NEWS of the WEEK
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RATES-STRUCTURE LEGISLATION ON THE WAY.
Following the recent report of the Traffic Advisory Committee on the creation of a rates structure based upon road-transport charges, the Minister of Transport is to introduce, at an early date, legislation which will enable him to obtain the necessary information upon which to base such a structui-e.
The following is the gist of the draft clause which has been circulated to interested parties for observations. As a preliminary, holders •of A and B licences will be called upon to keep such statistical and financial returns, in relation to the carriage of goods for hire or reward, in such a manner and at such time as the Minister of Transport may require, The penalties for evasion will be a fine not exceeding £20, and 45 for every day during which the offence continues.
Kr. Gosselin to be C.M.U.A. President
Again.
Mr. C. le M. Gosselin, M.I.A.E., M.Inst.T., managing director of H. Viney and Co., Ltd., Preston, one of the pioneers of the road-transport industry and a past-president of the Commercial Motor Users Association, has unanimously been appointed president-elect of the C.M.U.A., and deputy chairman of the National Council.
Mr. Gosselin will assume office when Mr. W. A. \Vinson, M.Inst.T., vacates the presidential chair immediately after the annual general meeting of the C.M.U.A. in March or April next.
Electric-vehicle Manufacturer's Acquisition.
Associated Electric Vehicle Manufacturers,. Ltd„ advises us that it has taken over the business and premises of the Corporation of Electric Transport, Ltd., 77, High Street, London, W.I, and will use the latter as showrooms and a service depot for Morrison-Electric and Electricar vehicles. A full range of the latest • models will be on view.
Coining Consolidation of Highway Law.
The existing highway Acts contain much matter which is either obsolete Ar impliedly repealed. The law concerning it in England and Wales is scattered throughout sections of enactments formulated, for the most part, during the past 100 years.
With a view to codifying the law without amendment, except so far as may be desirable to secure simplicity, uniformity and conciseness, a Committee on Highway Law Consolidation has been appointed jointly by the Ministers of Transport and Health. It is under the chairmanship of Lord Amnlree, P.C., G.B.E., and the secre c6 bay is Mr. H. R. Lintern, whose address is the Ministry.
One of the members is Mr. R. H. Tolerton, principal assistant secretary in charge of the highways division of the Ministry of Transport. The others are mainly members of the legal profession.
HAWKER TO APPEAL: UNUSUAL GROUNDS.
H. W. Hawker, Ltd., has lodged an appeal against the Western Licensing Authority's refusal to grant II extra vehicles (44 tons 4 cwt.) under an A licence. Among the grounds of appeal, the company holds that:—
The Licensing Authority was wrong
(i) in law in holding that certain vehicles had been used illegally; (ii) in taking into consideration, in the way he did, matters that came to his notice subsequent to the public inquiry; (iii) in failing to indicate to Witnesses that he did not accept their evidence; (iv) in holding that goods carried for existing customers constituted new traffic;
(v) in holding that the services provided by the objectors were suitable for the carriage of the traffic referred to in the evidence.
New Reo Dealer for East London.
Mr. T. C. Sharpe, vice-president of the East London Hauliers Association, in company with Mr. L. 5. Sharpe, has formed the concern of Sharpe Bros. (Motors), Ltd., 113-117, Greenhill Grove, Manor Park, London, E.12. The company, which has a capital of £1,000, has been appointed Rea main dealer for. East London, and is carrying a full stock of spare parts. INSURED LOADS PROPERTY OF HAULIER?
A novel point was raised by Mr. E. C. Colman, of Caister, during the hearing of his application for an A licence and the extension of his B licence.
In answer to questions by Sir Haviland Hiley, Eastern Licensing Authority, Mr. Colman said he had been carrying beet to Cautley for neighbouring farmers for the past three months. His licence' entitled him to carry only building material.
.Mr. Colman asserted, however, that \a.s he insured all the loads he carried, they became his own property during loading, :transit and unloading, under the _terms of the .policy,
.Both applications were refused, Are Trailers Behind Cars "Desirable"?
Whether it was desirable for carriers to use trailers attached to private cars was questioned by Sir William Hart, North Western. Deputy Licensing Authority, at Liverpool. When an applicant asked for a variation of his licence to include the use of a trailer for speeding up delivery, Sir William remarked: " I don't know whether it is a desirable practice.–
Mr. FL Backhouse, FIT. (for applicant): " There are hundreds of them up and down the country." ' He added that it was now recognized as a practice. Many farmers used trailers for the distribution of then milk.
The application was granted.
Shipping Guide for Hauliers.
The following is the number of ships arriving at the London docks, wharves and jetties named, from January 14-22 inclusive:—Docics: King George V. 6; Royal Albert, 8; Royal Victoria, 3; Surrey Commercial, 6; East India, 1; West India, 4; South-West India, 2; Tilbury, 5; Tilbury Stage, 2; Millwall, 4; London, 1. WHARVES: Hay's, 6; Mark Brown's, 1; Butler's, I; Tilbury Jetty, 3.
G.W.R. Container Progress.
In a review of the operations of the goods department of the Great Western Railway during the past year, it is mentioned that the stock of containers, which now totals 1,947 units, was in increased demand. During the nine months ended September last, the number of journeys from stations on the G.W.R. system increased by 4.2 per cent., over the same period of 1936, to 64,639, whilst revenue was 3.3 per cent. more and the tonnage, at 113,853, showed an advance of 8.5 per cent.
Owing to the improvement of the position in the various industries in South Wales, there was, paradoxically, a decline of 11.1 per cent. in the number of furniture removals by containers.
Developments during the year in the use of refrigerator containers included the conveyance of strawberry traffic and of the transport of Irish rabbits from Fishguard to Paddington.
The engineering department reported that 225 new containers were built during the year, 25 of them, although primarily intended for the bulk transport of bicycles, being also convertible for the conveyance of furniture. The Swindon works built 475 van bodies and drivers' cabS for the G.W.R. roadtransport department.
No British Vehicles at Swiss Show.
The British commercial-vehicle industry will not be represented at the forthcoming Swiss International Motor Show, which is to be held in Geneva from February 11-20. Five Swiss, one American, one German and two French makes are to. be displayed.
Mr. Burgin Sees for Himself.
Mr. Leslie Burgin, Minister, of Transport, who, with his wife, is • on .a visit to Germany, travelled on the autobahn on Tuesday last.
"PERNICIOUS FORM OF COMPETITION."
Commenting on alleged irregularities in 'the use of vehicles owned by a Yarmouth haulier, Sir Haviland Hiley, Eastern Licensing Authority, said; " I have had serious complaints from hauliers that the cartage rate for timber, amongst other things, at Yarmouth, is very much cut. if this application be of interest to the firm of timber merchants because it will bring another competitor into the market to make the rate even more ' attractive from their point of view, it is one of the most pernicious forms of competition."
Sir .Haviland was referring to the use by the haulier of his vehicles, as a sub-contractor, outside his permitted area, but within the area covered by the contracting firm.
Chaff-cutter Not a Trailer.
I3ourne .(Lincolnshire) magistrates ruled, last week-end, that a chaff-cutter was not a trailer. Eric Woolerton, of Market Deeping, was summoned for using a lorry and trailer not covered by insurance, and his employers, Messrs. F. B. Gibbons and Sons, were summoned for permitting.
Woolerton was seen driving a lorry drawing a chaff-cutter, and the insurance certificate, when produced, did not cover a trailer. The firm's principals said they had a free policy covering all agricultural implements when taken from place to place by their driven, but later admitted that they had not such a policy in force.
It was successfully submitted that the cutter was not a trailer within the meaning of the Act. The magistrates dismissed both summonses.
Managing Engineer Available.
We know a man, with over 25 years' experience in connection with commercial vehicles, who requires a position as manager or secretary. He served his apprenticeship with Humber, Ltd., and has had considerable experience with several well-known concerns in inspection and servicing. Letters should be addressed "Experience," care of the Editor.
Economy Not Good Ground.
When Wordie and Co., Ltd., applied to the Northern Scotland Licensing Authority for an A in place of a B licence, it was stated on the company's behalf that the change was desired so that the lorry could be co-ordinated with the rest of Wordie's Mr. Henry Riches, the Authority, pointed out that Wordie and Co., Ltd., having taken over the business of Mr. James Martin, Kirriemuir, now found it inconvenient to have a B-licence vehicle which could not be used throughout Great Britain. He asked whether there was a need for the change. On behalf of the applicant, Mr. James Stewart explained that its purpose was to operate the business more economically, Mr. Riches adjourned the application, stating that need for wider scope for the lorry would have to be proved. c7 MR. SPURRIER CELEBRATES 70Th BIRTHDAY.
A cake with the model of the first 1.6yland steam wagon graced the table at the 70th birthday party of Mr. Henry Spurrier, managing director of Leyland Motors, Ltd. Over 700 employees with 20 or more years of service attended the function. A radio set, subscribed for by these senior employees, was presented to Mr. Spurrier.
Throughout the 42 years he has been connected with the business, their managing director has commanded their respect, and the interest he took in the welfare of -the staff was well known, said Mr. R. Clayton. At all times the personality of Mr. Spurrier had guided the progress and development of the business, added Mr. A. A. Liardet.
How Mr. James Sumner, later to be his partner in the first company, made a ateam wagon in 1890, but was frustrated by the red-flag era, was related by Mr. Spurrier. The company was formed in 1896, when it commenced construction of its first vehicle, but it was not until 1898 that it actually made its first sale.
Progress of I.A.E. Repair-certificate. Scheme.
The Institution of Automobile Engineers repair-certificate scheme con tinues to make progress and, during 1937, 23 practical tests were held in seven centres, with an increase of almost 20 per cent, in the number of certificates awarded, compared with 1936. An additional centre for practical tests is to be opened in Lincoln, where the first series will be held in the spring. When this centre is in operation there will be six in England, one in Scotland, and one in Northern Ireland.
Bristol Depot for Don Brake Facings.
Small and Parkes, Ltd., Hendham Vale Works, Manchester, has opened an area office at 101, Redcliffe Street, Bristol, where a comprehensive range of the company's products, which include Don brake facings, Karmal packings, etc., is held. An up-to-date brake-shoe-facing plant has been installed to ensure speedy service.
Mr. F. H. Kidd has been appointed western area manager and technical supervisor for the company. He has for many years been associated with the passenger-transport industry.
214,000 Tons of Refuse in a Year.
In the annual report of Manchester Corporation's cleansing department it is stated that, during the year ended March 31 last, 213,195 tons of household, warehouse and trade refuse were collected from 232,536 premises within the city.
In addition, 7091 miles of streets were regularly cleansed and maintained, 35,348 loads of sweepings were removed, and about 2,677,700 gallons of water and 1,776 tons of sand and ohippings distributed. Altogether, some
CS 253,930 tons of refuse were collected and treated by the department—a little more than 810 tons per working day.
The total transport cost amounted to £115,000.
Transport used by the cleansing department comprises 469 horse-drawn carts and 121 petrol vehicles, apart from hand vehicles and rail wagons. The petrol vehicles include 63 S.D. Freighters, four Karrier sweepers and collectors, six Ka,rrier Colt Majors, 20 Lacre three-wheeled sweepers, 19 tipping lorries, a pail wagon and four gully-ernptiers.
New Commercial Trippe Safelite.
Made entirely in Halifax, a new model of the Trippe -Safelite has recently been placed on the market. The arrangement of the reflector is such that a fiat-topped beam is prdjected forward, whilst anotherbeam is
directed so as to illuminate the road directly in front of the vehicle.
Finished in black and chromium, the lamp is priced at £3 10s. A special leaflet describing the commercial model is available on application to Trippe Lights, Ltd., Pellon Works, Halifax, Cattle Hauliers " Quick on the Draw."
" I find cattle hauliers are the first to object to any newcomer," said Mr. J. H. Stirk, East Midland Licensing Authority, in the course of an application by a newcomer, who sought consent to the acquisition of a cattle truck. " If anyone wishes to put a new cattlehaulage vehicle in a district, all the others object."
To College in Working Hours.
Employees in the production departments at Fort Dunlop may now attend classes in rubber technology at Aston Technical College during their working day, without deduction of pay. The course, which is not compulsory, lastsfor two years and provision is made frr .a third, year at an evening school.
THE CLEANSING CONFERENCE PROGRAMME. '
The 40th Annual Conference of the Institute of Public Cleansing will be held at Glasgow from June 13-17. The programme is as follows :
June 13: 7.30 p.m., reception by the Lord Provost in the City Chambers. June 14: 10 a.m., St. Andrew's Hall, presidential address; paper, "Organization and Management of a Public Cleansing Department,by Mr. A. Connor, Derby. At 2.30 p.m., visit to refuse power works.
June 15: 10 a.m., exhibition of public cleansing vehicles and appliances, Kelvin Hall. 2 p.m. demonstrations at Kelvin Han.
June 16: 10 a.m. St. Andrew's Hall; papers: 'The Public Cleansing Department and Air Raid Work,' by Mr. G. C. McArthur, Glasgow; Road and Trento Legislation as it Affects the Public Cleansing Service,' by Mr. C. Clegg, Ealing. At 2.30 p.m., City Chambers, annual generalmeeting for corporate members. Visit to Empire Exhibition. Animal dinner, 7 p.m.. Grosvenor. Restaurant.
June 17: 10 a.m., St. Andrew's Hall; papers: "The Economic Capacity of Vehicles in Relation to Length of Haul and Frequency of Collection, by Mr. R. J. Watson, Birkenhead; "Labour in the Cleansing Department—Its Recruitment, Remuneration and Treatment," by Mr. J. E. Spencer, Poplar: At 2.15 p.m., cruise, Kyles of Bute, etc.
Leyland Exhibit for Continental Show.
At the International Motor Exhibition to be held in Amsterdam from January 21-30, Leyland Motors, Ltd., is displaying an 8.6-litre oilengined Tiger bus chassis. It has been built to standard specification and will be exhibited by the Leyland agent in Hollana.
It is interesting to note that at all recent motor shows where Leylands have been exhibited, the company has shown oil-engined chassis in preference to those powered by petrol units.
London Haulier's New Riverside Accommodation.
Messrs. Beck and Pollitzer, the wellknown haulage firm, Universal House, Southwark Bridge, London, S.E.1, advise us that their new riverside warehouse-factory, at Bankside, S.E.1, is nearing completion. It is unique in providing, in so central a position, riverside warehouse accommodation. which is, at the same time, planned for factory purposes. The building has been partly set back, so that vehicles may stand off the roadway and be loaded and unloaded without causing traffic congestion.
The firm stress the suitability of the building for concerns importing materials or parts for assembly or processing in this country.
Bus Statiola on Roof?
Edinburgh's city engineer and the city architect are to examine a scheme, mooted by Lord Provost Louis S. Gumley, for the construction of a bus station and car park on the roof of Waverley Railway station. The plan provides for two new roads.
A Vibration.indicator Device.
Particulars of the Cambridge Universal Vibrograph are contained in a folder issued by the Cambridge Instrument Co., Ltd., 45, Grosvenor Place, London, S.W.1. The device indicates vertical, horizontal, rotational, or spot vibrations, and records them by means of a ball-ended stylus on celluloid strip. Accuracy to 0.001 ram., when optically magnified, is claimed. NOVEMBER REGISTRATIONS TUMBLE.
As we close for press, details of the number of new vehicles registered during November, 1937, have come to hand from the Ministry of Transport. The total was 30,090, contrasted with 34,791 in the corresponding month of 1936, the former total including 5,224 goods vehicles and 489 hackneys, as against 6,312 and 538 respectively in the latter total. We shall publish our customary analysis of these returns in our issue for next week.
• The, return also shows that the gross amount received in payment for roadvehicle licences issued during the year ended November 30, 1937, was £34,326,898, against £32,320,943 in 1936.
More Oilers for London Transport.
Among recent important orders placed with the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., is one from London Transport for 116 Regal oil-engined single deck buses. The company has also obtained contracts from several progressive municipalities, including one from Sheffield Corporation for 15 Regent double-deck oilers, making 131 modern A.E.C. vehicles in service or on order for this authority.
Lep Gets Three Out of Four.
Permission to operate three additional vehicles under an A licence has been granted to Lep Transport, Ltd., Belgravia, Goole, as a result of the application—which was opposed by the L.N.E. Railway Co.—for authority to acquire four extra machines. When the application came before him, the Yorkshire Deputy Licensing Authority (Mr. Russell Gurney), who reserved his decision, said he was impressed by the fact that this organization, founded as recently as 1934, when trade was bad; bad been built up in a most difficult time. Perhaps one of the factors in the growth of the concern was the quotation of through rates for the transport of goods from places in this country to destinations abroad. Mr. Gurney described the applicant's service as unique.
Mr. W. R. Hargrave, for the applicant, said that the Organization included about 280 branches on the Continent and in this country. It was not surprising that there had been an increase in the business of a roadtransport company that specialized in providing facilities for international traffic.
Proposed New Road for Glasgow.
With a view to relieving traffic congestion in the East End of the city, Glasgow Streets Committee has approved a proposal to build a new road, which will ultimately extend from Dalmamock to Duke Street. The full stretch of the road, which will run north and south,. will extend to about j. miles.
MIDLAND MEETING OF PARCELS CARRIERS.
A meeting of carriers operating in. the Midlands is being convened in connection with the National Conference of Parcels Carriers. It will be held at 55, Corporation Street, Birmingham, at 7.30 p.m., on Friday, January 21. . In a circular accompanying the invitation to attend, it is pointed oat that there seems every likelihood that the part of the T.A.C. Report suggesting machinery for the fixation of rates will, in time, be implemented by the Government. It is stressed that the cost of operating a " smalls" service is high compared with bulk haulage, because of clerical and other terminal costs, and unless the rates for " smalls" are to be based on experience, many concerns will be forced out of business. It is for this reason that the National Conference of Parcels Carriers has been formed and it is hoped to establish committees in each important area.
Death of Citron's Chairman.
The death is announced of M. Pierre Michelin, chairman of Citroen Cars, Ltd. Besides being president of the Societe Anonyme Andre Citroen, Paris, he was associated with his father in the control of the large tyre organization bearing their name. FAIRER DEAL FOR DRIVERS?
Leeds City Police have introduced a number of questions to be put to motor drivers who are reported for minor road offences, in order that the police can supply the magistrates with information as to defendant's financial circumstances when he does not appear in court to answer the summons against him. The questions include: " Are you married or single? " " How many dependent children have you?' "What is your weekly income? "
It is • explained that there is no desire to pry unnecessarily into people's private affairs. It is suggested, however, that if a defendant be a lorry driver earning £3 or a week, and he has a large family dependent upon him, those facts are helpful to the magistrates dealing with the case.
If the drivel' states that he intends to appear at court to answer the summons, the questions are not put. The system is reported to be working well.
£113,000 Bus Order for Crossleys.
Crossley Motors, Ltd., Gorton, Manchester, has received a 23rd repeat order for buses from Manchester Transport Department. The order comprises 60 dotible-deck oil-engined chassis, 40 complete double-deck bus bodies of streamlined design with steel frarriework, and 40 steel structures for double-deck bodies. The value of the order is over £113,000.
Pioneer Operator Dead.
The death has occurred of Mr. Thomas Lee, of. Wombwell, a South Yorkshire road-transport pioneer. He owned the first motor vehicle in Wombwell and operated " the first motorbus from that centre. It was in 1910 that he inaugurated a passengervehicle .service between Wombwell and Barnsley, but at a later stage his activities were concentrated on the haulage side of the industry.
Bradford's Big Order for Trolleybuses.
The English Electric Co., Ltd., Stafford, has received a contract from Bradford Corporation for 57 trolleybuses. The type selected is the fourwheeler with all-metal double-deck body, seating 56 passengers. The vehicles will be provided with lowtension lighting throughout, and 42 of the machines will be based on A.E.C. chassis. The trolleybuses will be fitted with an SO h.p. motor, and control will be by means of the English Electric series-dynamic system.
Ford Production Boom.
• The Ford Motor Co., Ltd., Dagenham, announces that in December the total deliveries of Ford commercial veticles, tractors and cars increased by 17 per cent. over those for December, 1936; reaching nearly 11,000 units. Orders received fa; delivery in the hoMe market during January are more than 100 per cent, greater than last year. To-day there are 12,621 persons on the pay-roll at the Ford works, a figure which is nearly 1,000 higher than at the beginnirig of 1937.
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