WHEELS of INDUSTRY " fhe wheels of wealth will be
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slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
Complete Mechanization of the R.A.S.C.
The last day of 1929 marked an important -stage in the steady progress of mechanization, which has, since the Armistice, been going on in the British Army, for with the passing of the old year the last " horsed-transvort-service company of the Royal Army Service Corps ceased to exist. Except for the regimental wagons of those units of cavalry, artillery, infantry and engineers that have not yet been mechanized, the military-transport horse will now disappear.
The horsed-transport of the Army is being abandoned for two reasons. The first is that 'experiments with sixwheeled and other mechanical vehicles, which have been developed since the war, have shown they can do anything that the horsed vehicle can do. The other reason is that the type of horse suitable for military work is dying out.
Merchandise Marks Inquiry.
The Standing Committee appointed by the Board of Trade will hold an inquiry at 11.30 a.m. on February 3rd and at 10.30 a.m. on February 4th as to whether imported bolts, nuts and rivets, setscrews and head coach screws, boilermakers' and engineers' studs should be required to bear an indication of origin.. Thy inquiry will be held at the Board of Trade Offices, Great George Street, London, S.W.1. Cominunications should be addressed to the Secretary, Mr. E. W. Reardon, at -that address.
Motor Owner Wins De-rating Appeal.
Are premises used for the garaging and reconditioning of motor lorries employed in a manufacturing business entitled to the benefits of de-rating? This question was debated at length at the Liverpool Quarter Sessions, on an appeal by the revenue officer against the decision of the local assessment committee, which was of the opinion that such premises in the occupation of Tate and Lyle, Ltd., should be included with its main factory and participate in de-rating. The building in question was used for the reconditioning and garaging of the company's motor lorries and the storage of fuel, being divided by a street from the main factory. Premises that were to benefit from de-rating must be used for industrial purposes, as a factory or workshop. It Was laid down in the Jet of 1928 that premises used for the houging or maintenance of vehicles, or as stables, should not be deemed part of the factory.
For the assessment committee, it was said that the Act did not state that garages should not form part of an industrial hereditament, although it said they were not to be deemed part of the factory.. This exclusion related only to a subsequent apportionment for rating purposes, where the non-industrial part of the hereditament was at least 10 per cent, of the total value. It was contended that the premises should B20 be aggregated with the factory and should, therefore, be de-rated.
Mr. E. G. Hemmerde, E.C., the Recorder, dismissed the appeal with costs, but remarked that he was prepared to state a case for a higher court.
Scottish Motor Traction Issue of Shares.
We understand that the directors of the Scottish Motor Traction Co., Ltd., have resolved to issue the balance of
400,000 preference shares at par in the proportion of one for each ordinary share held RS at January 6th last. The purchase price is payable as to 5s. per share on application and 15s. per share on allotment.
Wage Rates and the Issue of Licences.
The Ministry of Transport is shortly to hold an inquiry at Abercarn into an unusual dispute between the local licensing authority, Aberearn Urban District Council, and Western Services, Ltd., which concern has made an appeal to the Ministry against the council's condition of issuing licences.
Some time ago, Western Services, Ltd., applied for licences to ply for hire through the Ahercarn area. The council granted the licences, but made it a condition of their issue that the company should pay its operatives the rates-of wages indicated by the council. The company, it is alleged, refused to accept this condition, contending that the council has no legal power to impose Such a condition. Moreover, it was pointed out that the employees' wages are those approved by the National Union of Transport and General Workers.
The council has now issued summonses against the company, alleging unauthorized plying for hire. The magistrates have adjourned the cases, despite council opposition to adjournment, pending the Ministry's decision.
M. of T. Overrules Licensing Conditions.
With reference to the appeals of the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., Sunderland District Omnibus Co., Ltd., and Jarrow and District Electric Traction Co., Ltd., against the refusal of South Shields Corporation to grant bus licences, except under certain conditions to which the appellants were unable to agree, the Minister of Transport states that he cannot support the licensing authority in imposing, in the present form, the conditions in dispute. He, therefore, requests that the licences applied for should be issued, subject to certain modifications of these regulations.
The Minister considers it to be undesirable that, in connection with the granting of licences, a licensing authority should become a wage-fixing body and so supersede the usual negotiating machinery for settling conditions of service, although he would agree to such a course if it were in the interests of public safety.
The Paris Cab Crisis.
Following the notes on the Paris taxicab situation which appeared in our issue for last week, our French correspondent informs us that in order to demonstrate their disapproval of the new rates the drivers' union, which incorporates practically every taxicab driver in Paris and has a membership approaching 18,000, declared a lightning strike of 24 hours. For a day and a night Paris became cables s and the streets presented the curious appearance which they have on May 1st. For once in a way the owners were in complete sympathy with the men, and one had the rare, but interesting, case of capital and labour making a solid front against muninApal dictatorship.
It would appear that this strike had a rather ambiguous effect upon the public mind. Buses and trams were, naturally, crowded, but they made record speed in the deserted streets.' "Thus," writes our correspondent, "my' suggestion with regard to the idea of easing traffic congestion by raising cab fares seems to be borne out." He adds, too, that there are between 18,000 and 20,000 cabs registered and plying for hire in the French capital.
Irish Bus Bill Provisions.
The terms of the Irish Free State's bus Bill have not yet been made public, but additional information is now obtainable about some of its provisions. It indicates that a speed limit of gzs m.p.h. will be prescribed for single-deck buses: Heavy locomotives will be limited to 5 m.p.h.. Previously the. lowest age at which a licence to drive. a bus was obtainable was 17 years, but under the new Bill the age limtt for drivers of beavy motors (goods vehicles and locomotives) will be 18 years, whilst for vehicles that are used in the public service the -age limit will be 21 years. Bus drivers will have to pass a driving test.
Personal Pars.
We had a very interesting chat recently with Mr. W. Macdonald, and S., director and acting generaI'manager of the VAlleati Motor. and Engineering Co. (1006), Ltd., Crossens, Southport. Mr. Macdonald, as his name indicates, is a Scot, and although his previous experience has not been in connection with the producs
tion of commercial-motor vehicles, yet he is, in our opinion, just the type of man who can reorganize and place on a sound basis a concern which has, in the past; experienced some vicissitude's.
Mr. Macdonald was by profession a builder of bridges and has actually been responsible for many of the most important structures, of this type. He was formerly general manager to Sir William Arrol and Co., Ltd., of Glasgow. From hAtlges to motor vehicles may seem a far step, but, a cool head and a clear vision are needed for both.,
Mr. H. F. Applegate, M.I.A.E., has recently succeeded Mr. If. M. Batchelor as the area manager for north-west England for the Associated Equipment Co.; Ltd. ,Mr. Applegate commenced his career in,the experimental department of Wolseley Motors, Ltd., and, before taking„up a position in the Royal Air 'Force, was.-technical engineer-incharge of the specialatesting of aero engines for the Government. Returning to Wolseley Motors, Ltd., in 1919; he bad control of experimental test beds and undertook much research work.
Latterly, Mr. Applegate has held positions as experimental engineer, service manager, provipcial manager for sales and service and technical adviser with a well-known commercial-motormanufacturing concern.
G.W.E. Testing Platform Trucks. In a review of the work of the past year, the goods department of the Great Western Railway Co. reports that experimentsore proceeding in the new sheds at Paddington and Bristol with
petrol-driven platform trucks. Three makes are now in use, namely, the Douglas, Lister and Heath Roberts. Two Lister timcks have also been perrnanentlY allocated to Fishgnard, where, in. conjunction with several trailers, they are doing excellent work.
Citroens in Manchester.
On Tuesday of last week Pass and Joyce, Ltd., topened new showrooms at 33, King Streetk West, Manchester. This company is an agent for'Citron commercial vehicles and has a 35-cwt. model available, at the address given, for demonstration purposes.
Itus Owner Sells Out.
It is stated that Maidstone and District Motor Services, Ltd., has recently taken over the business of Messrs. T. Standen and Sons, of Sittingbourne. The firm have been maintaining a bus service between Sheerness and Sittingbourne, Kemsley, Murston and Conyer, whilst the coaching side of the firm is said to be included in the deal. Coaching at Blackpool.
The decision of Blackpool Corporation Watch Committee, which declined to receive a deputation from the Blackpool Trinies Council on the subject of extending the fair-wages clauses to motor-coach and bus proprietors, was questioned at the January meeting of the town council. The town clerk, however, pointed out that actually the question was outside the province of the corporation. The watch committee bad no authority in the matter, although a Bill seeking powers was, at the moment, before Parliament.
Garage Practice and Servicing.
Quite a number of our readers in London will probably be interested to learn that a course of lectures, demonstrations and practical work in garage practice and servicing is being given at the Polytechnic, Regent Street, W.1. The course, which commenced on JanuarY 15th, is being conducted by Mr. A. H. Reynolds, of Harvey, Frost and Co., Ltd. Lectures and demonstrations will be given on Wednesday evenings, whilst practice in the workshops will be undertaken on Friday evenings, and the fall course will extend over a period of 14 weeks... The fee for the lectures and demonstrations is 20s., but for the coinplete course 30s. is the charge.
Continental Makers and American Competition.
According to advice from Berlin, the Federation of German Motor Manufacturing Industries has reached an agreement with kindred organizations in France, Italy, Belgium, Austria and Czecho-Slovakia, with the,object of ensuring joint action by Continental motormanufacturing industries against the ,penetrative efforts of American makers. The variong countries involved have not yet decided upon the measures to adopt, although, so far as Germany is concerned, it would appear that the introduction of import quotas is to be considered. The Institute of Industrial Administration.
The Institute of Industrial Administration was registered on January 3rd, 1922, as an authorized society for the promotion of education in the principles of management, and its examination scheme for the diploma of the Institute is dealt with in a brochure issued in December from the offices at 47-51, King William Street, London, E.C.4.
It has laid down a definite course of instruction and is enrolling employers,. managers already qualified by experience, and young people who desire to qualify by. study, in the cotiamon aim of raising the standard of management of British industry.
The president is Mr. A. S. Comyns Carr, K.Ck, who is supported by a strong body of vice-presidents, including Sir John E. Thoroyeroft, Mr. J. Itlaughtling, president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and other leading public men. The priocipal is Mr. H. Schofield, M.B.E., Ph.D., B.Sc. (lions.), etc.
Northfleet and Medical Certificates for Drivers.
Northfleet Urban District Council has considered the recommendations of the joint hackney-carriage licensing committee and has decided that a driver's medical certificate be accepted if bearing a date not more than three calendar months, prior to the application for a licence.
Vickers' Products.
A well-arranged brochure containing a really remarkable li-st of the products of the Vickers group of companies has been sent us by Vickers, Ltd., Vickers House, Broadway, London, S.W.1.
The list is arranged in alphabetical order and gives the reader a clear insight iuto the marvellously comprehensive nature of the products which can be supplied. Not all of these, of course, have any connection with the commercial-vehicle industry, but there are many that do, as, for example, loco waterproof garments, aprons, etc., for drivers and others, also rubber-top B22 materials for hoods, etc. ; there are all grades of babbitt metals, high-eTass steels, stampings. for axles, pressings for frames, rnstless steel and iron and a host of other items—in fact, the list is well worth close study by all concerned in the industry.
Resolution Against Road Traffic Bill. Reporting upon the Road Traffic Bill, the South Devon Area Advisory Committee for the licensing of passenger vehicles has passed a resolution deprecating the setting up of new ad hoc bodies, as it considers that the actual power of licensing vehicles should be left in the hands of the present local authorities, or, at any rate, the larger bodies.
Of Interest to A.E.C. Users.
It is possible that there is a number of concerns and individual users operating A.E.C. vehicles which may not be aware that the Associated Equipmeat Co., Ltd., issues, at monthly intervals, a useful magazine which contains not only much matter of direct interest to users of A.E.C. products, but much that is helpful to all those engaged in road-transport operations. The company has asked us to state that it will be pleased to send a copy each month to any user of A.E.C. vehicles if they will communicate with the publicity department at Southall, Middlesex.
South Shields Adjourns Consideration.
The South Shields licensing authority has adjourned consideration of the application by the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., for licences for 10 buses to operate on a service, during the summer months, between South Shields and Sunderland, via the New Coast Road.
Nottingham Instructs Municipal Bus Drivers.
Nottingham municipal transport department has made it compulsory for municipal bus operatives to have certain practical knowledge of motor vehicles. Men must have had at least three years' experience of driving heavy vehicles before they are allowed control of corporation buses. Drivers are now also given instruction at a driving school at the old Trent Bridge tram depot, and have to undergo driving tests.
A New Booking Agent's' Association.
Some time ago an association was inaugurated to defend the interests of motor-coach booking agents. As was reported in The CommtePcial Motor; –about • six months ago the association was dissolved and a committee was formed to look into • the possibilities of forming a new body. We now learn that, at a meeting which was held a short time ago, members have agreed that the Booking Agents' Association should be incorporated as an association.
Many Licence Applications at Neath.
At its January meeting the joint licensing committee of the Neath Borough and Rural Councils had to consider a large number of applications for bus licences. There were 44 new applications in respect of local services and 78 new applications concerning long distance services connecting with 'all parts of England and West Wales. Apart from this, 84 renewals were sought.
It is thought that as Swansea Watch Committee has refused many applications of late, local bus operators are striving to make Neath the terminus of their services. Decision as regards the new applications has not been made, but renewals have been granted.
Burnley Corporation and Working Agreements.
Powers are being sought by Burnley Corporation to permit it to enter into working agreements with any other local authority, company, or person to operate on any route within a radius of 12 miles from the Burnley Town Hall.
Lanes C.C. Promotes a Bill.
Lanes County Council is promoting a Bill for the establishment of a Traffic Board and Area Committee for the purpose of securing in the county control respecting the licensing of public-service vehicles, and for the regulation of routes, fares, time-tables, stopping places, etc. The area committees (four in number) are proposed to be constituted of representatives of the local authorities and' the county borough councils in the four areas.
Should this Bill and the Road Traffic Bill both be passed, they Will be in conflict, as the powers of the Bill may, in certain circumstances, extend to the West Riding.
Southern Railway Plans.
The popularity of the railhead distribution system and extension of the door-to-door transport of goods by a combination of rail and road facilities have necessitated additions to the roadmotor fleet and maintenance arrangements of the Southern Railway. The company announces plans for the purchase of 15 new 5-ton 4orries, 14 two-tonners and six 1-ton parcels vans. In particular, it is reported that the door-to-door system has proved extremely useful to manufacturers and traders, and further developments of the system are anticipated during 1930.
Rochdale Seeks Extension of Powers.
The Rochdale Corporation is seeking more extensive powers in relation to the operation of buses. Under its Act of 1925, the authority may run buses within five miles from the Town Hall, and it is proposed to extend this to seven miles from the borough boundary, thus enabling West Riding roads to be traversed.
Swansea Licensing Activities.
The watch committee of Swansea Corporation has granted four licences to Queen Line Coaches, London, and two licences to the South Wales Transport Co. Ltd.. Swansea, and the A. T. Morse A:utomobile Co., Ltd., Cardiff, for services between Swansea and London. The applications of five other undertakings were refused.
Business for Trolley-bus Makers?
The tramways committee of Bradford Corporation recommends that a service of trolley-buses be instituted from the city to the junction of Albion Road and Leeds Road, Idle, at an estimated cost of £15,580, including overhead equipment and the provision of the necessary vehicles.
Welding Engineers Meeting.
A meeting of the Institution of Welding Engineers will be held at the Chamber of Commerce, 95, New Street, Birmingham, on January 30th, at 7 • p.m., when Mr. C. A. Hadley will read a paper entitled "Modern Improvements in Electric-resistance Welding Machines."
Meeting Bus Competition—with Buses.
The Baildon Bridge section of the tramways system of Bradford Corporation has suffered largely as the result of competition from private bus operators, and receipts on the tramcars have apparently been falling. In order to combat this factor, it is said that, under the new provisional Order of the corporation, the tramways department contemplates starting a bus service to Baildon Bridge, and it would appear that this proposal will require the eonsent of Shipley Urban Council as part of the route passes through the council's area.
A South Shields-Cardiff Service.
South Shields Corporation has granted an application by Messrs. Hall Brothers, of Morpeth, for licences for coaches to operate on a proposed. South Shields-Cardiff daily service. The licences are subject to the condition that no passenger who is picked up on the outward journey shall be set down within the borough boundary, and that
no passenger shall be picked up within the borough boundary on the inward journey.
€40,000 Bridge Scheme at Worcester. The proposal to widen the bridge over the River Severn, at Worcester, has been approved by the city council, and will cost £40,000. The scheme includes the construction of a relief bridge over the North Quay, as well as a quay wall.
Free State Imports.
In November, 1929, 63 commercialmotor vehicles, valued at £36,840, were imported into the Irish Free State, as compared with 66 vehicles, valued at £35,115, in November, 1928. In the first eleven months of the year 974 commercial motors, valued at £173,564, were imported, as compared with 510 vehicles, valued at £199,812, in the first eleven months of 1928.