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Speeding on an Agrimotor.
Some quaint communications find their way to us at times from the Press agencies. I give publicity to the one below'because it asars testimony to the merits of Wakefield oil, which I can personally endorse, having used many gallons of it. The point that badly needs clearing up is as to the kind of vehicle used for setting up this new Australian record ; we are left wondering, seeing that the communiqué was addressed specially to this journal, as to whether this feat was accomplished on a fire-engine, a char-a-banes, ()rain agiam—'etor. If the last-named, Mr. Edkins must come of a hardy race.
"-"NEw AIISTRALUN RECORD.
"A new record from Melbourne to Sydney was set up by Mr. Boyd Edkins : the 570 miles was covered in 16 hrs. 55 mills., and in a letter to Messrs. C. C. Wakefield and Co. Mr. Eakins states that The excellence of Walrefield's Castrol contributed largely to the success when you consider that my engine was seldomtbelow 2500 revs., and often up to 3300 revs., for the whole of the 16 hrs. 15 mins. ; it speaks well for the lubrication.'" Our Caricaturist Joins Up.
On the back sheet of a recent letter or caricaturist, Mr. G. A. 'Stevens, gave me a post-impression of himself as a "Tommy." I feel it will interest our readers to see " G.A.S." caricaturing himself. He attested months ago, and by the time these lines see the light he is likely to' he going through the throes of Army training and observing from inside, as he is sure to do, the comical features of an awkward squad. He tells me he is already commissioned to produce a book of Army caricatures and sketches, and I predict that he will add greatly ta his laurels.
I am glad to say that, in view of his impending departure, he has been engaged recently on making further sketches of," victims" for this page: For quite a while we shall be happily contemplatinThis work on this page whilst he is fighting, sketching, keeping a sound body, I hope, and covering himself with glory.
Ineligibles Needed in South Wales.
Two capable men are wanted for a large town in South Wales. They meat, of course, be ineligible for the Army, and the positions vacant are those of works manager and foreman mechanic in a branch motor depot doing a large repair and general business both in eoramercialand fearing vehicles. I know the concern well ; they are most progressive, fair-dealing people, and I shall feel pleasure in introducing suitable men to them. Letters stating age, qualifications, etc., addressed to "South Wales, care of this office, will be forwarded.
White "Trucks" in Verdun.
French army transports, I understand, are moving all of the troops, food andsammunition used in the defence of Verdun. Since the German offensive was launched against the Verdurapositions nearly four months ago, it has been impossible for trains -to get anywhere near the city. German guns are in a position to drop shells on all of the railroads leading into Verdun, and the French forts havd been entirely dependent upon motor vehicles for transporting soldiers as welt as supplying them withfood and
ammunition. Some of the roads show bad "sears" where the devastating shells have struck.
Each lorry bears a number, and a set of initials, " T.M." indicating "transport de material," and. " T.P." meaning transport personnel." It is plain that the French waste no space in carrying supplies. On the running boards of each of the two White "
trucks" which were described to me were two large boxes containing 50 litres of gasolene each. Suspended behind the rear wheels are galvanized iron drums each-containing 50 gallons.
Several hundred White chassis are in the service of the -Verdun Motor Transport Corps, operating in conjunctions with wagons of Italian manufacture.
Service Motors, Ltd., Changes.
A change in the constitution of British Commercial
Service Motors, Ltd., hasplace under a friendly redistribution of nterests. Mr. H. F. O'Brien, of Broadheath Motor Works, near Manchester„ tells us that he retires both from the share register and from the directorate, but he still retains the sole agency for Lancashire, Cheshire, and Ireland for Service cars, in which he has every confidence, and not only wishes the Service Co. every success, but still places his works at their disposal, and generally works in complete harmony with them.
As the Royal Agricultural Show approaches it seeras most fitting that I should recount a little incident just heard, in connection with a most popular and familiar figure. It appears that Mr. Jesse Ellis, of Maidstone, has just shalcen off a long and painful illness, and he now, looks forward cheerily, as is his wont, to meeting friends at Manchester. No one would imagine it, but he has just passed the classic milestone of "threescore years and ten,' and when he celebrated the eventful day he was made the recipient of many thoughtful little presents from his numerous friends in agricultural circles. One is of special interest. It is a pocket dampbed indicator, and it religiously indicates, on being tested, whether the bed be dry or damp. The donor, a Leeds gentleman I understand, gave carefulauggestianskaa to the exact procedure to be observed should the indicator turn to "dry." It is to be hoped Mr. Ellis will not be in. a Leeds • hotel at the time, if the fateful hour of 9.30 has passed.
011a Podrida.
Capt. C. H. Bennett, whom we knew for many years with ther.Polack Tyre Co.' has. joined the band tire ealea staff of the North British Rubber. Co., Ltd. We feel sure that his friends will be pleased to hear that he has linked up with this high standing British company.
The repairing of damaged magnetos and the supply of magneto parts interchangeable with all makes have become an important section of the business of Imperial Motor Industries, Ltd., 11, Denmark Street, Cbaring Cross Road, London, W. A competent staff of trained mechanics has been engaged, and already orders have come in from the British and Allied Governments.