OPINIONS and QUERIES
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ANOTHER CALL FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF ROAD TRANSPORT.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[4327] Sir,—I have read your leader of June 1 with much satisfaction and unhesitatingly agree that concerted effort by road-transport operators is most essential.
The work done by associations has been recognized by all Ministers of Transport, and this fact is an indication that whenever new legislation of regulations are pending he will consult only the effectively organized bodies. It is becoming increasingly apparent that owners of commercial vehicles will be compelled to organize better, and it is to be hoped that they will pond& well the suggestions contained in your article.
As you are aware, The Conaniercial Motor Users Association has been established for over 30 years and represents now more effectively than ever the interests of all classes of vehicle user. In Yorkshire alone this year over 400 new members have joined the Association, and nearly 1,000 new and old members are being assisted with theft applications and licences under the Road and Rail Traffic Act. This, however, cannot be deemed satisfactory organization, in view of the fact that an estimate of the applications for licences of all classes numbers over 20,000.
If motor users are adequately to protect their interests and their rights and liberties as free citizens and ensure that no further restrictive legislation or crippling taxation is imposed upon them, it is absolutely necessary that they should organize themselves into one solid and united body, which can control the industry from within instead of being penalized by the successful efforts of pressure on the Government from outside. The public interest must, of course, be safeguarded, and I cannot think that any well-organized body would make any attempt to ignore this factor.
I hope you will pursue this matter and that your efforts, combined with the works of those who realize the necessity of organization, may result in strengthening to the utmost the concerted effort so necessary for the protection of the interests of all road-transport users. Leeds 1. GEO. E. GILBEY, Chairman.
North Eastern Division.
The Commercial Motor Users Association.
THAT SOLID-TYRED SPARE WHEEL.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR, [4328] Sir,—I notice that in publishing my letter (No. 4319) you suggest that I have not read through
your footnote carefully—this is not so. I think, as a matter of fact, you have missed the point of my letter. In the penultimate paragraph you will note that I state "he-should be paying tax on the 'other vehicle' scale." From the letter of " Puzzled " I concluded that he was paying tax on a pneumatic-tyred vehicle, whilst in accordance with the Regulations he should be paying the higher scale, when not only would a solid-tyred spare be permitted, but he could have solid tyres on the remaining wheels, always provided, of course, that the vehicle was first registered before January 1, 1933.
Might I suggest that not only would it be wrong to utilize a solid-tyred spare wheel as mentioned in your footnote, but it is also wrong to carry it on the vehicle at all, if he is paying in the pneumatic tyre class'?
Guildford. H. C. LESTER.
IS THE TAXATION OF STEAM WAGONS EXCESSIVE?
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
143291 Sir,—I thank you for your kindness and attention in answering my inquiry regarding the Foden steam wagon and trailer. Along with a relative, I have operated this Foden and trailer, also a Leyland petrol lorry, and we have applied for claimed tonnage for the Foden and trailer.
We are regular readers of The Commercial Motor and take a very keen interest in all the news. Rates are very keen in the Edinburgh district, and we are looking forward to better organization and better rates after the Road and Rail Traffic Act comes into full force in October.
The heavy tax on steam wagons is completely unwarranted, as these machines have only a limited mileage and do not usually compete on long-distance haulage. We have found the Foden and trailer a very useful outfit for short-distance haulage of agricultural products in the Edinburgh district. ANGUS MACKAY. Winchburgh.
ADVANTAGES OF STEEL TIPPING BODIES.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[4330] Sir,—Our attention has recently been directed to a statement claiming the immunity from corrosion of a tipping body constructed of high-tensile aluminium alloy, and suggesting the danger of this condition arising in a similar type of body constructed of steel.
We, as you know, have built a large number of• tipping bodies made solely of steel lightweight sections, B35
and it is indisputable that steel, if it can be used within the weight limit, is a most suitable material for this type of body.
We claim that non-ferrous high-tensile aluminium alloys have certain inherent defects which render thorn loss satisfactory than steel for constructional work where excessive vibration takes place.
The reason for the criticisms of steel is the idea of the wet nature of the load, but in the manufacture of the steel tipping body. any corrosion in the joints is definitely prevented by the fact that all joints are filled with bitumastic paste before they are riveted, making them both watertight and airtight So far as the plain surfaces of bottom and sides are concerned, and the effect thereon of wet sand and ballast, the possibilities of corrosion are definitely removed by the very sliding of the material in loading a tipper and during transport, inasmuch as the abrasive action of the moving load keeps these surfaces always in a bright condition.
D. J. DAVIS, Contracts Manager, For Weymann's Motor Bodies (1925), Ltd. Addlesion°.
THE IMPORTANCE OF REPLACING SPLIT PINS.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[4331] Sir,—May I use a little of your valuable space to call attention to the serious results that may arise through not teplacing cotter pins after repairs, Many garages and others are guilty of this omission.
Cotter pins are so cheap and the consequences so serious that more attention should be given to this.
I would take this opportunity of thanking The Commercial Motor, the articles in which have enabled me to avoid the usual pitfalls and to build my little business
on sure foundations. CALEDONIA.