Wheels of Industry—con:
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An Informative Year Bo( k.
The Year Book of the British Dominions General Insurance Co., Ltd. (1, Royal Exchange Avenue, E.G.), is a very excellent compilation. Mr. H. Massac Buisi contributes a well-informed article on "What the Motor Vehicle has Done," as one of a series dealing with war effects and matters. Other interesting articles are from the pens of F. T. Jane, Sir L. Chiozza Money, M.P., Sir Laurence Gomme and Lady St. Helier.' The first year of the war is practically the universal theme, in one or other of its inexhaustible aspects. The conception of the book is no less praiseworthy than its execution. The book is the corollary to one which was issued a year ago, by the same company, entitled 'War Facts and Figures." It has been admirably edited by Mr. Edward Salmon, F.R.C.I., and -Mr. James Worsfold, F.C.I.S., the Asst.-Secretary of the issuing company. We understand that a copy will be presented to any user of commercial motors, or any motor manufacturer or trader. It is well worth, the trouble of writing for a copy.
L.G.O. Efficiency Meetings.
-Under the wgis of Mr. II. E. Blain, the Operating• Manager of the Underground Railways and London General Omnibus Group, the first of a series of so-called "Efficiency Meetings" was held at Electric Railway House, Westminster, last month. The first paper to be discussed was one entitled "Messroorns and their Organ ization." This was read by the Messroorn Superintendent of the L.G.0,C., Mr. S. G. Rodway. The chair was taken by Mr. Blain, and a number of the principal officials of this group was present including Sir Albert H. Stanley, the managing director.
Subsequent meetings will discuss the following topics e---A parcels system on the Underground Railway ; a graphic representation of operating returns ; time tables and
Iduty sheets (methods and practice); railway and bus tickets and other checking devices ; a "safety first" campaign, " a sound proposal with an unsound title " ; social welfare and co-operative developments ; and advertising publicity and decorative developments.
Lancashire's New Haulage Co.
We reported„ in our issue of the 23rd ult., the intended flotation of a new haulage company, by Liverp-ool and Manchester cottonebrok
mg and allied interests, 'with an. authorized capital of £250,000. TILE COMMERCIAL MOTOR was the first journal in the country to make an announcement concerning this projected company.
It is now announced that the Board of Directors will include Messrs. T. W. Cooke, H. L. Roxburgh and W. H. Midwood (Liverpool), Mr. J. Hoyle and Mr. Sidney Stott (Oldham), Mr. A. L. Ormrod (Manchester), and Mr. H. E. Holmes of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd. We withhold any comment, additional to that which appeared in our pages four weeks ago, until the prospectus is in our hands. It is now reported that the promoters have secured Treastzary sanction for the issue.
The Dodman Tractor. , We are happy to be able to reproduce on this page a photograph of an example of the Dodman steam tractor hauling two binders. This is an interesting departure from current tractor practice, and has been produced to the designs of Mr. Collings, of North Walsham, by Alfred Dodman and Co., Ltd., Highgate Works, King's Lynn. It may be recalled that one of these machines was exhibited at the Smithfield Show last month, and the employment of the tandem compound system for the steam engine created considerable interest. We understand that one of these machines has been in constant use for five years, and that practically nothing has had to be done to it in the way of repair or replacement during that period. Mr. Collings was led to adopt this system because of his desire to secure the maximum room for ample bearing spaces, and he, of course, found that the tandem principle rendered this an easier task than the side-byside method of placing the cylinders.
Brighton Licences.
The' Brighton Town Council is not to be allowed to continue in a stato of immunity, as regards the granting of motorbus licences to one company exclusively, without a, stiff fight. The Lord Chief Justice, and Justices Sankey and Lowe, heard ati application in the King's Bench Division' last week, on behalf of Thomas Tilling, Ltd., for an order to call upon the Corporation to consider the granting of licences for its vehicles.
The contention of the applicant company, by its counsel, was that the Brighton Town Council had never really considered the case on its merits. It had, on the contrary, whilst pleading, for example, that additional licences for motor charsa-bancs would mean. congestion in the Brighton streets, refused such licences to Thomas Tilling, Ltd., and granted additional liceaees to the local company: The Lord Chief Justice expressed the opinion that the charge (of not properly, considering, discussing and determining such an applicae tion) was a serious one. The contentioa really was that the Corporation had acted with a bias. So far as the char-aebancs licences were concerned, the Council did not appear to have assigned any reason. for its action. The Court looked upon the matter as one of public concern, and was willing to give leave to file affidavits to answer the case which had been put forward onbqhalf of Thomas Tilling, Ltd. Proceedings were accordingly adjourned for .}1, week.
Counsel for Thomas Tilling, Ltd., are Mr. Macmorran, K.C. and Mr. Barrington Ward, and for the Brighton Town Council Mr. Montgomery, K.C., and Mr. Rowand Harker. We shall refer further to this case next week.