WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheels of wealth will be slowed by ald difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by
the roughness of the roads over which, it miss. "—John Beattie Crozier, • The London Traffic Bill in Committee.
The discussions before the Standing Committee of the Douse of Commons which is consideriug be London Traffic Bill have been proceeding . for some weeks, and they have now reached the interesting stage e:if dealingwith the question oi the power which shall be given to licensing authorities to attach conditions to the granting of omnibus licences plying in the City of London and the Metropolitan Police district. ..So far, the matters dealt with in committee concern the constitution of the• advisory coma mittee, the duties thereof and its powers to .hold inquiries, the closing of streets forworks and the provision for mitigating obstruction of traffic.
Amendments -were moved in committee to substitute the Minister of Transport for the Commissioner of Police as the licensing authority -foe buses, it being contended that it was undesirable: that the police 'should be mixed up in any matter which might have a political aspect.
There *as a feeling that, if auy official was to be in the position. of strengthening the "combine" if he so desired and_ of limiting competition, -that official should be the -Minister of Transport, who would have to crane down to the House of Commons and attempt to defend the favouring of the "combine" as against the smaller' proprietors.
For the Ministry of Transport, it was urged that...there was the right of appeal from the decision of the licensing authorities, and eventually the clause as it appears in the draft Bill was passed on assurances -which were given by Mr. Gosling, who is in eharge of the Bill.
With regard to the question Of fixing Toutes, the local authorities were attacked, it being contended that they had exercised a veto on London trains in such a way as to prove that they were not fit to have either power to act or to advise, and an amendment to give them the right to be consulted by the licensing authority before a route should be defined was eventually lost.
There was an amendment proposed with the object of providing greater proteetien for the smaller omnibus companies, the fear being expressed that these might be -wiped out altogether, but Mr. Gosling gave the assurance that small owners would have equal justice with the others.
Only six clauses now remain to be discussed in committee, and these, should not occupy very much time, an that the Bill should be ready for the report etage within a few days.
M. of T. Assurances on London Traffic
In regard to the London Traffic Bill, the Minister of Transport has given the toll owing assurances to the Metropolitan Boroughs Standing Joint Committee (a) That. it was not proposed to make any alteratiosv by this Bill in the position regarding the veto of local authorities in connection with the construction of tramways.
(b) That it was not proposed to vest n20 power in either the advisory committee • or the Minister of Transport to impose any expenditure under the Bill upon any local authority without the consent of that.localeauthoritY.
(c) That; in practice, the local authorities would, be -consulted on the question of omnibus routes, although the Minister was not prepared to alter the Bill to that 'effect.
(a) Thee, in practice, the local authorie ties would be consulted on any: regula Cons proposed to be made by the Minister under the Bill.
(e) That the Minister -would not deal with any of the matters which under the Bill maybe referred to the advisory committee without first giving that committee an opportuaity of considering them. The Minister agreed that. the power to refer qeestions relating to the fixing of building lines would not apply to the County of London.
The Minister also promised to consider the suggestion that representatives of labour and of providers and users of means'of transport should form a technical committee to advise the advisory committee.
In commenting on the Bill, the Wandsworth Borough Council reports that it is apprehensive concerning the effect of Clauses 6, 7 and 10, which may be to create two distinct authorities for dealing with omnibus routes, viz., the police and the Minister of Transport. It has accordingly suggested that it should be made clear in the Bill that the Minister is to have the deciding voice as to what routes should be used by omnibuses.
The committee has also suggested that Clause 7 should be amended so as to give the Minister power to prohibit or restrict omnibus traffic on the ground of the unsuitability of a street as well as on the other groutide set out. in the clause, via., Width of road; density of traffic or the 'existence of alternative facilities for the conveyance of passengers. The points raised in this paragraph should be considered in conjnnefirm with these embodied in the previous item of news.
Steam's Record.
Mr. Shrapnell-Smith writes to point out that the ninth paragraph of his article of last week should have opened, "Let us take off our hats, I say, to the Thornyercifts, Henry Spurrier (Leyland), Edwin Foden, Clarkson, Mann, etc., etc.''
Transport Workers' New Wages Agreement.
Negotiations 'between the several isransport employers' associations on the Merseyside and the Liverpool •Carters' and Motormen's Union have resulted in a new wages agreement coming int.) operation, wherebyilmany thousands of men receive advances in wages. One of the points discussed at the; preliminary conferences Affected the 'staffing of the six-wheeled vehicles, and originally the union contended that these machines, instead of being staffed by only two men, should have three men. However, this contention was not upheld.
Under the agreement it is provided that permanent men Shall be guaranteed a six-day week of 48 hrs. On the question of wages, steam-vehicle drivers and the drivers of all petrol vehicles and second nieu on vehicles of four tons and over are to receive an advance of 4s. per week. Trailer men are to receive an advance of 3s. per week. TheIeesition of the junior drivers and traffic youths was discussed, and finally an agreed minimum wage of 30s, per week was decided upon.
Drivers of four-wheeled, vehicles, with • a maximum load capacity of two and a half tons, are entitled to an advance of 2s. per week. In the agreement it is provided that junior drivers should not be called upon to take out senior's vehicles or to do the work of seniors. The following are the rates to which Liverpool vehicle drivers are entitled:—
Overtime between 5.30 p.m. and 6.30 p.m. is at the hourly rate, the second and third hours are calculated at time and e quarter, and the remaining hours until starting time next day are at time and a half. In determining these rates, it was mutually agreed that they correspond to the Board of Trade cost of living index figure of 85 as against 78 on March let. Any adjustment made on-the basis of these figures will be at the rate of is. for every variation of five points.
A joint committee of the employers and employees is due to meet some time during the current month to agree upon wages for drivers of vehicles under Two tons and all details as to running times.
Simms New Branches,
Simms Motor Units (1920), Ltd., Grease Street, London, W.1, -inform us that they have recently acquired premises at 123, Union Street, Plymouth, and at 5a, Grassmarket, Edinburgh, where two new branches will be opened on June 1st next. Each will possess a fully equipped workshop to enable the repair of magnetos, starters and dynamos to be undertaken. Examples of the company's magnetos and a range of their accessories will be stocked, and spare parts for all types of magneto will be available.
It is interesting to place on record that the company now have branches (in addition to those which will shortly be opened) at Glasgow, Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol, whilst we are informed that branches in other towns will shortly be opened. In this manner Simms Motor Units, Ltd., are rendering useful service to all classes of motor vehicle user.
Public-service Vehicle Notices.
At a meeting of the Chesterfield Corporation Finance Committee the borough accountant submitted tenders received for tramways and motorbuses third-party risk insurance, and the offer of the present insurers, the Ocean Accident and Guarantee Corporation, Ltd., was accepted, as set,out hereunder :— Tramcars.—Present policy to be amended by the increase of the limit of risk from £1,000 to £1,500 per any one accident. Rate, 25s. per cent. on traffic receipts net.
Motorbuses.—Present policy to con tinue, but the rate to be reduced from 50s. per cent. to 45s. per cent, on traffic receipts, and to be subject to a commission of 10 per cent.
Tramcars and Motorbuses.—The insurers to give an undertaking to supply at the end of each financial year during the continuance of the polic'es full details of claims made, claims settled and claims in course of negotiation.
• Coil versus Magneto Ignition.
Several points of interest regarding ignition systems for commercial vehicles were brought forward at arecent informal meeting of the Institution of Automobile Engineers. The subject of the discussion was Coil versus Magneto Ignition. The starting of large engines by hand, it was stated, was frequently a matter of difficulty, and it was, therefore, important to provide a. magneto that would produce an efficient firing spark at the lowest starting speed. British-made magnetos, as the result of technical improvements and the use of cobalt-steel magnets, were capable of accomplishing this, and a machine was shown that sparked quite efficiently at leas than 50 r.p.m. An impulse starter attachment for magnetos was .found very useful, if not indispensable, for large engines that were difficult to crank.
The British-made magneto, it was said, is, by reason of being an entirely self-contained ignition generator of proved reliability, best adapted for -the conditions. It requires no skilled attention, and its upkeep is negligible.
The coil ignition system offered certain advantages, notable amongst which is ease of starting, but it is •clependent on a complete electrical equipment em
bodying a dynamo and battery, and is, therefore, not strictly self-contained. The several components of thee system are simple and reliable, and in actual results it is quite as efficient as the mag neto. Moreover, it renuiree namore attention than the latter machine.
Reference was made to the Fora ignition, which is really a dynamo-coil system, and not dependent on a battery. It has proved itself practically a foolproof system.
Buick Agents Wanted.
Lendrum and Hartman, Ltd., 281a, Albemarle Street, Landon, W.1, who are the Buick concessionnaires for London and for the Counties of Buckingham, Hertford, Surrey and Middlesex, ask us to announce that they will be pleased to consider applications froth: traders who are interested in agencies for the range of Buick commercial vehicles in those poets of London within the Metropolitan area where the company are not already represented. The representation which is sought is in connection with a 15-cwt. van and a traveller's brougham.
Austin Vans in Demand.
We are informed that one important drapery firm in London are selling off their foreign motor vehicles as and when they require repairs of a somewhatextensive nature to be carried out, and are replacing them by Austin 10-cwt. and 16-cwt. vans. The original order placed with the Austin Motor Co. by this particular firm was for 16-cwt. vans, and no better confirmation of the satisfaction which these vehicles have given in service could be found than in the repeat orders which have just been received for 30 10-owt. vans, in which the Austin Twelve chassis is used.
Hiring an Ambulance.
Having deemed it cheaper to hire than purchase a motor ambulance, the Hertfordshire County Health Committee recommends continuing a contract for hiring from Messrs. Barker and Sons at a reduced rate of 10d. per mile for conveyance of patients, and 8d. per mile for laundry, with a minimum charge of 5s.
F. G. R. Browne, Ltd., who specialize on Vim commercial vehicles, advise -us that they have-now opened showrooms at 17; Buckingham Palace Road,, London, S.W.1.
Manchester Bus Regulations.
The Manchester Watch Committee has recommended the adoption of a series of regulations relating to motorbuses in use in the city. In drafting the regulations, which deal chiefly with the mechanical and constructional details of passenger-carrying vehicles of this type, those which have been framed by the authorities at Scotland Yard have been found valuable.
There are no regulations in force in the city at present which apply to motorbuses, and in those which are to be issued it is suggested that, before entering into contracts for types of vehicle not hitherto liceneed by the committee, proprietors should submit complete specifications and drawings for its inspection.
Tyres for the M.A.B.
The Asylums Committee of the Metropoliter' Asylums Board recommends acceptance of the following tenders for the supply of covers and tubes for pneu matic tyres :—C. Macintosh and Co., Ltd. (three items), estimated value, £412; Pirelli, Ltd. (two items), estimated value, £235; D. Moseley and Sons, Ltd. (two items), estimated value, £20. In each ease the tender recommended is the lowest for a suitablegrade and type of tyre.
A Ferry Scheme for South Wales.
The movement of road vehicles between the two populous' areas of Pembrokeshire that lie to the north and south of Milford Haven will soon be facilitated by a passenger and vehicle ferry which the Pembrokeshire County Council proposes to institute between Hobb's Point and Neyland. It is proposed to construct approach roads, capable of admitting two motor vehicles abreast, with side footpaths.
Some £35,000 is estimated to be required to meet the cost of a chain ferry system and the layout of approach roads, but unanimity has not been reached on the desirability of adopting a chain system. There are strenuous advocates of a motor boat ferry. In any case, road transport users will benefit considerably by the proposed ferry, and a long detour now necessary will be avoided. Grants to aid the county authority in construrtine • the ferry are Znticipated from the Unemployment Relief Grants Committee and from the Developments Commissioners.
Oxford Speed Limits;
The City of Oxford recently applied for an extension of the existing speed limit granted in 1910 ire regard to cee
tain streets. The Royal Automobile Club, the Automobile Association, the Oxfordshire Automobile Club and the Oxford Motor Club, represented by Mr. G. D. Dean (solicitor in charge of the legal department of theiR.A.C.) objected to the application, and put in a counter application for revocation of the existing reduced speed limit: As a result, lollieving conferences between the R.A.C.,. the A.A. and the local authorities, it has been agreed that the new speed limit should only cover the Plain, in Oxford, to the commencement of IfIleyRoad, Cowley.Road and St. Clement's Street from the termination of the existing speed limit on the west side of Magdalen Bridge.
The city has abandoned its application for extension of the 'speed limit to North Parade, on the Banbury Road, to Leckford Road, on the Woodstock Road, and Sunningwell Road, on the Abingdon Road, and has agreed to the revoca tion of the existing speed limit on Botley Road, from Binsey Lane to the city boundary, on and after December 3tst, 1924, this date being fixed to allow the new bridges and widening now in course of construction there to be completed.
Satisfaction from a Thornycroft Tipper.
The works committee of the Lewisham Borough Council reports that it has considered the question of the purchase of an additional motor lorry. The council in September, 1922, purchased a 3-4ton Thornycroft lorry with hydraulic tipping gear, at a cost of £1,064, and the committee has received a report from the borough surveyor to the effect that the lorry has given every satisfaction, and has been of considerable benefit to the council's service. The borough surveyor has submitted prices for the purchase of a similar machine to that at present in use at £950, and for a ton tipping wagon at 21,026, and the
B22 committee nas considered the purchase of the larger machine.
The committee is of opinion that it is not desirable to purchase any different make of vehicle, and, having regard to thesatisfactory report as to the working of the Thornycroft lorry now in the council's possession, it does not proposo to invite prices from makers of other types of vehicle.
Buses Aid Ratepayers.
Birkenhead Corporation has appropriated £7,040 from the profit. on the motorbuses for 192.3-24 in relief of the rates.
Karrier Representation in South Wales.
Mr. H. E. Austin; who has been at the Huddersfield works of Karrier Motors, Ltd., for a number of years, where he has had control for the last five years of the department relating to repair work and spare parts, and for the pest nine months, in addition, the management of the entire serviee departmeni at Huddersfield, has now left the company's headquarters and taken
up the representation of Karrier commercial vehicles in South Wales. Mr. Austin is established at 61, Bute Street, Cardiff, where he is centrally placed for dealing with the weds of commercial motor users over a wide area.
Kelvin Centenary Celebration.
The council of the Institution of Civil Engineers informs us that Prof. Elibu Thomson, of Mass ache se tit e, -17. S. A . , has accepted an invitation to deliver the 30th James Forrest lecture during a visit to this country, and accordingly the lecture, which was originally planned for May 6th, has been postponed until July 8th.
Prof. Thomson has been awarded the Triennial Kelvin Gold Medal for 1923 by the presidents of the eight British Engineering Institutions constituting the award committee, and it will be formally presented during the Kelvin centenary celebration in July.
Tractors as Barter.
The Ford Motor Co. is stated to have entered into business relations with four companies, subsidized by the Soviet Government, for the purpose of supplying Russia with tractors. Business is to be done on a barter basis, grain and other Russian products being accepted in exchange for Fordsen tractors. These goods are to he converted into cash in the adjoining countries and the amount realized will be remitted to Detroit. The Soviet officials are said to be doing good business with the peasants on these lines, for the value of up-to-date farm machinery is rapidly becoming" appreciated in rural Russia.
' Inspecting a New Garage.
The South Wales Transport Co., Ltd., Swansea, having completed the extension of the Brunswick Garage, the largest in Wales, of which a description was given in The Commercial Motor recently, a few days ago invited the Mayor and Corporation of Swansea to inspect the building. The guests were entertained to tea by the company at the conclusion of the tour of inspection, which was carried out under the guidance of Mr. G. Tegetmeier (chairman of directors), Mr. David James, J.P. (managing Zirector), Mr. E. R. Soames (director), -Mr. H. Kinglake (secretary), awl Mr. A. W. A. Chivers (engineering department), on behalf of the company.
New Glasgow-Edinburgh Road.
In connection with the new mid-Scotland road, which is to be constructed between Edinburgh and Glasgow and principally financed by the Government, tenders have been invited for the construction of the first section, of four miles length, from Glasgow to Baillieston. This section will be 120 ft. wide between fences, and in constructing the road two railways have to be crossed. The bridges for this purpose are the subject of another contract.
The closing date for the receipt of tenders is May 26th, and by the beginning of July it is expected that; the first steps in connection with the actual work will be undertaken.
It is worth noting that the cost of the complete scheme is given as £1,865,000.
Yorkshire's Ambulances.
Appreciation of the utility and general efficiency of motor ambulances comes from Yorkshire' where the North Riding branch of the British Red Cross Society and Order of St. John of Jerusalem has 12 vehicles stationed in different parts of the scattered Aiding. The annual report of the branch states that the motors are doing invaluable work, and are now practically sell-supporting. The number of patients carried dining the 12 months covered by the report was 720.
Avoiding Road Congestion.
A new edition of the map of London, showing the routes recommended by the Commiss;oner of Police of the Metropolis for the relief of congestion, has jest been prepared by the touring department of the Royal Automobile Club, and members and associate members desiring copies of it should apply to the secretary at Pall Mall, S.W.
Bradford's Hackneys Inspected
The animal inspection of motor vehicles plying for public hire 111 Bradford was carried out by the fire-brigade and licensing committees of the corporation a few days ago, when about 200 vehicles, including motor coaches, buses and taxicabs, were inspected and found to be suitable for public use. The chief technical adviser had previously inspected the vehicles, and in the case of 37.7 per cent, of them he had found certain defects, 'but these were corrected before the final inspection took place. An improvement in the, condition of the vehicles has to be recorded insomuch as 62.6 percent of the vehicles subjected to the preliminary examination last year possessed defects..
The Depreciation of Vehicles.
The Stockport Co-operative Society has expended £7,244 on the Motor vehicles used for trade and £3,171 on those employed in the coal department. These are being depreciated at the rate of 20 per cent:, and, now stand in the balance sheet at the nominal value of £1,190 and £290 respectively, Upon the wagon and motor repair sheds £549 has been spent ; they are being depreciated 10 per cent., and out of the last half-year's profits are being entirely wiped out by a special depreciation of £377, whilst £475 is being applied similarly to depreciate the petrol tanks, which cost £732.
The society has done so well lately that £1,480 has been allocated as a special depreciation of the commercial Motors.
Pneumatic Cushions for Passenger Vehicles.
David Moseley and Sons, Ltd., Chapel Field Works, Ardwick, Manchester, have sent us a copy of a new folder dealing with what they term " Float-onAir" pneumatic upholstery. It deals with a type of cushion which should ha most suitable for use on all types of passenger-carrying vehicle, especially as it differs entirely from the ordinary airbag cushion and those of a similar type. It consists of a tube or tubes, arranged and secured so that they lie in folds within i an outer cover. These folds run
from the front to the back of the cushion, and provide a buoyant and comfortable seat irrespective of the weight, which is evenly distributed over the folds of ' the tube being carried. It is Claimed that pneumatic cushions of this type provide complete insulation from road shocks and engine vibration, and, moreover, that they are entirely free from the rebound which is inseparable from certain typos of spring upholstery. They are certainly most sanitary' in use, and should possess a long life, A copy of the folder Which deals with this neW cushion will be supplied on application t..0 the address given.
Southport's Proviso.
Southport Watch Committee has notified applicants for hackney carriage licences that only up-ti's-date, vehicles will be licensed, and has suggested to them that. before, finally purchasing vehicles they should ascertain .whether they are of a type that will he passed by the licensing authority.
Northumberland Bridges.
The question of the erection of a new bridge at Berwick suitable to meet the needs of present-day road traffic between England and Scotland continues to engage the attention of the responsible authorities in.:the North Country. The Northumberland County Council has
now resolved to sign the agreement with the Berwick municipal body for the' building of the bridge on the understanding that the county council's liability is absolutely limited. to £27,000. Should the estimated cost of £160000 be exceeded, Berwick and the Ministry of Transport will he called upon to meet, the increased charge.
A site has been selected by Sir Henry iltaybury, for the bridge, and plans and specifidations. are to' be' prepared by Messrs. Munchell Partners, experts in
ferro-concrete.
Work is also to be put in hand by the.county council for the repair of 82 dangerous bridges in the county, towards, the cost of which the Ministry of Transport will contribute 65 per cent.
Show Day Fares.
York Watch Committee has fixed the following fares for the use of vehicles plying for hire on the occasion of the holding of the Yorkshire Agricultural Show on Knavesmire on July -23rd, 24th and 25th ;— Between the centre of the city and Knavesinire'; 3s. 'for two passengers and 6d. for each additional passenger.
Between the railway station and Knavesmire: 2s. 6d. for two passengers and 6d. for each additional passenger.
A Parking Ground in Hastings. • Hastings Corporation has prepared a scheme for arranging a site by the fish market as a parking-ground, and it includes provision for accommodating 20 large chars-a-hancs. The site will be covered with rolled clinker, and reinforced concrete platforms will be provided. It is suggested that charges for the use of the station should be as. a day for each char-ft-bancs and 1s. a day for motor vehicles having a seating capacity not. exceeding six.
Local Proceedings.
Bolton Corporation has authorized the purchase of a motor mower.
York Council -Health Committee has authorized a sub-committee to purchase a motorvan.
Warrington Corporation has purchased a 2-ton chassis from Messrs. Ireland and Co.
Leicester City Council is improving its fire-brigade, and has decided to erect a new station.
Oldham Corporation' is considering the provision of transport facilities to the Chadderton district.
Manchester Corporation has purchased a Sentinel 5-ton steam wagon for the electricity department.
Chesterfield Corporation has received sanction to borrow £2,000 for the purchase of a motor fire-engine.
Plymouth Corporation has asked the parks sub-committee to deal with a proposal to purchase a motor mower.
Warrington Corporation has authorized the purchase of a Ford 1-ton tipping wagon for the electricity department.
Leeds Corporation has authorized the purchase of -a narrow-gauge petrol tractor for the sewage works department.
Bolton Corporation has ordered the fixing of rear-view mirrors, to all the motor vehicles in use in the cleansing department.
Sheerness Urban District Council has decided to purchase a. Iston chassis and build a body in the surveyor's department.
Leeds Watch Committee has agreed that, subject to satisfactory trial, the Ford ambulance be fitted with Stipaphord auxiliary gear.
The Llanelly Finance Committee has called for a comparative report of the costs of scavenging by mechanical transport and horsed vehicles.
Oldham Corporation Tramways Committee has met representatives of the Ashton-under-Lyne Tramways Commit-. tee and made an inspection of a trolleybus.
York Watch Committee, recommends granting a licence to the Anglo-American Oil Co., Ltd., to store 40,000 gallons of petroleum at the Piccadilly riverside depot.
Chelmsford Fire Brigade Committee recommends acceptance of the tender of Dennis Bros., Ltd., for a, new pump to be fixed to a Mercedes chassis at a cost of £235.
Chesterfield Corporation Trairsways Committee has received sanction to borrow £3,765 for the purchase of three motorbuses, the loan to be repaid within five years.
Plyrdouth Corporation Works Committee is allecating in estimates £4,300 for the purchase of four motor vehicles, two for refuse collection and two to be adaptable for street cleansing and refuse removal.
Chelmsford Corporation has asked the borough engineer to secure details of a motor attachment, marketed by Messrs. Rendle and Co., and sold for £39, which can be used for driving a grass lawn-mower, also a roller.
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Oxford City Council is asking the local bus company to extend .a service to °manor Hill.
Plymouth Watch Committee has authorized the chief constable to obtain tenders for a prison van.
Whitwood Urban District Council has asked the surveyor to obtain prices for the supply of a Motor lorry.
Southport Corporation has decided to purchase an additional 4-ton motor wagon, and the borough engineer has been asked to report on types and prices.
As a temporary measure, Plymouth Watch Committee has authorized the chief constable to make a charge of is. for each motor vehicle parked in Princess Square.
Newry (Ireland) Urban District Council is to purchase an up-to-date motor fire-engine, the machine at present in use having outlived its period of usefulness. It is stated that the fire-brigade of Newry is the best equipped in Ireland.
The ambulance committee of the Metropolitan Asylums Board recommends the purchase of a low-loading chassis at a cost of £413 10s. The body will be built at the board's own works.
Oldham Corporation has accepted the tender of the Paragon Motor Co. for a motor chassis for the gas department, and of the Yorkshire Patent Steam Wagon Co. for a water-sprinkler apparatia to he fitted to a gully emptier to render it available for street watering.
'The Llanelly Borough Council Transport Committee has been requested by the captain of the fire-brigade to invite fire-engine manufacturers to arrange for demonstrations of their machines in the town with a view to the selection of an engine suitable to meet the needs of the borough.
Glasgow CorPoration Tramways Committee has now agreed that bus bodies for two Tilling-Stevens chassis shall be constructed by Messrs. F. D. Cowieson and Son, of St. Rollos, at a cosi, of £415 each. It was originally proposed that the bodies should be built by the makers of the chassis.
We know of an advertising manager who has a thorough knowledge of his business, and is open for an .engagements Letters addressed A.Z., care of the Editor, will be forwarded to the proper quarter.
Shefflex Service Agents.
The Sheffield-Simplex Co., of Kingston-on-Thames, inferm us that they have appointed R. A. Johnstone, Ltd., motor engineers, of Tinsley, Sheffield, to be official repairers and service agents for the Sheffiex 30-cwt. and 2-ton commercial chassis. All inquiries relating to spare parts and service should, in future, be sent to Sheffield. R. A. Johnstone, Ltd., have had an extensive and varied experience with the chassis produced by the Sheffield-Simplex Co., and they are, therefore, in a position to give skilled attention to theneeds of users of these machines.
Oxford Tests its Taxis.
Oxford chief constable, reporting on the inspection of hackney carriages, says that 41 taxicabs, eight four-wheelers and two hansoms were examined and passed, but in the opinion of the members of the committee seven of the taxicabs submitted have not sufficient seating accommodation for four passengers, end it, is suggested that these particular vehicles be licensed to carry three persons only.
As agreed by the committee, two members of the force who have had some knowledge of motor vehicles were present at the inspection, and gave oath taxicab a short mechanical test, and in two cases reported that they were not satisfactory, one as to the brakes and the other as to a much-worn engine. These two vehicles were not passed.
Motors for Wandsworth.
The highways committee of the Wandsworth Borough Council has investigated the possibilities of commercial motor transport, and has approved in principle of the proposal to adopt mechanical traction wherever practicable and consistent with economy.
Tractor for Road Work.
Reporting on the progress of new roads, the Surrey County surveyor mentions that, in order to expedite the work of formation, where much of it is in cutting on soft ground and where horse haulage proves difficult, it has been found expedient to purchase a Fordson tractor at a cost of 229(1 This vehicle is being used for ploughing the ground and hauling the wagon of excavated material, and will, it is anticipated, show a material saving in connection with the cost of the work.