Introduction of the Taxicab into Russia.
Page 6
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Success Gained by a British Firm.
(From a Warsaw Correspondent.)
Our readers will be interested to learn that that mark of advanced civilization—the taxicab—is now to be introduced into Russia; a letter to hand last week from a Warsaw correspondent gives the information as follows: " We in Poland do not like the Russians, which is perhaps one reason why we look upon our city of Varsovie as leading other cities of the Russian Empire in many ways, but Varsovie is advancing rapidly in greatness, in importance and in population, and, as we have here the best roads in the whole of Russia—though they are not equal to those of Western Europe—and the finest series of horsed vehicles in the empire, it is no longer a surprise that we are now to have motorcabs. Such an enterprise has been talked about here for some time, and at last it is settled to be so. Before many months are gone, we shall see the taxis in our streets, ready to battle for the roubles with the 4,500. one-horsed and two-horsed droschkies, which are such a noticeable feature of our city.
" It is now some months since the proposal was first talked about, and the Germans—.who get most of the business in Russia—were soon here with their representatives to try and take the business for their country, but we in Poland do not like the Germans more greatly than we like the Russians, and they were not well received, the promoters of the enterprise preferring either the French or the English.
" The project is the business of the Nowy Tattersall, who are our principal cab proprietors, and who have been able to secure the sole concession to work matorcabs in Varsovie from the Government: they are thus secure from competition, and have also been able to get permission to charge good prices. .so the enterprize will no doubt pay them well; and they have been making very careful examinations so to get the best cabs, and have not been too hasty in deciding. At first, it was proposed to have French
cabs, as the French makers have had long experience; moreover, they have their representatives with us here, where there are several stores for the sale of French cars, but our roads are not as good as French roads, and it was feared the French constructions would not be as stable as required, and Nowy Tattersall—wanting only the best— asked through the British Consul to be put into communication with best English houses. Now, the order has been given to an English firm.
" There were five French marques, amongst whom were the Renault, Clement and Unic, and seven English ones, including the Singer, Lotis, Rex, Napper [We suppose our correspondent means Napier.—En.] and Humber, and at last. the decision has been made. Mr. Sturmey, of London, who has been here some days, left yesterday, the 7th of June by your calendar, with the order for the Lotis make, so you will see we come to your country for them. The cabs are to be made in the best style, on the model of those in use in Berlin, and are to be most good-class carriages. Messrs. Nowy Tattersall are builders of carriages themselves, so they are very particular to have only the best. and they have chosen the Lotis marque because it is strong, and because it has a system very simple: we have no skilled motorcar drivers here, and the men who drive the droschkies must do the work. They are to be landanlets, with a roof in front, and, as we have very had weather in winter time, they are to have protecting glass windows in front of the driver. They will carry four people inside, and there will be a place also by the side of the driver, whilst baggage will be taken on the roof above the driver.
"The engines are to have four cylinders, and are to be of 16 horse-power, and the carriages are to be illuminated inside, as well also as to light the taximeter, so that the passenger inside may see it, and they are to have the ensign of the city of Varsovie painted on the doors. Nowy Tattersall's are now building a large magazine, with two floors and an elevator, for the cabs, and we are now hoping soon to get the taxis."
It will be seen from the above that this order, which is we believe, the first order for taxicabs for Russia, has been secured by a British firm, and we congratulate the maker, Sturmey Motors, Ltd., upon its enterprise and success in securing the business for Lotis cars. The simplicity of the pedal control and the " foolproof " gear have proved valuable factors in this result.