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A NOTE FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT IN WINNIPEG.

1st August 1912, Page 17
1st August 1912
Page 17
Page 17, 1st August 1912 — A NOTE FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT IN WINNIPEG.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

An Undreamt-of Demand.

One of the most, surprising features in the motor trade of Winnipeg is the big demand for commercial vehicles of every type. In a previous report on this market made to THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR in November, 1911, issue No_ 350, I endeavoured to give a forecast with regard to the coming demand. The actual orders placed arc far in excess of what was anticipated at that time.

Almost every branch of trade is represented among the list of firms that have placed orders for commercial motors to be delivered in the spring, and over 100 would-be buyers have had to content themselves with promises of delivery in May or June of this year.

The Coming of the Electric Van.

There appears to be a particularly strong feeling in favour of the electric type of vehicle for light delivery work, and the Eaton departmental store has added four 30-cwt. electric vans to its motor equipment, which now totals 10 machines in service at the Winnipeg branch.

The General Motors Co., of Detroit, has entered the western field, and has arranged agency representation in the three prairie provinces with Walter Jackson, of Winnipeg, who has organized a company known as the Western Canada Motor Truck Co., to handle the business. In addition to carryin on on the sales end of the work. this company intends to do general contract, work with motor trucks. It will also keep reserve machines on the ratio of one in six to take care of any breakdowns in the ser

vice, and to ensure uninterrupted delivery for those merchants who contract with them for transportation work. Both gasolene and electric vans and trucks are included in the equipment of the company, and a special garage will be built.

A Remarkable Conversion.

The John Leslie Co., wholesale furniture dealers, are replacing their horse vehicles with electric trucks. This is certainly very remarkable, for only last year the company built a, new warehouse, fitted with the most modern stable accommodation. In conversation with the head of this concern, the representative of THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR was informed that the use of the motor truck was showing such a saving in time and expense that it had led to the decision of the company to abandon horsedrawn vehicles entirely.

Many of the big coal companies are placing orders for trucks with specially designed tipping bodies to facilitate delivery. Two concerns handling builders' supplies have also placed trucks in service. In one case the equipment consists of one four-ton and two five-ton trucks, whilst in the other, where the transportation is principally to outside points, a big 40 h.p. Pioneer gasolene tractor is used, which draws four dump trailers. Three firms of florists have now in service half-ton vans, and several bakeries are making their city deliveries by the same method.

Motorcycles with side-carriers are also extensively used, and the general situation is attracting the attention of the entire business community.

Tags

People: Walter Jackson
Locations: WINNIPEG, Detroit

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