First in the Field
Page 16
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QOME of our readers may have noted that this issue of " The Commercial Motor" is No. 2,000. No. 1 appeared on March 16, 1905, and, despite claims to the contrary from other quarters, it was the first journal to be devoted exclusively to the commercial vehicle engaged in the conveyance of goods or in passenger carrying, no other paper dealing solely with this subjeal appearing until nearly three months later. However, this is merely a matter, of comparatively ancient history; what is more important is that from the commencement it became firmly established and has steadily increased its influence and prestige as the most powerful representative organ of the commercial-vehicle industry.
We have not.considered it advisable to devote space to records of what we have achieved, for the reason that, interesting as such a résumé might prove from the reading point of view, we already find it difficult to accommodate in the pages at our disposal sufficient matter concerning current and future events. In that first issue to which we have referred, we stated that "The Commercial •Motor " was a missionary and educative medium, that we should seek to hold the balance as between the builder and the user, would welcome hints from our readers, and not stalk impudently behind any barrier, unapproachableness or custom. We hope and believe that these precepts have been followed.
It is interesting to note that in the first leader there was a cross-heading, "The Waste of Rubber." We asked in the matter that followed why it was apparently thought necessary to endure the rejection of at least three-quarters of an expensive material before it was worn out. This naturally concerned solid-rubber tyres, but the statement is almost as relevant to-day as it was in those early days of 1905.
In passing, we may mention that the present Editor has been responsible for 759 issues and this is his 30th year on the staff. Even this record is beaten by the present Assistant Editor, who has served the interests of the journal for 31 years.