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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by adi dietculties of transPort at whatever Points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness Of the roads over which it runs."—john Beattie Crozier.

Low-level Buses for Paris ?

Designs for a new type of oinhibus were examined by the Public Transport Committee of Paris at the Hotel de Vine a few days ago. The chassis of the new bus is similar in general design to the existing H-type, but has a dropped frame. The body accommodates 38 passengers, including those carried on the rear platform. Owing to the low build of the vehicle, a single step only will be necesary ; at present there is one step up to the platform and another into the body. The plans were approved in principle and they were referred to the special sub-committee which deals with rolling stock.

Six-wheelers for the Sudan.

With the opening up of the commercial possibilities of the Sudan follows the need for better transport facilities, and it is a significant fact that John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., have re-' ceived a repeat order from the Sudan Government, for 23 of their type Al rigid six-wheeled ve'hicleaas well as for Hathi tractor. Of the six-wheelers 18 are to be fitted with platform bodies 'and will haul -two-wheeled trailers each capable of carrying a 1-ton load, whilst the remainder will have War Department bodies.

The Thornyeroft rigid six-wheeler has proved its value for transporting loads of 30 cwt. over rough tracks or cross-country, whilst it is capable of transporting 30-ewt. loads over good roads.

Bean Vans on Mail Service.

Testimony to the success of a wellknown make Of British vehicle under actual service conditions is provided by the experience of James Allen, Ltd., contractors for His Majesty's mails, who, after running 'four 25-cwt. Bean vans in the service of the Post Office since February last, have now placed an order with Bean Cars. Ltd.. for a further 30 identical vehicles.

James Allen, Ltd., have advised the makers of the Bean chassis that the four vans now in their service have been engaged on regular work in the heaviest of London traffic for 22i hours each per day. An indication of their efficiency is to be found in the statement that the vans have never lost a day's work and have not caused any delay in the important public service upon which they are engaged. They have

also proved economical in use, for we are told that they have averaged 16 miles to every gallon of fuel used, whilst the oil consumption has worked out at one gallon for every 1,200 miles.

Birmingham's Successful Buses.

In connection with the motorbus services run by the Birmingham Corporation, the report which has just been issued shows a total revenue of £230,360, equivalent to 16.361d. per busmile. So far as expenses in connection 'with the services are concerned. the

largest amount, 184,326, was absorbed by traffic expenses, the next item in order of cost being that relating to re-pairs and maintenance, which totalled £40,065, whilst the cost of petrol, plus a bonus (1832) paid for savings effected in fuel consumption, amounted to

£31,817. The total expenditure was £171,440, equivalent to 12.176d. per busmile.

Coach Parking at Eastbourne.

Owing to the state of traffic congestion in Eastbourne and the increasing number of motor vehicles visiting the town, it is proposed to erect a municipal garage which will possess accommodation for housing 60 motor coaches. The suggestion is that a portion of the recreation ground in Seaside should be used for the purpose.

Six-whenlers for Persia.

The Alimentation Department of the Persian Government has lately placed an order with Scammell Lorries, Ltd., for ten 69-ton flexible six-wheelers. The vehicles, which arts to run on pneumatic tyres, are intended for the bulk transportation of wheat. Official Orders for May.

A number of orders for commercial motor vehicles was given out by Government Departments during May last. For the G.P.O., W. J. Brown, Ltd., London, N., are to supply a number of van chassis, and W. H. Perry, Ltd., North Finchley, London, N., and the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., Glasgow, motorvans. The War. Office ordered a number of 3-4-ton lorries, 30-cwt. lorries, tractors and six-wheel chassis from J. I. Thornyeroft and Co., Ltd., and six-wheel chassis and trucks from Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd. The Crown Agents for the Colonies gave out orders for lorry chassis to Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., and for -tractors to Peter Brotherhood, Ltd., and Crossley Motors, Ltd.

New and Reconstructed Roads Near London.

The Automobile Association has prepared a special map giving up-to-date information concerning new roads now open around London, new roads under construction, proposed new roads, as well as reconstructed roads and existing roads being reconstructed. Over' 100 miles of new roads now available for road users are indicabed by the map, which can be obtained on application to the secretary of the Association.

Manchester's Petrol Contract.

We are informed that the Manchester Corporation Tramways and Cleansing Departments have accepted the tender of the Redline Motor Spirit Co., Ltd., for the supply of the whole of their fuel requirements during the next 12 months. Last year'scontract placed by the authorities amounted to nearly half a million gallons.

Highway Control.

The London County Council has decided to take no action on resolutions passed at a conference of representatives of metropolitan, city and borough councils as to (i) the preservation of the rights of the pedestrian in public thoroughfares, and (ii) a proposal that steps should be taken to ensure that, before motor omnibuses are run on any new routes, the consent of the borough council or councils through whose area or areas such routes will pass must be obtained.

Buses to Relieve Congestion.

The traffic congestion committee of the Manchester City Council recently had under consideration the question of congested thoroughfares, and the tramways manager is to report on the suggestion that tramcars should be cleared from the congested area. Certain of the ideas which have been put forward suggest the withdrawal of all tramcars from the centre of the city and the introduction of motorbuses in their place, and the use of motorbuses in a given radius to connect ur, with tramcars running on long-distance services. It would appear that certain members of the committee favour the use of Buses, although opposition may possibly come from the tramways department.

Birmingham Trolley-bus Returns.

The accounts of the Birmingham Corporation dealing with the railless vehicles which it runs show that traffic receipts on the 'vehicles for the year ended March 31st amounted to 129,377; this being equivalent to 17.810d. per vehicle-mile. So far as outgoings are concerned, power expenses absorbed £1,412; traffic expenses, ±9,593; general expenses,12,872 ; whilst under the heading of general repairs and maintenance a sum of £3,272 is accounted for. The balance of receipts over total expenses is /10,042.

Agricultural Assistance.

New potatoes for London are very important items on-the programmes of many farmers just now. The factor which has limited activities in -past years has been that of arranging for transport from the fields to the local station. In these days the lighter types of lorry can be run from the field Without the medium of horse transport being

called into use. A correspendent informs us that one group of farmers can now send a trainload of potatoes per day to the Metropolis instead of every two or three days as in past years. Thus does the commercial motor help to reduce the cost of living.

Depredations by Coach Passengers.

Worcester County Council has been informed by the Home Office, with regard to the subject of thefts of fruit and damage to trees and market gardens by motor coach excursionists in Worcestershire, that representations in the matter have been noted. There are obvious difficulties in dealing with the nuisances complained of, but there will be an opportunity of raising and discussing the subject on the 13ill which the Ministry of Transport is proposing to intri.)duce withregard to road vehicles.

An Official Inquiry Averted. . . An eleventh-hour agreement having been reached in the licensing-dispute between the DarlingtOnCorporation and the United Automobile Services, •Ltd., the Ministry of Transport inquiry which was to have been held at Darlingten has been rendered unnecessary. As has been indicated in previous issues of The Commercial Ill otor, , the dispute was a most friendly one, and the decision of the company to withdraw their application and give the undertaking required by the licensing authority, further cements the excellent relations which have always existed between the parties.

The dispute arose chiefly on account of fares to be charged since the munici

polity converted its transport system to tailless traction, and extended a number routes. The United Automobile Services, Ltd., having given the undertaking required, the licences, numbering about 160, for the large fleet of units employed on regular service in the district, have been renewed.

Is this True ?

A Berlin paper states that the Hansa Lloyd Motor Co. have, recently received an order from the English Government for 3ii0 1,i-2-ton vans equipped for the transport of wounded. Dear, dear, dear! There must be another war on somewhere!

A Leyland Lorry's 218,000 Miles. Messrs. Shackletons, the well-known flour millers, of Navigation Flour Mills, Blackburn, have a number of Leyland. vehiclesin their service, the oldestof which is the subject of a picture which appears on this page. This machine, which was first put into service in 1912, has covered a steady average of 300•

miles per week, and its total mileage, so far as can be ascertained, is in the neighbourhood of 218,000. The vehicle does two journeys a day, with an average load of 4 tons 5 cwt.

A New Foundry.

We understand that Rubery Owen Foundries, Ltd., a new organization, are now in full working swing, and that . contracts have been entered for the regular production of a large number of Roen cylinders. •The company's headquarters are at Willenhall, and they have a London office at Kern House, 36-38, Kingaway, W.02. We are told that the foundries Of the company are open to inspection by anyone in the trade who is interested in the class of

work which they undertake. •

M. of T. on Rear Exits.

At a meeting of the Leeds Watch Committee a letter .was submitted from the Chief Coestables' Association intimating that the question of the provision of rear exits on motor omnibuses is receiving the consideration of the Minister of Transport.

The Severn Ferry Service.

• The formal opening of the BeaehleyAust motor ferry service—a reference to which appeared in The Commercial Motor dated June 29th—was performed on July 5th, in the presence of a number of South Wales and West of England business men, by the Lord Mayor of Bristol (Alderman Frank Moore,

who stated that the ferry must not be regarded as complete until the service for heavy vehicles is inaugurated.

He alluded to the importance of the ferry to coach owners and others carrying passengers from South Wales to the Mendips and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Devon resorts and to West of England people who desired to visit the Wye Valley beauty spots. The saving on the out-and-home journey between places on either side of the Severn was 110 miles.

It was announced that the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., had agreed to co-operate with the promoters by having a bus, service available for the transport Of travellers to Bristol and other centres from the Aust side ef the Severn, whilst South Wales proprietors will, no doubt, render similar service to the public from the Beachley side.

Parking at Bradford.

The markets committee of the Bradford Corporation has loaned Coppy Quarry for ,use as a parking ground and fixed fees at Is. for two, hours and 2s. for the full day.

Chain-track Postal Coaches.

The Swiss postal authorities have lately been conducting trials on the snow-covered roads in the Chur-bengeri-ertle district with motor mail coaches, the rear road wheels of which have been adapted to chain-track traction by means of small auxiliary wheels in front and rear of the hind wheels, with a wide rubber band encircling the three. The tests were carried out on the lines of those adopted in Sweden and the vehicles are reported to have given satisfactory results,

A M. Of T. Bus Inquiry.

A. Ministry of Transport inquiry was recently held at Cardiff into the refusal of the Cardiff Watch Committee • to grant a licence to Mr. E. J. Davies. St. Bride's, Newport, for the continuation of his existing Newport-Rumney bus service from Romney into , Cardiff (" Royal Oak ").

The application was for a licence for a 14-seater bus to be permitted to run into Cardiff to avoidpassengers picked_ up .en. route from • Newport-Rumney via St. Bride's, Peterstone, • Marshfield; having to change to the Cardiff Corpora

tion buses at Rtimney. • .

• The Chief Constable of Cardiff said that the grounds for the refusal of the application were the adequacy of Present main-road services congestion of traffic at "Royal Oak" terminus; that it was Impossible for applicant to inaintain an efficient Rumney-Cardiff service with a single bus; and that in the past five.Years more accidents had.taken place at the terminus in. Cardiff selected by the applicant than at any other spot In the city.

On' the other hand, it was pointed out that applicant had run his service for six months, and that the residents on this route wanted a direct service into Cardiff. It was stated that the "Royal Oak" terminus was formaily the private proprietors' terminus on This route, and that if warranted there was no reason why an additional vehiclecould not be put on the service.

Mr. R. L. Horsfield, tramways manager, said the Cardiff Council had already • obtained sanction to run on the route now served by applicant, and that when the road was adapted would put on a service.

The Ministry's decision will be given in due course.

Twenty-sixth Edition of "The Motor Manual."

A new• edition—the twenty-sixth—of the popular motoring handbook, "The Motor Manual," has just been introduced by Temple Press Ltd. Its main features are that it has been largely rewritten and illustrated on entirely new lines and will particularly meet the requirements of the ever-increasing number of new motorists who require a comprehensive handbook on car construction and management written in simple, non-technical language.

There are 19 chapters, covering numerous phases of the subject of running a car, the dealing with its construction, operation and maintenance. There are indispensable chapters on the

motorist and the law, licensing and registration formalities, touring, and a most useful comprehensive motoring glossary or dictionary. The new manual is published by Temple Press Ltd., 7-15, Rosebery Avenue, London, E.C.1, at 2s. 6d. net and post free 2s. 10d. It is also on sale at all leading booksellers.

More Trolley-buses for China.

The Compagnie Franeaise de Tramways et d'Edairage Electriques de Shanghai has decided to establish a trolley-bus service in the French conces...ion of Shanghai. The cars have, it is reported, been ordered from France. . , Combined Coach and Steamer Trips.

A combined motor coach and steamer trip was inaugurated in Chelmsford on July 5th by the General Steam Navigation Co., Ltd., and Browne Bros: During the season motor coaches will leave Messrs. Brovvne's garage in Springfield Road, Chelmsford, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for Southend. The passengers then embark by steamer for Margate, arriving back

at Southend at 6.20 p.m., where the char-à-banes meet them for the return to Chelmsford. The charge for the round trip is 7s.

Carrying the Mobiloil Can.

We have received from the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., Caxton House, Westminster, London, S.W.1, one of the new quart-can clips, which have been introduced to enable drivers to carry a spare supply of Mobiloil in the special con-.tamer brought out a short time ago.

This fitment can easily be attached under the bonnet, in front of the dash, or in any other convenient position. It' holds the can rigidly and permits its in-. stant withdrawal without difficulty. To assist in the fiting,'it has holes for countersunk-beaded 'screws both along the length and in the base.' The price of this handy device iS only is. 6d. • Lorry Marnifacture in Czecho _: • . Slovakia. • Aqcording to a report from Prague, the Breitfeld and Danek engineering works are planning the construction of motor lorries, and the first vehicles will appear on the market in the autumn.'

A Closed Road.

The Swansea Borough Council gives notice that the Nant-y-Ffin road, Liensamiet, is closed to vehicular traffic as from July 5th until further notice.

Location of A.A. Hotels.

Coach owners who have to arrimge for meals and, or, accommodation for their passengers will certainly find most useful the new maps of England and Wales and Scotland which show not only every place in Great Britain where there is an A.A. hotel, but also the A.A. classification, by one to five starh, of the hotels in each place.

Copies can be obtained free of -charge by members on application to the secretary, Automobile Association, Fan urn House, New Coventry Street, London, W.1, or to any of the Association's area offices.

Crowing Use of Buses in Calcutta.

The ordinary' generalmeeting of the Calcutta Tramways Co., Ltd., was recently held, and in dealing with the company's activities during the past year the chairman, Mr. John 0. B. Stone, referred to the adverse effect which motorbus competition had had on the receipts of the company.

It is interesting to recall that so long ago as August, 1921, the company put into service a few buses with the idea of ascertaining whether such

vehicles could be made a paying proposition at the low fares which are esential in Calcutta. In spite of adverse reports, they persevered with the experiment and considered that the vehicles might be used as an additional means of conveyance, as well as acting as feeders to the main tramways system. Early last year other buses began to appear on the streets of Calcutta, and so rapidly did they gain popularity that 400 buses were soon in service_

The company's policy with regard to buses is to employ them in conjunction with the trams, and for this Purpose they have inaugurated a system of transfer tickets.

Public Motor Services in Sweden.

During the past few years there has been a marked development in the establishment of public mntor services in Sweden. It is estimated that the number of lines in operation increased during the past year from 700 to over1,000 and the number of vehicles in -use from 1,100 to about -3,040.In the northern part •of ,the country the Swedish postal authorities are running about 16 combined passenger and mail services between railway -termini and small towns not provided with railway communication. The length of the routes ranges between 20 miles and 110 miles, the longest being that between Rojan, Hede and Tunasdalen, Southport's Profitable. Buses.

During the past municipal year the motorbuses of the Southport Corporation carried 286,544 passengers, or 3,285 per bus-mile, states Mr. J. T. Kendrew, general manager of the Southport Corporation Tramways Department, in his annual report for the year ended March 31st last. The bus mileage for the year amounted to 87,226. The average fare charged per mile was 1.314d. and the average fare paid/per passenger was 3.53d. The receipts per bus-mile amounted to 11.586A. and the expenses to 8.450d. per bus-mile.

The bus service to Ainsdale cornmeneed with hired vehicles on May 27th, 1925, and only ran on weekdays until July 19th, When a Sunday service was instituted, The hired buses were replaced by the following vehicles, which were purchased during the year on October 24th; 1925, One A.E.C. lie town-type 30-seater bus; November 8th, 1925, one Vulcan 30-seater motorbus ; March 31st, 1925, one Vulcan 30seater motorbus. This section proved popular during the summer season and it is evident, the report states, that further additions will have to be -made to the fleet in the near future. Another Vulcan bus was, as a matter of fact, ordered on March 25th last.

The total receipts for the year amounted to 14,208 Os. 4d. and the expenses to £3,071 is. 8d., leaving a gross profit of 11,137,7s. 8d. • Sparking N Nita Worries. J. A. Stevens, Ltd., Upper Rathbone Place, London, 1V.1, who are sole agents for Great Britain and Ireland for Bosch products, have just issued a pamphlet entitled " Sparking Plug Worries,!' which gives, in humorous vein, • some useful advice for those motor-vehicle users who may not be familiar with the earn necessary in the selection and use of sparking plugs. Copies of the pamphlet can be obtained from the company at the address given above. • Removals by a Saurer.

One of the illustrations on this page shows a Saurer vehicle and trailer which are owned by a furniture removals and warehousing contractor of Wokiugham. The chassis of the primemover is the maker's AD type, which has a capacity of 6 tons, and is fitted. as is usual, with their patent engine

brake, In addition, it has the compaey's special trailer equipment, which includes a patent brake-control gear and a special towing hook.

It is believed that this is the second 6-tonner in this country to be fitted with pneumatic tyres, the first being a vehicle supplied by the Saurer Commercial Vehicle Co., Ltd., 21, Augustus Street, London, N.W.1, to Piekfords, Ltd., some mOnths -ago. In connection with the tyre equipment, itshould be mentioned that a mechanically driven pump is fitted.

, The vehicle has a long wheelbase, enabling bodies up to 17 ft. 6 ins.. long to be carried on the platform, and it is a type which is becoming increasingly popular amongst removal contractors by reason of the large cubid 'capacity which is available both on lorry and trailer.

Municipalities Buying Karriers.

Amongst numerous orders which Karrier Motors, Ltd., Karrier Works, Iluddersfield; are now executing is one received from the City of Westminster for a fleet of 65-cwt. chassis; this authority already owns a fleet of vehicles of this make. Another municipal model under construction is a 2-ton steel-lined refuse-tipping wagon, which will ultimately be used by the Golear Urban District Council.

Allen-Liversidge Trading.

The report of the directors of AllenLiversidge, Ltd., for the year ended April 30th last shows a net profit of 152,224 after making allowance for charges in connection with repairs, maintenance, depreciation and other expenses. This sum is increased to 157,498 by the amount brought in from the previous year, and against the total has to be set £5,000 carried to general reserve and £5,884 set aside as a reserve against patents, development and• goodwill account.

The balance is then £46,610, and out of this sum an interim dividend on the ordinary shares has absorbed £15,000, whilst the preference dividends have accounted for a further 19,750. These items deducted leave au unappropriated balance of £21,863, and £15,000 of this amount will be absorbed by the Payment Of a final dividend of 5 per cent. (making 10 per cent for the year), leaving a balance of £6,868 to be earned forward.

Leiczster Traffic Experiment.

Leicester Watch Committee reports that, in order to facilitate traffic in the centre of the city and to minimise congestion, it has for a number of weeks past carried out an experimental oneway traffic scheme in Rutland Street, Belvoir Street, Pocklington's Walk, Market Street, Bowling Green Street and Raiford Street.. The committee is convinced that this tentative scheme has worked very satisfactorily and is of opinion that it should be made permanent.

Studying Service Requirements.

A list of the official service agents appointed by Delco-Remy and Hyatt, Ltd., 111, Grosvenor Road, London, S.W.1, has just been published, and it shows that the company have 22 service stations throughout the British Isles and the Irish Free State. In the majority of cases the electricians on the staff of these official service agents have been specially trained in the companes own works and serviee Station, and in other cases men who have spent years in their works have been drafted out. Each agent carries a stock that is adequate for the district covered, and is in a position to supply replacement parts for Delco and Remy starting, lighting and ignition sets, Hyatt roller bearings and N.D. ball bearings. A Popular Passenger Model.

Many of our readers will remember that on the occasion of the last Commercial Vehicle Exhibition at Olympia the Laffly (England) Co., Ltd., 20-26, Lonsdale Road, London, N.W.6, exhibited a new 24-ton passenger chassis, and the company inform us that this model has already achieved considerable success.

The outstanding features of the chassis are described in a catalogue which the company have just issued, and from which it is indicated that this model embodies many up-to-date features, including brakes on all wheels and an overhead-valve engine. Two special types of body have been built for use with this chassis, and these are particularly suitable for high-class touring service, in that they provide every comfort for the passenger. In the Warwick saloon an ingenious method of closing down the hood is employed, so that this entirely disappears when not in use.

A Mobile Shop for Typewriter Repairs.

Although numbers of typewriters are operated in all towns of any size in this country, yet the numbers are not so high as to provide a living for a local mechanic.

A solution to this problem has been found in Germany by mounting a typewriter repair-room on a lorry for the purpose of visiting towns according to a fixed itinerary. With this vehicle goes another lorry, which is used as an exhibition room for the selling of new machines, whilst at night-time it is converted into sleeping quarters for the crew. Behind the second vehicle is attached a trailer for the accommodation of additional luguige and stores.

Orders for Thornycrofts.

During a recent period of a fortnight John I. Thornycroft and Co.. Ltd., received a number of important orders, these including one from Calcutta tramways authorities for four type Al chassis, another from Price's Patent Candle Co., Ltd., for two type Al boxvans. a third from Watney, Coombe, Reid and Co., Ltd.' for two type BX chassis and a fourth from Cox and Kings Shipping Agency for two type J chassis.

The company have a number of municipal vehicles and appliances under construction, these including a

gully emptier for the Hemsworth Rural District Council, a bus and chassis of the ,TB pattern for the Wigan Corporation Tramways and a type Al long chassis for the Ramsbottom Urban District Council. They also have in course of completion various types of vehicle for home and overseas service in Africa, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, many of them being repeat orders.

Apropos of rhornycroft vehicles for

overseas, we can mention that the company have recently shipped seven type Al chassis to Brazil and eight to Singapore, and two type J long 30-seater buses to the City of Santos Improvements Co.. Ltd.

A Preparation for Removing Rust.

Brameo (1920), Ltd., St. Nicholas Street, Coventry, have introduced to the British market a patented preparation known as Deoxidine, which removes rust from metal surfaces, and is particularly useful for the cleaning of body panel work preparatory to applying the priming coat. In so far as the preparation not only removes rust but other impurities, it leaves the surface chemically clean, and thus prevents the possibility of flaking off of the paint through the formation of rust below the surface.

We are told that the use of Deoxidine in motor body cleaning is now standard practice in a very high percentage of body shops and motor factories in America, and that it is being used in this country to an increasing extent.

Deoxidine can be applied with a brush or by dipping the part to be treated.

Local Proceedings.

Huddersfield Corporation has decided to establish a motorbus service to Bradford.

Bradford Corporation has decided to inaugurate a motorbus service to Bierley Lane.

Smethwick Corporation has accepted the tender of the British Petroleum Co., Ltd., at £77, for the supply of a petrol pump at the corporation depot.

Smethwick Corporation has accepted the tender of Dennis Bros., Ltd., at £1,321, for the supply of a motor streetwashing and gully-emptying machine.

The tramways committee of the Oldham Corporation has accepted the tender of Guy Motors, Ltd., for the supply of three double-deck motorbuses.

The highways committee of the York Corporation recommends the purchase of two 20-30-cwt. motor lorries that can be used for conveying workmen to distant jobs.

The tramways committee of the York Corporation recommends acceptance of the tender of Leyland Motors, Ltd., for the supply of three motor omnibuses at £1,215 each.

Plymouth Corporation has accepted the tender of Messrs. Robertson and Malcolm for the supply of a Burford bus chassis at £530 and a Burford 50-cwt. chassis at £419.

The tramways committee of Portsmouth seeks tenders for the supply of eight double-deck and four single-deck buses, and these have to be delivered not later than to-morrow, July 14th.

Bradford Corporation has accepted the tender of the Associated Daimler Co., Ltd., at 1219, for the supply of a new engine for the tower wagon in the service of the tramways department.

The tramways committee of the Bradford Corporation has accepted the tenders of Leyland Motors, Ltd., for the supply of seven 30-seater motorbuses at £8.576, and of the Associated Daimler Co., Ltd., for seven similar buses at £8,436.

The electricity committee of the Sheffield Corporation has accepted the tender of Essam and HCAVS01), Ltd., at £810, for the supply of three 20-25-cwt. motor lorries, this sum including an allowance for two Ford lorries taken in part exchange.

The Gosforth Fire Brigade has made a useful addition to its appliances by the purchase of a Leyland trailer pump. The brigade serves a fairly extensive tract of agricultural country, and the new pump should prove of particular service for dealing with fires on farmsteads.

A. Discovery.

Two of the Dennis Bros.' direct ors and a member of our staff were walking round the Royal Show appraising the hunters as they were put through their paces, greatly admiring the Sutton lawn and floral display, examining greenhouses, etc., when they pulled up sharply before the Hammond Foot Rotary Tiller, which was driven by a petrol engine. Presently an attendant lifted the bonnet and disclosed a Dennis engine. This was a genuine surprise, and one of the three remarked, "You've a good engine there, anyway." The attendant was enthusiasm itself about the Guildford product, and was greatly relieved later on, when he learned who his audience was, to think that he had been able to say the right thing. ..

Bus Competition for the Tramway in Buenos Aires.

The 42nd ordinary general meeting of the shareholders of the Anglo-Argentine Tramways Co., Ltd., recently took place, when the chairman, Mr. W. Morris, reviewed the company's activities during the past year. Although the population of the city of Buenos Aires increased by 2.4 per cent. during 1625, the passenger traffic deali with by the company remained at about ihe same level, their total receipts from this source beine 14,562,804.

The chairman stated that in normal circumstances the company should have

'anticipated an increase of about 4 per cent, in passenger traffic, but several adverse factors had affected the takings. It is evident that one of these is omnibus competition, which, it was stated, became more acute during the latter months of the year.

The company are undoubtedly wide awake to the traffic changes which are taking plaee in Buenos Aires, and they point to the fact that manufacturers of buses have, with commendable energy, entered the city in the hope of inducing the authorities to adopt the -newer form of transport. They are alive to all aspects of the sitnation, but for-the rsoment they are not in a position to make any announcement of policy with regard to future arrangements.

New Birmingham Bus Garage.

The increase in bus traffic, particularly on the Harborne and Onter Circle route. has necessitated the Birmingham Corporation building a large 'new garage. at Serpentine Road, Harborne. It will be opened on July 23rd, and will be the biggest garage belonging to the corporation; it will house up to 100 vehicles. The frontage is 180 ft. wide and the total depth 300 ft. Some of the girders used for carrying the roof are of gigantic proportions. one being 17 tons in weight and 90 ft. in length'. Accommodation is provided for offices, mess room, driving school, and recreation rooms, including 'coffee bar and billiarde room with two tables for employees. Roads Classification,

The Minister of Transport reminds the various local authorities which propose to apply for revision in the roads classification scheme that all such applications -should be submitted to the Department as early as possible, and in no case later than October 1st next, in accordance with the 'procedure indicated in Circular No. 240 (Roads), dated June 28th, 1926.

Bus Competition too Keen for Light Railways.

The L.M.S. have notified the authorities concerned of their intention to apply to the Ministry of Transport for powers to abandon their light railway from Burton to Ashby-de-la-Zouch', owing to motorbus competition causing increasingly heavy lasses. The light railway was opened 20 years ago, serving the two towns mentioned and the South Derbyshire colliery and pottery districts. Under a Parliamentary Order local authorities had the option of purchase on specified terms after the expiration of 30 years.

300,000 A.A. Members.

One day last week the membership of the Automobile Association passed the 300,000th mark, the increase in membership during the past year being approximately 50,000. The Association was started, as many of our readers will know, in 1905.