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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

16th October 1923
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs,"—John .Beattie Crozier,

Westminster's Petrol Contract.

Westminster City Council repeats the receipt of letters from the British Motor Spirit Distributing Co., Ltd., with reference to their contract with the council for the supply of motor spirit :— (a) Dated September 12th, stating that as from September 10th they can supply motor spirit to the council at is. 11d. per gallon, delivered.

(b) Dated September 25th, reducing the price of spirit to 1s, per gallon as from that date.

The lowest price at which the company have to supply the council with spirit under their contract is is. 2d. • per gallon. The contract is for one year ending July 13th, 1924.

Substitute Buses Not Allowed.

A technical offence against the conditions under which the Penarth Urban District Council granted a licence for a Penarth-Dinas Powis service led to the proprietor, Mr. A. Price (Messrs. Price Bros.), recently appearing before the council. It was stated that a constable had noted that the bus making the journey did not belong to Messrs. Price.

The proprietor explained to the council that having met with a temporary breakdown he asked another proprietor to run a bus over the route for a short time.

It was explained that a legal offence was constituted by the authorization of a substitute bus for the service, and the proprietors concerned were warned.

Skidding Statistics.

Careful tests and records have been made during the last three months by the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., on the question of skidding on greasy roads. Between July 10th and September 20th the number of serious skids recorded by-the company amounted to 13, analysed amongst the various types ef vehicle as follow :—B-type.5, K-type S-type 5, N.S.-type nil.

From the data obtained it has been found that the new type of bus, with its lower centre of gravity, is.practically immune from skidding. But the L.G.O. Co. are' pursuing the problem further by experiments with a new form of tyre. A number of these tyres are now being tested out with the view of arriving at a bus which will be, for all intents and purposes, practically skid-proof. , American Motor Vehicle Registrations.

The Bureau of Public Roads at Washington reports that at July 1st the total registration of motor vehicles in America was 13,002,427. This figure represents an increase of 764,052 vehicles since the beginning of the year, and of 9,489,431 vehicles in the last six and a half years.

The registration showed the following classifications :—Private ears, 11,571,181; trucks and commercial cars, 1,371,058; taxicabs, buses and cars for hire, 60,188; trailers, 24,111, and motorcycles, 141,521. The number of vehicles in the last two classes was not included in the registra tire total.

Testing Petrol Pumps. .

Following the issue of the Board of Trade circular on the subject of the testing of petrol pumps, the Flintsbire County Council has authorized the Weights and Measures Inspector to deal with the matter and to charge testing fees in accordance with the scale of measures of corresponding capacities. A committee of the county council is suggesting that the Weights and Measures Acts 'should be amended so as to provide for the verification of petrol pumps.

Carburization of Steel.

At the suggestion of a group of metallurgists of the American automobile industry, the Bureau of Standards at Washington has taken up. the investigation of the carburization of steel, a problem of great importance in that industry. The specific purpose of the investigation will be to determine whether or not the initial quality of a steel influences to any marked extent the results obtained in carburizing practice, as has been claimed by some commercial metallurgists.

Specimens of " narmal " steels, that. is, steels which in the hands of these metallurgists prove to be entirely satisfactory, and of " abnormal" steels, those which gave results of a decidedly different character when subjected to the same carburizing process, have been secured; and the preliminary work of cutting the samples, making examinations of the structure, etc., is now under way.

For Service in India.

We illustrate on this page a Leyland wagon and trailer, vrhieh are carrying a load weighing 8 tons 15 cwt., and consisting of the bodies and parts of the chassis of two stores vans, built by Leyland Motors, Ltd., for the Indian Mechanical .Transport Section.

The driver's compartment of each of these vehicles mounts a Cape-cart hood, provided with 3-in, air space, and tensioned in position by steel cables and turnbuckles. There are canvas sidedoors and a driver's apron of ample dimensions.

The interior of the body is fitted with a row of steel bins on each side, in accordance with the requirements of the India Office, and contains also a substantial table, with drawer, cupboards, etc. The rear of the body is fitted with two hinged doors, which are split horizontally midway, to facilitate the distribetion of the stores; the upper parts of the doors are provided with large wired-glass panels, while communication with the driver is obtained .through a small hinged door in the rear of the cab

Should Colliers Use Buses on Ordinary Service ?

A question that is continually the subject of controversy in the South Wales mining districts was discussed at a recent meeting of the Merthyr Welch Committee. Members stated that colliers in the Troedyrhiw and Aberfan districts made bitter complaints against bus owners that when they ceased work on wet days they were refused admission to buses on leaving the collieries, and bad to walk home. It was suggested that the committee should, request proprietors to admit colliers at least to certain parts of the buses. Some proprietors met the requirements by adopting a system of turning cushions. Against the proposal was set out the lamentations of cleanly clothed passengers who travelled with the colliers or used the buses after them. The committee decided to discuss the question with bus owners.

The system of running special workmen's services is fairly general in the coalfield' areas of South Wales, where numbers of colliers live at some distance from the pits. In many districts, however, the colliers live near the mines, and will not use buses on fine days. In these circumstances it does pot pay to run special buses for colliers, who then demand admission to ordinary buses in wet weather.

In one colliery district the council's by-laws forbid the use of ordinary buses by colliers, whilst several authorities make it a condition of the issue of licences for passengee services that special facilities are provided for workmen.

Inst. P.E. Meeting.

The annual general meeting of the Institution of Production Engineers will be held on October 17th, at the Engineers' Club, Coventry Street, London, W.L On

this occasion Mr. J. D. Scaife of Codding-ton Hall, near Newark, the president of the Institution far the year 192324, will deliver his presidential address, which will be followed by a smoking Concert.

In our issue for October 2nd we published illustrations of Vulcan and Karrier buses which have been supplied to the Manchester Corporation. These vehicleg, we should have mentioned, are shad with Macintoeh-N.A.P. tyre equipment.

In the article entitled "Electrics in Dock Estate Service," which appeared on page 205 of our issue dated October 2nd, we referred to and illustrated an electric—a/chicle in the service of Emido Co., Ltd. This machine was described by us as a Leeds electric, whereas it is an Electromoblle, being the product of Electromobile, Ltd., Prospect Works, Otley, Yorks.

Personal Pars.

We learn with much regret that Mr. A. L. Fox, the London manager of Guy Motors, Ltd., died on October 4th, after a brief illness. Mr. Fox had a genial personality which had endeared him to all with whom he came into touch.

We are sorry—although we are not surprised—to hear that. Lt.-Col. Charies Jarrott, has been compelled to retire from the chairmanship and also from the committee of the Automobile Association and Motor Union owing to pressure of business affairs.

Mr. A. Charles Hills, well known in the motor export trade, left London?ilast week for Calcutta, where he will Stake charge of the business of T. R. Pratt, Ltd., one of India's leading motes concerns. He will occupy that post for at least six months, but there is a possibility of his remaining in charge for longer.

The Ministry of Transport has been most fortunate in its 'Parliamentary Secretaries. First 'there was Mr. Arthur Neal, M.P., who showed that he had a very keen grasp of a problem which was new in Parliamentary proceedings. He was succeeded by Col. Wilfred Ashley, M.P., who has earned the admiration and goodwill of all with whom he has come into contact in connection with road transport and road developments. Now he has gone to the War Office, and Isis place is taken by Lt.-Col. J. T. C. MooreBrabazon, M.C., M.P. Lt.-Col. MooreBrabazon is a keen motorist, and was one of our pioneer aviators. It seems but a short while ago when we were lying doivii on the ground at Issy, en the outskirts of Paris, watching intently to see if, in the effort -to get a Earnian aeroplane into flight, the machine

ally rose off the ground. On his return across the •manceuvre grounds we were able to asSure "Brats " (as he was

• always called) that he was actually ,a foot off the ground. We. remember that the company present included Delagrange pioneer, killed early ía the history of flight), Henri F.arinan, Col. Warwick Wright and two members of the staff of Temple Press Ltd. We feel satisfied that Lt.-Col. MooreBrabazon brings to the task before him.a thorough knowledge anda keen appreciation of the difficulties to be faced not only by his department but by the road transport industry.

Republic Trucks Sales and Service, 18-128, Peterborough Road, Fulham, London, S.W.6, state that the prices of genuine spare parts for Republic lorries have been reduced by 25 per cent. The company hold large stocks far all models.

Showmen's Motors on View.

Goose Fair, the oldest of Midland pleasure carnivals extending over three_ days, attracted a great body of visitors , to Nottingham upon the,occasion of the recent renewal of the .annual: event, the Market Place being given up` to a large number of mechanically propelled amusement contrivances.

As usual. Staffordshire interests, headed by One of the oldest members of the.Showmen's Guild, Mr. Patrick Collins; M.P., were' prominently represented, the .display being significant of modern-day developments with regard to celerity of toad transport and the facilities presented for motive and illuminating purposes in connection with each of the mammoth constructions brought on to the fair ground. One of the most striking features was the remarkable ease with which heavy appliances were transported to their allotted positions, and the equal rapidity with which they . were removed, thanks to the use of mechanical traction both by show exhibitors and the maunicipal authorities.

Seeking Lower Ferry Charges.

With a view to encouraging trade and traffic between Essex and Kent, the Essex County Council is petitioning the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Co. to reduce the present' Jleavy ferry charges between Tilbury and Gravesend, particularly with regard to motor vehicles.

Inland Waterways and Road Transport.

• The opening, a few days ago, by Sir Montagu Barlow, Minister of Labour, of the Stoke Bardolph lock, near. Nottingham, marked the completion of the first section of the important works which are being cacried out by the corporation of that city for the widening and deepening of the Trent between Nottingham and Newark, with the object of greatly facilitating river communication with the Humber ports. Incidentally, the project opens up the prospect of a great extension of mechanical road transport as an indispensable . adjunct to improved means of inland water traffic, and thereby the scheme is likely to lead to many important develop

ments in East Midland areas. It has been suggested that, upon the arrival of boats at the depot of the Trent Navigation Co. in Nottingham, their contents may be more expeditiously dealt with by motor lorries for distribution among traders.

The chairman of the corporation corn mittee, which is responsible for carrying out the work, is Mr. A. H. Atkey.

A Sales Record.

The A.C.-Sphinx Sparking Co., Ltd., Birmingham, advise us that the one million mark has just been passed in the sale of the A.C.-Sphinx 1075-detachable — carbon and oilproof.plug retailing at 3s., which was introduced to this country in September, 1922.

Petrol Pumps to Co.

The Abertillery (Mon.) Urban District Council has given notice that kerbside petrol pumps must be removed within six months. The Monmouthshire Association of District Councils has decided to ask the Ministry what exactly is meant by their circular on the legality of pumps of this description,

Water for Steamers.

Water obtained by steam wagon drivers under the scheme of supply tanks favoured by the British Waterworks Association in conjunction wjth the C.M.U.A., which is referred to elsewhere in this issue, costs 9d. " a fill."

Warrington now charges is. per diem, and a driver who, a few days ago, neglected to take out a permit before helping himself, was fined by the local Petty Sessions magistrates 20s. for his venturesomeness.

When the magistrate asked if it were not possible to devise a hydrant with a contrivance that made it thiefproof, his attention was drawn to the scheme in which the British Waterworks Association was interested, enabling water to be obtained from an underground tank by means of a token.

The prosecuting solicitor added that the Warrington Corporation had that week decided to install six tanks in different parts of the two.

Vacuum Sports.

Favoured . by. 7 ideal weather, the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., recently held a very successful sports meeting in the grounds of their Wandsworth Works. Among the numerous competitors were

• directors of the company and employees from Caxton House, the London district offices and works at Wandsworth. During the meeting tea was provided for all those present, and the opportunity was taken by Mr. E. W. Lycett, chairman-of the company, and others, to make a few ,remarks suitable to the occasion. Throughout the afternoon music was rendered by the let London Divisional Royal Engineers Band.

Maximum Bus Fares.

At a meeting of the St. Helen's Corporation a letter was submitted from the Ministry of Transport approving a maximum fare 4:4 2d. per mile for the conveyance of passengers on the omnibus undertaking. The town Clerk submitted a letter from the Ministry of Transport with regard to routes No. I. (Eainford) and No. 2 (Bilhinge), to the effect that the Lancashire County Council had withdrawn its oh jections to route No. 1, and that as to route No. 2 there would be a meeting ol the parties for discussion.

Local Proceedings.

Tredegar Urban District Council proposes to purchase a motor fire-engine.

Chelmsford Council is inviting tenders for the supply of a British one-ton motor lorry.

Edmonton Urban District Council is inviting tenders for the supply of a motor ambulance. ..

Burnley Corporation has authorized the gas engineer to obtain quotations tor a motor tipping wagon.

Local authorities of the Thorne area, Yorkshire, are discussing the possibility of purchasing a motor fire-engine.

Leeds Corporation Improvements Committee has authorized the purchase of a Ford ton chassis at a cost of £97 10s.

East • Grinstead Urban District Council proposes to purchase a motor ambulance in association with the rural dis trict Council. • Leeds Corporation Gas Committee reports the purchase of a Vulcan motor lorry from Messrs. Metcalfe and Co. for the sum of £530.

Gloucester Rural District, Council is negotiating with other authorities wite respect to the joint, acquisition of a motor fire-engine.

Leeds Corporation Tramways Comniittee has authorized the purchase of motorbuses necessary for the establishment of new -services.

Swindon Watch Committee is considering the possibility of laying out part of the site of an abandoned canal as a parking place for motors.

The Port Talbot fire brigade has called the attention of the borough council to the need for a motOr tender for the use of the Mar gam section of the brigade.

Leeds Watch Committee has authorized the Chief Constable to make further inquiries with respect to the provision of a fire-fighting apparatus for extinguishing oil fires.

Glasgow Corporation Health Committee has authorized the medicatofficer to purchase a Ford chassis and a suitable body for use at the hospitals at a cost of £171. Frimley Urban District Council reports delivery of its new Dennis fire. engine.

Burnley Corporation Tramways Committee recommends the purchase of four motor omnibuses, West Hartlepool Watch Committee is considering the advisability of purchasing a motor fire-engine.

Sidmouth Urban District Council is considering the advisability of par. chasing a motor fire-engine.

Swindon Corporation has purchased Ford lorry for the conveyance of workmen to the Ogbourne waterworks.

Hull Watch Committee has passed plans for a new fire-brigade station and will later require motor fire appliances.

Bradford Corporation Cleansing Committee has decided to purchase a • Ford Motor with tipping body at a cost of £166.

Newhaven Rural District Council has appointed a committee to•go into the question of the provision a an efficient

fire-brigade service. •

Eastbourne Corporation is considering whether it will be more economical -to purchase motorcars for the use of officials rather than hiring vehicles.

A committee of the Mynyddislwyn Urban District, Council has recommended the council to purchase an additional motor lorry for scavenging purposes.

The Oundle Urban District Council decided atits last meeting to purchase, subject to satisfactory tests, a Dennis fire pump.

Deptford Borough Council's Highways Committee reports that one of the dust freighters purchased from Shelvoke and Drewry, Ltd., has been delivered and that a very satisfactory report has been received as to its capabilities during the first week of trial.

Newport (I.O.W.) Town Council has drawn the attention of the chief coo• stable to the fact that motor chars-a. banes stand in St. James's Square far lopger than is necessary for the purpose of taking up and setting down passengers and asking him to take steps to prevent this.

Municipal Bus Activities.

Bradford Corporation is considering the desirability of seeking powers to run motorbus services.

St. Helen's Corporation-is applying to the Ministry of 'Transport for a provisional order authorizing the use of trolley vehicles on the Rainhill route.

Stratford Urban District Council has given permission to Mr. Richard Rostron to start a motorbus service to Brooks' Bar, subject to the vehicles being satisfactory and to a reasonable time-table and list of-fares being drawn up.

The Bristol Tramways Co., Ltd., are to extend their activities in connection with the operation of bases to Monmouthshire, and vehicles are to be run to connect Chepstow and Gloucester. The Chepstow Rural District Council has assented to the service and fixed -upon Beaufort as a terminus.

The Coleman Non-skid Tyre.

Close on a year ago we included a description of the Coleman non-skid tyre in our columns and intimated that. the inventor, Mr. E. W. Coleman, was about to make arrangements for the marketing of this unique tyre. We now understand that a private company has been formed with a nominal capital of £5,000 divided into 5,000 ordinary shares of £1 each, and that negotiations with a well-known concern of tyre manufacturers have been concluded Whereby the company are prepared to execute orders up to 2,000 tyres per week.

It will be recalled that. the Coleman solid tyre is composed. of three solid rubber bands, the outer band being of ordinary rubber, whereas the centre band, which is red in colour, is made of a special grade of soft rubber and stands proud of both of the outer bands by in., remaining so throughout the cvliole length of the life of the-tyre. It is this unusual form of construction which gives the tyre its remarkable non-skidding properties. The pneumatic tyre is built on the same principle.

The registered office of the company is : Lawn View, Edwards Avenue, Northolt Junction, Middlesex


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