Answers to Queries.
Page 19
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Our readers will be informed by the Editor on aPty points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed : if a request for privacy is not specially made, any query and answer may be published. Some replies, owing to pressure on our space, are held several weeks.
Germany's Spirit Prices.
[1,547] " COUNTY " writes :--" Could you inform me if : (1) petrol imported into Germany is taxed, and on what basis ; and (2) what is the current price of petrol in Germany at this time?"
ANSW 14R.—The duty on petrol in Germany is 7.75 marks per 100 kilos. (about 3.1d. per gallon). The wholesale price, in bulk, ex any of the large distributing centres, is 16 marks per 100 kilos. (6.4d. per gallon), to which duty has to be added, as well as cost of carriage, and the retailer's profit.
One Driver or Two?
[1,548] " STEAM " writes :—" I had an argument with a driver about the steersman's having to get a licence to steer. I claim that we are not compelled to do so."
ANSWER.—The law is mit settled on the point you mention, but there have been only a few convictions against steersmen for driving without a licence. These have generally occurred in the City of London, where the police appear to have instructions to keep on the look-out. We believe that an appeal from such a police-court decision would be successful. At the same time, some employ-era prefer to have two licences, and it is necessary when the second man is being taught. to drive. The Commercial Motor Users' Association awaits a test case.
A "Good Opening" Wanted for Motorbuses in Kent or Sussex.
[1,549] " Sorrriterge " writes :—" Being a regular reader of THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR, I shall be much obliged if you could inform me if you know of any town, or district, either in Kent or Sussex, where there is a good opening for a motorbus service, and, also, if you have any information as to whether the licensing authorities will permit such vehicles to run? I find there are some councils which object to motorbuses on account of the noise and vibration. I may mention that I should be pleased to run either petrol or steam buses, as the authorities preferred, and I trust you will be able to assist. me in finding a suitable district eller° an omnibus service would prove remunerative."
ANSWER.—We are communicating with the County Surveyors for Kent and East and West Sussex. Their replies shall be communicated to you. Where services are wanted, the local councils are generally favourable.
To Suit a Miller.
[1,550] " Weeoswoarn " writes :—" I want to ask your advice, if I may, with reference to: (1) a road motor ; (2) a motor vehicle for the use of a traveller. One of my friends has just erected a complete roller plant for grinding wheat at a mill in Kent, and he asks me what is the rrost-reliable vehicle for the delivery of flour. His father, a ho is a traveller in the flour trade (London and suburbs), wants a light vehicle for his own use—(his firm will probably purchase one for him). He does not know exactly what sort of vehicle to obtain, but tells me—.' Something of the brougham order.' For any information you might feel disposed to give, I should be extremely grateful."
ANSW ER.—You do not state the weight of flour which your friend desires to deliver, and we cannot advise you eithout that information. For heavy loads, of from 40 to 70 sacks at a time, there is no question that the iron-tired steam lorry is giving great satisfaction, and that it can be run at a cost of 9d. per mile without trailer, and a trifle over Is. per mile with a trailer. So far as a traveller's car is concerned, in the absence of occasion to carry round heavy samples, any of the well-known makes of light vehicles should suit. him, such as a small Albion, Belsize, Dennis, Lotis, Napier, or Straker.
Second-hand Vehicles Offering.
[1,551] " GARAGE " writes May I ask the favour of your opinion on the following matter ? I am u anting char-k-bancs, or single-deck motorbus, for a passengercarrying service, and do not wish to go to the expense of a new vehicle until I am quite certain it would pay me to do so. I have a number of vehicles offered, which seem to be about what I require, but, as I have not followed the commercial-vehicle side, am rather in the dark as to the merits of some makes.
"Amongst those offered are: 20 h.p. A; 20 h.p. and 28 h.p. B; 30 h.p. C and D; and 40 h.p. E. I should be glad of your opinion of these, as to which you would prefer, assuming all to be in equally-good condition. Would you have any doubt in recommending the DP I may say that it appears to me to be by far the best value, or rather most for money, and carries a six months' guarantee."
ANSWER.—Makes A and B will probably give the best satisfaction. It is impossible, however, to express any opinion in regard to second-band machines in the absence of an inspection. The last-named make emanates from a works which is now closed down, and that is obviously a disadvantage. A member of the technical staff of this journal could undertake to inspect and test any one of the chassis, on terms which can be quoted if desired.
Petrol-tax Rebates.
D.,552] "NORTHER MAKERS" write We have ap
plied to the authorities for repayment of the full duty on petrol, but are informed : (a) that we are not entitled to rebate, inasmuch as the spirit has been used for experimental work and demonstrations, and not 'solely for the conveyance of goods or burden in the course of trade or husbandry ' ; (b) that. the repayment of full duty only extends to the 3rd December, and not to the end of the year. This is so contrary to what has generally been expected, that we shall be glad to learn your views, and whether you have knowledge regarding the attitude of revenue officials towards petrol-vehicle manufacturers in other districts."
ANSWER.—The matter of rebate in respect of spirit used for road-demonstration work, is one of the outstanding points to be settled with the Customs and Excise, and we would suggest that you send particulars of your correspondence to the Secretary of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Maxwell House, Arundel Street, Strand, W.C. Spirit used on the test-bench or in the shops is duty free. The intention of the Government probably was that all commercial vehicles should be entitled to a rebate, and a maker who constructs exclusively for commercial purposes is as much a commercial user as any owner. As regards the second point raised in your letter, the 3rd December was the date of the prorogation of Parliament, and nobody knows exactly what is going to happen now. It appears that, in the legal sense, whilst the resolution of the House of Commons to impose the petrol tax was effective, the later resolutions about rebates require embodiment in some Act. That is why, in the first place, the Customs people are sticking to all the money, and we understand they will not commit themselves to any statement about duty voluntarily paid in respect of deliveries after the 3rd December, owing to the fact that they wish
to avoid the further complication of promising rebates themselves without strict Parliamentary sanction. On this point of rebate, however, you may rest assured that, in spite of delay, you will get back, in due course, all the money to which you may prove to be entitled, according to the classification in which you are placed.