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Small Users in Large Towns (No. 16).—In the Lacework

City of Nottingham.

Examples of Local Motor Transport of Beer, Buns, Furniture, Linen, Meat, Flour, Drugs, Lace, Wines, Hosiery, Provisions, Etc.

This Collection of Users and their Vehicles, is Intended, so Tar as is Possible, to include Variety of Machine types as well as of Trades, but it must not, of course, be taken as Complete, in either Sense, as it often happens that many different makes of Chassis are Employed in the same Trade, or that several Trades Employ the same Types of Motorvans.

OTTINGHAM being, as it is, the place chosen for this year's R.A.S.E.

Show, it is most appropriate that this issue, which deals fully with the exhibits at Wollaton Park, should con tain, for the 16th of this series, the impressions of raotorvan users in and around the lace-work city. Pleasantly situated on the north bank of the river Trent, Nottingham stands on what was at one time the southern edge of Sherwood Forest. It lies partly on the alluvial plain of the river and partly nestled in a slight depressionof the Trent valley. The production of lace and hosiery is carried on to a very large extent. The successful pursuit of these trades is no doubt helped by the close proximity of the North Midland coalfields.

The features which are usually so closely connected with a large manufacturing centre are almost absent in the case of Nottingham. This is partly on account of the nature of the industries, whilst the largest factories are situated in the outlying districts, so that there is an agreeable absence of smoke and griminess in the city itself.

Nottingham was elevated to the rank of a city in 1597, and its growth since that date is remarkable, as the interesting testimonies which we have been enabled to gather will show. The tradespeople of Nottingham fully realize the advantages which accrue by delivering their various goods by commercial vehicles ; in fact, as we were told repeatedly, the many large business establishments in the city would be unable in these times to " carry on" without the aid of this means of transport.

Motors and Horses in Co-operative Service.

We make a point, wherever possible, when gathering information for this series, to include amongst our impressions the views of the officials of the district co-operative society. We therefore need no other reasons to explain OUT NdAt to the head office and warehouse of the Nottingham Co-operative Society in Alfred Street North.

At the present time the commercial vehicle fleet cornprises a three-ton Caledon, a 30-cwt. Dennis and a small Ford van. The latter has been in service for about 16 months, and its work chiefly consists in supplying certain of the company's 54 branches with buns, pastries and other confectionery from day to day. These are all light loads, and we understand the machine is doing good service. Its weekly mileage averages about 575. The 30-cwt. Dennis vehicle is principally used for carrying carcases of meat from the warehouse to the various butchers' shops run by the company. When not engaged upon this class of work the Dennis helps in delivering stores to the various trade branches. For the working week the van is credited with a mileage of 250.

The company has only recently purchased the Caledon; in fact it has only been in service for three weeks. Its work is to transport from the railway station flour and sugar, which it later on delivers to the branches which stock these commodities. It also delivers to each of two branches daily 1i ton of mixed groceries which is estimated as a week's

supplies. "The Caledon has not been in service long enough for us to be able to draw hard practical cauclu.sions as to the actual working a this machine,' we were told.

The vehicles only operate in and round Nottingham; if the mileage were extended, the vehicles would clash with the workings of another district society. This method of delivery is the result of an arrangement made by the many co-operative societies operating throughout the country. The company still possesses a number of horses which are utilized for door-to-door delivery of household and other comniodities. " It is doubtful whether the motorS would be

economical for this class of work, as very ofteu. we deliver to every second door in a road. This would necessitate too many stoppages for the motors. But, let me add, that the class of deliveries for which we use the motors, could not be satisfactorily handled by our •horses."

Boot's, Cash Chemists, Use Petrol and Steam.

We took the opportunity when in Nottingham to call at the head offices of Boot's Pure Drug Co:, Ltd., which are situated in Station Street, where we were enabled, through the courtesy of an official of the staff, to gather interesting information as to the running of the company's motor vehicles. At the present time the fleet employed consists of two three-ton Foden steam wagons, a Napier, a Lacre and a Daimler petrol machine and a small French electric parcelcar which is used for such short deliveries in Nottingham itself as cannot successfully be tackled by the company's horses.

The Fodens are both used for long-distance work ; they carry the various medical stores and supplies to many of the company's branches in the large towns within a 50-mile radius from the warehouses in Nottingham.

The average weekly mileage for each machine is in the neighbourhood of 400, and the journeys included in the above list are worked by each wagon on 41ternate weeks. So that these machines do not run back light, the Foderis return with empty bottles, casks and cases from the branches to the warehouses for replenishment. The Fodens, were purchased in August, 1913, and May, 1914, and have been regularly at work since those dates. • The Daimler is a one-tonner and works within a radius of 50 miles from the warehouses. It delivers urgent necessities to the company's branches. The 15-cwt. Lacre is. used in conjunction with the 5-cwt. electric parcelcar for, more or less, local deliveries. " We are at the present time executing large orders for the naval and military authoritiee, and we are convinced that for this class of work, as well as for our ordinary business, cornniereialvehicle delivery is a paying proposition, we learnt."

"Business Doubled Since Acquiring Motorvans."

• Messrs. R and E. Cope, of Ilkeston and Nottingham, employ in connection with their extsnsive carrier's business two commercial vehicles—a 30-ewt. Logic and a converted Daimler touring ear. The Lotis has been in service for about two years and has run over 25,000 miles. It was purchased secondhand, and Was previously in the service of the Leeds G.P.O. The Daimler is of 30 h.p. and is a 1905 model. The machines are used to • carry anything, we were informed, or rather "anything that pays." They are, however, frequently engaged in carrying the unfinished lace goods from the outlying villages to Nottingham, and on the return journey in bringing the yarn to be woven into lace. This user tells us that since acquiring motors their business has been doubled. " This is the best testimony I can give you as to the efficiency of motor vehicles in our business."

Motors Run Our Business."

Messrs. Dove and Dove, furniture removers and general haulage contractors, of Daybeook, had previous to August of last year in their employ two three-ton Commerear lorries which were chiefly used for long-distance removal work. These two machines were commandeered soon after hostilities began, and being unable to make tree of the existing fleet of horses for long-distance journeys, the concern had to find other means of transport. A four-ton chain-driven Albion, which was ordered previous to the outbreak of war, was delivered, but after a week of hard service was impressed for Government work; likewise a two-ton Albion which followed. A Star was Purchased next, and then a Durham-Churchill was put into service, but again these vehicles were commandeered. For some months atter this Messrs. Dove and Dove had to rely upon the horses they had and the railway, which was most inadequate for their requireinents. Breakages and freight charges were very heavy, which considerably lowered the profits of the concern. Recently Messrs. Dove and Dove purchased a Garner four-ton and a Berna five-ton lorry. These two vehicles were both away on removal jobs when we called, and we were informed that they " had hardly been in service long enough for any conclusive testimony to be given as fo their .efficiency." One of the partners whom we had the good fortune to see, informed us " that the running of the Commerears was excellent," and continued " I shall again employ machines of this make directly it is possible." The Comrnerears carried sling bodies on the standard fiat platforms, and as they were frequently away on long journeys. particular attention had been given to protecting the driver arid his assistant against the changeable climatic conditions. One of these machines, we were told, covered 1300 miles a week, during the first three of its service, surely an extraordinary and very creditable performance. It was on account of the North-Eastern Railway strike that such a high mileage \vas attained. Our informant concluded by saying " that they were certain that their business was only carried on by the e.F.2 of motors; in fact, we should have possessed a large fleet by now, but for the outbreak of war."

Wine Merchant Employs Women Drivers.

The interesting bottle-shaped sidecarrier of which we reproduce an illustration herewith is used by Messrs. Skinner and Rook, Long Row, together with three Albions and a Belsize motorvan, for effecting quick deliveries of wines, etc. The three Albions are -used for 'delivering -goods to customers in outlying districts, and they have load-carrying capacities ranging from 15 cwt. to 30 cwt. The Belsize is a 10-met, machine, and is used for delivering urgent groceries locally. The 4 h.p. twin Lea-Francis motor

An ingenious design of sidecarrier for light parcel deliveries.,

'cycle and sidecarrier is also used for this class of work, but, of course, can only take small parcels. This machine was purchased in September last., and we were informed that "it is doing good work and serves as a very effective advertisement." Mr, Spencer Rook told us that they had had two Albions impressed, one a three-tormer and the other a two-cylinder 30-cwt. model. Our readers will probably remember that this latter machine is the only vehicle of its type which is doing service in France. Tha machines are contracted fcr by Bennett's (Nottingham), Ltd., and we understand that both user and conteaeter are satisfied with the running of the vehicles.

Two women drivers are used for the Albions, as men are at the present time unobtainable.

Transporting Beer by Steamers.

Interesting testimony is forthcoming from the Not Brewery Co., as to the value of steamers for transporting beer in bottles and casks. This brewery has in service at the present time two three-ten Clayton and Shuttleworth rubber. tired wagons and a .five-ton steel-tired Baden. Up to last August the company also possessed two three-Lon Albions and a 30-cwt. Daimler lorry, so that they had a mixed fleet of vehicles.

The petrol machines were commandeered, and being unable to obtain others of the required lead-carrying capacity, the company is at the present time relying upon the steamers and the horses it has. The railway is sometimes used if stress of work demands its use.

We were informed that "the steamers are all used for cross-country work to supply the numerous agents in such outlying places as Derby, Leicester and Matlock; they deliver much more quickly than the railway. When the railway was used to a great extent, we found that consignments of 'beer were often kept for long hours in varying temperatures; this was detrimental to the contents of the casks. And again, we get less breakages with the steamers, which is certainly an item to be considered."

The horses in the employ of the company are used for supplying local agents, whilst they occasionally journey two or three miles out.

"Motors are as Good as Corn to the Horses."

Previous to the outbreak of war, Mr. L. Nolan, of Huntingdon Street, who is cne of the largest removal and storage contractors in the city of Nottingham, had in his service two Maudsley three-ton vehicles, which up to that time had been running 20 months and five months and had covered 27,000 and 17,000 miles respectively. These two machines were impressed. soon after hostilities began, and until 4ecently Mr. Nolan had to rely upon the horses he still possessed, whilst the railway was used when occasion demanded, as he was unable to obtain better transport facilities. Mr. Nolan was treated courteously by the %V. 0. and received a good sum for both machines.

Remarking upon the excellent service he had obtained from the Mandslay.s, Mr. Nolan said "My vehicles used to compete very favourably with the railway, and it was mily under exceptional circumstances that I used this means of transit at ail. The railway charges were very heavy, and then again the percentages of breakages was very high, and of course I had to make these good, which considerably lowered my profits. Besides these two points, I found the railway deadly slow. For instance, the goods which were put on the rail were very often only delivered after four or five days delay ; in fact, the trucks containing the goods were shunted on to a siding _and remained there until the railway company thought fit to move them. " Whereas, with the Maudslays I used to load in Nottingham, in the early morning, with furniture and other goods, a cargo very often to the value of £3000 or mere, make a 200mile journey, for instance to London, unload, and be back again within 24 hours. On long.-distance journeys such as this I found the Maud slays excellent machines."

Mr. Nolan dispensed with a large number of horses when taking delivery of the Maud slays, and has at the present time only 18 horses left out of a big stable. "My bodies are all of the sling type. This is a. great advantage. For instance, supposing a machine should, for an unforeseen reason, break down on the road, all that is necessary is to take another vehicle with the necessary tackle and transfer the body from one chassis to the other. "If the motors I had were both engaged, a horse pantechnicon was sent along, but if the trouble occurred outside a certain radius I had to hire whatever I could get, and then have the goods railed. Needless to say, however, we kept the vehicles in good condition, and therefore this sort of happening was rare.

My first Maudslay paid for itself in a year, which is accounted for by the fact that it covered very often well over 500 miles a week. When making long-distance removals, we always go round the outskirts of all large towns we pass, in order to avoid -unnecessary delays. Although it means an extra mile or so, it usually saves 'time." Mr. Nolan continued by saying "From the time the Maud.slays were impressed until a week or so ago I had had ta rely on the railway and my existing fleet of horses. I lost a. lot of money like this, the railway rates being very Sigh, and my horses limited in many ways. So I recently took delivery of a fiveeton Berna, which is at the present time in the hands of Messre. Simpson and Slater, the well-known coachbuilders. This machine has only done one iDurney so far,

but will start regular work shortly. My horses are getting very thin with the extra work they are called upon to do, but they will recuperate as soon as the Bema starts running regularly. In fact, it will be as good as corn to the horses.' Mr. Nolan will continue to use benzole for his new vehicle, as he considers it better than petrol for heavy haulage work. It is interesting to note that he is a member of the C.M.U.A. Ile has on order for delivery at the earliest possible moment another Perna and a four-ton subsidy-type Karrier.

Our informant concluded by saying, "I get very few breakages by motor delivery, atia can, because of this feature, remove furniture, etc., at my own risk."

Booking for Tours by Chars-a-Bancs 14 months Ahead.

Motor Chars-k-bancs (Nottingham), Ltd., Trinity Square, was previous to August of last year running in the city of Nottingham for touring purposes a 40 h.p. 28-seater Thornycroft torpedo char-a-banes, a Vinot of the same seating capacity and a small Dennis bus with accommodation for 10 passengers, which was purchased second-hand. These three vehicles were used for cheap runs to many of the most interesting outlying villages; the trip generally favoured was to the Dukeries. The private roads in this district are in a state of absolute perfection, a condition which, in conjunction with the magnificent scenery probably makes 1.he trip a favourite one with the tourist. Mr. A. Cameron, a director of the company, informed us that "the three vehicles had done good work although they had only been in service a few months; in fact, to show how they were appreciated, I can tell you that we had bookings up to the end of October next."

The vehicles on an average were in service five days a week; on odd days when the company was unable to obtain bookings they were used for private work. The body on the Thornycroft was painted an attractive royal blue and cost over £200. It was made by Simpson and Slaters, body-builders, Nottingham, to whom we have already referred. Mr. Cameron continued "Since the Thornycroft was commandeered we have sold the Vinot, whilst the Dennis is used for Red Cross work. Previous to its impressment the Thorny croft had run 2590 miles over a period of three months, and had given us no trouble at all. It was a handsome machine and this feature, together with its smooth running, undoubtedly enabled us to make bookings so far ahead."

"Increased Mileage Means Increased Business."

One of the most imposing-looking grocery establishments in the city of Nottingham is that owned by Armitage Bros., Ltd. This concern is one of the largest trading houses of its kind in the city, and it does a very large-and extensive retail business.

Until last August the company relied solely upon horses for delivering its goods. When war broke out many of the horses were commandeered, so that it was necessary to resort to other means for the speedy delivery of the various goods. A Ford 5-cwt. van was purchased, and because of the good running and the increased business obtained through the medium of this vehicle a further three Fords, of the same capacity, were purchased in September. Armitage Bros., Ltd., has, in addition to the four Fords, two converted Daimler touring ears, a I5-cwt. Overland van, and a 2i-ton Thamea lorry. These seven vehicles comprise the fleet of industrial machines, and, although the undertaking is hardly a " small user " in the true sense of the word, the impressions of the company are interesting. The Fords are used chiefly for door-to-deor delivery, and they are never loaded above the stipulated capacity. "Very often a customer will place an order with us and upon his return home will find that the goods have already been delivered. This is the class of work for which light vans are most suitable, at-least in the grocery trade."

The deliveries made consist of all sorts of groceries and tinned goods. Asking as to what mileages the Fords had travelled, we were informed that since last September the machines had covered distances varying from 4600 to 8300 miles. The Daimlers and the Overland vehicles are used for similar work, but, of course, make larger deliveries. The Thames is used as a stand-by, so that, should exceptional pressure of business demand its service, it is ready for use at once. We personally had a short run in the Overland, and were impressed with its power and smooth running. Petrol is used for all the vehicles, as benzole, which has been tried, is not considered as economical. The Fords run about 17 miles to the gallon, whilst a mileage of 12 to the gallon of spirit is obtained from the Daimlers. Mr. G. E. Rysdale, the manager oaths company, said, "We shall not go back to horses under any consideration. We are able to cover greater distances, and deliver our goods with more promptitude by using motorvans, and increased mileage eventually means increased business."

"My Horses Could Not Compete with Motors."

There are, in Nottingham, several large removal contractors who appear to be alive to the possibility of long-distance removals by motor lorry. Mr. Edwin Chester, whose chief office is at Wilford Grove, is a large furniture-removal contractor who specializes in this class of work. He had in his service before war broke out a three-ton overtype Harrier which had previous to its impressment run 20,000 miles during a period of 13 months. This machine was employed solely for long-distance work and very often carried valuable loads of furniture, etc., as far south ae Brighton and as far north as Newcastle, Asked

as to why he started-. running a commercial-vehicle, Mr. Chester replied. "1 had to ; my competitors compelled me to run them. Other contractors in a similar line of business purchased motor vehicles, and they were gradually but nevertheless successfully drawing my trade, so 1 .did not wait tilt it was too late but purchased a three-ton 'carrier. My horses were unable to compete with the motors.

"The overtype machine I vonsider excellent for furniture removals, as it enables the user to fit, an extra long body." Mr. Chester continued, "My Karrier being a three-toener was impressed at the commencement. of the war. Until recently I had relied upon the -railway chiefly and what few horses I had, which arrangement was very inadequate for my requirements. The breakages by using the rail were

many, whilst I had less than 10s. a month to pay for damages incurred while removing goods by my Kamer."

This user purchased a Garner lorry a month ago, which by the way was "down south" when we called. He is pleased with this vehicle, and thinks the engine is very powerful. The tires fitted, we were told, appear to be wearing very quickly.

"I have placed an order for another Kander, based on the successful running and practical experience I had gained with the other machine, for I consider that motor haulage is, far preferablea and is much cheaper than both horses and the railway, providing a good machine is purchased," was the remark with which we were dismissed.

Pessimistic Once, But Now Thoroughly Satisfied.

W. H. Hutchinson and Sons, Ltd., Prince of Wales Brewery, 13asford, had previous to the outbreak of war employed for the delivery of beers and ,mineral waters in and around Nottingham two Albions and a two-ton Daimler. Unfortunately for his concern, as Mr. W. M. Hutchinson, the managing director, pointed out to us, these vehicles were commandeered for Government service, and consequently it was necessary to find other means of transport if the business was to continue briskly. These three machines, we were informed, ran very well, and each of them was credited with a good mileage before impressment. For many months after they were taken the company was compelled to hire horses. " Not only was this method of transport expensive, and therefore our profits were curtailed, but businessbegan to fall off simply because the horses could not coverthe necessary distances." The company then obtained through Bennett'ii INbtfinghain) Ltd., 28, Shakespeare Street, a small 10 h.p. 10-cwt. Belsize van and a Star lorry.

These two vehicles have replaced many of the horses, and each machine averages well over 300 miles a week. Each vehicle delivers twice daily to Matlock and district consignments of the company's products, and is afterwards free to deliver locally. The roads over which the machines travel are not of the best, but Mr. Hutchinson said "the vehicles pull very well and climb the many severe gradients in good style." He continued : " I must admit, however, that I was at first a little pessimistic as to the advantage of motorvan delivery, but my doubts were dispelled directly I saw the efficient service my competitors were obtaining by the use of B24 commercial vehicles. Our two vehicles are not sufficient for our needs; in fact, we have to hire horses when business demands, as we are unable to obtain further deliveries of motors."

Hallford Three.tonner has Replaced Nine Horses.

There are many carriers and haulage contractors in and around Nottingham who at the present time are utilizing commercial-vehicles to help them to " carry on." We were fortunate in being able to secure the impressions of Mr. Albert E. Skerritt, a carrier, of Draycott, who uses for his work a three-ton Hallford.

He has had the machine in regular service for over two years, and is greatly impressed with AB running. We repro. duce a photograph of the vehicle in the full-page composite illustration acumpanying these impressions. It is used chiefly for carrying the unfinished lace work from the mills, which, by the way, are mostly situated in the outlying villages, to Nottingham for finishing purposes.

So that the machine does nut return light, Mr. ,Skerritt has a stand in Woollaton Street, Nottingham, where parcels and other goods are collected for delivery on his return journey. Two journeys are made daily into the town, and the average weekly mileage works out at about 350. This user informed us that the }Milford is comfortably doing the work which was previously done by nine horses, and continued, "this is the best testimony I can give you as to its usefulness."

When not engaged upon the class of work we have mentioned, he uses his machine for furniture removals within a radius of 100 miles from Nottingham. Asked as to why he started miming a commercial-vehicle, the reply was, "I had to do it to retain my business connection. You see, many of my competitors were using commercial vehicles, and I found that my trade connection was suffering in consequence, so that to compete with them I dispensed with my horses. to which, by the way, I shall not return, and purchased a Hanford lorry." Mr. Skerritt at present dues his own driving as his drivers have enlisted, and he finds great difficulty in obtaining others.

Five Vehicles in Laundry Service.

In the various cities and towns which we have visited in connection with this series of articles, we have invariably been able to obtain favourable impressions as to the value of motorvan delivery in the laundry trade. Of course, many laundries use one or two motorvans and find them ample for their needs, but when five vehicles are in regular service it will be obvious to our readers that the establishment is of more than ordinary size. Such is the position of the Daybrook Laundry, dyers and cleaners, of Daybrook, who are using the Albion, Bayard, Berliet, Flanders, and Napier machines ranging in capacity from 10 cwt, to two tons. The five machines have superseded over 20 horses. They all work within a radius of 50 miles, and collect and deliver at the various villages through which they travel. A number of horses is still employed, but they only work within a radius of 15 miles from the head office and make most of the local deliveries..

We were informed that the chief advantages the user obtains by running motorvans "is that urgent deliveries can be expeditiously despatched, whilst the advertisement value of the vans is certainly a desirable asset, especially bearing iii mind that our trade has increased considerably since acquir. ing motors."