WHEELS of INDUSTRY "The wheels of wealth will be slowed
Page 34
Page 35
Page 36
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it rans."—John Beattie Crozier.
Regulations Coming into Force on January 1st.
It is important to remember that certain regulations which affect operators of commercial vehicles and road users in general come into force on January
. 1st next. For instance, every motor vehicle must be equipped with a reflecting mirror, there being exemption in the case of motors drawing trailers if there be an attendant on the trailerwho has an uninterrupted view to the rear and is able to communicate with the driver.
Safety glass must be employed for windscreens and other windows which face to the front, except those in the upper saleon. Vehicles registered before 1932 are exempt until 1937, but the glass fitted must be maintained in a condition which does not obscure the driver's vision.
Vehicles registered after January 1st, 1932, and any trailer constructed after June 1st, 1931, must be equipped with suitable and sufficient springs between each wheel and the frame of the chassis. Tractors not in excess of 4 tons unladen weight are exempt if the unsprung wheels carry pneumatic tyres.
The Cab Trade's Deputation to the Minister.
On Monday of last week, the Minister of Transport received a deputation representing the taxicab trade, and representations were made with regard to the proposed London Traffic (Unhired Cabs) Regulations. The following organizations were represented :Transport and General Workers' Union (cab section), the Cab Proprietors' Council, to which are affiliated the London Motor Cab Proprietors' Association, the Federation of London Taxicab Proprietors and the Motor Cab OwnerDrivers' Association ; the Motor Cab Trade Protection Society ; the Taxi Drivers' League and the London General Cab Co. The proceedings were private but the Minister subsequently announced that, before coming to a final decision, the fullest consideration would be given to the views expressed by the deputation.
Facing the Price-cutting Problem.
The need for efficient spare-parts service and the necessity of immediate and strong action in the matter of pricecutting were stressed at the second annual dinner and concert of the London Chevrolet Dealers Club, which was held last Tuesday. It was a most pleasant and informal event, and several men well known to dealers in, and operators of, Chevrolet and Bedford vehicles were present.
Messrs. It. Davies, G. Flett, F. Laing and B. Fisher represented General Motors, Ltd., the manufacturer, whilst Mr. A. F. Palmer Phillips, the director of sales (Great Britain) for General Motors and Vauxhall products, paid a visit late in the evening after another
Important engagement. Mr. W. P.•Spurling, of Spurling Motor Bodies.
Ltd., the club president, was chairman. 520 Other well-known personalities in the London and district motor trade, who were present, included Messrs. H. L. Jessup (jessups, Ltd.), H. Maidens (Croydon Auto Service Co.), D. C. 'Wells (Carmo [1929], Ltd.), and W. Willmott (Willmotts Motors, Ltd.). Mr. D. H. G. Richardson is hon. sec.
C.M.U.A. Annual Luncheon.
The annual luncheon of the Commercial Motors Users Association will be held at the Savoy Hotel on Wednesday, March 9th.
Traffic Commissioners to Confer.
Arrangements are being made for the chairmen of the Traffic Commissioners in the 13 areas to meet shortly to discuss the administration of the Road Traffic Act. The conference will, we understand, take place shortly.
The Salami System of Lowtemperature Carbonization.
We were guests last week at an interesting luncheon given by Sir Eric Hambro, K.B.E., in honour of Cornmendatore Piero Salami, who has evolved a new system of low-temperature carbonization of coal.
An enormous amount of time and money has already been expended in endeavours to develop a satisfactory add economic process of this nature, but, until now, results have not been highly satisfactory. If the Salerni method proves as practicable as would appear to be the case, then it should have an excellent future. It augurs well that it has the financial backing of Sir Eric Hambro and the confidence of such a well-known authority as Professor R. V. Wheeler, Professor of Fuel Technology at Sheffield University, who recently spoke on this subject in U.S.A. One of the points is that Salerni has succeeded in increasing the density of the semi-coke by 25 to 30 per cent., so that it can be accepted for general purposes as a satisfactory substitute for bituminous coal. The calorific value is also increased, whilst the process is claimed to remove the causes of trouble 4itherto experienced in the refining of low-temperature oils.
The Salerni retort is of the rotarydrum type, and recent developments have resulted in the incorporation of the combustion chamber within the drum itself.
The plant is of simple design and is capable a construction ih units of large output. For instance, a retort 14 ft. in diameter and 225 ft. long, which are the standard dimensions for cement-kiln operation, would have an output of 1,000 tons of raw coal per 24 hours.
Thomas Tilling's Objection to London Transport Bill.
A memorandum reviewing the London Passenger Transport Bill has been prepared by Thomas Tilling, Ltd., and signed by the company's chairman, Mr. John F. Heaton. The opinion is expressed that the Bill has so far survived because it could be represented to the Labour Party generally as a first instalment of " socialism in our time," and because its provisions are calculated to secure for the Underground group its present income. The memorandum continues with a strong objection to the monopoly which the Board would set up, stating that this must teud to stagnation of enterprise that the Board would be in a peculiarly weak position in dealing with wage demands, and that there would probably be increased fares, particularly on the L.C.C. tramways.
• Booking Agents' Commission.
Following the early information appearing on page 700, as we close for press we learn that Traffic Commissioners are being advised by the Minister of Transport not to impose licence conditions concerning booking agents' commission. '
New Registrations in October.
During the month of October 18,292 motor vehicles were registered for the first time under the Roads Act, -1920, this figure comparing with 20,720 in October, 1930. Included in this year's total are 4,650 goods vehicles and 381 hackney vehicles, these figures contrasting with 4,607 and 618 respectively for the corresponding month a year earlier.
A Bodybuilding Merger.
We are informed that the bodybuilding firm of Messrs. Eastwood and Kenning has been merged with Kennino, Ltd. Whilst the works have been transferred from Trafford Park to Pilsley, near Chesterfield, the headquarters of the bodybuilding department reinain at 274, Deansgate, Manchester. Mr. A. J. W. Laslett continues in charge.
Free State Registrations.
During November the number of new goods vehicles registered and licensed for the first time in the Irish Free State was 111, and of that number 71 had capacities between one and two tons. The number of new hackney vehicles was nine, all but two of them having seating capacities up to six persons. In In the same month seven new registrations were made under the heading of tractors, road locomotives, etc.
Estimating Traffic-congestion Costs.
Mr. Fred Marsden, the city engineer and surveyor of Bradford, recently read a paper before the Town Planning Institute, in London, during the course of which he said that if a 25-cwt. lorry were made to follow a horsed vehicle in congested streets for an hour it would lose money at the rate of 12.8d. per ton-mile, £1 6s. 8d, per day and £381 6s. 8d. per year.
He was dealing with the cost of traffic congestion and went on to say that, in the case of a 3-ton vehicle, the loss would be at the rate of 6.85d. per ton-mile per hour, 12 5s. per day and 1643 10s. per year.
"East Yorkshire" Bus Working.
The total revenue of the East Yorkshire Motor Services, Ltd., in the year ended September 30th last, was £194,992, the net revenue being 121,605, after allowing 136,726 for depreciation, as against /37,098 a year earlier. A sum of 14,500 is to he placed to reserve and a dividend of 8 per cent, is to be paid, which is 1 per cent, higher than for the preceding year, when the carryforward was £6,159, as compared with £10,464 in the year recently concluded. The company is controlled jointly by Tilling and British Automobile Traction, Ltd., and the London and NorthEastern Railway Co.
S.M.T. Buys Ayr Tramways.
It is now officially stated that the Scottish Motor Traction Co., Ltd., Edinburgh, has purchased the Ayr Corporation tramway undertaking, its offer having been accepted by the town council. The company is paying £20,000 in cash and an annual sum of £2,500 for 10 years, and thereafter 1500 for 11 years. The corporation undertakes to support the applications of the company when they come before the Southern Scotland Traffic Commissioners, and the intention is to substitute motorbuses for the existing trams. The proposed date for taking over is January 1st.
The tramways have been in operation now for about 30 years and during the past few years have suffered a severe fall in revenue as the result of motorbus competition. In the past financial year the number of passengers carried was about 51million.
Itossleigh's Report.
The report of Rossleigh, Ltd., for the year ended September 30th last show; that, includin., £24,117 brought in, the profit, after deducting the interim dividend on the preference shares, was £42,035, as against £41,125 a year earlier. The ordinary shareholders are to receive a 10 per cent. dividend, and the amount to be carried forward is £35,067.
America's Grip on Indian Market.
India imported 2,504 complete vans, lorries, buses and chassis, valued at £253,197, during the five months ended August last, as compared with 3,180 vehicles (£449,510) in the similar period a year ago and 7,355 (£869,200) in the corresponding five months of 1929. America is credited with 2,073 vehicles, or about 82 per cent, of the total, followed by Canada (306), Great Britain (100) and "other countries" with 25.
Star Chassis,Prices.
The following are the current prices for Star chassis :—VB4 (26 seats), £645; VB3 (20 mats), £595; 2A-tonner, £545. Will readers please add these prices to the list published in the issue of The Commercial Motor dated November 3rd?
Road Works and Economy.
Presiding at a meeting of the National Council of the Roads Improvement Association, recently held at the Royal Automobile Club, Mr. Rees Jeffreys, chairman of the Association, had much to say concerning the policy of the authorities in reducing road works.
He said that the records of the Association indicated that over 120,000,000 of road work sanctioned by the Ministry of Transport, finance for which had been arranged, had been stopped and, furthermore, that local authorities, in their zeal to support the economy campaign, had held up works of repair and maintenance. He emphasized the fact that delay in road work, particularly in the case of renewals and maintenance, was costly, for progressive deterioration took place.
He added that economies on maintenance and new construction, where 95 per cent, of the expenditure was incurred on labour and material, were illusory and would, in the end, result in a larger expenditure being involved.
The council unanimously decided to draw to the notice of the authorities and the public the false economy of starving roads by cutting down maintenance and holding up works of renewal and reconstruction.
Progress of the Clayton Heater for Passenger Vehicles.
The adoption of the Clayton heater, made by Clayton Dewandre Co., Ltd., Titanic Works, f! Lincoln, for use on passenger vehicles, has been very rapid. Several hundred equipments have already been installed with satisfactory results. We learn that recent orders received by the maker include one for 40 heaters for the Great Northern Railway of Ireland.nor its road vehicles, another for 21 for the Belfast Omnibus Co., Ltd., a third for 20 for the Lincolnshire Road Car Co., Ltd., another for 10 for H. M. S. Catherwood, Ltd., and one for six for Chesterfield Corporation.
B22 Considerable interest in the equipment has also been evinced by Continental coach operators, and an order from Sweden has already been received.
An Oil-engined Vehicle on Fish Transport.
An operator who guarantees fish merchants whom he serves that he will make up the difference in prices realized by the fish should it miss the early market, must have complete faith in the vehicles he employs for transport. Yet this is the policy adopted by Mr. Albert Wiley, a director of one of the largest concerns of fish merchants and trawler owners.
About 12 months ago Mr. Wiley conceived the idea of organizing a roadtransport service to deal with his surplus traffic. In a test he carried out it was found possible for a motor vehicle to load up to 10 p.m. and still arrive in time for the opening at 5 a.m.
of the inland fish markets. A saving in freight charges was also effected, in addition to the advantage of delivering the fish direct to the market centres.
Three months later the idea was put into practice and an A.E.C. Mammoth oil-engined vehicle was placed in service, the vehicle having a short wheelbase so as to comply with the regulations of the dock authorities. We learn that the vehicle is now undertaking runs totalling 1,800 miles per week. It carries peak loads and, according to Mr. Willey, the fuel-consumption return is 10.8 m.p.g. The vehicle has now covered nearly 35,000 miles and has given such good service that the owner has placed a repeat order.
German Imports and Exports.
During the nine months ended September last Germany imported 83 vans and lorries valued at £38,900, as compared with 294 vehicles and £86,400 in the similar period a year ago. However, the exports of German commercial motor vehicles advanced from 1,549 (£627,950) to 2,566 (£843,100).
Bus Tenders Wanted.
The Commercial Secretary to the Residency, Egypt, reports that the Ministry of the Interior, Municipalities and Local Commissions Section, is calling for tenders, which have to be presented in Egypt by January 14th, 1932, for the supply of two buses designed to carry six first-class and 12 second-class passengers. Those in a position to offer British products can obtain further details from the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, reference GX.10969 being quoted.
L.G.O.C. Experiment Not Approved.
The highways committee of Marylebone Borough Council will not allow the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., to place further experimental route-announcement boxes on four of the existing bus-stop posts in the borough. The committee considers that the public would be better served if informative indicators were used on the buses. The latest six-wheelers of the company are much improved in this respect, as is indicated in a paragraph appearing on page 700.
U.A.S. Increased Profits.
The net balance of United Automobile Services, Ltd., for the year ended September 30th last, was £60,931, as compared with £44,071 a year earlier. After making allowance for the preference dividend, directors' fees and writing £3,755 off goodwill, a dividend of 7 per cent. (less tax) is to be paid on the ordinary shares, which compares with 5 per cent, for the preceding year. The amount to be carried forward is raised from £20.561 to £30,886.
Dispatch Manager or Transport Organizer Available.
We know of a man who would be very suitable as a dispatch manager or distribution organizer. He acted in this capacity from 1926 to 1930 for W. H. Smith and Son, Ltd., when he left to become assistant dispatch manager to Gamage.s (West End), Ltd. In midition to engineering experience, he has studied for the Excise and Customs, but this was interrupted by war service as a captain in the Indian Army. He has had sales experience, also experience with stores and accounts for the Air Ministry. Letters addressed "Dispatch," care of the Editor, will be forwarded.
Nottingham Chamber of Commerce Transport Development.
• As from January 1st, 1932, the transport department of Nottingham Chamber of Commerce is prepared to accept traffic, in minimum 10-cwt. lots, for the following destinations :— •
• Redhill, Reigate, Dorking, Guildford, Aldershot, Farnham, Basingstoke, Andover, Salisbury, Bournemouth, Parkstone, Peale, Elwanage, Blandford, Wimborne, Dorchester, Weymouth, Boldport, Lyme Regis, Houston, Sidmonth, Trowbridge, Devizes, Bath, Shaftesbury, Sherborne, Yeovil, Taunton, Exeter, Exmouth, Teignmouth, Dawiish, Newton Abbot, Torquay, Plymouth, Bodmin, St. Austell, Truro, Falmouth, Redruth and Penzance.
Mr. W. Donaldson Wright, the transport manager, informs us that goods for all the above-mentioned places will be carried in covered vans and, so far as possible, the rates will be on a competitive basis in accordance with classification and bulk.