LOOKING BACK 15 YEARS.
Page 10
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A Plenitude LIKE THE mushroom, of Bus omnibus companies in the Concerns early days of the pas -carrying movement in London used to shoot up in a night, and on every hand the formation of new concerns, each intent on making money by the operation of motorbus services in the Metropolis was witnessed. In the early part of 1906 the Great Eastern London Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., with a capital of £405,000; the Greater London Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., with a, capital of £355,000, and the London Central Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., with a capital of £260,000, were registered. Although 15 years ago the
operations of individual companies did much to enable the motorbus to secure a firm foothold in its rightful sphere of operation, there is no question that in the hancle of a monopoly, such as the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., the requirements of the travelling public are much better' met, although many improvements can still be effected.
IN THE early part of Bus Owners 1906 preliminary arCombine for rangements were nearing Protection. ocampletion under which the old-established London omnibus companies were to combine in order to protect their interests
against newcomers in the field of Greater London's passenger transport. The London United Omnibus Co., Ltd., was the outcome of these endeavours.
THE ILLUSTRATIONS Rollers, Past at the bottom of this page and Present: show a comparison be
tween a motor roller ;milt by Thomas Green and Sons, Ltd., in 1906, and another, which is one of the latest types, built by Barford and Perkins, Ltd. Although these rollers are built by two different makers and one is lighter than the other, it is surprising that the general principles of design have been, after a 15 years' interval, strictly adhered to.