LOOKING BACK 15 YEARS.
Page 19
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IN A PAPER which was Big Tractor read by Mr. E. H. TurnOrder Goes bull at the R.A.C. in the Begging, early part of 1906, the author made the remarkable statement that in -order to ensure the exhibition of a British agricultural motor at one of the two Canadian motor shows, he had to purchase two machines himself On the face of it, this almost looks like a reflection on the enterprise of British manufacturers, but it hears no serious aspect, for the simple reason that none of the English companies making agricultural machines could, as earisti.••• toted at that time, cope with the demand which was still waiting to he satisfied in the great Dominion across the AtlanticThere was no company in
• 1906 that could turn, out more than one : agricultural motor per week, otherwise an order for 300 machines of this description for Rhodesia, which was being offered, would not have gene -begging. Few opportunities exist for securing an order of similar dimensions in these
• days, but we can well imagine the enthu
nthu siasm siasm (perhaps anxiety) which would be displayed by competitive -manufacturers in their pushful endeavours to ensure that their tender secured primary consideration.
'1HE PROSPECTS of Provincial Bus
ewners' provincial omnibus cornDifficulties, "tiles in 1906 were not • very rosy, and many owners -who had had considerable experience in the conduct of such undertakings found it necessary to base their fares on 2sillper mile, and even then winter receipts not infrequently fell as low as 4d. per car mile. Small wonder that the more circumspect managers of
country omnibus projects decided to transfer their activities and their machines to London during the winter months. Fortunately, at the present day omnibus undertakings have a much sounder foundation, and, the varying demands for the buses which, with, perhaps,.the exception of London, are experienced during the changes of season, are met by the curtailment. r temporary suspension, of services.
AFTER a very careful Penny Bus study of bus fares and Fares. stages in London; the
services o which 15 years ago were, as they are to-day, second to none, the Paris General Omnibus Co. decided to hitrosiince penny fares. -The charges had hitherto been 5d. inside and 10. outside, with the privilege of "correspondence," i.e,, the right to continue the journsy without further charge -upon other routes. The Id. fare has now gone for all practical purposes in both Paris and London, and who can say ir will ever return ?