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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

"7 he 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 Crosier.

Experiments in Lifeboat Launching.

Three years ago the Royal National Lifeboat Institution first experimented with chain-track-type tractors, such as are used for agricultural and other purposes, in order to ascertain if they could be successfully employed in connection with the launching of lifeboats. The experiments proved most satisfactory, and a number of tractors has been adaptea for the launching of such boats, there sow being in use seven machines of this type, whilst another nine are being adapted for this special form of work. The tractors have, on a number of occasions, proved their ability to launch a boat much more quickly than horses, and, in one of the most recent launches, as many as three hours were saved.

The tractors, however, possess certain limitations, and experiments have shoat]) that where there is shingle, mud holes, or creeping sand something more powerful is required. For this reason the builders of the Citroan-Kegresse vehicle have been approached, and they carried out a preliminary experiment on behalf of the Institution with a vehicle of a similar type to those which negotiated the Sahara Desert.

Hull's Bus Purchase,

'We have made certain references to the purchase made by the Hull Corporation Tramways Committee of the motorbus services previously maintained on the Hassle route by private enterprise, and to the fact that the Ministry of Health has declined to allow the corporation to run the services.

The corporation is accordingly seeking to dispose of the buses used on this route, and three tenders have been received. Mr. J. B. McMaster offered to buy the services at £4,000, the Marshall Avenue Garage, of Bridlington, offered £5,500, and the H.C. Motor Works, of Hull, offered £4,000. Strong comment was made on the offer of Mr. McMaster, who originally -sold the buses and the goodwill for £8,000. A sub-committee has been appointed further to consider the tenders,

Derbyshire Oil Resources.

Although expectations in regard to the boring for oil in Derbyshire districts have not been realized to the extent which at one time appeared probable, it is of interest to learn that the work at Hardstoft, near Chesterfield, is to be continued, the well which has been sunk there upon land belonging to the Duke of Devonshire still yielding a constant supply of petroleum which is adaptable for commercial motor and other purposes. In the same district baring has also been undertaken at Brimington, Heath, and Ridgeway, but. no success having attended the efforts in those areas the plant has been dismantled.

The appliances at Hartlsioft remain, and a licence having now been granted by the Mines Department of the Board of Trade to eearch and bore for petroleum at that place, it is understood to be the Duke's intention to undertake further developments, which may have

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an important bearing upon the future of the crude-oil industry in the United Kingdom. Originally the work was inaugurated at Hardstoft by his grace's son, the Marquis of Hartirigton, in October, 1918, the formal ceremony being attended by Lord Cowdray, as head of the firm of S. Pearson and Son, Ltd., who accepted the responsibility as petroleum development managers for the Ministry of Munitions. Oil was ultimately found at a depth of 1,500 IL, and again at 2,600 ft., -but it was net until the boring had been in operation over seven months that a natural overflow was obtained, yielding about a ton per day.

Negotiations are now in progress between the Duke's representatives and others regarding the continuance of the work, which is etill fraught with a wide measure of interest.

Ambulance Bodies Wanted.

The London County Council invites tenders for the construction of three ambulance 'bodies and for the fitting of the bodies to chassis in the possession of the council. Tenders have to be delivered to the County Hall, London, S.E. 1, not later than June 15th.

Overhead Buses for Paris.

• It is stated that the Sub-commission of the Paris Municipal Council has decided to recommend the trial of overhead motorbuses, suspended by a cable, on the main road between Paris and St. Denis. If the experiment with this new method of locomotion proves successful, the line may possibly be extended to Epinay and Enghien •

Solid-tyre Representatives Wanted.

We know of an established tyre-manufacturing company who require several men to represent their solid-tkre interests in London and district and in certain areas of the Home Counties. Geed salary will he paid to the right men, as well as commission and expenses, but only those with sound connections are likely to secure the posts available. Further details of tho vacancies will be found in our small advertisement columns in this week's issue.

£22,000 Compensation for Selling a Toll-gate.

Compensation of £22,000 to the owner has been decided upon in the event of the Cardiff, Barry, and Penarth councils or any two of these authorities deciding to acquire the toll-gate on the Penarth Road with the object of abolishing it.

Recently the Penarth Council was given to understand that over £30,000 had been paid at this gale by road users in reaped of tolls during the past ten years, whilst the owners' expenditure had been about two.-thinds of the sum collected. The sums, in addition, to he paid for the. road and any lands acquired from the present owner have not been revealed. The purchase powers are included in the Cardiff Corporation Act, 1920.

Todmorden Bus Results.

The revenue on the services of motor-' busts maintained by the Todrnorden Town Council daring the past Financial year was £24,301, as compared with £23,625 for the previous year. It should be mentioned that during three months of the period under review reduced fares had -been in operation, and it is likely that, had they been in force during the whole period, the revenue would probably have been about £2,000 less. The expenditure in connection with the services amount to £17,373, as against £19,573 for the previous yeer, so that the gross profit on the undertaking was approximately £3,000 more than last year. In considering the report reference Was made at the meeting to the proposal to introduce penny fares on the buses. Some members questioned whether the financial position of the undertaking warranted such a concession being made, but it was decided by the council to establish penny fares in the hope that they could be continued.

British Traditions Upheld in Swedish Trials.

A Vulcan 20-seater public service omnibus has just competed in a 1,000mile reliability trial organized by the Royal Swedish Automobile Club. The run was successfully completed by this Vulcan, which was the only British entrant in the trials, and the fact that, despite an 11-in, clearance, the crankcase and undershield of the vehicle were rubbed by some of the road surfaces over which it traaelIed indicates the exceptionally severe conditions which were met on the journey. It would appear from reports which are to hand that the Vukan bus did extretnely well, whichis a striking testimonial to the quality of British products when it is borne in mind that two vehicles were entered by French, German, American, and Swedish commercial-vehicle makers.

It is worth recording at the same time that 11 Vulcan buses of a similar type will be placed in public service in Stockholm on June 15th,

As a further item of news from Sweden, we are informed that the company did good business at .the Gothenburg Show. The Vulcan stand at this exhibition is illustrated on another page.

A Bus Controversy Settled.

The controversy which was so. long waged with the Newport Corporation on the subject of buses being refused sanction to enter the town has at last been settled to the satisfaeion of the proprietors concerned, and buses are now enabled to journey to the business centre, whereas, formerly, Church Road, beyond the trans terminus, was the nearest stopping-place to the centre of the town used by the buses on the Chepstow-New port services.

The agreement was reached at a meetleg of bus proprietors convened by the Newport Council, and attended by the chairman of the tramways committee, the chief constable, and other riominees of the council. After hearing the views of the leading proprietors, the council representatives agreed to the terminus suggested for the Chepstow-Newport seryice of the South Wales Commercial Motor Co., at Rodney Street., and for other

Eastern and Western Valleys services in Central localities to be arranged.

It is worth noting that the Rodney Street terminus agreed to by the council Was the terminus suggested by the proprietors 15 months ago, and then .refused by the council.

Since that refusal -the issue has been debated with almost monotonous regularity at the monthly council meetings, public meetings of protest against the council's attitude also being held.

Mr. A. R. Atkey and Parliamentary Work.

Excellent service which lie rendered to the motor industry in general, whilst sitting in theolast''Parliament as member for Central Nottingham, invests with special interest the fact that. at a meeting of the executive committee for the division, held a few days ago,Mr. A. R. Atkey was again invited to stand as Conservative candidate for that constituency. He was first returned in 1918 by an overwhelming majority, polling 10,552 votes'against 3,988 and 1,999 recorded respectively in a triangular contest for his.' opponents, representing the Liberal and National parties, but at the last election in November, 1922, he lost. his seat by the narrow majority

of 21 to Captain Berkeley, the Liberal -nominee and present member. At the recent meeting high apprecialion was expressed of the value of Mr. Atkey's services in the last Parliament and a desire manifested, especially in the interests of the commercial portion of the community, for his speedy return to the House of Commons.

. Ilford's Passenger Transport.

As instructed, the clerk has reported to the Ilford Urban District Council's Tramways Committee with reference to the legal provisions and procedure relating to various methods of passenger transport—namely : (1) Light railways or tramways; (2) rail-less traction; and (3) petrol motor omnibuses. The tramways manager has also submitted statistics of the working costs of petrol motor vehicles.

Nevertheless, after full consideration of the questions involved in the proposals to inaugurate further services, the tramways committee reports that it is unable to place any recommendation before the council at the present time.

Price of Greenford Oil Gauge.

4 Users and potential users of Ford vehicles will be interested to learn that the Greenford oil gauge, which was recently described and illustrated in our page devoted to " Aids to Solving Ford Problems," has heen reduced in price from 32s. 6d. to 27s. 6d. This reduction took place on June 7th. The gauge can be obtained from G. W. I., Ltd., Imperial Works, Shanklin Road, Crouch End, London, N..

Bath Taxi Fares.

At a meeting of the Bath Watch Committee a representative of the taxicab proprietors attended and handed in a petition signed by 53 owners asking the committee to refrain from making. any reduction in the .fares at present. Particulars were given of the cost incurred in the running of tabs and of the

i

fares charged n a number of other towns. Consideration was adjourned in order to enable the owners to confer upon the subject of a reduced fare for short journeys, and certain other points at issue.

The Three Counties Show.

There was a good entry of agrimotors at the Three Counties (Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire) show, which opened at Malvern on Tuesday last. Indeed, the number of entries was larger than at the recent Bath and West Show at Swansea.

Messrs. J. L. Larkworthy and Co., of Worcester, included in their exhibition of farm implements Austin and Saunderson agrimotors. The Saunderson Tractor and Implement Co., a Bedford, also occupied a stand with a Model G 23-25 h.p. agrimotor driving a thresher, and a model of the new super-lightweight machine. The Case 12-20 h.p. was exhibited by M. IL G. Busk, of Bransford (Worcs.). Weeks and Son, Ltd., of Maidstone, had a stand at the show, and on • it was to be seen a model of the Weeks-Dungey New Simplex agricultural tractor. This machine is built in Kent for work the conditions of which are similar to those of the local counties, where much fruit and hops are grown. Ruston and Hornsby, Ltd. (Lincoln), had a British Wallis on their stand, and there was an International Junior on the stand of the International Harvester Co., Ltd.

All these agrimotors were 'suitable for work in local districts which varies from market-gardening and hop and fruit growing to corn growing. Lunar Rototilliers (Piccard, Pictet and Co. (London), Ltd.) were there with Rototiller 10 for orchards and small holdings and Rototiller 4 of the garden type. -There was also a number of entries of road motor vehicles for farmers.

British Engineers Meet,

The eleenth annual general meeting of the British Engineers' Association was held a few days ago, when Mr. E. W. Petter, chairman of Petters, Ltd., and managing director of Vickers-Petters, Ltd., was unanimously elected president in succession to Mr. Nevile Gwynne, C.B.E., who has occupied that position for the past.two years. Mr. H. J. Ward, of J. and E. Hall, Ltd., of Dartford, was elected chairman of the executive committee in place of Mr. Petter. The organization of the shipbuilding, marine, mechanical, and general engineering section of the British Empire Exhibition, to be held at. Wembley in 1924, has been undertaken by the association, and it was reported that /5 per cent, of the space to be devoted to exhibits in these classes has been sold and allotted through the association.

Fleet Extensions in South Wales.

The South Wales Commercial Motor Co., Cardiff, have added two 18-seater Lancia saloon vehicles to their fleet of passenger machines in the past month, and the company will further augment the services during the summer. The company have made reductions in fares on the Cardiff Penarth route by 121, per cent., the return fare now being Is. 2d. instead of Is. 4d.

More fleet extensions are projected by other companies in Glamorganshire.

Ambulances for Bournemouth.'

Having had a report that the provision of cheap or second-handy ambulances would not be sound and economical in the long run, the Bournemouth Corporation Health Committee now recommends inviting tenders for the supply of two new motor ambulances.

Dundee's Road Scheme.

7-11 addition to its proposal, already referred to in these pages, to build an immense road bridge over the Tay, not far from the railway viaduct, the Corporation of Dundee has under consideration the widening and resurfacing of the various highways leading into the city, at an estimated cost of a little over £40.000. Asphalt is to be used .nstead.ot tarmacadam, and, after a elrefultstudy of the results obtained in other towns and burghs, preference is to begivern to the

process rendered popular in Scotland and elsewhere by the Trinidad and Lake Co., Ltd. This surface has given every satisfaction in Perth, Stirling, Tranent, and 'ether localities, and it is felt that it has definitely passed the experimental stage. A beginning is to be made in Dundee with about 20,000 sq. yds. of roadway, and the work is to be carried out with all possible expedition.

The Ford Van Chassis Dissected.

In connection with out article entitlec "The Ford Van Chassis Dissected," which appeared in our issue dated May 29th, 1923, we wish to point out that in. the last paragraph on page 471 reference was made to one of the sun wheels as being connected to the transmission shaft. We should have said that it was connected to the brake-drum assembly shaft. "Also, with regard to the fouebh paragraph on page 472, we would refer our readers to the illustration of the Ford engine and transmission unit on page 470, where the correct order of the "pedals is noted. In the paragraph in question we mention that the middle pedal is used for the brake, and the :right pedal for the reverse. This should have read middle pedal for the reverse and right pedal" for the .brake, although the reverse pedal is also sometimes used lor braking in certain circumstances.

Excessive Speeds in South Wales.

The Port Talbot Urban District Council has called for a report from the chief constable detailing the number of cases in the past three years in which drivers of motor vehicles have been proceeded against for driving at dangerous eneeds within the bormigh.

The council has also requested the police to take proceedings against driVera for reckless and furious driving, with a view to ending the continued complaints that are made on the matter.

It was stated that the buses on the Carnarvou route travelled at too great p, speed, and that Vehicles, in general, lin:1 E24 ceeding along this narrow road Were guilty of the offence. Steps are to be taken to fix a maximum speed, limit within the borough.

Unique Use for Old Tramcar Motor.

We reproduce on this page an illustration showing an unique use to which an old tramcar motor has been put by the Provincial Tramways Co., Ltd.

It will be seen that it is employed for running in motor-vehicle engines, and the company claim that this method

enables all the bearings to be taken up much tighter than is generally the case. The engine is belt-driven until it is found to be sufficiently free to enable it to be run under its own power, after which it is kept running at a slow speed for from five to-seven hours. The company inform us that the cost of installing the whole outfit is extremely cheap, four pieces of old tramway rail making an excellent bed-plate for bolting the engine and the tramcar motor to the finer, the rails being bedded in concrete.

Types of H-S Engine Starters.

We have been asked by Mr. H. H. Square, the sole agent for the H-S engine starter, to point out that this starter is' manufactured in types suitable for engines up to 80 h.p., and not to 40 h.p. only as was stated in the description of this device we published last week.

Wood-Milne Developments.

We are asked to announce that the .associated companies of George Spencer Moulton and Co., Ltd., and Wood

Ltd., have sold to a new company entitled the Wood-Milne Tyres and Mannlecturing Co., Ltd., whose formation we referred to recently, their Ajax factory at Leyland, together with the goodwill and selling rights in Wood-MiMe solid and pneumatic tyres, tubes, and pumps.

The sale of the Ajax factory permits of a concentration on all the well-known Spencer Moulton products at the new and specially equipped Spenwood factory at Littleborough, Lancasnire. The older factory at Bradford-on-Avon will still continue as heretofore to produce rubber buffers and springs, vacuum brake pipas, etc.

We should mention that the central sales offices of the new company are at 64, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1.

Bournemouth's Bus Losses.

The recently issued accounts of •the Deurnemouth Corporation dealing with the operation of the motorbus services for the year ended March 31st last show a deficit of £695. The total number of passengers carried was 286,981, the total mileage standing to the credit of the vehicles being 31,127.4. The total re ceipts in connection with the bus sva .tens were £2,016, an average of 15.54d per bus-mile, the working expenses being £2,712, an average of 20.9d. pet bus-mile.

An Experienced Man Available.

We know of a man who has had long experience in the organisation, maintenance, and running of largo fleets of omnibuses and coaches and has served in responsible capacities with such welh known companies as the London General Omnibus Co Ltd, ; the Lanchester iMotdr Co. ; the Wilkinson Motor Co., Ltd. ; and John. I. Thornycroft and Co:, Ltd., and who desires to take up a position as engineer or works manager. He has excellent testimonials, and, we consider, would give valuable service to any company malting use of his capacity for organization. Letters relating tt) this matter should he addressed to the Editor, and will be forwarded.

Croydon's Growing Traffic.

For 10 hours daily over a period of six days during April a census was taken of the motor vehicles using the junction of North End, George Street, High Street, and Crown Hill, Croydon. The total number of vehicles which passed this spot during the six days was 43,939, the average number an hour being 732. It is interesting to note that, throughout the whole of the period, only 920 horse-drawn vehicles were observed, compared with 4,939 motor lorries, 5,018 motorbuses, and 6,280 motorcars and cabs.

Satisfaction from Mann Steamers.

As haulage contractors and wharfingers, Messrs. Beck and Pollitzer, of Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C., have had much experience with mechanical road vehicles. They now own a fleet of seven Mann steam wagons, the first of which was bought in March, 1915, -whilst the newest vehicle in the fleet is that which was purchased in February, 1923.

By the very nature of their business Messrs. Beck and Pollitzer have found it necessary to use vehicles which are not only suitable for long-distance work at a good average speed, but which are also adaptable to quick and ready handling in traffic and in restricted areas in and around docks and similar places. Eight years' experience with Mann steam wagons has induced the company to stock duplicate parts in London, not only for their own specific use, but as.a means of ready distribution to other users of Mann steamers in the London area and the South of England.

The Mann steam wagon which we illustrate in the service of Messrs. Beek and Pollitzer is the new type of 6-tonher with which we recently 'carried out certain tests in the neighbourhood of Leeds.

Worcester's Bus Powers.

The town clerk of Worcester was recently asked to report to the watch committee the powers of the Corporation in respect of the running of a motor omnibus service in competition with the tramways. He pointed out in his report that, unless the corporation had i provision n a local Act relating in some

-way to omnibuses which could be amended by a provisional Order, it would be necessary to promote a Bill in order to obtain power to run buses either within or outside the city boundaries.

A Bus Service Acquisition The South Wales Transport Co., Ltd., Swansea, have completed negotiations for acquiring the Port Eynon motorbus service run by the Fairwood Motor Co., Ltd., and the former company will now maintain this service.'

Bournemouth Taxi Sidecar Fares, Bournemouth Licensing Committee has instructed the town clerk to prepare draft by-laws with regard to motor taxi sidecars, the charges for hire to be ls, for the first mile or less and 2dfor each quarter of a mile beyond that distance.

Sidecar Taxis for Oxford.

Oxford Watch Committee has considered applications from the Oxford

Motor Cycle Taxi Service Co., Union Street, J. W. Delmore, of 4 Norbam Mews, and W. F. Jackson, of 56, Bank's Road, Small Heath, Birmingham, for the licensing, as hackney carriages of five motorcycle taxicabs, and resolved that, subject to the inspection prOving satisfactory, a hackney carriage licence for one vehicle be issued to each of the

applicants. • Withholding Bus Licences.

The' Barry Urban District Council has declined to overrule the decision of the Licensing Committee, which decided, recently, to withhold permits for bus services for one month in respect of the applications of six proprietors. The proprietors appealed to the council on the ground that the month in which licences are to be withheld should, normally, prove one of the best tradivg periods of the year.

The annual conversazione of the Insti-, ttrtion of Civil Engineers has been fixed to take place on Thursday, July 12th, at the headquarters of 'the Institution, at 8 p.m.

New Road in Yorkshire.

The Prince of Wales will open the new road from Fairweather Green to School Green, Thornton, which has been constructed by ex-Service men. The total cost of the new road has been 2128,506, towards which the Ministry of Transport has contributed 263,380. The work was first put in hand in January, 1921, and about 300 ex-Service men have been employed regularly on the construction of the road for two years. The length of the road is three-quarters of a mile, and throughout its entire length it is 100 ft. wide. As considerable numbers of heavy motor vehicles used the old road it was deemed necessary to lay a strong foundation bed of hard core, on the top of which a 5-in, layer of tar macadam was built.

Ferodo Visit Vulcan Works.

The occasion of the recent annual picnic of the staff and employees of Ferodo, Ltd., makers of the well-known brake linings, etc., to Southport, was made the opportunity of nearly 250 of them visiting the works of the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., at Crossens.

The great activitiy prevailing throughout the establishment, and the fact that the five thousandth Vulcan sold since the Armistice will shortly leave the works, greatly interested the visitors. Among those attending the outing were the joint managing directors, Messrs. Herbert H. Frood and W. M. A. Horrocks; the secretary, Mr. A. Blackburn; production engineer, Mr. E. Dugdale ; chief draughtsman, Mr. L. Harrop ; chief chemist, Mr. P. Alger; and the London manager, Mr. F. T. Randall.

Pump Terms.

Bridlington Corporation Highways Committee reports in favour of an application from Mr. H. Hill, Bessingby Road, relative to the erection of a kerbside petrol pump in front of his new garage in Peasingby Road on the following conditions (a) For the payment to the corporation of the sum of 22 2s. per annum. (b) That the petrol pump shall not be used to fill applicant's own motorcars or chars-A.-banes, etc., after 9 a.m.

(c) That the petrol pump is erected at the sole risk of the applicant, and that he shall indemnify the corporation in respect of all claims and demands which may arise, or may be made through the ere_ction thereof.

(d) That the agreement may be terminated at any time upon three mantli--,' notice in writing, and that, in the event of the agreement being terminated, the applicant shall take down and remove the petrol pump at his own expense.

Imports into Malaya.

The total value of imports of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and aceessories into British Malaya during the first quarter of 1923 amounted to 2102,427, as against .275,665 in the first, quarter

of 1922. Ts these total imports the United Kingdom, Continent of Europe, and the United States contributed iii 1922 237,657, 21,514, and • 227,603 respectively, and .in 1923 224,605, 218,111, and 253,077 respectively. A comparieron of these figures points to the increasing competition with which British manufacturers are faced from Americas competitors.

Local Proceedings.

Hull Corporation has ordered a new Sentinel steam wagon.

The. Nelson Town Council is inviting tenders for a motor fire-engine.

Hull Corporation has agreed to purchase a motorcar for the city engineer.

Sydney N. SW.) Municipal Connell has purchased two Foden steam wagons.

Southgate Urban District Council is considering the purchase of a new motor ambulance, The Perth Corporation has placed an order with Guy Motors, Ltd., for 30seater buses.

Rochdale Corporation has -purchased a Leyland and a Thorriyeroft wagon for the cleansing department.

Leeds Corporation motorworka engineer has visited. Ashford for the purpose of inspecting a petrol locomotive.

Ilfracombe Urban District Council has decided to purchase an electric vehicle for refuse collection at a cost of 21,050.

Bournemouth Corporation proposes the purchase of a Ford delivery van for use In connection with the catering undertakings.

Stoke-on-Trent. Corporation is inviting tenders for the supply of two motor disinfecting vans, and stipulates for vehicles of British manufacture.

Manchester Corporation Gas Committee recommends accepting the tender of Guy Motors, Ltd., for the supply of a new chassis for a tipping. wagon.

• Manchester Corporation Tramways Committee recommends the purchase of three Karrier one-man-operated buses and two Vulcan one-man buttes.

Manchester Tramways Committee proposes to appoint Mr. J. Gibbons as architect in .connection with the erection of the proposed. motorbus garage. .

Wallasey Corporation Works Committee has endorsed the opinion of the borough engineer .that mechanical sweepers are not sititable for use in the town.: A sub-committee of .the Lancaster Town Council suggests deferring for the present the• purchase of additional buses and the extension of the bus services in the town.

.Having received 30 tenders for the supply of a motor tipping wagon, the Works •Committee of the Wallasey Corporation has decided to purchase S.D. freighter wagon at a cost of £545. Birmingham Corporation has drawn up by-laws to ensure cleanliness in the transport of meat.

pur chasing a motor fire-engine.

Shopkeepers and residents in Exmouth Street have petitioned the Birkenhea.c1 Corporation against the running of motorbuses along the street.

Birmingham Corporation proposes to purchase a motorcar for the use of the municipal bank. The vehicle is needed for efficient travelling and transport facilities between the head office and branches.

At a recent meeting of the Wilts. County Corincil at Trowbridge it was resolved to approve the purchase of a motor ambulance by the Warminster Joint Isolation Hospital Committee at a cost not exceeding 2200.

Wallasey Corporation has suggested that the Watch Committee should consider the desirability of ordering that vehicles should not be allowed to stand in the narrow portion of Liscard Road more than a reasonable time.

Having invited and received 15 tenders for the supply of three 6-ton-steam wagons with trailers, the Johannesburg Municipal Council has deferred making a purchase in order to-ascertain what eon tractors will charge for the corporation transport.

The Guy fire-engine fitted with a Morris pump, which has just been delivered to the Nuneaton Corporation. was pumping continuously for eight hours and put up a very Satisfactory performance at the first fire which it attended.

A special committee of the Stoke-am Trent Corporation reports that the time is not yet opportune for the creation of a repair depot, in view of the cemparatively small number of corporation motor vehicles, and the fact that they are garaged in different districts.

At a meeting of the Wimbledon Corporation Highways Committee: the borough surveyor submitted a statement. of the tenders received for the supply of a petrol tank and pump, and the committee recommends the council to accept the tender of Messrs. S; F. Bowser and Co. to supply a 1.000-gallon petrol tank and pump and fittings for the sum of 2123.

• Surplus Government Tyres.

The General Purposes Committee of the Deptford Borough Council reports that, it being necessary to renew the stock of solid rubber tyres for use on the council's motor vehicles, it obtained prices as fellow each.

Keith and Boyle, Ltd., 37, ITarleyford R o d.,

26 9 6 South London Solid Tyre Co., 272, New Cross Road,

S.E. 14 23 0 0

The tyres quoted for by the South London Solid Tyre Co. are stated to be in good condition, new, and from the latest batch of surplus stock released by.the Government, and they have been inspected and found to be quite satisfactory. It therefore recommends that 50 Dunlop solid rubber tyres be purchased from the South London Solid Tyre Co. at £3 each.

Touting for Passengers.

Bournemouth Corporation has instructed the town clerk to issue a further circular letter to proprietors of omni• buses, etc., warning them against touting in the square.

Standardizing at Stoke, Stoke-on-Trent Corporation has asked a committee to consider the standardization of type and make in the event of the various departments deciding to purchase motor vehicles.

Taxicab Efficiency.

Bournemouth Corporation Licensing Committee recommends enforcing g regulation that a motoreab shall not be used unless in good condition, and that a certificate of fitness, signed by an approved motor engineer, shall, if required, be produced by the owner.

Highway Pumps Illegal ?

At a meeting of the Ilford Urban District Council the clerk, reporting with regard to petrol pumps an public highways, submitted confirmatory opinions from the Urban District Councils' Association and the Association of Municipal Corporations to the effect that local autharitie.s have no legal power to consent to such permanent ereations, which, under the Local Government Act, 1594, would constitute an obstruction of the highway.