Answers to Queries.
Page 13
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Our raiders will be in.brined by the Editor on any points coded 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 ani answer may be published. Same replies, owing to pressure on our space, are held several week:.
Bell-punches Wanted.
j i,52.5] " Cnans-a-BaNcs Owsrsa " writes :—" Will you kindly give us the address of the Bell Punch Co., of London, as we require punches and tickets for public service. We are constant readers of your paper."
A:caw-EL—The Bell Punch Printing Co., Ltd., 52-56. Tabernacle Street, Finsbury, E.C. Mr. Black is, we believe, the manager.
Where.to Buy a Second-hand Bus.
[1.526] " SHIPPERS write :—" We are in the market for a second-hand commercial bus, to hold 8-10 passengers. If you know of any on the market, we shall be pleased if you will advise us."
ANSWER.—You ought to be able to get what you require by application to Martin's Motors, Ltd., of Burleigh Road, Fortess Road, N., and we hope you will mention this journal when you write. Should you make a purchase, and require inspection or trial before shipment, our engineering department undertakes that class of work.
Selling An Old Wagon: Liability for "Sinking In."
[1,527] " FrRNITURE REMOVER" writes: "I have a steam motor, built in 1904, which really is not strong enough for my work, and I am anxious to dispose of it and get another wagon in its place, so I write to ask if you could give me the name of any one that buys secondham; wagias and supplies new wagons an the hire-purcha , system. What about the (A), (B), and (C) makes?
A few weeks ago, a gentleman engaged me to remove some furniture with my steam motor to a farm a little distance from the high road, and, at the time, I inquired if there was a good hard road up to the house. He replied that there was an ordinary hard road right up to the door, but that I should have to back out, as there was no room to turn. (hi the motor's going over this road, it ran on the grass to one side, owing to the curve, so that it sank in the ground, and they were obliged to jack up, and had great difficulty in. getting away again. The farmer is now claiming damages for injury to the road, so write to ask if you will kindly inform me if T am liable for the damage."
ANSWER.—In regard to the sale of your second-hand wagon, you can either advertise it in this journal, which might bring a buyer, or make terms with one of the manufacturers you name. We know that the (A) and (C) companies do that class of sale, and the B people may do the same.
As regards your difference of opinion with a farmer customer, we should recommend you to write and to repudiate liability, on the ground that you would not have gone except on the strength of his statements that an ordinary hard road existed " right up to the door," and that there was no negligence on the part of your men, and, further, that you were on the road by and in consequence of his orders that you should go there. You might add that he must think himself fortunate that you did not claim for the extra work imposed upon your men, and. the extra strain put upon your wagon. You will probably not hear any noire about it.
About a Bridge Notice.
[1.528] " STEAM WAGON "(further to No. 1,302) writus : —" I thank you for your answer to my query about a bridge notice. I have, as you suggested, written to the Clerk of the Council, and I received a reply which I enclose. You will see he has not answered my question, as to what Act the notice was meant to enforce, but I don't see any fear of causing an obstruction, as I always allow plenty of room for other users of the road. I take it that it is meant—for threshing engines, with their other machines ?
"My wagon is a Foden, in its fourth year now, and have not had any trouble whatever."
[COPY.] " 'In reply to your letter of the 6th inst., by stopping on the road and taking up water at obstruction is caused to the road. Locomotives, like other carriages, have only a right of passage along the road, and cannot cause an obstruction.' " ANSWER.—Our surmise was correct; the notice on the bridge is a pure piece of bluff. So long as you cause no obstruction, you are entitled both to pass along the highway, and to stop upon it for reasonable purpose's. We suggest that you should write to the Clerk now, and point out that the notice, in the circumstances which he explains. should not be confined to steam and motor vehicles, hut should apply to horse-drawn vehicles also, as they are just as likely to came an obstruction.
Light Van for a Baker.
[1,529] " CAMEL" writes:—" I have an inquiry for a light van for a baker and confectioner, to carry a maximum load of 5 cwt., excluding driver, and to take a daily journey of about 30 miles. The car will be driven by the owner, and well looked after. Will you kindly inform me whether you consider the. 1910 8 li.p. — a suitable car for this job. and, if so, whether you would recommend gearing it somewhat lower? I have had no experience of commercial vehicles, but it seems to me that, as the load is not more than four or five average passengers, and the speed required not great, it should be suitable, particularly as our roads are good and not hilly. As this will be the first commercial car in the town, I am anxious that the venture should be a success, and, if you think there are more-suitable cars for this purpose, I shall be glad to know of them. They must not be too expensive."
ANSWER.—The gross load you wish to carry is equivalent to that imposed by five average passengers. The low mileage-30 miles—does not call for high speed. We are unable to recommend the particular machine you mention as being adapted for industrial work. We think you would do well to inquire for a suitable machine from Belsize Motors, Ltd., Clayton, Manchester; Sidney Straker and Squire, Ltd., Nelson Square, Blackfriars ; S. F. Edge, Ltd., 14, New Burlington Street, London, or Stoewer Bros., 35, Queen Victoria Street, London, E.C. Outline your requirements to each of them with care. There is a Napier van running in Cambridge; you should go across and see it. Stoewer Bros., the last name on the above list, are now appointing agents; they make a very cheap van. The "Auto-Carrier," sold by F. B. Goodchild and Co., Ltd., of Craven House, Kingsway, should also be considered, but its maximum load is 6 cwt. plus driver, whereas the vans named will carry more if and when required.