WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheel of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is bp the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
The Leeds Gathering.
To-day (Tuesday) the National Council of the Cornmeicial Motor Users Association meets in the area of the Northeastern Division for the first provincial meeting of the year. In the morning, the members pay a 'visit to the works of the Yorkshire Commercial Motor Co., Ltd., at Hunslet, by permission of Mr_ W. J. Lewin, and atter an informal Inn+eon at the Victory Hotel, Briggate, the meeting of the council will be held in the same building. At 5 p.m. there will be a--public meeting of members of the Association, and at 5.30 the chairman of the C.M.U.A., Mr. E. S. ShrapnellSmith, C.B.E., M.Inst.T., will deliver an address on "Current and Prospective Factors in Commercial Motor Transport." At 7 p.m. a dinner will be held, presided over by the President of thc North-easternDivision of the Association, Mr. Alfred Masser.
Route Numbering of Roads.
Under Section 7 (4) of the Road Act, 1920, the Minister of Transport may, by order, prohibit the driving of vehicles of any specified class on any specified highway if the vehicle cannot be used on that highway without. endangering the public or the occupants of the vehicle, or if the highway is unsuitable for a vehicle of that class. It has been thought there would be a great many requests to the Ministry to prohibit heavy motor coaches or lorries, but so far as London is corcerned the powers under this section have not yet been in. yoked. There are, we have little doubt, cases in the country where the application of this section is contemplated.
The system of route numbering is in process of being carried out, andis expected to be of great service to motorists. The principle Is first being laid down on the map, and it is hoped that an early beginning will be made with improved signposting and numbering on the roads. When the system of route numbering has been carried into effect the principal routes will have one
number, and the route London to Edin burgh will probably be route No. 1. Another route will be London to Bath, and so on. There are, roughly, in England and Wales, 17,600 miles of Class I. and 10,700 miles of Class H. roads. In Scotland the mileage is, Class I. about 4,450 and Class II. about 3,300.
The Extraordinary Traffic Case.
It is expected that Mr. Justice Eve will deliver his judgment in the case Of the Weston-super-Mare U.D.C. versus Henry Butt and Co., Ltd., this week.
Light Vans Wanted.
The Ministry of Posts and Telegraphs of the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slavenes invites tenders for the
supply of three light rricitarvans. Specifications and conditions have been forwarded by the Commercial Secretary to H.M. Legation at Belgrade, and they can be seen by British manufacturers, together with blue prints, at the inquiry room of the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, S.W.
Although this issue has been considerably enlarged we have been compelled, owing to the larger part of it being devoted to municipal transport matters,. to hold over several regular features, amongst which are included " Ford Van Pointers," " A griinotor Notes," and " Opinions from Others."
The Bus Guide.
We have from time to time referred to the new motor omnibus guide and char4banes directory for England and Wales known as T.B.R. (Travel by Roaa), prepared and published at 1.s. by Bleu, Wiley and Co., Ltd., of 123, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1. It made its debut prompt to time on June 1st and_ has gained a great success. We have had opportuni
ties of studying it and the method under which it VT aS planned, and have found it
to have been compiled with extreme cleverness, simplicity and directness. A most interesting feature • is the large folded map showing the motorbus services all over the country. An examination of the map will certainly enlighten the majority of the readers of T.B.R. upon the extent of the bus facilities which have been created in recent years. The next issue of the guide will be published an July 1st, and certain developments of the idea will, so we learn, be included.
Karrier Trading.
The extent to which the general slump in trade has hit the motor industry is exemplified in the showing of the first account of Karrier Motors, Ltd., covering the 12 months to December 31st. The trading loss amounts to £28,500, and dividends on the preference capital bring the total -debit balance brought forward to 42,600.
Lincoln Buses.
The annual report of the Lincoln City Council gives some interesting statistics in regard to the motorbus service. The result of the year's working shows a deficiency of £1,415. The-total expenditure in vehicles worked out at 29.72d. per bus mile. The total number of miles run during the period was 37,536, and 312,396 passengers were carried. The total traffic returns amounted to £3,502.
In spite of the heavy losses incurred by the bus service, the council did not pass a resolution to let the buses out an hire on Sundays. ,
Approved Repairers.
The secretary of the North-eastern Division of the CALIT.A. has forwarded to us of a copy of a list of approved repairers, which has been prepared to assist drivers of motor coaches and other heavy vehicles when in difficulties, either by executing repairs immediately or by providing or procuring other vehicles to complete journeys.
Although a number of names is included and the list is fairly comprehensive, it is not complete, and will be added to from time to time. Applications for inclusion iii the list from suitable garages will be welcomed by the Secretary, at 20, Bond Street, Dewsbury.
In our next issue we shall publish an article specially written for The Commercial Motor by Mr. S. E. Gare,ke, M.Inst.T., chairman or director of a number of transport corn. panics putting forward a suggestion for • the adeption of bonuses for long service amongst road transport employees.
A Live C.M.U.A. Division
The North Eastern Division of the ommercial Motor Users Association, the ;embers of which are entertaining in no Yorlishire fashion the members of le National Council on the occasion to ay (Tuesday) of the first provincial meting is an extremely active body. fr. Alfred Masser, a solicitor, is presient, and Mr. Ernest Harrison the divional secretary. _ An important section I the work of the division has been the ppointment of approved repairers clas-. ,fled according to the type of work they re prepared to undertake. The informaon is printed boldly on a toligh folding ird, which is issued through theymenrers to their drivers, so that in the event f a breakdown at a distance from home driver can at once get into communicaon with a good garage and have repairs Elected with a minimumi of delay. A seful card is also issuerlto drivers, as it ; in all other C.M.U.A. centres; giving ointa for. avoiding trouble with the olice. The legal defence of members in °lice court eases is being actively purled by Mr. Masser, and excellent arIngements have been made whereby, rider a collective insurance scheme, 'embers are given the advantage of iver with one of the best insuraive cornanies at special rates. The divisional scretary keeps in close and constant such ivith the members; and is always lacing before 'them useful and valuable rformation. Its char-a-banes section is ;rong, and is kept fully advised of the rcilities provided in varioos places, and I any regulations that require to be flown •by members.
Good for Coach Traffic.
During the month of April the Walisey Corporatron limes carried 77,194 assengers Compared with 58,449 last ear. • The receipts were £887 as ;sing, .£651, whilst the • receipts per us-mile worked out at 21.91d. com ared with 16.11d. a year ago. • The question has been raised in some swris as to the legality of motor niches competing with municipal -ams and buses on recognized corporaon routes. The position is that )aches are licensed under two rateones—those which ply for hire like ixicalis, and those which are hirable aim garages only Under the former Lassification, they are thus enabled to iek up passengers subject to any byrw which may exist to the contrary.
Production of Natalite.
It is reported from Singapore that lore are great possibilities for the proaction of Natalite from the Nipah palm hich grows abundantly in the Malay Gates Peninsula and Borneo. The ritish North Borneo Governnient rearts that practically unlimited areas of 'ipah swamps are available, which wmild roduce at least 250 gallons of alcohol early for every acre under management.
:nterprising Itinerant Vendors.
Vigorous protests • were made at the rst meeting of the Macclesfield Town 'ouncil againsii the practice of traders 7om outside the town occupying the urger part of the market place on aturdays with their motor vehicles and :•avelling shops. The irate._ councillors ontended that it was impossible for the ical shopkeepers to compete with these Inerant vendors, and desired to im pose a heavier toll than that prevailing at present. They found, however, that this was notpermissible, and the market place of Macclesfield, therefore, will still be a happy hunting ground
for bargain hunters on Saturday evenings, and a source of revenue and reward to the enterprising vendors who consider it worth a. visit;
Dunlop Challenge Trophy.
The Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., have presented to the C.M.U.A., Midland Division, a trophy, of which we publish an illustration, to be competed for annually. The design, as will be observed, is a particularly appropriate one, and is the work of "Mr. F. Gr. Beech. It -is executed insilver and stands 14 ins, in height. It will be awarded annually, together with valuable cash prizes, until it is eventually won outright. At the moment it is on view at the Dunlop Co.'s depot in Broad Street, Birmingham.
Personal Pars.
Mr. E. F. Spurrell, the Borough Engineer to the Holborn Borough Council, has under his charge an area of 405 acres in one of the busiest parts of London. The roads carry a very heavy volume of traffic, important through routes traversing the area. The roads are well maintained, despite the fact that in certain parts underground Ivater-courses create • considerable difficulty. He is the honorary secretary uf the Metropolitan district of the 'Institution of Municipal and County Engineers, and is the organizer of the demonstration of mechanically propelled vehicles used in municipal work to he held in Lincoln's Inn Fields on Thursday next.
Mr. Norman Scorgie, M.Inst.C.E., who is the President-elect of the Institution of. Municipal and County Engineers, is the Borough Engineer and Stirveyor for Hackney—one of the largest of the Metropolitan boroughs, having a population of nearly a quarter of a million and an area of 5* sq. miles. Mr. Scorgie some years ago stepped. into the breach caused by, the sudden death of the town clerk, and added the duties of that office to the responsibilities already shouldered by him. He has a great capacity for work, and probably would stilrbo trying to do, two men's labours but for a council which knew his merits, and took the earliest opportunity after the war to appoint a town clerk and solicitor. The engineer's department has always been well ma,naged, and has recently adopted the electric vehicle for refuse collection,
Good Going.
Wells and Mayner, Ltd., of Birmingham, have acquainted us of a very fine record made by a Dennis standard chara•-bancs supplied by them. Without any preparation, a vehicle was required to take a party from Birmingham to Epsom
on the occasion ef the Derby. The vehicle left Birmingham at. 6.. a.m., arriving at St. Albans just before 10 o'clock, where a late breakfast' was par
taken of. After half an hour's delay, the vehicle recommenced its journey and arrived at the race course at 12.30. To those who know the distance from BirEffingham to Epsom, the behaviour of the coach on this trip will be appreciated.
-Enterprise Rewarded.
Despite 'the prevailing industrial depression, several char-a-banes proprietors at Macclesfield are reaping a reward for their initiative in organizing week-end trips, to the popular Lancashire and Cheshire seaside resorts, as well as to certain spots in NorthWales. Another form of trip which is extrerriely popular among the miff workers is the 15 miles' circular trip amidst the surrounding country which is being arranged after. Working hours, and which provides an excellent couple of hours in the open arr.
Nottingham Feeder Buses,
The 1920-21 report of the Nottingham Corporation Tramways Committee states that early in the year three motorbuses were put in service, and, although they have undoubted], proved a great convenience to resi ents along the routes, there has been a loss of £1,093, caused partly by the abnormal price of petrol. The buses, however, are valuable as feeders to the trains.
Satisfied with Thornycrofts.
The illustration which we reproduce at the foot of this page shows five motor vehicles in the service of the Le.ects headquarters of Taylors' Drug Co., Ltd., four of them being Thornyerefts and the fifth vehicle a Star. The picture was taken on a recent Saturday morning . after the lorries had been loaded up with sick room requisites, medicines, invalid foods, etc, in readiness for an early start on the following Monday morning to the company's branches at Newcastle, Barrow, Morecambe, etc.
The Thornyeroft wagons comprise one 2 -ten HT. type, one 3 ton X type, cue 40 h.p. J type, and one 30 b.p. 3 type. The latter vehicle, which is the second from the left in the picture, was purchased in 1913 and has completed nearly eight years' service, during which time it has covered a distance of 100,000 miles in its journeys to and from the company's branches in the six northeru counties, It has. yieldedthe very creditable average mileage for the whole period of its service of 1,075 per month. For the four: weeks ended May 7th last, the weekly average for this lorry . was 395 miles, the .weekly average for the same period 'for the X type lorry being 435 miles. • .
Messrs 'Taylors are an interestingexample of a concern starting in a small way With road macirs, and becoming so convinced of their advantages that they have added one vehicle after another, until practically the whole of the present distribution system between their head office and various branches is transacted by motor vehicles.
_ Motors to Replace Mules.
Johannesburg Municipal Council has decided to replace mules by steam wagons. Statements aS---to cost of a Scotch cart with two mules, which is the form of transport mostly used in the sanitary department. show an in
crease of about 100 per cent. Some years ago, when the matter of mechanical transport was under consideration,
• it was found that animal transport was -the cheaper, but the conditions have since altered considerably.
In December last arrangements were made with a local firm to hire to the
council a 6 ton steam wagon for trial purposes, payment to be -made at the rate of 4d. per Lou-mile With a mini man.; of 42s. per day. The trial was made during Febroar,y, and the result shows. that with this form of transport' stone can be delivered at 9.62d. per Scotch cart .load-mile, as compared with 20d. for Scotch carts with two mules. This means that steam transport under present conditions is capable of doing the work at less than half the cost of animal transport. In considering the matter of steam' transport, the town engineer was &Maewhat doubtful about the effect it would have on the roads and thepossible nuisance from smoke. From personal observations, however, he is convinced • that, with suitable rubber tyres, a 6 ton wagon, with eire trailer, will do no more harm to the roads, cm a ton-for-Ion – basis, than Scotch cast, traffic. The smoke difficulty has _apparently not been entirely removed, but the engineer thinks that with care and the use of suitable fuel, this drawback can be overcome sufficiently to prevent, any nuisance. One 6 ton steam wagon -withoutae.trailer wifl do the work of 12 Scotch earls with two mules to each. In view of these circumstances, the municipal council has decided to call for tenders for three or six 6 ton steam wagons under guaranteed conditions_ Previous to coming to • this decision, the municipal council decided to accept the tender of the Griffin Engineering Co. for one Sentinel 4 ton steam wagon with hydraulic tipping gear, for the sum of £1,900, this vehicle being for the tramways department. The tender of the Consolidated Motors, Ltd., was also accepted for a Highway pole trailer, -fitted with fifth-wheel attachment, for £425.
Many other tenders were received from representatives of established British concerns.
Exclusive Bus Service Rights.
Messrs. Cooke, -.Robinson and Co., who have recently installed a motorbus service between Biddulph and Tunstall (Staffs.), have informed the Biddulph Connell that they will be quite willing to erect a shelter for passengers at a suitable spot on the route. They have also informed the council that if they are prepared to grant them the exclusive rights of services, •ffiey would consideraliTy augment the service with a giraranfee hat the fares should not be increased.
Trams and Traffic.
Some time ago the Birniinghani. Cc poratilm .reqnested the town clerk take steps with a view to the adopti, in Birmingham of a by-law requirit every driver of a vehicle intending pass on the left-hand or near side of tramcar standing at a tramway stoi3pir place, to draw up immediately bac, arriving at such . stopping place unt the roadway is clear of passengers e tering or leaving the tramcar. The cc • potation now reports receipt of a cm munication from the -Ministry of Heal to the effect that it hat been in cot municat ion on the subject with t3 Ministry of Transport, -but after eat f al consideration it bas been consider, that such a by-law restricting Jardine traffic for the benefit of tramwey trail could not be justified. The Minist: thought it would be an arbitrary di tinction to require vehicles to halt I the side of a standing tramcar and n by the side of any .other obstacle the middle of the road.
Bus Services in the North.
rrn:e ambitious scheme of bringing in closer touch, by means of the motorbu the scattered agricultural and coal' net ing districts of South Northumheylar with Newcastle is continually being e tended, and almost every week fre services are being commenced, chief through the activities of the Newcast Transport and Electricity Conunitti (formerly the Newcastle Tra.mwa; Committee). Mr. Ernest Hatton is the head of this progressive body, he is a capable organizer and engineer
On Sunday, June 5th, yet anothi district was linked up—namely, Pont land,, which is in the heart of a fit agricultural neighbourhood. During ti week buses leave the Haymarket, Nev castle, every two hours from 8 a.m. 8 p.m., and from Penteland at simil, intervals between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. and on Sundays the first buses begi at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. from the respe tive termini. The inauguration of ti service. is a boon to the intialaitants the district, who have recently bee served with a rather 'infrequent trai service. The distance is about 7 miles.• York Council's Parks Committee ht decided to purchase an Atco motor law mower at an estimated cost of £75.
Local Proceedings.
Hove Watch Committee recommends licensing of two sidecar taxis.
The Ministry of Health has agreed to he application of Southport Corporation or permission to run motorbuses.
Motor cab licences being granted this 'ear by the Hove Watch Committee numier 63, which is a decrease for the year d 11.
The question of entering into a contract or the hire of motor vehicles has been !urther adjourned by Lewisham GuarHans.
In lieu of the horse-drawn vehicle isedlor removing street barricades, etc., 3heffield WatchCommittee proposes to iurchase a one ton Ford chassis.
Dennis Bros., Ltd., have successfully :endued to supply, for 21,780, a motor ire engine, fitted with extension ladder, hat aid tank, and. electric lighting set, for. the Buxton Fire Brigade.
Peterborough Corporation wants to Dorrow 21,000 for the purchase of a miter lorry and fire appliance; 24,000 is use required by Boston R.D.C. to cover he coSt of steam. wagons.
The general committee of the Calcutta Municipal Council has decided to pur-base a Thoroycroft lorry at a cost of 18,500 rupees, and a Mack (American) lorry at a cost of 16,000 rupees.
Wanstead U.D.C. has received the following tenders to supply a motor fire tender with turbine pump ; Merry, weather and Sons, Ltd., 22,275; Dennis Bros., 21,720; Leyland Motors, Ltd., 21,675; Tilling-Stevens Motors, 22,018 Bs.
Bath Corporation has granted a licence to the Anglo-American Oil Co., Ltd., for the storing of 1,500 gallons of petroleum spirit at 15, St. George's Place, Upper Bristol Road, these premises being formerly licensed to the Anglo-Mexican Petroleum Co., Ltd.
A Tacker steam tractor and four 5 ton trailers, five 5 ton Foden steam wagons, and four Eagle 4 ton rubber-tyred trailers are among the purchases slag:. geated by the Cambridge County Conn
Meclanical Haulage Committee, which has been authorized to spend 232,000 on motor vehicles and road plant. Ilkeston Corporation has decided to purchase a Martin-Walter first-aid firefighting motor at a cost of 2465 Have Watch Committee recommends. that where a char-a banes carries 20 or more passengers a conductor must be provided .
Rotherham Corporation Tramways Committee recommends that the tramway manager be authorized t.o obtain tenders for two rail-less chassis.
Burton-on-Trent Corporation has granted an application of. the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Ltd., for 8 proprietors', 12 drivers', and 12 Conductors' licences for a period of one year.
Councillor Nevins suggests that the Nottingham City Conned should appoint a special committee to consider the aorinisition of a fleet of motor omnibuses for service within and without the city boundaries The motor and engineering section Of the Bournemouth Chamber of T•rade has suggested that during the Coal crisis the tramway service on Sundays might he replaced by motor . oliarsaltbanes and omnilatiaes.
Kendal Town Council has passed plans for the erection of tWo petrol pampa by Messrs. 'Atkinson and Griffin on. the pavement:, subject to an annual rent of 10s. 5d. and the illumination of the pumps at night.
At a meeting of the Sheffield Watch Cummittee, Alderinan Cat-tell and Councillor Melling reported that they had accepted an offer of Leyland Motors, Ltd., to supply a new motor fire pump with accessories for the sum of 22,085.
Huddersfield Watch Committee has decided to give notice to hackney carriage proprietors that no licence will be issued for any motor, hackney carriage seating not more than six persona unless a taximeter is affixed thereto when the vehicle is plying for hire. • Bath City Council, which asked that mudguards should be fixed on motorbuses and heavy motors, has had a letter from the Ministry, of Transport stating it could not recommend the.eompulsory use of mad-splash guards, as no really satisfactory devices have yet been brought to notice.
Municipal Administration.
The Mimicipai Year Book for 1921-22 has been published at a most opportune time with the conference of the MuMcipal and County Engineers in progress.
It is published by the Municipal Journal, Ltd., Sardinia House, Sardinia Street, London, W.0.2, at the price of 21s. We have always found it to be a most valuable Work of reference on municipal organization and administration. The information is divided into 19 :sections, and the volume liana to 555 pages. A very informative feature for manufacturerS of all kinds of motor vehicles suitable for municipal use is -the complete census of the meter' vehicles so employed. Against the name of every authority and the particular department or departments thereof are given the total number of motor. vehicles in use, the number and name of each make, and the purpose to which each vehicle is put.
Levies on Hauliers.
Welshpooi Town Council has decided to ask the Ministry of Transport' for power to make hauliers contribute so mach per ton per mile, it having 'beenreported that. timber haulage was doing considerable damage to the roads.
Birmingham Bus Services.
The accounts of the bus services run by the Birmingham Corporation for the year ended March 31st, last show an expenditure of 2105,291, giving an average of 22.599d. (per bus-eraile compared with 19.452d. the previous year. Income was 2114,307, being 24.534d. per bus mile compared with 22.916d. the year before.
Hereford to Aberystwyth by
Road.
From now onwards to September' 4 motor coach will run every Saturday between Hereford and Aberystwyth, leaving Hereford at 10 o'clock in the morning. The route will be via Hay, Three Cocks, and Builth, a most charming journey. The coach is being run by the Hereford Motor CO.
On page 462 of our issue dated May 31st we illustrated a 1 ton Edison wen, mulatur vehicle, model W, type 4A-6K. This vehicle was erroneously described as a G.V. Incidentally William Whiteley, Ltd., have 25 Edison Vehicles.