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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.

Sheffield's Motorbuses : Ministry's Inquiry.

An inspector of the Ministry of Transport held an inquiry at Sheffield last Tuesday into a complaint by W. T. Underwood, Ltd., bus proprietors, of Ciowee, against the refusal of the -watch committee of the Sheffield City Council to grant them licences to ply for hire with motorbuses, over three routes within the Sheffield city boundary.

It wa.s contended by Mr. E. B. Hutchinson, managing director of the company, that the refusal of these licences was the result of prejudice on the part of the watch committee because the corporation, itself owning buses, is now acting in fierce competition with services that were established by the company four years ago, many thousands of passengers having been carried in the meantime. Mr. Hutchire son also stated that the corporation bases had been run as "baser" buses, that is to say, in front of the company's buses, whereas an effort had been made by. the company to keep the vehicles at equal distances. The feet that the corporation buses used to leave from 12 to 14 minutes late resulted in the road being deaeed of all passengers in advance of the arrival of the company's buses, and the public was, therefore, unable to obtain the advantage of the double time-table.

The reply .of the watch conunittee was that the application for licences had been put before it -unsupported by evidetce, and it asserted that there was not a shred of evidence to support the allegation that the application had not been treated fairly. It had been gitren fair and impartial consideration.

The inspector will report to the Ministry and the decision will be announced later on.

London Bus Passenger Increases.

Figures which have just been published reveal the fact that 38,009,000 more passengers were carried on the buses of the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., during the months of August and September thae in the same months

• of last year, the actual figures for the two months combined being 323,891,302, as compared with 285,738,432 a year earlier. It is expected that this remarkable increase will be maintained throughout the month of October, for it is estimated that many more people are staying in London than is normally the case.

For Cleansing Edinburgh's Streets.

On page 260 we illustrate a road sprinkler, vsmeher and gully-flushing motor unit supplied to the City of Edinburgh Corporation Cleansing Department by the Mandalay Motor C.o., Ltd., of Coventry. The cleansing equipment has been supplied 'by the Eagle Engineering Co., Ltd., of Warwick, and comprises two sprinkler heads capable of throwing a spray up to 60 ft. in width, four nozzles disposed underneath the chaesis for road washing and gutter cleansing, 020 and a gully-flushing attachment and a first-aid tire jet. All the nozzles work under pressure from a slow-speed, single-stage centrifugal pump driven through an enclosed auxiliary gear set embodied in the lorry transmission. All the operations are controlled from the driver's seat. The cylindrical tank, which is super-imposed on a 7-8-ton {50 h.p.) chassis, hold 2,000 gallons of water.

Smith's Stampings Report.

The report of Thomas Smith's Stamping Works, Ltd., for the year ended August 2nd last shows a profit of 225,298 after ample provision for depreciation of plant and machinery and taxation liabilities has been made. When

a sum of £19,283 brought forward is added, and the sum absorbed by the payment of an interim dividend of 2i per cent (£4,844) has been deducted, a balance of £39,737 remains. This is to be appropriated by a payment of a final dividend of 7 per cent., lass lucerne tax, which will absorb £14,531, and by transferring £5,000 to the reserve fund, leaving £20,206 to be carried forward. The reserve fund now stands at 235,000.

A Saurer Request.

The Saucer Commercial Vehicle Co., Ltd., are desirous of getting into touch with the present owner of the Saucer vehicles which were, until recently, owned by the proprietors of the Paragon Motor Services of Darlington. Will the owner of these vehicles communicate with the company at 21, Augustus Street, Albany Street, Landon, N.W.1?

The Motor's" Second Show Number.

An outstanding feature of the second special show number of The Motor, which is now on sale, is a complete list of car prices for 1925, including all cars and all models on the British market. In addition to this compact and useful reference the issue contains an authoritative article dealing with new features and innovations in cars and accessories at Olympia, indicating where they may be seen aud giving plans of the various sections of the Show.

There are also many special contributions by well-known writers, including LI-Col. .1. T. C. Moore Brabarzon, M.P., Prof. A. M. Low, Mr. H. Kensington Moir, and Mr. 0, L. Freestan, F. R. G. S.

The third show (complete report) number of The Motor will be published next Tuesday. Official Ruling on N. Wales Bus Controversy.

As .a result of an appeal by the Rhyl and Potteries Motors, Ltd., against the refusal of the Prestatyn Urban District Council to grant them licences to ply for hire at Prestatyn, the Ministry of Transport has intimated to the council that it is opposed to the granting of a monopoly of licences to any one company. A special meeting of the council has been held for the consideration of the Ministry's communication.

. The general purposes committee reported having dealt with a letter from the Ministry requesting the council to reconsider the application of R.hyl and Potteries Motors, Ltd., for bus licences, provided they were prepared to give certain undertakings, one being that they should rearrange their timetables so that they would not conflict with the time-tables arranged by Messrs. Brookes Brothers,

The decision arrived at by the cornmittee was that a copy a the' Ministry's letter should be sent tothe two bus companies for their observaitions, but the council decided, by five votes to four, to refer the whole question back until the next ordinary meeting.

The Linderman Jointing Machine.

With reference to our description of the body-building works at Crayfurd belonging to Vickers, Ltd., and our reference therein to a machine which dovetails and glues joints in woodwork at a high speed, we are asked by Messrs. W. and C. Pantin, of 147 Lipper Thames Street, London, E.G., to state that this machine, known as the Linderman dovetail gins jointing machine, was supplied by them to Messrs. Vickers' and they also tell us that it is not the only one in existence, but that, actually, numbers of them have been supplied.

Lorry Rear Lights.

At the inquest on tile well-known jockey, James Ledson, who was killed whilst motorcycling from Darlington to Richmond nearly a fortnight ago, it was shown that, while travelling at a good speed, he ran into the rear of a stationary lorry. The driver of the latter stated that he had stopped to ask his way, and that at the rear of the lorry iva,s tied one of his front side lights (because be was without a rear light), the lamp showing a red light to tile rear. 'He was convinced that at the moment. when he stopped the lamp was on the lorry.

A verdict of '' Accidental Death " was returned, and the coroner said that it was impossible to say whether the light was on the lorry. It was not a proper light and was no larger than a shilling, but he gave the driver of the lorry the benefit of the doebt.

Whatever may have been the circumstances in this case, it is obviously the duty of every owner and driver of a commercial lorry, always liable to be overtaken by faster vehicles, te see that

i

rear lights n good condition are cu.rittd• ou their vehicles,

Devon's Profitable Buses.

The Devon General Omnibus Co., Ltd., who were formed just over two years ago, have developed an intensive network of bus services in the southern part of the county, and that their enterprise has been appreciated by the public is clearly indicated from the fact that the takings on the buses up to the present this year have advanced by nearly £10,000 over those for the same period last year.

It is expected that the total revenue of the company for the complete year will approximate £100,000, and this must be considered eminently satisfactory in view of the unsettled weather which prevailed during that part of the year when traffic is normidly at its Standard Motor Tests.

Manchester Watch Committee has decided that steps should be taken with a view to the introduction of a standard test sufficient to prove the ability and

efficiency of any person applying for a Ecence to drive a. mechanically propelled vehicle.

The Ministry of Transport is being urged to give the matter its early and serious consideration, as promised when the deputation from the committee interviewed the Ministry on this Subject iii October, 1923.

Tractors in New Zealand.

Except in the north, where the principal agricultural pursuits are dairying and stock raising, tractors are used (quite extensively in New Zealand. The most popular type in use is the wheel tractor, but a few track-laying machines are in use. Light types are preferred.

Tractors in Now Zealand cover a wide range of activity, including various kinds of belt work, as well as ordinary field work. In addition, they are utilized for road work, for handling logs and for hauling trailers. The majority of the tractors in use are of American manufacture, but the Austin is a formidable competitor.

German Exports and Imports.

The returns recently issued showing the exports of commercial motor vehicles from Germany during the six months ended June last reveal the fact that a marked decline has occurred. The actual vehicles exported amounted to only 382, of a value of 3,335,000 gold marks, as compared with 910 in the corresponding period of 1923. The principal markets absorbing German vehicles were, in the order of their importance, Holland, North Russia, Finland, Spain and the Argentine. During the same period of this year 265 commercial vehicles were imported in Germany as against 276 in the first six months of last year.

Irish Tyre Imports.

The number of solid tyres imported into the Irish Free State during the silt months ended June last was 4,496, representing a value of £22,495. Of the total, 4,456 tyres are attributed as emanating from the United Kingdom; the remainder were imported from foreign countries.

Municipal Buses on Tram Routes.

Quaint anomalies exist in certain parts of the country in regard to running powers on tram routes. In London, buses owned by private companies can, and do, run over municipal tramway routes, but in Merthyr it appears that it is not possible for the new municipal buses recently put into service by the Corporation to run along the routes of the tramways worked by the Merthyr Electric Traction Co., so long as the tramway company maintains a reasonable tram service.

The corporation has been asked to provide facilities for workmen's bus services, and miners have pointed out that increased travelling facilities are needed. To meet these requirements the corporation buses must traverse part of the tramway route, and Mr. T. Aneurvn Rees, the town clerk, has pointed out that this will not be possible without the consent of the tramway company. In the circumstances the corporation is negotiating with the tramway company on the subject.

Swansea Road Improvements.

The Swansea Borough Council is to embark on road and other improvement schemes at an estimated cost of £250,000. One of the most important undertakings will be the widening of Mount Pleasant Road, at a cost of 1(:),000. The Tennant Canal is to be bridged and the roads in the Crinnlyn boroughs and Caswell districts improved. Other items of interest include the widening of De La Beebe Street and the diversion of Cockett Road ; the latter will cost £22,000.

Uxbridge's Request.

Uxbridge Urban District Council has instructed the clerk to write to the various bus companies operating in the district asking them to cease using the roadway between the canal and the county bridge as a stopping-place, and the police authorities are to see that this request is duly observed.

Westminster's Petrol Contract.

The British Motor Spirit. Distributing Co., Ltd., have recently notified the Westminster City council that they are reducing the price of their No. 3 motor spirit to the council to 11d, per gallon. Under their contract the company undertake to supply this grade of spirit at certain specified rates per gallon below market prices. The terms of the agreement provide for an adjustment in the price if the market figure be reduced, but the lowest price to be paid by the council was fixed at is. 10. per gallon —hence the contractors mention that the new price is without prejudice to the contract now running.

Tippers for Bradford.

We reproduce on this page a group of three J-type Thornycroft chassis fitted with tipping bodies which are operated by the Edwards' patent hydraulic three-way gear, as manufae'2 tured by Bromilow and Edwards, Ltd.irl of Bark Street, Bolton. These vehicles have been supplied to the Bradford Corporation by the Harrison Automobile Co. (Bradford), Ltd., and a fact worthy of more than passing note is that such a progressive municipality should not only take advantage of modern vehicles of a type intended to effect a saving in labour, but that it is prepared to support local traders when in the market for vehieles.

Road Control in the Isle of Wight.

The Isle of Wight County Council is to promote a Bill in Parliament to give effect to an agreement arrived at .between the council and the rural district council for the transfer (from the rural authority to the county council) of the powers and duties of maintaining the highways in the rural district of the island. The effect of the measure will be to bring the Isle of Wight County Council into lino with other county councils so far as the control of highways is concerned. Moreover, it is expected to result in an improvement of the borough and urban roads in the Passenger Services at Oxford.

At a meeting of the Oxford Watch Committee a. letter was considered from the general manager of the City of Oxford Motor Services, Ltd., in which it was intimated that the suggestions of the committee with regard to arrangements on single-deck buses in case of fire will receive the company's careful attention, and that they will adopt the suggestion "that excursion chars-S.-banes should start from some other place than High Street." American Production.

The number of goods-carrying vehicles and motorbuses (electrics excepted) exported from America in the month of July was 1,752, valued at 1,340,644 dollars. Of this number 314 were importea into Australia, 186 into Cuba, 184 into Uruguay, 111 into Chili, 89 into Canada, 67 into the United Kingdom and 49 into British Africa.

In the month of August the number of business vehicles produced in the United States was 27,484, a figure which compares with 25,235 for the previous month.

A Good Word for the Motorbus.

The utility of the motorbus services in the country districts was emphasized at the October meeting of the Fylde . Rural District, Council. The attention of the highways committee was drawn to the usage of a certain road for a service of motorbnses without the sanction of the council, and it was also suggested that much damage had been done to the road owing to its unsuitability for such a service. The committee had resolved to serve notice on the bus owner to cease running the buses, but strong opposition was put forward to the proposed action on the ground that the motorbuses were meeting a growing public want. The council did not confirm the minutes, but appointed a deputation to inspect the road as to its slate and suitability for use by buses.

Improving Kentish Roads.

Amongst the new arterial roads which are scheduled for completion in the 1923-24 Unemployment Road Fund programme are three imrrovements to highways in Kent, which it is estimated will collectively involve an expenditure of £965,000. The most important scheme is the Bexley Heath by-pass road, which is estimated to cost £381,000, whilst the Crays and Orpington by-pass is expected to entail an expenditure of 8350,000, and a sum of .£234,000 is to be expended on the main road between Croydon and Sevenoaks.

Filling the Railway's Gap.

Two new motorbus services have recently been established from Corwenone by the Crosville Motor Bus Co., Ltd., who are running a service to Bala, and another by the Wrexham Transport Co., who axe maintaining a daily service with Llangollen. These services C22 have been instituted as a result of the curtailment of the railway services by the Great Western Railway on the Barmouth-Ruabon line. The services are being well patronized.

B.P.'s New Southern H.Q.

The British Petroleum Co., Ltd., inform us that they have recently established their southern counties headquarters at South Parade, Portsmouth. The company have, of course, for a number of years had a distributing depot in the town, but the ever-increasing demand for their products, amongst which is included B.P. motor spirit, has rendered it necessary to establish an executive office in direct touch with south coast districts.

Midland Foundry Improvements.

The Midland Motor Cylinder Co., Ltd., of Dartmouth. Road Foundries, Surethwick, Birmingham, inform us that they have now completed the layout of their Coventry foundry on most upto-date lines. It is their intention to effect similar improvements at their Smethwick foundries, and, although the alterations will take some months to complete, the company are making preparations for equipping the foundries with proved labour-saving devices which make for speed and efficiency, and when finished the foundries at Smeth wick will rival those of the company at Coventry. The largest share of the work in connection with these improvements has been entrusted to the Pneulec Machine Co., Ltd., of Mafeking Road, Smethwick, who have bad a large experience in connection with foundry work and equipment.

The S.D. Freighter Dust Cart.

Shelvoke and Drewry, Ltd., of Letchworth, have recently issued an informative little brochure dealing with the S.D. Freighter, for use as a municipal dust cart. Many of these vehicles are giving eminently satisfactory service in various spheres of municipal activity, and the demand is rapidly increasing. As a matter of fact, within the past few days the city engineer of Wellington, New Zealand, has cabled to the company to supply one of their standard dust carts for service in that city. The advantages of the S.D. Freighter dust cart are clearly set out in the booklet in which a number of illustrations is also included.

Folkestone's Protest. .Folkestone Town Council is protesting to the Secretary for War and the Minister of Transport against the closing of the military road between Rye and Winchelsea to heavy motor traffic. The thoroughfare is part of the main road nearest the coast between Hastings and Folkestone, and the proposed new regulation will have the effect of preventing the use of the road by regular passenger-carrying vehicles.

Fords Effect Saving in Production.

An annual saving of more than 32,010 tons of flat steel stock is being made by the Ford Motor Co., by the adoption of methods similar to the new woodcutting idea, which has resulted in. the saving of a large amount of high-grade timber. The method consists in cutting parts directly from steel in coils as it comes from the rolling mills, in place of the usual plan of first trimming the sheets to standard lengths, and by improvements in stamping dies and handling methods.

By dealing with a large uncut sheet of steel as it comes through the mill five crankcases are produced from a sheet which yielded only four by the former method. In crankcases alone a .saving of 2,000 tons annually is said to be effected. A large saving is also made in cutting -windshield bracket blanks, differential gear lock rings, headlight bracket pads, and similar details of construction.

Bus Services from Newport.

In our issue for September 23rd, under the heading Newport's Bus Plans," we stated that it was the intention of the Newport Town Council to secure Parliamentary sanction to the running of busrs beyond the confines of the borough, and referred to the fact that it had been 'suggested that vehicles should be run to places so far afield as Usk and Abergavenny, which, we stated, had hitherto not been linked up with Newport. " Mr. W. Thomas, however, informs us that these centres have been linked up with the town, for he established a service in l'ilay last on the Usk and Newport road, which he considers to be adequate for the needs of the district. From the time-table which he sends us it is obvious that he maintains a regular and recognized service.

Vehicle licences issued in the county of Essex from January to August of this year have yielded a revenue of £263.214, as compared with 2216,786 for the same period of last year.

Bradford's Railless Scheme.

The parliamentary committee of the West Riding County Council, reporting upon the Bradford. Corporation Trolley. Vehicles Provisional Order, states that this order, which originally proposed to authorize the Corporation of Bradford to take up tramways in a number of county districts as well as certain lines in the city and to substitute therefore a system of trolley-buses, was considerably modified owing to objectiors raased on behalf of such districts and the county council.

With regard to the modified order, the, committee pointed out to thepromoters and the Ministry of Transport that there was no prevision making drivers of trolley vehicles subject to the general law with regard to dangerous or reckless driving of motor vehicles. :The• promoters were not at first disposed to amend the order in this respect, but, after a petition had been lodged, they intimated their acceptance of the necessary provision, which was duly inserted in the order.

Hartlepool's Fire-fighting Needs.

At the last meeting of the HartlePOol Town Council the necessity for more adequate and speedy fire-fighting facilities was urged in a report submitted by the captain of the fire brigade. He drew attention to the need for better means of transport to and from fires, and suggested that a light motor fire-engine :would meet the case, and at the &ems time give an increased water service. The council gave instructions for a special, meeting of the committee to be called to go into the matter.

A Saurer in Australia.

The Sewer Commercial Vehicle Co., Ltd., tell us that there is a large number of the new-type bevel-driven Sauter chassis in service in'Australia, and that these vehicles are gaining a reputation which vies with that acquired by vehicles , of the same make in this country. The particular features of the Snorer chassis which render it very suitable for hard service in hot climates over indifferent roads are complete enclosure of all runmug parts, high ground clearance, excellent cooling of the engine and robust ennetruction. . One of these vehicles which is achieving creditable performances is that illustrated on this page. fly a recent mail the company have received interesting details of a trip which this 4-ton vehicle executed from Melbourne to Warnambool loaded to capacity. The distance separating these centres is 168 miles, and the journey was covered in a period of 12 hours at an average speed of 14 m.p.h. The petrol consumed throughout the journey averaged one gallon for 7i miles' =nine:a' Over a distance of 680 miles whieb,this lorry covered on this particular Journey, it was not found neeeesary to add water to the radiator.

The body with which the vehicle is equipped 'was built and fitted locally. It is of the platform type with end retaining pieces.

Albion Representatives in America..

A recent American mail brings the news that Mr. A. Donaldson and Mr. G. M. Young, of the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., are undertaking a business visit to the ,„United States_ Amongst the commercial vehicle works which they have visited are those of the Reo Co., at Lansing, Michigan.

Tanker Traffic.

At a meeting of the works committee of the Hanwell Urban District Council' the surveyor reportedithat he had calledl the attention of Shell-Max, Ltd., to the damage caused to Nightingele 'toad by heavy oil tankers, in which oil is delivered to the works of the British

Ebonite Co., and which traffic he considered to be "extraordinary traffic."

Shell-Mex, Ltd., whilst not admitting that their traffic can be so considered, offer, in the interests of .their customers, to contribute a lump sum of £45 towards the 'cost of repairing the road and providing granite setts uv to the wall of the British Ebonite Co. s works, it being understood that tile offer is subject to the undertaking that they shall not be called upon to pay any further sums in respect of this roadway ' The committee recommends that this offer be accepted.

A Large Order for Trolley-buses.

Railless Ltd., of Seaplane Works, Rochester, have just received an order from the corporations of Ashton-underLyne and Oldham for a fleet of ten single-deck trolley-buses. This order is the outcome of 'a, decision of these authorities to discard the existing tramway system between the two towns. 1 The vehicles which have been ordered. for this service are to be of a particularlylow-loading type in order to tale the movement of passengers. They have been designed to: accommodate 37 passengers seated, whilst space is available for a number of standing passengers. The electrical equipment will consist of two 32 h.p. motors in tandem' arranged for semi-parallel control, and will inclnele a foot controller.

It is interesting to note that each of the vehicles will embody the Hidden pneumatic system of suspension in its design. , •

The present order is one of the largest placed . for trolley-buses in recent years, the 'one of most outstanding interest wheel preceded it being that for 12 doubIe-deck ears for the Birmingham authorities which was also secured by Railless Ltd. It is expected that a saving of over £50,000 will be effected by the substitution of trolley-lenses for the tramcars between Ashton and Oldham.

Local Proceedings.

Smethwick Corporation has purchased a 1.ton motor lorry from Messrs. F. Wharton and Co. for £225.

The Carmarthen Rural Distriet Council proposes to purchase two new steam rollers and three new motor lorries.

Hull Corporation proposes to seek Parliamentary powers to enable motorbuses to be run beyond the city bound aries.

Manchester Corporation Tramways Committee has inspected routes in the northern area regarded as suitable for bus services.

Oldham Corporation Tramways Committee reports that it has inspected a oneman-controlled motorbus submitted by Leyland Motors, Ltd.

Ilkeston Corporation has accepted the quotation of Chas. H. Pugh, Ltd., to supply an Ateo mowing machine having a 30-in, cut at the price of £95.

Sleaford Urban District Council has authorized the surveyor to paint white lines on the road surface at certain corners for the guidance of motor users.

Essex County Highways Committee recommends the purchase of a side-tipping trailer with steel body from the Eagle Engineering Co., at a cost of £195.

Northfleet Urban District Council has now received a report from the sauitary. inspector regarding the introduction mechanical tractien but arranged to to make further inquiries.

Before granting new licences Carnarvon Watch Committee has decided to meet the loc.al motor proprietors and the chief constable to discuss various points in connection with bus services, Smethwick Corporation is conducting experiments with motor vehicles for transporting refuse, and the borough engineer has been asked to report on the matter before next March.

Newcastle City Council has decided to purchase a motor-driven spraying machine for use at the cattle market, as a means of combating outbreaks and the spread of foot-and-mouth disease.

Llandudno Urban District Council has given authority for an application to the High Court for an injunction to restrain Mr George Wilkin Browne from plying for hire within the urban district with unlicensed omnibuses.

Having examined a motor ambulance with a Morris chassis belonging to the .Portsmouth ,Corporation, the health committee of the 13risingstoke Corporation recommends the purchase of a similar vehicle from Webber, Ltd., at a Cost of £275.

The finance committee of the Eastbourne Corporation has called the attention of the highways committee to the heavy expenditure on lorry hire, and suggests that the committee should consider the desirability of purchasing additional motor lorries.

Essex County Highways Committee recommends the purchase of a Leyland mobile workshop at a cost of £1,570. The county surveyor reported that such a workshop would he exceedingly useful for carrying out repairs to the numerous units and plant owned by the council, and would effect a saving in the cost of repairs.

024 Hull Corporation has ' asked its engineer to obtain quotations from manufacturers for the supply of motor sweepers.

Shipley Urban District ,Council has asked its surveyor to undertake the inspection of hackney carriages plying for hire in the council's district, and to prepare a report with a view to revised regulations being adopted by the council.

A New and 25th Edition of "The Motor Manual."

On another page of this issue appears, a review of the new and up-to-date edition of "The Motor Manual," the most popular handbook on motoring in general. The features of the new edition are that it has been largely rewritten and re-illustrated and embodies all the latest developments in car con

struction. -there are 19 chapters and 218 pages, which include large sections on housing a car, adjustments and re

pairs, legal matters, touring, etc. The manual is published at 2s. 6d. net, or it can be obtained from these offices for 2s. 9d. post free.

Seeking Lower Parking Pees.

Fourteen motorbus owners have petitioned the Carnarvon Watch Committee for a reduction in the parking fees from £2 to £1 per vehicle per annum, but the committee is unable to reqommend any reduction, The Loadometer now Available.

We understand that Bramco (1920), Ltd., of Coventry, are now in a position to accept orders for the Loadometer, an instrument for enabling axle weights to be quickly ascertained. A full description of this device appeared in our issue dated September 30th.

Inst. A.E. Meeting.

The first meeting of the session of the Institution of Automobile Engineers will be held to-day (Tuesday) at the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1, at 8 p.m., when the new president, Dr. W. R. Ormandy, will deliver his presidential address, entitled "Research,' at the conclusion of which a conversazione will be held.

Safety of Oxford's Buses.

Oxford City Council has requested the watch committee to see that its suggestions for more effective precautions in case of fire breaking out on the single. deck buses with access from the front be carried into effect, and that the buses with ingress and egress only from the rear be inspected, with a view to securing if possible more speedy egress in case of fire.

A Short-wheelbase Vulcan.

The outstanding feature of the Vulcan 2-ton three-way tipping wagon, which we illustrate on this page, is its remarkably short wheelbase, for the vehicle has been expressly designed for the Stockport Corporation Gas Department, so that it can be operated and manceuvred in confined areas and narrow roads with ease.

The driver's cab is placed well forward, and covers a portion of the engine, so that it has been possible to reduce the wheelbase to the small dimensions of 8 ft. The vehicle is intended for carrying cake and breeze, and the wheels are shod with N.A.P. tyres, Additions to St. Helens Sales Staff.

Mr. W. H. Pickard and Mr. T. V. Bateman have joined the staff of the St. Helens Cable and Rubber Co., Ltd., Slough, and will concern themselves with the sale of St. Helens solid tyres in London and the southern counties area. Mr. Pickard and Mr. Bateman have for many years represented the Wood-Milne interests in the same districts.

Press Prices Reduced.

Hollings and Guest, Ltd., of Thimble Mill Lane, Birmingham, inform us that, as a result of an increased demand for their all-metal bundling press, they have been able to effect a reduction in manufacturing costs, which has enabled them to reduce the selling price of this press from £18 to £15. The press is eminently suitable for use in large works where such waste as tin clippings, woollen rags and leather and rubber oddments often accumulate.