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I think it was Emerson who said "Economy is the

15th February 1912
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

fuel of magnificence." It is certainly very desirable in garages connected with large stores where many vans are used, as well as for haulage and cab companies, to institute a good economic system to safeguard against circumvention. The managers of these motor departments dealing with their directors, who probably know little about motors, must occasionally have a curious time. Someone told the director of a large company controlling many motorvans that the best system in vogue with the big cab companies was to empty the petrol tanks of all vehicles every night. This the director imparted to the manager of the motor department, who probably had a good deal to say about such a proposition, and gently but firmly demurred. The manager subsequently rang up a friend in charge of a, large cab company and asked him if they really adopted such a system. Before the reply could come they were disconnected, and when it did come it found its way in the form of a written memo—somehow to the director first, who, missing the fine burst of sarcasm, passed it on to his manager with an air which plainly said "What did I tell you 1" The precious reply was as follows: "Of eourse we empty the netrol tanks each night, and the oil tanks ; we also take the grease from the gearboxes, and we deflate all the tires, even the Stepney wheel."

I have noted that Barford and Perkins, of Peterborough. the makers of motor road rollers, have made themselves into a limited company, and the change is marked by a very satisfactory award at the Turin International Exhibition. Exhaustive road trials have been in Progress in corinect;on with the exhibition, and an official intimation has reached Barford and Perkins, Ltd.. that the prize of 2000 lire (2120) has been awarded to it.

Two interesting letters have reached me during last, week, one from a leading firm of tire manufacturers and the other from a wellknown tire exnert. I renroduce these, as a good suggestion is made ;n the former that the tire manufacturers could probably agree upon a uniform standard for carrying weights, and in the letter from "Solid Rubber Tire Expert" some important points are raised ; the latter also suggests in a personal communication that perhaps his services as an independent person might be made use of. One leading tire concern, with whom I have had some talk on the subject, seems to consider the scheme suggested by our correspondent " Tenaxity " impracticable, because makers would not desire to disclose their customers' names, and, in any case, would prefer to adjust the claims of the important customers themselves. I shall be interested to receive any further communication bearing on these points.

The first communication is as follows : " We have read with interest your correspondent's letter published in the ' Out and Home' columns of your issue of the let inst., with regard to the failure of solid tires. We think the facts there set forth exactly define the position of affairs

in our own ease, and we heartily endorse the writer's remarks on the necessity of some better system being adopted by tire manufacturers than that which at present obtains, in order to protect their interests. The difficulties experienced by the writers are, we venture to think. common to every maker in the trade, and there is no doubt this trouble has beets brought about by the keen competition which has existed for some time past, and which threatens to become more acute in the future.

"While confessing ourselves somewhat sceptical of the writer's suggestion for the formation of a board to deal with all questions of failed tires, we are of the opinion that it would go far to lessen the present unsatisfactory state of things if standard carrying weights for all sizes of tires were agreed upon by all manufacturers ; the adoption of these should be made an essential condition of a mileage guarantee. " At the present time, as anyone knows whose business brings him into touch with such matters, each manufacturer has his own schedule of carrying weights, many of which betray inconsistencies ; it is these variations which often bring about a deadlock between the manufacturer and his customer, where disputes arise as to the cause of failure in a tire.

The above suggestion would not of course entirely eliminate the trouble at present experienced, but undoubtedly it would be a step in the right direction, and would tend materially to safeguard the interests and liability of manufacturers.—Yours faithfully, 'TIRE AliiNUFACTVREHS.'

My other correspondent writes :— " Your notes in the issue of 1st February, 1912, respecting a proposed arbitration tribunal for adjudication upon tire disputes between manufacturers and users is an admirable one, and should certainly meet with the approval of the manufacturers.

" Too much stress cannot be laid upon the fact that many suppliers of solid rubber tires are only factors and not manufacturers, hence the cause of trouble over the settlement of mileage disputes. Should the factor give a rebate for unaceomplished mileage, he on his part considers that he must make a profit over the rebate given ; therefore, he has to try and substantiate his claim from the manufacturer, and, whatever decision is arrived at, you may rest assured that the factor is no loser.

'Again you notice from time to time that certain manufacturers advertise that users may quit their responsibility or liability should a tire fail before the guaranteed mileage has been obtained, and that a refund of unexpired mileage pro rata with guarantee will be paid. "This is a proposal that is rarely, if ever, carried out ; disputes as named in your excellent paper are sure to crop up ; few mileages that are tabulated by a user are believed, and, unless the user likes to quit, his loss, he must take replacements on the tire company's terms.

" There is also to be taken into consideration the overloading of tires. In many cases this trouble is caused by the purchaser of a vehicle, who, on his part, is most anxious to purchase as cheaply as possible, and to please him the chassis builder meets him in price by cutting down the size of tire and putting upon the vehicle tires totally inadequate for the loads to be imposed upon them.

" Too much stress cannot be laid upon the fart that the chief cause of failure is defective vulcanization. The composition of the compound may be perfect, the adhesion between the vulcanite and the hard rubber, and also the softer-grade rubber may be faultless, but in the final operation, viz., the vulcanizing, the whole thing is spoilt, irrespective of the fact that manufacturers inform everyone that all their tires are vulcanized at one temperature. The old saying here is quite applicable : "The Lord sends the meat, but the Devil sends the cooks."— Yours faithfully,

"SOLID RUBBER TIRE EXPERT."

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