News and Comment.
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This journal commands advertisement support upon terms which do not admit traders of inferior standing to its pages.
Some particulars and illustrations or a successful circular-type radiator are given on page 2.-)7.
People at Norwich beginning already ta get excited about next June's Royal Show there.
One hears-'' does not occupy its -enstomary position in the issue: it will be found on the fourth page, instead -of the second.
The fourth instalment of our article on the subject of " The specification and testing of motorcar steels " will be found on pages 266 to 268.
We regret that several " Opinions from others " have to be held over for later publication, and that a e have no loom this week tor '' Answers to queries.'' WO refer. at some length, on page.s 253 and 261, to the importance of correct registration particulars in respect of body-work, and especially when any part thereat is detachable or inter
Pressure will shortly be brought upon the LOG., by way of representations from a special joint-committee. to secure the reduction of side-fall on that side of the Thames Embankment which is remote from the river.
The question of a licence for the second man upon a steam wagon or tractor, in regard to which some diversity of opinion undoubtedly exists, is again examined (page 25'3), arising out of a recent decision by the Leeds Stipendary.
Illustrated particulars of a unique transporter-car, in continuation of our article on the subject of " Special transportation methods," will probably appear in our issue of next week: they are delayed for the completion of certain photographs. Motor Rollers for Paris.
Mr. James Barford, of Messrs. Barford nod Perkins, is at present in Paris, where we understand important business is likely to result for his firm, whose excellent water-ballast rollers are known to all readers of this journal.
R.A.S.E. Meeting.
The annual general meeting of members of the Royal Agricultural Society, will be held, on Wednesday next, the 7th inst., at 3 p.m., at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, N., by arrangement with the Smithfield Club. The Hon. Ailwyn E. Fellowes will be elected acting-president for 1911.
Activity in Cyprus.
We are glad to know that Messrs. T. T. Robinson and Co., of Manchester House, Aldeisgate Street, E.C., have secured an important mail contract from the Government of Cyprus, and that motor services in that island will be institated about two months hence. The Government of Cyprus is giving every encouragement and facility to the inauguration of this undertaking for rapid transit.
New Registration.
Bennet Light Syndicate, Ltd., with an authorized capital of £10,000 in :El shares, and with its office at 216, Tottenham Court Road, W., to carry on the business of manufacturers of and dealers in lamps for motorcars, etc. First directors: E. A. V. Stanley, K. Waldenstrom and R. J. Metall.
C.M.U.A.
Members of the Executive Committee of the C.M.U.A. are reminded that they are due at 112, Piccadilly, W., on Wednesday next, the 7th inst., at 3 p.m. Many items of importance are to be included on the agenda paper, whilst the enrolment of new members will constitute a record in the history of the association.
"Solid Petrol."
Who has been " pulling the leg" of " The Daily Express " about " solid petrol " which can be carried in the pocket? A marvellous achievement is credited by our contemporary to a Herr Gogn Constantinescu. " Most picturesque," we should say, but the statements published are contrary to fundamental laws of chemistry and physics.
A Roomy Milnes-Daimler for Fruit Conveyance.
Milnes-Daimler, Ltd., of 221, Tottenham Court Road, W., has done much pioneering work in the conveyance of fruit to London over various long-distance trips, from Worthing being a case in point. 'We illustrate a huge van, for the transport of grapes, mounted upon a standard ManesDaimler six-ton chassis. It regularly conveys such loads, from points more than 30 miles from London, to Covent Garden, whilst it also does useful work in the conveyance of tomatoes and flowers to the same centre. The body dimensions are: maximum height from ground, 12 ft. 6 in.; height of platform from ground, 3 ft. 9 in.; length of body behind the driver's seat (with only a 6 in. overhang beyond the frame), 13 ft. 10 in.; width of body, 7 ft. The whole of the upper portion, from a level with the driver's eye, can be removed ici five pieces. Further, large hinged side-doors are fitted to the lower half, which is also fitted with a tailboard. There are ordinary swing doors, opening outwards to the upper part, at the back.
It, may he noted, as testimony to the excellent construction of the vehicle, and the good distribution of weight, that the tare is only 4 tons 6 cwt., and that the axle-weights, fully laden, are 21. tons at the front and .5 tons at the hack. The vehicle has been in service for several months with great success. South-Eastern and Chatham Rada ay Co. announces special cheap bookings to the Paris Ntotor Show, which will be open from the 3rd to the 18th inst.
Smithfield Show.
In our forecast last week of the motor exhihits for the forthcoming Smithfield Showat the Agricultural we omitted to state that William .12....Ler and Co., Ltd., of Lincoln, will be showing tale of its latest type of steam tractors with outside springing, two of which type were supplied to the Natal Government a few months ago. helieve the machine for next week's show has been sold to a London buyer.
Dennis Vans.
Dennis mail van, belonging lo (:. Booker, Ltd., of Barnsley, and which we illostrate herewith, has already run (lose npon 8,000 miles without a .single mechanical stoppage, and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. Another Dennis vehicle is about to be delivered to dais owner. Recent sales by Dennis Bros., Ltd.. whose works at ;Guildford are being rapidly extended, include an 18 h.p., 30-ewt. chassis for Sydney, an 18 h.p., 15-cwt. chassis for Brisbane, and a 28 h.p., two-ton chassis for His Grace the Duke of Portland. The works are largely occupied upon repeat orders from old customers, whilst new trade is also remarkably brisk.
"Commer Cars."
An attractive-looking " CommerCar " van, for net loads of three tons, is illustrated above. and this van has recently been delivered to the Ilford Laundry Co. The body is highly finished in Royal blue, with light lavender lettering; it attracts univers d attention on its runs. Demand for this make, in all models, remains excellent. For the six weeks ended the 16th ult„ apart from a few names which are omitted by request, the com_ patty has sold the following chassis, vans, etc. (2-ton type).— Mes.srs . Vinson and Sons, Orpington, Kent, one (repeat); Lanarkshire Motor Co., Hamilton, N.B., two; Eyes and Crowle, to Adelaide, N S.W., three; Paul Christensen. Esq., Copenhagen, two: Murray Bros., Nottingham, one; Mr. Moore, Andover, two; Grace and Sutcliffe, Ltd., Keighley. Yorks, two ; Ilfracombe Motors, Ltd.. Ilfracombe, one; Baldwin Drummond. Eso„ London, one; and the Radcliffe Motor Transport Co., Radcliffe, one. Y.C. (3-ton type).—Lanarkshire Motor Co.. Hamilton, N.B., two; Columbia Taxicab Ch. ;British Columbia). one ; W. H. Ifrewer, Esq., M.T.M.E., Victoria street. 'Westminster. S.W., one; the Canada Cycle Co., Brisbane, Australia, one. R.C. (4-ton type).---Crace and Sutcliffe, Ltd., Keighley, Yorks, ono; I. Millett, Esq., one. C.C, (.5-ton type).The Birmingham Metal and
Munitions Co., one; W. J. Bush and Co., Ltd., Ash Grove, Hackney, one (repeal:, ; Paul Boeckel, Ltd., St. Petersburg, one; and Noakes and Co., Ltd., Bermondsey, one. P.C. (6-ton type).—P. Barry W. Fox, Esq., London; two,
Bodywork.
Before the Bromley magistrates, on the 21st ult., a Mr. F. J. Hinchcliffe was summoned for using an unregistered car. Mr. Granville Kenyon, solicitor, defended. The evidence showed that the defendant was driving a dark-green two-seated motorcar, out the 291.11 October, and that particulars were taken by a constable who thought the vehicle had no front lights. The constable admitted, in cross-examination, that he did not take any particulars of the engine or ch:issis. He agreed with the registration particulars of the ear, except that it was described as " an open van," whereas 1%lia t he saw was a two-seater. A police-sergeant testified that the de fendant, at his house, produced correspondence with the London County Council in regard to earlier registration as a car, and a registration paper dated October, 7.909, in which the vehicle was described as having an " open van body."
Mr. Granville Kenyon explained the circumstances upon which we comment on the first page of this issue. We have not space to give other details here, except to add that "defendant's solicitor convinced the Bench that a registration applied to a chassis primarily, and that no registering authority would issue a licence to a body of any description if one were, for example, " brought round on a wheelbarrow." The magistrates, after consultation, held that the summons must fail.
It was stated that the defendant., prior to the hearing of the case, had amended the description in the registration particulars with the London County Council.
Running on Sand.
The Nile Valley Gold Mining
Ltd., is still in want of additiunal motor transport for desert service ; i.s chairman, the Hon. 11. A. Stanhope, admits that •• a very great saving " has been effected by the use of a single Dennis wagon. We lia re in from the mine, however, which shows that insuperable difficulties are experitimed at times, but that these May he overeome by the use of larger-diameter
and -' shrouded wheels. We learn, too, that the Corporation of Western Egypt is prepared to buy a large fleet of desert-design motor wagons or trac_ tors, as soon as the right model is offered to it for the purposes in view.
Direction Posts.
A meeting of the Central Committee for Road Statistics was held at the 'offices the County Councils ASSodation, Caxton House, Westminster, on the 256 ult., Col. W E. Crompton in the chair. The bodies represented at the meeting were the County Councils Association, the Urban and Itural District Councils Associations, the Royal Automobile Club, the Institution of County and Municipal Engineers, the County Surveyors Society. the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. and the Commercial Motor Users Assoeiation.
The Committee considered a return showing the practice of the highway authorities with regard to direction posts, and passed the following resolutions:—" fa) That, as it is clear that, under Section 21 of the Highways Act, 1S35, it is the duty of County rind District Couneils to erect direction posts throughout their areas. these authorities should be asked to carry out the ditties so imposed oti them. and that. where Main awl diStrift IllaXIS join, the cost of direction posts should be shared bythe various authorities. (hi That the posts should be of iron and the arms, preferably. of wood. The arms should he not. less than 2 ft. fl in. long and ; in. deep. In no case should pierced letters be iced. (c) That the under side ot the luwest arm should be 8 ft. front the gromid, and, where there are more than two arms, they should be in two tiers, (ill That rue most-eommonly-acceptable form of inscription appears to be that which indicates the nearest place, the nearest local town. and the large town in the distance in that. direction. (e) That mileage should he stated in all cases and in figures only, the
lowest fraction given being and that the distance should be measured from the centre of the idice. Di That arms should be lettered on both sides and should have a white ground with
black lettering. i't) That all pests should he placed in such a position that a clear view of them may be obtained from all converging roads.These resolutions should bear fruit at once.
Fire-Brigade Matters.
We learn irom the Aberdeen Firemaster that his Committee has not yet decided upon any purchas, although the matter is ender consideration.
On Monday last, at Tottenham. an inspector of the Local Government Board held im inquiry into the application of the Urban District Council for sanction to the borrowing of 1.:1,150 for tire-brigade purposes.
'Tim Eppel. flenfrewshire Fire Committee hits agreed to enter into an arrangement with the Town Council of Pollokshaws for making the brigade available in that burgh. It has also expressed itself as agreeable to ail jointly with the Lower District Committee of the County, in order to establish a 111010r fire-engine in the vicinity of Johnstone.
Walthamstow Urban District Coon
iii. 011 25th ult., gave directions for a specification to he prepared for two fire-brigade motor appliances, with a view to inviting tenders.. The specification is to be submitted to the Eire Brigade Ccmunittee (Mr. F. C. Dunn. Chairman at its meeting on the 7th inst.
Manchester, 1911.
We learn that several old supporters of the Manchester Shows, who do not 'happen to he members of the local centre of the are finding that they have been '' frozen out " liv the receut taking-over of the exhibition by the London Society. We can reassure. these gentlemen, however, that they can rely upen every con sideration at the Minds of Die managing director, Mr. F. H. Bullock, and that they will probably, in effect, enjoy the benefit of the second ballot for space. Only those members of the local section of the S.M.M.T. who were on the register at a date in Ma v last. will participate in the first ballot.
Coal-gas Fuel for Motor Vehicles.
Mr. L. A. Legros, a lien replying to the discussion on his holier " The Development of nom! Locomotion in Recent Years." extracts from which were 4-4iven in our last week's issue, referred to the subject of compressed coal-gas fuel for motor-vehicle engines. "' We were interested to note that Mr. Legros estimated that, when used On rail locomotives or tramcars, 1,000 cii. ft. if compressed coal gas is sutFaient for 250 tnn-iniles of running. Fein. callous of petrol would be required for the same amount of work. Our own estimate, based on experiments made 15V a member of the Editorial staff. 'and recorded in our issue of the 29th April, 1909. was that ;0 cie ft. of compressed coal gas was equivalent to I gall, of petrol. Taking compressed coal gas in steel cylinders at 5s. o'id. per 1.600 cm ft., this is trolfralent to petrol of 4 fiSd. per gall.
Mr. Legros's estimate of petrol consumption is very much better than theresult of our test. It may be recalled that our experiments were made on a 2140 lip. four-cylinder Hurkopp engine and a gas mixing device invented in Messrs. Pearce and Climpson, of 10(i, Ashburnham 'Road, Hitstings.
The Great London Show.
There is a " tug-of-war " in respect of the next S.M.M.T. all-commercial show at Olympia, and we now hear, as we are going to press, that the " " bond, to which we make reference on the second page of the issue, has been either withdrawn or dishanded. Criticism in regard to it proba.bly became a bit too warm for its supporters, and we certainly heard adverse views from a great many quarters. At the same time, apart from any possible bearing upon loyalty to the Society, we see no reason whatsoever why any group of makers should not endeavour to support any course of action in which they have a real belief. We trust, however, that they will now turn round and give the Show their support, both in their own interests and in that of the reputation of the heavy side of this country's motor industry, with particular reference to the important effect of the forthcoming show upon colonial and foreign trade, which we know will be considerable. There are waverers to be eon_ vcrted, both in these islands and out of them.
Superheated-steam Power Plant.
There has been an interesting development with the \--type of superheated-steam engine which was fitted to the tractor designed for participation in the War Department trials of 1009 by Colonel It E. Crompton, C.B, It will he remembered that we gave the results of a series of remarkable tests with this engine in our issae oh the 1st .1111y, 1909, in whieh issue the engine was also illustrated and described. A syndicate, known as the Superheated Steam Engine and Gene_ rator Syndicate, Ltd., with its registered offices at 15. Angel Court, Throgtoorton Street, E.C., has been formed with a view to the developing and marketing of this very-proetical form of superheated-steam power generator, and we have recently been afforded an opportunity to examine the drawings both of the improved engine and a tiew steam generator. We are pleased to he able to record that the system has now been reduced to a commereiallypraetieal proposition. Mr. Cl.
Field, who is the general manager of the syndieate, is the designer of the improved engine, and the flash generator is also his production. Mr. Field was for some time associated with Colonel Crompton, and later with the Lnwea Engineering Co., Ltd.. of Whitehaven, which company built the engine and awned certain of thepatents relating to it. All the engine patents, however, have now been acquired by the syndicate, which should have a successful future.