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The Wheels of Industry.

20th August 1914, Page 27
20th August 1914
Page 27
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Page 27, 20th August 1914 — The Wheels of Industry.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

When the Belgian national archives were withdrawn from Brussels to Antwerp they were taken in motor wagons.

S.M.M.T. and Prince's Fund.

The S.M.M.T. has given 21000 to the National Relief Fund and a similar amount to the Belgian Relief Fund. The Society has also lent the council room to the Red Cross Society.

Au Courant.

The war continues to affect our pages, and its influences are likely to be seen for a long time to come. We hope by degrees, to re-establish certain features which have been temporarily held over to make room for urgent topics.

The Commandeering Risk.

We are pleased to find that many readers have accepted our advice to purchase at least a proportion of models for two-ton and smaller loads. Not only does this lessen the risk of their losing new vehicles hereafter, if commandeering has to be renewed, hut it relieves the acute pressure upon factories which principally turn out three-ton and four-ton models.

L.G.O.C. Employees.

It is not true to state that the reason for the curtailment of certain of the L.G.O.C. motorbus services is due to the fact that many machines have been itsed for the war, but to the fact that about 1509 drivers and or;50 conductors have been called upon to serve the Colours. New drivers are being trained in considerable numbers, and a more normal service will probably be available before lo/ig. In the meantime the public convenience is being served so far as the company's officials can possibly manage.

Proposals and Purchases.

Wolverhampton Town Council bas now received its two Dennis motor fire-engines, Aberdeen Town Council has knight, per Claud Hamilton (Aberdeen), Ltd., a Wolseley motor ambulance and a Wolseley prison van, Croydo» Borough Council has purchased a Dennis ambulance, at P2s. lid.

Chatham Town Council has ordered a steam tractor and three trucks from Aveling and Porter, Ltd., at£565.

The Crown Agents for the Colonies have recently purchased a composite motor mailvan from J. and E. Hall, Ltd., additional motor road-rollers from Barford and Perkins. Ltd., and additional steam road-rollers from John Fowler and Co. (Leeds), Ltd. New Powers.

Nuneaton Town Council has decided to apply to Parliament next year for powers to run a municipal motorbus service.

Dunlop Divides ds.

Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., intimates that it will pay the usual quarterly dividend on its 6 per cent. clout/intik e preference shares, due the 1st prox., as usual.

L. and S.W. Rly.

Somo of the commandeered horses of the L. and S.W.R. have been replaced by Auto-Carrier parcelcars. These vehicles are in chargc. of youths, who were formerly in the sent ice of the railway company, after less than a fortnight's tuition.

Exports Proclamation.

We are delighted to be able to record that, as from Monday morning next, the proclamation of the 3r!it inst. against exports, in so far as it applied to chassis with a. load capacity above 25 cwt., " whole or in parts," has been withdrawn. Our last issue briefly put on record our earlier participation in the protests, both. to the. Board of Trade and to the Boardoof Customs, which have brought about this desirable result. Had the original proclamation not been varied, much of our export trade must have been immediately presented to American manufacturers, quite apart from. the unnecessary incommoding of existing Oversaas owners of Britishmade vehicles. As from 11/onday next, the item " engines and lorries, internal-combustion, capable

of cat-tying a load of 25 cwt. and upwards, whole or parts," is to be regarded as deleted from the list of articles which were included in the proclamation of the 3rd inst.

Fewer Cans than Ever.

A steam_ lorry, with a load of i250 gallons of petrol, caught fire in London Road, Guildford, on Tuesday of last week. It was found impossible to extinguish the flames.

Wolseley Adjustments of Departmental Output.

We are happy to be able to announce that Wolseley Motors, Ltd., is steadily continuing with the manufacture of its famous touring cars. Owing to the increased demand for business vehicles of all kinds, a considerable section of the great works at Birmingham is being concentrated in such a way as to give accelerated deliveries of commercial models. Thanks to the immense resources of the Wolseley works, practically every type of commercial vehicle fitted with bodywork to customers' orders can be supplied with promptitude, but a request is made that orders be placed at an early date, in order to insure a priority of delivery. It goes without saying that this company, which is owned by Vickers Ltd., has received a large number of requisitions for vehicles from the. military and naval authorities. Thei company confidently anticipates that it will be able to keep practically the whole of its immense staff fully employed for some considerable dine to come.

Thornycroft's Trade.

One, of the old-established maim. lecturing companies which finds its works busier than ever is John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd. Part of this maintained activity is due to the impressment of vehicles of its manufacture. For example, seven :30 h.p. Colonial-type lorries, in hand for the Nigerian Government, were taken by the War Department, but the replacement order is already in hand from the Crown Agents_ Two additional vehicles were put on -order at the same time, also for Nigeria, Whitbread's, Ltd., the well-known brewing company, has replaced its two subsidy-type threetonners by ordering three 20-24 h.p. two-tonners. Many similar experiences might be included, had we space available, but we must be content to record that the Thornycroft output has been considerably enlarged recently, which fact now enables the company to deal adequately with the extra pressure of business. This fact will probably be noted by intending buyers. The Thornyeroft Co. can give immediate delivery of a few two-cylinder two-tonners.

Residents in the neighbourhood of Amersham, Chesham, and High Wycombe have been interested to learn of probable extensions of services in their neighbourhood by the L.G.0.0.

The Caravan Club of Great Britain is organizing two fleets of caravans of 20 each, one to be allocated to Boy &outs, who are, we believe, guarding telegraph wires and other things, and the other for the use of nurses engaged at base hospitals.

Fire Precautions.

The British Fire Prevention Committee is organizing a special fire brigadeforce for service inconnection with the protection of Government establishments, stores outside the London area, etc. It requires for service 18 horse or motor pumps, 12 manuals or hose vans, and 12 landanlet cars. Offers to loan any of the above are to be addressed to 8, Waterloo Place, S.W.

A Single-decker for Greece.

We illustrate a Lacre two-tonner fitted with a single-deck bus body, which machine has been recently shipped to Greece. It is intended to carry eight first-class passengers at the front, and the rear compartinent is able to accommodate ananother eight people or a large quantity of merchandise, the seats at the back being made to hinge out of the way. The machine is destined to run from the railhead at Tripolitza to towns about 40 miles away.

Unsprung Tractors.

A case of sonic importance was recently heard by the Borough Bench at Devizes, when Robbins, Lane and Pinnegar, Ltd., was summoned for using a trailer behind a light locomotive (a heavy motorcar), the said trailer not having " suitable and sufficient springs." A nominal penalty of 2s. 6d. was imposed, and this case may serve as a warning to other owners of tractors or motor wagons who are unaware of this particular requirement of the Heavy Motor Car Order—Article XI (4).

Nothing Like Leather.

The motorcar has been blamed for many alterations in our social habits, and perhaps its effect has been felt as much in those trades which have to do with horses and vehicles for all purposes as anywhere. The saddler and the harness maker have had for some years past—rightly we fear—to complain of hand times. The present crisis, however, has suddenly boosted their trades out of all knowledge. The demand for harness and saddlery, as well as for leather uniform equipments, has, of course, become stupendous. Needless to say that the price of leather has gone up with a bound. On a recent morning we were :unused to notice a Daimler lorry towing a fully-loaded double deck L.C.C. tramcar no the stiff acclivity of Balham The military authorities have taken the Manchester Corporation motorbuses running between the Palatine Road tram terminus and Northenden and Cheadle. The chassis are wanted for transport purposes. It is stated not to he possible to revert to the old horse buses on this route, and, therefore, Cheadle people coming to Manches. ter must now waik three miles to Palatine Road. A very large proportion of the three to five-ton petrol chassis in the Manchester diqiict has been impressed. The new four-cylinder Arrol,lohuston 10-cwt. van, selling at ,t231, is being put in had in large

quantilies at the Dumfries works of tint company. Prompt deliveries can already be insured.

We are asked to state that Mr. A. Ildfinann, the Manager of Tye! Agricultural Motors, Ltd., of Biggleswade, has by Deed Poll assumed and adopted the name of " Codrington."

The receipts of the National Steam Car Co., Ltd., for the week ended 21st August, 1914, were £4725. This shows an increase of

1132 over the corresponding period of last year. The receipts of the Tramways

were .E8996, and for the Gearless Omnibus Co., Ltd., i!.104. These show an increase of 21103 and a decrease of £172 respectively, as against the corresponding period of last year.

The Pyrene Co., Ltd., states that it has dispatched large numbers of its special fire extinguishers to the concentration depots for use on the W.D. impressed motor vehicles.

Amongst other companies who wish it to be known that full wages will be paid to all their employees serving with the Colours are the British Petroleum Co.. Ltd., C. C. -Wakefield n nd Co., and Shoolbred and Co., Ltd.

Simms Motor -Units, Ltd., advises us that it ha-s requisitioned and obtained the co-operation and assistance of the American Simms Magneto Co. and wishes it to be known that there is no truth in the rumour that there was a strike at that works.

The Eisemann Magneto Co., of 43, Borne rs Street, London, W., wishes all interested parties to know that it will be in a position to deliver magnetos and spare parts for them on demand, a fortnight hence, by recourse to its American factory. This notice applies only to four-cylinder engines for tho time being.

We learn that various owner

drivers are in difficulties in respect of the completion of their hire-purchase agreements. Their interests are being taken up by Mr. F. E. Lawson, of the firm of Messrs. Lawson, Gold and Lawson, 20, Finsbury Circus, London, E.C. Proposals are in hand for the suspension or reduction of instalments during the next six months, having regard to the effects of the war upon cab-hiring.

War Map for Id.

" The Regiment" penny map of the war area has been published. It is wonderful value, being well printed, and giving a map of the whole of Europe in distinguishing colours. On the back is a large scale map of the present field of operations. By the aid of this map, and the expert strategic notes in "The Regiment" (published Thursdays, one penny), the progress of operations can be intelligently followed. The Guildford and District Motor Services, Ltd.. has agreed to adopt the stopping places approved by the Weybridge Urban District Council.

Edison Accumulators, Ltd., is just now receiving a very considerable share of the inquiries for vehicles to replace commandeered horse transport, particularly from owners and intending buyers of commercial motors who are concerned only with collections and deliveries within a fixed radius of their headquarters.

Mr. William Knox, a member of the Douglas (I.o.M.) Town Council, is responsible for the introduction of taxicabs there this year.

At the moment of writing the country is still largely in the hands of the Subsidy officer, and the procedure is much the same in the case of horses as in the case of motors. IN nem of course, owners have been receiving subsidies, the transference is a simple one, but both animal and mechanical assistance in this way for the Government can be impressed under the King's order under a requisition of emer

gency. The price offered by the official valuer must be accepted. Any claim arising must go to the county court for adjudication. We are asked to announce that De Dion Bouton (1907), Ltd., has on hand a large supply of spare parts for all its models. Renewals and repairs can be quickly effected at the company's Cricklewood works.

A summons under the new breakdown by-law concerned a ease in High Road, Lee. when Alfred Giddins, of Kentish Town, as the driver, and George Saxby, of Gray's Inn Road, as the owner, were summoned in relation to a van which broke down and caused obstruction in High Road, Lee, by reason of its defective condition. This being the first ease under the new by-law, the defendants were merely ordered to pay costs.

At the North London Court, a carman named Henry Davis was fined 8s, for neglecting to comply with the new L.C.C. by-law requiring slow-moving traffic to keep close to the kerb. It was proved that he had impeded fast traffic.

Last London Tram Horses.

The last remaining horse tramcars of the L.C.C. have had to be discontinued owing to the requisitioning of the few remaining horses which used to pull them about. The route, it may be recalled, was between Burdett Road and Grove Road. Bodies and Wheels.

The present briskness in the commercial-motor industry is naturally being reflected in the demands upon makers of bodies and wheels. Some manufacturers have already reverted in part to artillery-type wheels, owing to the relative scarcity of supply of cast-steel wheels. Wheel-makers with big reserves of suitable stocks are now reaping the benefit of their preparedness, and we believe they will do so for an indefinite period.

It is in various branches of bodymaking that a diversity of new

business is becoming available, and the new business promises not to be centred upon London or the big cities alone, but to account for distinct activity everywhere.

Curtailed L.C.C. Tram Service.

Residents in London will have noticed that the service of tramcars has been considerably curtailed. A very large number of drivers and conductors has been called away as Reservists, and this accounts for the shortage. To overcome this difficulty, the Council has announced its intention to carry additional passengers not exceeding one-third of the " inside " number until the full service can he again put into operation. We learn of British mechanical ransport columns which have made possible most important strategic moves during the past week, but, of course, we are not at liberty to publish any details.

The Rotax Motor Accessories Co. report the purchase of large quantities of their aluminium lamps and other accessories, not only by the War Office, but for new substitui commercial-motor vehicles vitich are bring pitt into civilian Ford Methods Not Proved.

The Ford factory in Detroit, :Virchigan, was shut down for a period of 10 days for the first time

in its history on 25th July. tcs ,2..,(:00 men were put off work for that period, ostensibly " for the purpose of taking an inventory." With reference to the five dollars a day minimutn wages which this concern introduced some while ago, an industrial expert employed by the members of the Detroit Board of Ciaionerco to investigate factory conditions, and especially profitsharing plans, reports: " The Ford profit-sharing plan has not brougM ati increase of output commensurate -with the increase of wages."

Commercial Designs.

Any manufacturer of private cars wIto may be immediately wishful to change his output to comme:< mid types, and who is desirous to i.vail himself of the services of an experienced designer and estimator, will do well to get into communication with Mr. Geo. W. Watt:on. M.I.Mech.E., M.Inst.A.E., at 83. Pall Mall, S.W. Mr. Watson for several years_ been inspect

hg to the Commercial Abitor Users Association, and he also deservedly enjoys a high reputai ion for successful design a.ni manufacture on the commercial Rid-, of the industry. We feel sure that whoever is able to secure hia services just now will be taking a step to their own advantage. Contrary to the common view amongst pi le who know only private-car practice, the design, for economical maaufacture and for a commercial hfr. of a business motor vehicle requires much special knowledge.

The Lord Mayor of London offered to the War Office all his private horses, but pleaded for the present for exemption for his state team. We may yet see his lordship in a state motor coach.

A New Suit Awarded.

An action was brought in the Madeley County Court, on the 11th inst.. by a Mr. W. C. Bower, of Park Street, Madeley, against Messrs. H. and W. Carloman, hobby-horse proprietors, to recover £4 3s. for

damage done to a suit of clothes. Neither defendant appeared, and the plaintiff stated that, as he was going along a road on a particular day, the defendants' traction engine passed him, and " ejected a large quantity of black fluid from the engine." It spoilt a new suit of clothes which he was wearing, and two men on the engine laughed at him when he complained. The case being undefended, Judge Harris Lea gave judgment for the plaintiff.


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