersey Tunnel Entrances.

The point of view of the transport user was strongly emphasized at a recent meeting of the Liverpool branch of the Roads Improvement Association, which discussed the proposed Birkenhead entrance to the Mersey Tunnel now being constructed. It was pointed out that with an entrance at Woodside, traffic entering or leaving the tunnel would have to turn on a hair-pin bend on a 1-in-17 gradient, the route being circuitous.

• A scheme was put forward by Mr. G. Thomson providing for an entrance of the tunnel near Park Street. This, lit contended, would mean a gradient of 1in-30, with a length of approach of 700 feet.

Mr. Allen Walter, of the Liverpool Cart and Motor Owners' Association, contended that with the tunnel entrance at Woodside, Birke,nhead, no alleviation for existing traffic congestion would be provided. It was stated by the Liverpool Town Clerk that 60 per cent. of the traffic using the new Mersey Tunnel would be through traffic, 20 per cent. dock traffic, and 20 per cent, town traffic. Afterwards, it was admitted as a result of a census which had been taken that the percentage of through traffic was likely to be about 45 per cent. Mr. Walter stated that he had reliable figures as to the present proportion of through traffic, this being 46 per cent. one way, and 43 per cent. the other.

The Roads Improvement Association passed a resolution asking the Tunnel Committee to give consideration to the proposal for the entrance 'near Park Stteet, on the ground that an entrance at Woodside would be unsuitable on account of the congestion and the steep gradient.

A Dunlop Removal.

After five years' stay at Pall Mali, London, S.W., the organization of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., has removed into St. James's Street, the new quarters at St. James's House being on the corner of Ryder Street. Apart from the head office, the company now possesses London premises at Osnaburgh Street, Albany Street, Wilton Road and Wicklow Street.

Bus Services for Ulster.

The Ulster General Omnibus Co., Ltd., was registered as a public company on • March 31st with a nominal capital of £150,000 in 11 shares. The company is to run bus services in Northern Ireland, and will also enter the field of goods transport. The first directors are—Sir Walter B. Townley, Sir William P. T. O'Connor, Mr. It. C. Haggett and Mr. H. Baker.

To Inspect Public-service Vehicles in Bath.

We learn that Major Vernon Brook, O.B.E., A.M.I.E.E., M.I.A.E., M.I.E.I., has been appointed technical adviser to the Bath Corporation in connection with the licensing of public-service vehicles.

Hull's Bus Orders.

The tramways eommittee of the Hull Corporation has accepted the following tenders :—Guy Motors, Ltd., one sixwheeled covered-top bus, delivery in April; Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., two covered-top buses, at £1,718 each, delivery in 21 days; Leyland Motors, Ltd., two covered-top buses, at £1,656 each for 52-seaters or £1,716 each for 55-seaters, and two Lioness one-man-controlled buses, at £1,301 each, delivery later. It has been left to the chairman and the general manager to decide whether the coveredtop buses shall be 52-seaters or 55seaters.

Agents and the Commercial Vehicle.

A strong plea for specialization was made in. the paper read recently before the Nottingham branch of the Institute of the Motor Trade by Mr. R. E. Ross, on the subject of commercial vehicle sales from the agent's point of view. Mr. Ross is a member of the well-known local concern of Challands, Ross and Co., Ltd., and has a wide experience of industrial-vehicle selling. His contention was that commercial business must he treated on an entirely different footing from that of dealing in private cars. Comparatively few fraders, be thought, would find it worth while to obtain sole agencies, though they could act usefully as sub-agents.

The paper included an interesting survey of the development of commercial vehicle business, both before and since the war, and the speaker advocated closer co-operation between manufacturers and their agents.

Fruit Merchants Prefer Road Motors.

The annual conference of the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Associations (Incorporated), Ltd., attended by delegates from Great Britain, Ireland. France, Spain and Holland, was held a few days ago at Cardiff, and no small part of the discussions centred on the possibilities of developing an intensive system of road transport for securing the speedy and fresh delivery of fruit and vegetables from the ports. It was stated that the railways had failed "to move with the times" and did not offer the essential facilities for these trades.

The splendid work of motor vehicles in assisting these trades to maintain supplies during the general strike last May was touched upon by the retiring president, Mr. E. W. Roach, London.

The new president, Mr. Wray (Hull), said that shipowners were improving stowage and refrigeration, but the railways failed to give similar facilities. It was a fact that fruit was landed after 14,000 miles' travel in a better condition than it often would be after a journey of 50 .miles in ill-ventilated rail wagons. Quick delivery to places 200 miles from main distributing centres was essential, and it might be that all produce would have to be carried by road motors if the railways continued to restrict facilities.

Sharp criticism ef the railways and a proposal to organize road transport services were features of a discussion on the second day of the congress.

A delegate thought they would soon be able to do without the railways and carry on with motors. A South Lin

colnshire delegate cited a concrete ease where a small merchant had obtained better service by turning to road transport and discontinuing to pay £800 a year for carriage by railway.

With regard to the question of increased taxation of motor vehicles, on which a resolution of protest was passed, a Yorkshire delegate thought that they would have to be observant to see that the road transport industry "was not throttled by railway interests."

The conference will be held at Liverpool next year.

Popular Karrier Models.

Karrier Motors, Ltd., Karrier Works, Huddersfield, has recently received a number of repeat orders for goods-carrying vehicles with capacities ranging from 30 cwt. to 12 tons. The company has also received a repeat order from the Huddersfield Corporation for six 32-seater low load-line buses,

whilst the British Petwleum Co., Ltd., is taking delivery of a 1,500-gallon tanker in which the makers' large-type rigid-frame six-wheeler is employed. A repeat order for an RSCetype road sweeper, sprinkler and collector has been placed by the Manchester Corporation, whilst other municipalities which are buying machines of this type for street-cleansing work include those at West Bromwich, Cologne and Gothenburg. It is plehsing to note the interest of foreign authorities in British municipal appliances.

Personal Pars.

We had the pleasure last week of an hour's talk with Mr. H. Hastings Deering, the managing director of A.E.C. Australia Proprietary, Ltd., the Australian branch of the Associated Daimler Co., Ltd. He is here on a three months' visit, advancing his points of view and discussing technical and administrative proposals. The outlook for British products in the Dominions was never better, for the British manufacturer has a clearer idea of the requirements in the overseas markets and is prepared, so far as is possible, to modify design in order to meet those requirements. Moreover, he is now keenly alive to the value to his overseas customers of prompt service. Australia is now closely studying the question of defence, and realizing that the existence of three different gauges of railway track is a really serious handicap to troop movement, is spending £20,000,000 on roads in the next few years. With growing industries great developments of road transport in the future are inevitable.

As from the let of this month, Mr. S. Hollands has been acting as the area manager for the whole of Ireland for the Associated Daimler Co., Ltd., in succession to Mr. R. E. McLean, who will be able to concentrate entirely upon sales work. Mr. Hollands has been with the company since 1913, when he joined it in the capacity of a draughtsman. After serving with the Forces until 1919, he rejoined the company as service inspector until 1920. He was then placed in charge of the A.E.C. repair depot at North Road, London, and in 1922 was appointed service manager, retaining that position until 1926, when he became assembly engineer, first at Walthamstow and later at Southall.

Motors Lower Refuse-collection Costs.

The estimates of the Barry (Glam.) Urban District Council contain a recommendation by the surveyor for the purchase of two S.D. Freighters for refuse collection. The recommendation is strongly urged in view of the reduction which has been effected in the cost of refuse collection at Barry since mechanical vehicles were adopted. Mr. E. R. Hinchliffe, the Barry surveyor, states that with the two S.D. Freighters in use, each of which does the Work of two horses and carts, the cost of the collection of house refuse has been reduced to 5s. 4d. per ton, as against 8s. 9d. per ton when horses and carts were used on thiS work.

Road Upkeep in Lincolnshire.

In few parts of the country has the maintenance of highways been continued with greater efficiency., than in Lincolnshire, the authorities responsible for administrative arrangements in the Lindsey, Kesteven and Reiland areas having carried out work which has proved of much value to all classes of road user. Further proof of this enterprising spirit was afforded at the last meeting of the Kesteven Council, held at Sleaford, under the presidency of Sir Chas. G. E. Welby, when it was determined to apply to the Ministry of Health for consent to raise £20,000 to provide for further work of a capital nature during the ensuing year. Coaching at Blackpool.

The president of the Blackpool and District Motor Char-h-banes Owners' Association, speaking at the association's annual meeting and dinner, held on April 1st, claimed that Blackpool had one of the finest fleets of motor coaches in the country. A subsequent speaker, Inspector Pearson, of the Blackpool Constabulary, however, went one further and gave it as his opinion that Blackpool had one of the finest (Nets of motor coaches in the world.

Mr. J. Hill, who was elected presidentof the Association for the ensuing year, paid a tribute to the number and quality of the locally-owned motor coach fleets, and the Mayor of Blackpool expressed

his pleasure at the knowledge that this year Blackpool would have 200 coaches on the road.

The following officials were appointed: President, Mr. J. Hill ; president-elect, Mr. Rhodes Marshall ; vicepresidents, Messrs. J. W. Horsfall, J. W. Dewhurst and J. E. Taylor ; hon. treasurer, Mr. J. Stead ; hon. secretary, Mr. H. Hardman.

S.D. Freighters in Demand.

The works of Shelvoke and Drewry, Ltd., at Letchworth, continue to be busily engaged on the production of S.D. Freighters for use in many classes of trade. Recent deliveries which the company has executed include two machines for Pickfords, Ltd., these having body lengths of 18 ft. and 20 ft. respectively. Another comprises a boxvan for the Anglo-American Oil Co., Ltd., whilst works trucks have been supplied to Armstrong .Siddeley Motors, Ltd., and Rubery Owen, Ltd.

S.D. Freighters continue to be popular with municipalities, as is evidenced by the number of repeat orders received from such sources. Some of the local authorities which have indicated their satisfaction in this way are those of Croydon, Hampstead, Carlisle, Scar c22 borough, Cardiff, Burnley, West Bridgford, Barry, Great Yarmouth and Liverpool; the last-named is buying another seven machines. The company is also receiving orders from overseas municipalities, and amongst these may be mentioned those at Shanghai and Mang (F.M.S.).

Cumberland Buses for I.O.M.

The Port Erin (Isle of Man) Commissioners have received an application on behalf of the Cumberland Motor Services, Ltd., asking for licences for motor buses to ply for lure at Port Erin. It was stated that 15 vehicles would be necessary to work the three routes : (1) Peel to Douglas, (2) Port Erin to

Douglas, and (3) Peel to Port Erin, via Foxdale. .Although not more than two buses might be on the stand at any one time, it was deemed advisable to have licences in Port Erin foil all the buses, in case it was found necessary to transfer them from one route to another. The buses would be new 32-seater single-deck Leylands or Daimlers. It was remarked that if the service could be arranged it would be a great asset to Port Erin and to the Island generally.

Public Services in Jugo-slavia.

The Government is now running about 14 public motor services in JugoSlavia, and these connect a number of small towns not provided with railway communications. The routes vary in length from 12A to 43 miles, the total distance covered being about 440 miles.

Solid-tyred Vehicles Prohibited.

It is re'ported that the municipal authorities of Vienna, Austria, have decided to forbid the use of solid tyres on motor vehicles in that city as front the beginning of next year. In the case of vehicles for carrying loads of over 3 tons, the licensing authorities will have the power to grant licences to vehicles equipped with cushion tyres. A Guy Police Van.

On page 256 we reproduce interior and exterior views of a police van which Guy Motors, Ltd., Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, has recently supplied to the Southampton Corporation, which already owns a number of different types of vehicle of this make. The chassis employed for this vehicle is the makers' 16-20-seater, and the body is built to the same design as that originated by the chief constable ot Nottingham. The driver's compartment is entirely enclosed and provides space for two warders in addition to the driver.

The body has a forward compartment with a rear door, which is barred, and this affords seating for four female prisoners. Then there is a central compartment in which the rear door is also barred, and this has accommodation for ten male prisoners. The rearmost compartment is for the use of two warders. An important feature of the van is that when it is not employed on police duties the various sections dividing the compartments can be removed in the space of a few minutes, and the vehicle then becomes in effect an open van and can be used for the transport of bedding, uniforms, etc., or, in emergency, as an ambulance. Lockers are provided in each compartment for carrying the personal effects of prisoners.

The vehicle was ordered through the Southampton agents for 'Guy Motors, Ltd., Parsons and Swayne, Ltd

Accidents in Birmingham.

From statistics which have recently been issued by the Birmingham Watch CoMmittee, we "note that the number of casualties incidental to street traffic coming to the .,knowledge of the police during the six months ended December 31st last was 4,144, this figure comparing with 3,677 for a similar period of the previous year. French Exports.

Official returns recently issued show that no fewer than 15,095 commercial 'vehicles and buses, valued at 218,778,000 francs, were exported from France during 1926, as compared with only 4,782 vehicles (181,007,000 francs) in the previous year. The principal markets to which the vehicles were sent were Spain, Switzerland, Algeria, Belgium and Luxembourg, Great Britain and French "West Africa.

A London to Gloucester Service.

At a meeting of the Cheltenham Watch Committee, Messrs. Holland and Finlay, 5, Montpelier Road, Ealing, London, applied for a licence for an omnibus to ply for hire between Gloucester and London, via Cheltenham. After hearing representatives of the applicants and of the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., the application was granted, subject to an arrangement as to fares being made with the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., on the portion of the route already served by this company.

Repeat Orders for Thornycrofts.

A large number of repeat orders was received by John I. Thornyeroft and Co., Ltd. during the fortnight ended March 26th last, several of them having come from overseas sources. Amongst the orders placed during this period by users in this country were many for geods vehicles as well as for passenger models. The list Contains a number of prominent names, including Shell-Mex, Ltd.; Courage and Co., Ltd. ; Leeds Co-operative Society, Ltd.; Henbye Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd.; Kelly's Directories, Ltd.; and the Stalybridge, Hyde, I■lossley and .Dukinfield Tramways and Electricity Board, the lastnamed havng ordered six UB-type bus chassis.

Transport Activity of a Chamber of Commerce.

Work of an eminently practical value continues to be effected in connection with the Transport Department of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce, the half-yearly report a the committee, presented at the last meeting, expressing gratification at a further substantial increase in the amount of traffic dealt with. This increase has amounted to 40 per cent, as compared with the COT

responding period of the previous year. That has been due in a measure to the traffic which came to the Department as a result of the general strike, but the extent of its operations is still being maintained.

The reliable services which are offered through the Chamber's arrangements are, it was reported, becoming more

widely known and appreciated by traders and manufacturers. Bearing in mind the state of trade during the whole of the past year, it was added that the position of the department might justly he described as highly satisfactory. .

For Long-distance Touring.

Wallace Arnold Tours, Ltd., has been exhibiting, in City Square, Leeds, the latest addition to its fleet—a Leyland Lioness all-weather motor coach. This Company specializes in personally conducted tours, taking in all parts of the country from the Highlands to the Isle of Wight.

Vulcan Representation in Ireland.

We are advised by the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., Crossens, Southport, that the address of its representative in Ireland has recently been changed, and that communications in future should be sent to Mr. TT R. Leeemher at The Chalet, Knockdene Park, Belfast.

Manchester's Express Buses.

The tramways committee of the Manchester Corporation has now arranged for the running of express bus services, and agreed that no termini be established in the centre of the city ; that all routes should be through routes crossing the city ; that, so far as possible. different roads should be selected

in crossing the city, and that each route should cross the other routes, so that an interchange of traffic would be afforded. The following pioneer routes are proposed: Cheadle and Hopwood ; West Didsbury and Denton ; Brooklands and Guide Bridge ; Heaton Chapel and Cheetham Hill ; Whalley Range and Hollinwood ; Urmston and Droylsden. It is recommended that the fares on the express bus services should be double the fares on the corresponding tramways route, with a minimum of 2d., but where the service continues beyond the tramway the existing scale of bus fares, with a id. minimum, should apply.

Popularizing an Imported Vehicle.

General Motors, Ltd., is planning a big scheme to increase the sale of Chevrolet commercial vehicles in this country, and it consists of the sending out of two convoys of vehicles, equipped with the whole range of 15 different bodies, on a lengthy tour of the United Kingdom. All the vehicles will be attractively painted and most of them will be loaded with the actual goods which they are intended to carry. These convoys will stop from two to five days in various towns where the company's dealers are located, and a complete range of models will he ex hibited at the dealer's showrooms. .

Lorries and Buses in Holland.

It is estimated that, at the present time,there are 2,371 motorbuses and 15,539 motorvans and lorries in operation in. Holland, a country with about

seven million inhabitants. Although American vehicles are very popular, a feature of the market is the increasing attention which German commercialvehicle builders are devoting to it. Most of the leading German makers have depots or agencies in the country, one of the latest firms to enter the Dutch lorry market being the Krupp concern.

The Cologne Show.

The commercial motor show which is to be held in Cologne from May 20th to 31st promises to be of an important character. The first list of exhibitors contains the names of 30 German makers, two American (Ford and General Motors) and one each French (Citroen) and Austrian (Steyr).

External Brake Required.

A company employing a large fleet of Crossley vehicles wishes to equip these machines with external brakes on the rear-axle drums. We shall be glad to put interested manufacturers into touch with the company.

Eastbourne Coach Stands.

At a meeting of the Eastbourne Watch Committee a letter from the Eastbourne Residential Hotels and Caterers' Association with regard to the Royal Parade eliar-h-bancs stand, together with the questionnaires, submitted to householders by the chief constable and that association, were considered, and a deputation from the association was interviewed. A letter from the Eastbourne Motor Coach Association (small

owners) stating it was pleased to note the unbiased report of the police to the watch committee with regard to the census was also read. The consideration of the matter was deferred to the next meeting.

New Zealand Railway Runs Buses.

By a rectnt New Zealand mail we learn that motorbus services, under the control of the New Zealand Railway Department, have lately been instituted between Oamaru, Ngabara and Tok.aralli, in the South Island. Hitherto these outlying districts had been served by a fleet of privately owned buses, which have now been taken over by the railway department.

We are asked to make it clear that the illustration of a covered-top doubledeck bus, appearing in the advertisement of Messrs. Strachan and Brown, in our issue dated March 29th, was of an A.D.C. vehicle, and not as stated. In the advertisement of Messrs. Strachan and Brown, which appears in this issue, the illustration it was intended to use in the previous advertisement is published. A Booklet on Langite.

We have recently received a neatly produced booklet which deals with Langite, a soft jointing material marketed by the Cork Manufacturing Co., Ltd., of South Chingford, London, E.4. This booklet gives an indication of the uses to which Langite can be put, and shows that it possesses a number of useful applications in connection with motor vehicles. We might mention that Langite can be supplied in any shape and in any size or thickness, and it possesses properties which enable it to resist the action of oils and spirits.

Tank Replenishment on the Highway.

At a meeting of the Plymouth Watch Committee the town clerk reported with regard to the proposed adoption of a by-law with a view to securing safety in connection with the replenishing of the fuel tanks of public-service vehicles on the highway, and submitted a draft by-law which the Minister of Health would be prepared to approve. The bylaw would only relate to omnibuses licensed to ply for public hire. Consideration of the matter was deferred.


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