# Goods Transport
Page 15
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by VAN, WAGON and TRACTOR.
Harrods, Ltd., has placed yet another order for Albion vehicles— this time for six of the 25-ewt, size. The new purchase brings up the total of Harrod's vehicles with Albion chassis to no fewer than 83.
Motorvaa Traffic in Dundee.
We understand that a movement is on foot to secure the conveyance of jute by means of motorvans from Dundee Harbour to the various factories in the district The streets of that, town, consisting as they do largely of steep gradients, invite the use of mechanical power, and we may shortly see all this extra-heavy traffic undertaken entirely by motor vehicles.
C.M.U.A.
The General Committee met on Wednesday, the 7th inst. There were present: Colonel R. E. Crompton (Chairman), Capt. R. K. Bagnall-Wild, Capt. A. E. Davidson (War Office, Mechanical Transport Committee), Iltid Witherington (C. H. Witherington and Son, Reading), T. B. Browne, L. G. Oldfield (London Omnibus Owners Federation), F. C. A. Coventry (Great Western 1tailw4), H. W. Wigan (Eastern Motor Wagon Co., Ltd.), T. J. Harrison (Waring and (lillow, Ltd.), E. W. Rudd (E. W. Rudd, Ltd.), D. S. Kennedy (Pickfords, Ltd.), E. Shrapnell Smith (Hon. Treasurer), and Fred. G. Bristow (Secretary).
1012 Parade.—It was reported that the entries for the sixth parade of commercial motor vehicles, to be held on Whit Monday next, the 27th May, were 305, and that the total amount contributed to date to the General Prize Fund was 2140 Hs., and to the Special Fund, £109 15s. (including a silver cup of the value of £10 Ws.).
Annual General lreeting.—It was resolved that the annual general meeting of members should be held at 89, Pall Mall, on Thursday, the 28th March, 1912, at -1 p.m.
Lights. on Vehiries..It was resolved to call the attention of the members to the regulation dealing with the subject of lights on vehicles as regards motor vehicles.
Tramway Obstruction. — The memorial submitted to the Board of Trade by the Roads Improvement Association (upon the Council of which body the C.M.U.A. is represented) on the subject of tramway obstruction was received, and the thanks of the Association were conveyed to the R.I.A. Repair Shop or " Factory."— Correspondence was reported of a case in which members of the C.M.U.A. had been summoned for not having the walls of their premises, which were used for repairing steam wagons and traction engines, limewashed, the premises being considered by the Factory Inspector to be a " factory." The case had been dismissed, but the Inspector had appealed. It was resolved to take further steps in the matter.
Yew Members.-The membership of the C.M.U.A. continues to increase at a satisfactory rate, and 33 new members were enrolled, including brewers, millers, rubber and tire companies, carriers, furniture removers, engineers, furnishers and drapers, co-operative societies, and general trading firms, in all parts of the country.
Another Company for Lancashire.
We understand that the prospectus is in draft form for the North Western Transport Co., Ltd., and that the intention is to register with a capital of £300,000. The directorate will probably include the Earl of Galloway. The proposal is to work in Lancashire, both for goods and passenger traffic.
An unfavourable feature, in our opinion, is the apparent lack upon the directorate of anybody with real knowledge of Lancashire conditions. Wear told that the com pany has got. its money. Seeing that. the latest flotation to deal with Lancashire traffic, that of the Northern Counties Transport. Ltd.. with an authorized capital of Li0,000, is reported to have secured support. to the extent of only 21,000, and that with the aid of considerable local influence due to the inclusion of known Lancashire men upon its Board, the promoters of the new undertaking should at least consider the expediency a their forthwith taking steps to. secure co-operation of that kuuf.
The new company estimates its,. average rate at 30. per ton-mile,. compared with 4d. per ton-mile in the other prospectus to which we have referred, but it does not. appear to appreciate the fact that it will have to win all its traffic in competition, and that the maintena,nce of a disclosed average rate is a matter of extreme difficulty. Traders will not pay a rate higher than the one mentioned in a prospectus or scheme of working, and much traffic is bound to bc taken at rates below the average. If this company get to work, and if it order, as we believe it intends to order. new vehicles of approved manufacture, there is undoubted. scope for its operations, although, there is no evidence before us at. the moment that it will be controlled and organized in accordance with the dictates of the past 12. years of motor haulage experiences. in and around Manchester, Liverpool, and other places mentioned.
Only those who have "beenthrough the mill" of Lancashire and district road carrying by motor know the difficulties of arranging traffic so that light running can be avoided, and a paying basis. assured. It, is a matter of several years of organization to build up a, reputation for reliability, and nohuge carrying company can hope to launch itself successfully upon 4)ther than lines of gradual establishment and steady plugging hard work on the part of those who intend to make money out of it by long-sustained labour.