Opinions from Others.
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Provincial Motor Shows.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,220] Sir, —I noticed a paragraph, in your issue of 22nd September, in which you state that in the absence of new and convincing arguments you would continue to support the claims of Manchester to the exclusion of any other industrial centre.
Now, as a Liverpool trader, and I know that on this subject I can speak on behalf of the other traders, I should be extremely interested to hear any arguments at all that you have in favour of a show being held in Manchester and a similar concession being refused to Liverpool. I should be glad to have a single argument from you as to why Liverpool should not have a show if they want one and are prepared to accept all the financial responsibility of same.
I should like to know if you consider it a just action on the part of the S.M.M.T. to place a motor show 40 minutes from the doors of the Liverpool motor buyers and to refuse a similar concession to the Liverpool traders. I should also like your opinion as to whether the gentlemen who sit in state in London and decide the question as to what is good for Liverpool have the necessary knowledge to enable them to decide both justly and satisfactorily to the Liverpool traders without hearing the views of the Liverpool trader as well as the Manchester trader. In fact, I have a good many questions I should like to ask you on this particular subject, as I feel that Liverpool is being treated unfairly, and that due consideration has not been given to a section of the Society which remained true to the Society and which is deserving of as much consideration as any other section in the country, and which is having a handicap put upon the conduct of its business which the members consider an unjust one.
I am anxious to have your opinion on this subject, as I am aware that you do know something of the conditions existing as between Liverpool and Manchester.—Yours faithfully, J. GRAHAM REEVE.
Beaumont Street, Liverpool.
[Manchester continued its show, successfully, in the face of S.M.M.T. opposition, whereas Liverpool shut up and wound up its company. Manchester is a centre; Liverpool is a corner. We have no doubt whatever that Liverpool does feel aggrieved ; but there cannot be a multiplication of local shows, and no place has claims equal to those of Manchester-not even Glasgow or Edinburgh. It is a question for the whole trade.-En. Co-operation Amongst Motor-wagon Carriers.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[[,221] Sir,—In my last letter, I made reference to what I believe to be the first case of co-operation amongst motor-wagon carriers, and I promised to review a few of the advantages which might accrue, to both the carriers and the public, through such organized co-operation.
There is nothing which tends to make individuals cooperate so readily as a sense of common danger, and, in the case of motor-haulage contractors, that danger is represented largely by the attitude which the police adopt in enforcing the regulations controlling the use of their machines upon the highways; by united action this danger may be largely minimized, for, as soon as the case of the motor carriers is voiced by the able representative of a society, the police will come to recognize that they must give more attention to the reasonableness of their actions, which will be more carefully criticized than heretofore_ Motor-wagon carriers, on their part, will examine the action of members of their association when they have a financial interest at stake, and this combination of increased watchfulness should be productive of improved conditions all round for owners who give their support.
But co-operation may serve a far greater purpose than that of protecting its members from abuse from external sources : it may enlarge and improve their field of activities, and increase the earning capacity of capital :
(a) By maintaining rates at a fair level. Now that motor haulage is on the threshold of enormous development, it is important that careful consideration should he given to the position it intends to occupy in the public mind in comparison with its competitors; co-operation must demand that as the service which motor haulage offers to the public is in no way inferior to that of its competitors, therefore it must receive remuneration in proportion.
(b) The earning capacity of capital may he further increased by co-operation in exchanging loads, which will enable members to employ their stock in the most advantageous manner ; the public will benefit at the same time as it will receive a greater amount of accommodation.
(c) The mere existence of organization will create a favourable impression in the public mind ; the lack of orgae rization in the past has done much to hinder the cause of motor haulage. A further benefit which combination confer::: upon its members, should be to lessen the working expenses of the system. The free exchange of personal experiences should lead to a knowledge of better means fur carrying !nit work, and may prove a deterrent against making expensive mistakes, both in taking on unprofitable work or in earrying work out in an unprofitable manner. The purchase of stores in large bulk should also prove a means of effecting a saving : for instance, 100 barrels of oil, paid for on delivery, would command a much-lower price than 25 individual orders for four barrels each. The same would apply to other stores. Perhaps, however, the greatest benefit which co-operation can confer upon its members is that it is based upon a sense of mutual confidence; it enables the members to aim at what is fair and equitable, rather than looking at the world through the eyes of an opportunist. Motor-wagon caniers have been opportunists long enough, but by co-operation they need remain so no longer.
I append our log sheet for the week, which is as follows :—.Earnings, £109; mileage, 1,130; tonnage, 2-10; percentage of work done, 98; coke used, 13 tons; gear oil, 20 eallons; cylinder, 11 gallons.--Yours faithfully. "MOTOR-WAGON CARRIER."
Petrol Consumption of Five-tonners.
The IsWiler, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
1.1,222-j Sir,-1 have had several reports brought to my notice lately, with regard to the petrol consumptions on the heaviest types of motor lorries. The figures given to me appear most-remarkably good ; in fact, 10 miles per gallon for a five-ton machine appears almost abnormal. I shall be glad to be informed if there is any truth in such reports, as I am unable to obtain such results with a lighter type of vehicle.—Yours faithfully,
" ALL atm ECONOMY."
-A performance of 10 miles to the gallon of petrol with a live-tonner is altogether exceptional. We put the best result that is maintainable over a year at lit miles to the gallon, and that is too good for general real:zatton where much of the running is on u-et macadam. ihVe cannot accept anv statements about "10 miles to the gallon " over an appreciable term of service, and this journal has never snpported them. No independent lindy has certitird such a result.--1-in.
Registered Owners and Mechanical
Transport for Army Purposes.
Thc Edit or, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,223] Sir,-I arn perfectly well satisfied with the way in which the War Office used my engine during the recent manceuvres, The only complaints I have are that my men could not get proper rations, and that they were not allowed to stop on the road to buy for themselves.--Yours
faithfully, " OWNER No. 5."
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,224] Sir,—With reference to the recent marueuvres, we are of opinion that a registration fee of £10 per engine per annum is quite low enough. Our men say that rations supplied at Is. per day were small and of poor quality, and that they had to buy food every day. Should we send another year, our men would certainly prefer to purchase .their eatables outside of the camps.— Yours
faithfliHy, " OWNER No. 6."
TA e Editor, THE. COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
j1,225] protesting against the short period
of hiring during this year's manceuvres, I have nothing to complain of. The period of hiring is entirely a neater for the War Office authorities. With regard to the promises in regard to putting a man on rations, I had no promise, It was suggested by the War Office that my men should go on manmuvres rations, and my drivers assented. They did not expect a picnic, and judging from their remarks on their return they did not get it. I believe they were, to MO their own expression, " chasin' " from the time they left home till they got back.
My engine, being in first-class condition, did not suffer from overheating when standing by, and being specially constructed (i.e., fitted with ample tank accemmodation) was able to outdistance any plant of the same type. My men were not " molly coddled up " in tents at night, but slept On the trailer eith four tons of ammunition under them. The weather being fine, things went better than if wet.
Tell your readers not to grumble; better organization on the part of the War Office would soon result in a diminution of hiring rates all round. I would certainly sign a trait-ion far more; if one is put forward.—Your faithfully, , " OWNER No. 7."
2'he Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
1.1,226] Sire—With reference to the treatment of our motor tractors and drivers at the manoeuvres, we have not much to complain of except that the food supply was very irregular; sometimes our men could get nothing at all. and at others no more than half rations. The coal supplied was of very-poor quality, being nearly all dust, which made it difficult to keep up steam. It would be an advantage if a definite period for hiring were given. -Y.ours faithfully, " OWNER No. 8."
The Editor, THE. COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,227] Sir,—I was driving our ,own tractor on the recent manceuvres, and the term of hiring was quite sufficient for me. I think it would have been for other owners, if they had been there and gone through what we had to go through. I was quite surprised at the way we were fed—not enough to keep a dog on. I am afraid they will not get many on the list next year, unless things alter. My opinion is that they would have done the journeys quicker if they had despatched, say, half-a-dozen tractors at a time and told the drivers the destination, and they would have got there in half the time. When one stopped for water, they all had to pull up, not only until they had got their own supply, but until everyone was ready. Still, we would not mind waiting if we were well fed. Promises did not fill.—Yours faithfully,
"OWNER No. 9."
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,228] Sir, —I do not think myself there was so much to complain of in the recent manceuvres as is made of it. Referring to the damage ca-used to the tractors by delays at points, I fail to see myself where there was any damage caused at all, and I am confident no man can say that he had a hard week's work to do, or at least of those who were in the same division as myself. Referring to the rations, well I think, if a 'man takes into consideration the nature of the work he is engaged for, he cannot expect to get his rations while on the move the same as he does when he is at his own home. I have never been on the maraeuvres before, but, having been in the Navy for a short period and having taken part in the mobilization there, of course it gave me a good idea of what to expect on the Army mametivres. I went, myself, for the fun of it, and I should have enjoyed myself very well if it had not been quite so cold morning and night.—Yours faithfully. " OwNzn No. 10."
The Editor, Tug COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,229] Sir,—I have not seen my men since they came back, to receive their report. I must admit I was surprised they did not keep them a much-longer period. Considering the amount of trouble and expense I went. to, being determined that everything should be in good order. I sentmy engine to the works and gave orders that all that was necessary should be done; every part was thoroughly examined, and parts that were worn, were replaced. T. also had the trolley painted and the wheels re-tired, and altogether I sent a good tool, which was commented upon by the officers. I know of one owner who had his engine returned because the injector would not work. He was already loaded and on the road about seven miles, but was sent back.
I cannot quite agree with those owners who are complaining of the delay at the assembly, and why this should be detrimental to the smokebox and tidies.' If any damage
should occur, it would be the firebox end, but I fail to see this. If a driver is well up in his work, he would be able to manipulate his fire accordingly. I myself, when driving, only let my fire out when the time came for washing t.
I really think we should have some guaranteed minimum of time. As it is now, we do not know how to arrange other things in connection with our business. It is always the case, jobs will come in when you have made other arrangerfients, and not knowing when to expect your engine back it makes it most awkward. I do hope something will be done.—Yours faithfully,
" OwNER No. 11.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,230] Sir,—The only faults I have to find regarding • the period of hiring of the tractor during the manoeuvres . are : the period is insufficient; the registration fee is too little—k10 per engine per annum would be more suitable; the oils were very inferior.--Yours faithfully,
" OwxErt No. 12.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,231] Sir,-1 think the War Office should, when re' questing the service of owners' wagons, give sonic idea of the time so required ; it would enable us to make the necessary arrangements. In my case, the tractor returned with only a few hours notice of its arrival, and, being so near the quarter-day, I had refused work, which could have been done. Also, the registering fee should be more: inspection has to be arranged for the small sum of 422, and it is not sufficient. If it were more, it would make owners keep their engines up to standard. I noticed your remarks, that some wereonly fit for scrap. If the country depended on such, what a muddle there would be, . and if the owners do not keep their engines in good running order I say let them be struck off.
The feeding arrangements of the mechanical transport were a failure. My men fared very badly. We quite understand the difficulties, but men with steam power must have their food.—Yours faithfully,
" OWNER No. 13.'' The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,232] Sir,I thank you for the kind invitation in your paper to express my views concerning treatment of registered owners of motor-wagons and tractors and their • servants on the recent army manueivres. I personally accompanied one of my wagons during the ma.neeuvre period, • and had a good opportunity of judging the manner in which both machine and men were treated. Now, Sir, so far as machines were concerned, it certainly • struck me that some owners must have started their ma • chines on to this work, with the idea of getting sonic • cheap repair done by the repair depot at Aldershot. Being first at the point of assembly, I saw most of the
• machines arrive, and several came in which were palpably unfit for a 40-mile run, with the result that there were five break-downs, owing to mechanical defects, which you will admit out of 23 vehicles, which composed our section, was a very large proportion. There is, surely, an obligation (if they register) resting upon owners to see that their machines—when called upon—are in first-class running order ; otherwise, the whole trade is likely to suffer from the neglect of the few. I think it would be advisable for the authorities to have a thorough inspection of the machines at the owners' depots, say, within a month of the time they are called upon, and each contractor should be paid one day's pay while this inspection takes place. All (if any) defects then found should be made good before the machine is accepted for hiring. The work, I found reasonable, and no case came under my observation of overloading or unreasonable treatment. So far as the men were concerned, all those who were able to keep up with the convoy were well fed, but, of course.
those left behind with their machines had to look out for themselves.
The period for which the machines are called up is certainly too short for the civilian drivers to settle down to the army requirements and methods, and I am sure far-greater efficiency would be found after the first week's
work.—Yours faithfully, OWNER No. le."
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
1.2331Sir,--1 think the War Office should give encouragement to owners of these vehicles, when on manoeuvres, more than they do. For instance, my men say they would have been half-starved on the rations meted out to them, and, as to what there was, it was inferior.
The period of hiring, too, was very short. I contend it should not be for less than a fortnight, or otherwise the registration fee increased, as we have to turn other work on one side. I should like to know the opinion of other owners.
Thanking you to give publication.—Yours faithfully,
" OWNER No. 15."
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,23.1_1 think all such as were engaged to take
part in the mumetivres agree that the time was too short, but what is of more importance in my mind is the uncertainty as to the period of hiring. Why could it not be said that it was for a week or a fortnight at the outset? My men had a little tea and a few biscuits, but of rations there were none. There was no sleeping accommodation at all, and very little time to sleep; steam was always up. Since coming home, my tubes have had to be expanded, as they were tried to the utmost. I do not think I shall register again under present conditions.—Yours faith
fully, " OWNER No, 16."
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,235] have nothing to complain of in the treat
ment of the tractor, but the rations were anything but up to the mark—too many hours between meals, biscuit and cheese for consumption on the road being used but twice during the time I was there. As regards leaking tubes, if you had seen some of the tractors come in, you would not have wondered at it; and then to see how some were used by their drivers! I think some must have conic in there for repairs. Mine is a tractor, and I must say that all of that make gave a very good account of themselves. I think the period of hiring very fair. I was there eight days, which is quite long enough to be away from one's regular work,
In conclusion, I might add I have been a reader of your "
CM." for nearly four years, and I am very pleased with it.—Yours faithfully, " OWNER No, 17."
A One Agricultural Motor.
The Editor, TEE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,236] Sir,—We enclose you herewith a photograph [We reproduce this on page 119.—En.] which has been sent to its from one of our customers, Mr. Robert Davidson, of Cumberland. This photograph shows one of our machines which we supplied to that gentleman some four years ago, and he has been using it ever since. During the past summer months it occurred to him that it might be possible to harvest with an Feel motor controlled by one man only instead of two, and he fitted a flexible shaft from the binder to the steering wheel of the motor, as may be seen in the photograph. For the purpose of starting the motor he arranged a wire cable with which the clutch could be let in. He informs us that he has done all his harvesting this year in this way, and his system has answered most satisfactorily.—Yours faithfully,
For THE Ivan AGRICULTURAL MOTORS LTD., A. HOFFMANN, Manager.
45-6, Poland Street, W., 26th September, 1910.