WHEELS of INDUSTRY
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"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.
MR. TOM THORNYCROFT LEAVES THORNYCROFTS.
We learn that Mr. Tom Thornycroft, well known as the general manager in charge of the Basingstoke commercialvehicle works of John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., during the past 21 years, has left the service of the company, of which he was a director.
His future movements are not definitely known, but it is obvious that a man of his experience and ability will not be lost to the industry. For the time being he will take a holiday, but as chairman of the Research and Standardization Committee of the Institution of Automobile Engineers he will keep in close touch with leaders of industry and will no doubt find plenty to do in this direction, as the Government is taking a great interest in all research problems.
Many of his patents are embodied in the Thornycroft paraffin vaporizing engines for propulsion on sea and land. He also designed the Thornycroft oil engine for commercial-vehicle work and played a considerable part in the development of the motor-boat side of the business.
Mr. Thornycroft has driven crosscountry vehicles in all parts of Africa, including the Sudan. In general, he has had an almost unrivalled experience in home and overseas transport.
On April 24, only a week before he left the works, the employees 'there took the opportunity of his marriage with Miss Lorna Orr-Dickson to show their esteem for him by the presentation of a ship's chronometer, together with an illuminated album containing the names and departments of all contributors at the works.
Pickfords Acquires "Midland Red" Goods Services.
The important goods-carrying business at present being conducted by Midland Red Commercial Motor Services is shortly to be operated by Pickfords, Ltd. Although the character of the work and the ramifications of the services will not be altered, it is probable that, by co-ordination, the public will be even better served than hitherto, for the whole of the " Midland Red," the Pickford and, of course, the railway services will be at the disposal of clients. The whole of the country will be covered by a network of services, so that the speed of collection and delivery should be enhanced.
As is well known, the passenger vehicles of tht "Midland Red " organization carry parcels and, in some instances, feed many depots. The new arrangement will not aft...-+ this service, for only the lorry-transport business— really a separate concern—has been purchased by Pickfords, Ltd.
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The latter will hand over to the " Midland Red" packages suitable for conveyance by bus, and the 700 odd "Midland Red "agents will be retained to handle the bus parcel work: it follows that Pickfords will appoint its agents on routes which do not overlap.
The " C.M." Requires a Business
Representative.
There. is an opening on the staff of The Commercial Motor for an assistant business representative. We invite applications from young men who have had some experience of soliciting advertisements. Letters should be addressed to the Manager and shouldcontain full particulars of qualifications and past experience.
IMPORT AND EXPORT RETURNS FOR APRIL.
The Board of Trade returns for April last show that the value of imports of commercial vehicles, cars, chassis and accessories was £290,444, compared with £218,252 in April, 1933, and £322,317 in April, 1932. The value of the chassis imported was £26,710, the corresponding figure for April, 1933, being £6,846.
The number of complete commercial vehicles exported during the month was 230, of a value of £47,073, the returns for April, 1933, being 231 vehicles (L36,800) and for April, 1932, 218 vehicles (£45,76g). For the four months ended April 30 last, 901 complete commercial vehicles were exported, their value being £198,240. Both these figures are appreciably higher than the corresponding returns for last year.
During April last 635 commercial chassis were exported, as contrasted with 933 in April, 1933, and 736 a year earlier, their valises being £88,618, £106,908 and £123,115 respectively. Australia imported 268 of the vehicles and other British countries 141.
For the four months ended April 30, 1934, 3,134 commercial chassis were exported, their value being £424,886.
Exhibitors at the Forthcoming Royal Show.
The list of exhibitors at the forthcoming Royal Show, which takes place at Ipswich, from July 3-7, includes, amongst others, the names of the following concerns of outstanding interest to readers of this paper, the figures in parentheses being the numbers of the stands to be occupied by them :–.
Allis-Chalmers Manufacturing Co. (65); Anglo-American Oil Co.. Ltd. (219); Associated Manufacturers' Co. (London), Ltd. (1.75); Aveling-Barford. Ltd, (170); Barford and Perkins 1347 R and C); Blackstone and Co., Ltd. (194) • Bristol Tractors, Ltd. (97); Brush Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd. (99); Dodge Brothers (Britain), Ltd. (215); Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd. (41); E. R. Foden and Son (199); Fodens, Ltd. (110); Ford Motor Co.. Ltd. (197); William Foster and Co., Ltd. (186); John Fowler and Co. (Leeds), Ltd. (167): General Electric Co., Ltd. (179 and 387 C); Germ Lubricants, Ltd. (240); Imperial Cheinfeal Industries, Ltd. (14); Internationel Harvester Co. of Great Britain, Ltd. (158 and 387 El; T. IL Jennings and Sons, Ltd. (47); Lath Industrial Vehicles. Ltd. )221); R. A. Lister and Co., Ltd. (182); J. and H. MoLaren, Ltd. (108); Mann, Egerton and Co., Ltd. (201); Marshall, Sons and Co., Ltd. (168)• Martin's Cultivator Co., Ltd. (213 and 387 Cl; MasseyHarris, Ltd. (195); Merryweather and Sous, Ltd, (286); Miller Wheels, Ltd. (1.741: Petters, Ltd. (187); Price's Patent Candle Co., Ltd. (66); Charles II. Pugla, Ltd. (283); Ransomes, Sims arid Jefferies, Ltd. (181, 200 and 325): Redline-Glico, Ltd. (230); Ruston and Hornsby. Ltd. (184): Shell-Mex and B.P., Ltd. (111); H. C. kilingsby (51); Tecalemit, Ltd. (59); Tractor Traders, Ltd. (93); VigeoI Oil Refining Co. (London), Ltd. (94); Vincents of Reading (284); Wallis and Steevens, Ltd. 156/ ; W. H. Willcox and Co., Ltd. (153).
In some instances, manufacturers will be exhibiting their products through the medium of agents.
'PERSONAL PARS.
Mr. A. E. Plant, M.I.Mech.E., who is well known as a consulting engineer, particularly in connection with oil engines, has moved to new offices at 3(i, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1.
We are informed that Mr. G. Oglesby, who has been acting as divisional organizer for the Road Haulage Association, is now no longer in the service of that body.
Two old friends of ours whom we met on many occasions when they were on the technical side of Shell-Mex, Ltd., have now set up as engineers and lubricating-oil specialists at Central Chambers, Hyde Road, Paignton, under the title of Vallings and Wadham, Ltd. They are prepared to supply high-class oil, at a moderate price, to private and commercial users.
Mr. P. E. Biggar, who for the past five years has been associated with Leyland Motors, Ltd., in connection with oil-engine developments and, later, as chief designer, is shortly sailing for Canada to investigate the requirements of the company's Canadian customers in conjunction with the Leyland organization in that country.
Incidentally Mr. Biggar, whois a native of Canada, has had long experience of lorry operation and oilengine development in Montreal.
Mr. H. G. Beasley, who, in October, relinquished the post of outside assistant engineer to Crosville Motor Services, Ltd., Chester, to take up the position of chief engineer to M.R.S., Ltd., has commenced practising as a consulting engineer at 2, Strand Street, Liverpool. He is specializing in watching the interests of small operators and is aiming to give them the same facili
ties as if they had qualified engineers on their staffs. He is arranging weekly Visits at a moderate rinual charge. He also advises on the keeping of records, costing, etc.
Mr. F. G. Birch, who for 13 years was hon. treasurer for the Liverpool area of the Commercial Motor Users Association, was, on May 10, entertamed to luncheon by the members of the committee and was presented by the chairman, Mr. J. Masheder (transport manager, Liverpool Co-operative Society) with a leather suit-case. .
Speeches appropriate to the occasion were made-by Mr. Masheder, Major J. Bennett, Mr. J. T. Mount and Mr. J. F. Supplies. Following the luncheon, a meeting of the committee was held, at which it was decided to establish a general purposes committee, composed of the chairman, Major Bennett, and Mr. J. T. Mount, who have full power to act in any urgent or financial matter.
Mr. F. W. Field, C.M.G., His Majesty's Senior Trade Commissioner in Canada, will shortly arrive in this country, and will be available at the Department of Overseas Trade from June 5-12 for interviewing representatives of those concerns interested in the export of United Kingdom goods to Canada.
Further information concerning his arrangements may be obtained by writing the Department, 35, Old Queen Street, London. S.W.1, quoting reference 11952/1934.
Value of Irish Imports Doubled.
In the quarter ended March last, 13 complete commercial vehicles were imported into the Irish Free State. Although this is the same number as in the corresponding period a year ago, the value of the 1934 vehicles amounted to £3,554 as against £1,619 last year.
ROAD ACCIDENT RETURNS.
The Ministry of Transport returns of persons killed or injured in road accidents during the week ended May 5, 1934, show that, in England, 82 persons were killed and 3,938 injured, whilst 26 were reported as having died through previous accidents. In Scotland six persons were killed and 397 injured, and in Wales six were killed and 176 injured.
Sunday Sale of Petrol: Cases on May 28.
The " test " summonses taken out at Haverfordwest against Green's Motors, Ltd., and Mr. Holloway for selling petrol on Sundays, contrary, it is alleged, to the Sabbath Day Observance Act of 1605, are -to be heard by the magistrates on May 28. Counsel have been engaged to contest the validity of the summonses, which, as already reported in The Commercial Motor, have been taken out by a local confectioner who had been fined for Sunday trading.
Transport Engineers Available.
A position as a goods-transport engineer is required by a man of 38, who has excellent credentials, his experience including the road-transport organization of a large petrol company. Letters addressed to Goods Maintenance," care of the Editor, will be forwarded to the proper quarter.
Another capable engineer seeks a position in connection with the service work of a manufacturer or prominent operator of either passenger or goods vehicles. Letters should be addressed to " Service Manager," care of the Editor.
Lorry and Trailer Weights: Interesting Court Decision.
An interesting decision affecting hauliers was given, last week, by Sheriff Laing, at Stdnehaven. It arose out of a " test case," in which a lorry driver was charged with having used a heavy lorry transmitting a weight of 2 tons 14 cwt. 2 qrs. in excess of that permitted by the regulations.
Giving judgment, Sheriff Laing said that the word "transversely" occurred in the regulations infringed. Accused contended this meant that the vehicle should be weighed diagonally, but the Sheriff disagreed.
The second objection to a conviction was that Seaion 56 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1931, justified a total weight of 22 tons, irrespective of the particular weight carried by the lorry and the trailer separately. It was contended that, as the weight 'transmitted to the road by the I,orry and trailer combined did not exceed 22 tons, there could be no conviction.
The Sheriff expressed the view that when a heavy motor vehicle weighed more than 12 tons laden, or, if the trailer, apart from the lorry, transmitted more than 10 tons, an offence was committed. He therefore imposed a penalty of 25s.
The case was defended by the Automobile Association, which may appeal against the judgment. R.H.A. AREA COMMITTEE FORMED IN YORKSHIRE.
Representatives of the various subareas of the Road Haulage Association in Yorkshire, at a meeting at Leeds, on Monday, decided to form a Yorkshire regional area committee, which will co-ordinate the work of the subarea committees in the county.
The sub-areas were asked to elect their representatives on the regional committee on the following basis:— Leeds, 3; Sheffield, 3; Hull, 3; North Yorkshire (Malton and district), 2; Scarborough, 1; York, 1; Halifax, 1; Huddersfield, 1; and Spen Valley, 1. The area committee was given power to obtain additional representatives when new sub-area committees are formed in the county.
Approval was given to the opening of a Yorkshire office of the R.H.A. at 12, East Parade, Leeds, and it was agreed that Mr. M. C. Vickers, divisional organizer, should act pro tern. as Yorkshire secretary.
Traders Protest Against Records.
Protests against the effect on retail traders of the provisions of the Road and Rail Traffic Act with regard to the keeping of records of the carriage and delivery of goods, were voiced at a meeting of the Bradford Chamber of Trade, on May 14.
Mr. Fred Pickering, J.P., hon. secretary of the Chamber and of the Bradford Commercial Vehicle Owners Federation, said that it would be harsh for small traders to have to keep records of the delivery of the innumerable small consignments of goods which they handled.
It was decided to send letters to the local Members of Parliament expressing strong disapproval of these provisions. Pointing out that there were two vacancies to be filled on the Advisory Board set up under the Act, Mr. Pickering said that a representative of retail traders should fill one of these vacancies.
Rates Agreement Progress in Northants.
The annual meeting of the Northamptonshire branch of the Road Haulage Association was held at Northampton, on May 11. Mr. B. J. Bagshaw (Kettering) continues to occupy the chair, with Mr. H. J. Harrison (Wellingborough) as his vice-chairman, and Mr. W. G. Eales (Wellingborough) as hon. secretary.
Committee members were appointed, or re-appointed, as follow :—Messrs. R. Paragreen (Irthlingborough), Lack Bros. (Rushden), A. Valentine (Wellingborough), M. Garner (Weston Favell), J. S. Owen (Northampton), J. T. Timms (Northampton), S. T. Challis (Weedon), W. Franklin .(Daventry), A. Chappell (Kettering), A. E. Craddock (Kettering), and 0. Goodie (Wellingborough).
The first report of the sub-committee formed to consider rates for long-distance haulage was given by Mr. Harrison, who stated that a fixed rate for "smalls" traffic had been decided and tonnage rates agreed.
B20 The secretary was requested to approach " S.T.R.," of The Commercial Motor, with a view to his addressing a meeting on the subject of running costs. In view of the importance of the occasion, the meeting would probably be an open one and be held at Kettering.
Prize-winning Bodywork Designs.
The prize-winning drawings and examples of handicraft entered in the annual competition arranged jointly by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ltd., the Worshipful Company of Coachmakers, and Coach Harness Makers of London, and the Institute of British Carriage and Automobile Manufacturers will be on view at the Polytechnic, 309, Regent Street, London, W.1, from May 21-26, from 10 a.m. to-9 .p.m.
An Oiler Tested Over 62,600 Miles.
In our issue for last week we referred to the trial of a Saurer six-cylindered oiler, which was submitted for test to the French Automobile Club by Societe des Huiles Andre Fils, of Paris, the object being to prove the suitability of Spidoleine engine-lubricating oil for such vehicles.
Silvertown Lubricants, Ltd., belinoco Wharf, West Silvertown, London, E.16, asks us to point out that the oil referred to is identical with its Speedolene, for which the company has the sole right of production and sale in this country.
Railway Opposition Succeeds.
The London, Midland and Scottish and Great Western railway companies made objections before the West Midland Traffic Commissioner. when an Edgba_ston haulier recently applied for permission to acquire two further vehicles. Officials of the companies said that, although adequate roadhaulage and parcels-delivery facilities were available for the district, they had not been fully employed since 1929. Objection was made particularly against the expansion of parcels, delivery services.
The chairman would not permit the acquisition of additional vehicles, believing it to he clearly a case for refusing increased tonnage.
Yorkshire Hauliers to Fight Railways.
Official protests are being made in Yorkshire against the action of the railway companies in what is described as holstering up their objections to road hauliers' applications for licences by the unauthorized quoting of the names of other hauliers in the district.
At a recent meeting of the York branch of the goods section of the Yorkshire Stage Carriage Operators Association, a resolution was passed voicing strong objection to this action. It was decided to send the resolution to the other branches of the Association, with a view to a united effort being made to frustrate the railways' tactics.
There is also a likelihood that the Association will fight railway applies', tions for discretionary tonnage. HAULIER BUYS YORKSHIRE BUS PREMISES.
The Commercial Motor understands that Mr. J. H. Tattersall, haulage contractor, of Gisburn, has purchased the garage, offices and other buildings of an area of 1,670 sq. yds. in Keighley Road, Cowling, of Messrs. E. Laycock and Sons, one of the oldest firms running buses in the North of England. Mr. Tattersall has had, for a number of years, an important connection in Yorkshire and Lancashire, particularly in the removal of livestock, in which branch of the industry he was one oil the pioneers.
Messrs. Laycock some time ago sold their rights and transferred their vehicles to the Burnley, Colic and Nelson Joint Transport Committee, but, as reported last week, the Minister of Transport has revoked certain of the consents granted to the Committee by the Yorkshire Traffic Commissioners in respect of the routes.
• For the time being, the routes are being operated under licences granted to Messrs. Laycock, which expire next month. The firm decline to make any statement as to what steps will be taken in the present circumstances.
Amendments to Ulster Traffic Bill.
When the Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Bill reaches the Committee stage in the House of Commons, an amendment will be moved by Mr. H. Midgley providing that any adjustment and test which Clause 10 of the Bill permits any authorized police officer to carry out on vehicles, will be effected only by qualified engineers under certificate.
The same member also intends to insert a new sub-clause, prohibiting, in certain circumstances, the employment of drivers for a period longer than eight hours a day, with a maximum of 48 heurs in any week.
Agreed Wages for West Country.
The basic rates of wages as fixed for the neighbourhood by the standing committee of the Exeter and District section of the Road Haulage Association (Devon and Cornwall Area) aroused much interest at a well-attended meeting at Exeter and were adopted.
Mr. J. Crews, chairman of the Exeter and District Section, stated that a 48hour working week had been agreed upon by the committee, and that the following weekly minimum rates of wages for lorry drivers had been suggested:—Up to 2 tons in weight, 45s.; 2-4 tons, 50s.; 4-6 tons, 55s., and 6 tons
and over, 60s. Overtime was to be paid at the ordinary rate of wages. A scale of rates for second men would be drawn up later.
Mr. C. Hodgson, chairman of the meeting, said that a similar schedule was drawn up in Cornwall, last September. This, however, had not yet been Put in force, but if Cornwall had the co-operation of Devon in the matter, these fixed wages would be introduced and the first big step made towards stabilizing the haulage industry in the West of England. PROGRESS OF LOW TEMPERATURE CARBONISATION, LTD.
An interim report, covering the period for the six months to April 30, has been issued by Low Temperature Carbonisation, Ltd., and it states that the whole of the money received from the issue of 3,000,000 shares of 2s. each (Is. paid) has been allocated to the new building programme. At present the company has cash and British Government securities amounting to £242,609.
Contracts have been placed for erecting further retorts at the Askena works, and these are expected to be in operation by October next. The first works in France are expected to be completed in July, whilst negotiations are proceeding for the construction Of two further works in England.
The yield of petrol per ton of coal has been still further increased, and is now approximately 33i. per cent. greater than it was a year ago.
First Sitting of West Midland Authority.
The Licensing Authority (Co'. A. S. Redman) for the West Midland Area sat for the first time on May 8, at Birmingham, and stated that, to date, there had been about 9,500 applica
tions for licences from the 12,000 operators already registered in the area, the estimated total number of goods vehicles in use being 30,000.
Col. Redman said that those who did not observe the provisions made under the Road aild Rail Traffic Act for the efficient maintenance of vehicles, drivers' hours, 'etc., would be liable to have their licences suspended or revoked. Instead of "The roads are yours, use them," he would say to the road user "Remember the roads are only partially yours, do not abuse them."
Institute of Transport New Officers.
Mr. Sidney E. Garcke, chairman of Tillirg and British Automobile Traction, Ltd., has been elected president by the Council of the Institute of Transport, to take office on October 1 next. The vice-presidents elected are :---Mr. C. in M. Gosselin, Sir James Milne, C.S.I., Messrs. F. Handley Page, C.B.E., T. E. Thomas and W. V. Wood. The past presidents to serve on the Council are :—Col. Sir Joseph Nall, D.S.O., T.D., DL., M.P., Mr. Roger T. Smith, Sir Josiah C. Stamp, G.B.E., Mr. Frank Pick, Sir David J. Owen and Mr. William Whitelaw.
RAILWAY "DISCRETIONARY" APPLICATIONS IN YORKS.
A decision to oppose all railway. applications for discretionary tonnage in districts covered by the Association was made at a meeting of the goods section of the Yorkshire Coach and Transport Owners' Association, held at Leeds, on Monday. Mr. J. Keeling (secretary) informed our correspondent that, in some cases, the objections would be of a formal character to protect members' interests.
"On the passenger side," he stated, " an objection to an application for the variation of a licence can be made only by a party who has opposed the original application, and I am wondering whether the same rule will apply to goods licences."
The meeting also decided that where a member of the Association opposes an application by another member, the objector's case shall be considered by a special committee appointed for the purpose. If the committee decides not to support the objection, it will remain neutral.'
It was agreed that, so soon as initial licence applications have been dealt with, Mr. Keeling should prepare a scheme for the inter-hiring of vehicles among members.