WHEELS of INDUSTRY "The wheels of wealth will be slowed
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by oil difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
S.M.M. and T. Approves Roads and Transport Exhibition.
The Public Works, Roads and Transport Exhibition, to be held at the Agricultural Hall, London, N., between November 13-18 this year, has been approved by the management committee of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders for the participation of bond-signing nieinbers, subject to their exhibits being confined to gully and cesspool-emptying and street-washing machines, road sweepers and refuse collectors.
Tilling and R.A.T. Share Bonus.
The directors of Tilling and British Automobile Traction, Ltd., propose to recommend the shareholders to sanction the capitalization of part of the company's reserve by the issue of bonus shares to the ordinary shareholders in the proportion of one new ordinary share for every four ordinary shares held. Under the scheme recommended, the position of the existing preference shares will be protected.
At present the issuedordinary-share capital of the company amounts to £1,600,000, so that the proposed bonus will absorb £400,000 of the reserve, whieh, at the end of December last, totalled f982,774.
Taxation Concession for Coal-gas Vehicles.
During the conclusion of the report stage of the Finance Bill in the House of Commons on Tuesday' last, the Minister of Transport moved an amendment which, he explained, had been devised in fulfilment of a promise given during the committee stage to consider the special claims of coal-gasivehicles. The amendment would place those vehicles on the same footing, as regards taxation, as steam-propelled vehicles. He pointed out that the concession was made largely in view of the small number of such vehicles in existence, but issued a warning that, if they advanced seriously to compete with other classes bearing heavier taxes, the, whole question of their taxation would have to be reconsidered.
An amendment was accepted by the Government, and agreed to, exempting from the increased rates of • duties, vehicles used by local authorities, or contractors employed by them, for road cleansing and watering.
Growth of Oswald Tillotson, Ltd.
The fourth ordinary general meeting of Oswald Tillotson, Ltd., was recently held in London, when Mr. Julian D. Marks presided in the absence of Mr. Oswald Tillotson (the chairman) owing to indisposition.
Mr. Marks reviewed not only the progress of the company, but its position in the general transport system. It has built up already one of the most important organizations of its class in England. There are eight businesses in the group which are being steadily welded into an harmonious. whole.. Mr. Marks briefly referred to each and to the rapid progress that is being made.
The group of companies constitutes already one of the most important door-to-door long-distance road-haulage organizations in the country. It employs about 400 men, has approximately 250 vehicles continuously on the road with a carrying capacity exceeding 1,500 tons daily and serves over 3,000 regular customers.
Distributing the Scammell Mechanical Horse.
We are advised that Walson, Ltd., Abbey House, Baker Street, London, N.W.1, has been appointed wholesale distributor for the Scammell Mechanical Horse for London and the Home Counties, in accordance with the manufacturer's decision to market this vehicle entirely through the trade.
Walson, Ltd., has, in turn, appointed retail dealers in some districts, and tells us that it is prepared to receive applications front motor dealers of good standing for any territory which is still open.
An Employment Society for Executives.
A new body, known as the British Executive Employment Society, Swan Rouse, 333:'.:,Oxford Street, London, W.1, has been formed to assist that class of unemployed of the existence of which the public is hardly aware because no assistance is received from the State. This class is composed mainly of men with executive and administrative experience, engineers, chemists, 'accountants and the " black-coated " worker generally.
The aims are to put members into touch with existing vacancies and to promote and undertake such activities as will create work. A clubroom has been opened at the above address, and this will contain current trade journals and facilities for writing, etc. There aye no preliminary fees for the employment bureau. A business bureau has also been started.
The entrance fee for membership is 5s., which, if the applicant be unemployed, can be met by a payment of 2s. EM. on joining and 2s. 6d. within two months. An Invaluable Year Book on Road Transport.
A new edition of "The Motor Transport Year Book and Directory," coostituting the 17th volume, revised to May, 1933, has recently been published by Electrical Press, Ltd., 13-16, Fisher Street, London, W.C.1. It is a voluminous book and runs to about 1,000 pages —an increase of 50 pages over the previous volume.
The new volume deals with approximately 10,225 undertakings, of which 8,785 are transport-operating concerns, i.e., nearly 1,000 more than were re-. corded in the previous edition. The book provides a complete record of all motorbus and coach proprietors and municipal passenger-transport operators, as well as the principal goods, transport and haulage undertakings.
Apart from' dealing with these aspects of the industry, the year book also covers the manufacturing side, and provides, as well, an up-to-date and com prehensive summary of the law. .
In addition to the statistical matter and subjects usually covered under the general survey section, the new volume deals briefly with the Salter Report, the Road and Rail Traffic Bill, the new taxation proposals and the newly constituted London PassengernsTransport Board. In this connection, 13 maps of the traffic areas are included, as well as a new one showing the London passenger-transport area.
It is a most comprehensive work and contains . a wealth of, important statistics and matter(of vital interest to the commercial-motor industry. The price remains at 30s. net, post free inland. The book is edited by Mr. F. C. Garrett.
Demonstrations at the New ArmstrongSaurer Depot.
In connection with the opening ceremony of the new depot of ArmstrongSaurer Commercial Vehicles, Ltd., on the Great West Road, Brentford, Which takes place on July 4, a series of interesting demonstrations will be given.
A customer's vehicle will be brought into the main vehicle bay, where the engine will be taken out of the chassis and, following the methods in force at the new service station, it will be transported by overhead crane to the fitters' shop, where it will be completely dist mantled and the various parts laid open for inspection. In another vehicle the back axle will be taken down, and, after passing through the degreasing plant, will be available for inspection.
In the case of a third vehicle the wheels will be taken off and passed into the machine-shop, where the drums will be skimmed, the liners stripped off and new liners fitted. This demonstration is intended to show how quickly the work can be done, and the stripping and relining processes take seven minutes.
The injection system employed on the Arinstrong-Saurer oilers will be demonstrated, whilst the method of grinding and honing cylinders, drilling and various cutting processes will also be included in the series of operations.
Death of Mr. L. A. Legros.
Another old friend has passed in the person of Mr. Lucien Alphonse Legros, 0.13.E., M.I.Mech.E., M.List.C.E., who died last Friday, in his 68th year, as the result of a street accident. Be was the son of Prof. Alphonse Legros, was apprenticed to Hunter and English, general engineers, and later worked with the London and South Western Railway, Hick, Hargreaves and Co., and the London Portland Cement Co. Afterwards he became engineer to the Gas Traction Co., and to the Wicks Rotary Type Casting Co., and then took up the manufacture of Iris cars. He was a Whitworth exhibitioner in 1889.
Mr. Legros was always a keen supporter of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, of which he was twice president. He was awarded the Starley premium and the Hawksley medal of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for papers on the subjects of type-casting and transport. Amongst other important posts which he held during the War was that of assistant consulting engineer to the Admiralty Landship Committee; he was also engaged on tank designing for the Munitions Inventions Committee.
R.H.A. and Amendments to the Bill
A meeting of the Dorset and West Hants area branch of the Road Haulage Association was held a few days ago at Poole, when Mr. R. Sewill, vicechairman of the Association, addressed the members on the Road and Rail Traffic Bill. Mr. A. .7. Wright occupied the chair, and, in stressing the need for increased membership of the Association, said that unless the industry was united they would find themselves severely handicapped when they had to apply for licences under the Act.
Mr. Sewill reported on the work the Association had done, and mentioned that certain amendments had been obtained in the committee stage. A statement had been secured from the Minister of Transport that in any applications for renewals at the end of the's two years' period preference would be given to those already in business. There would be no confining the operator to his own locality, although the speaker thought that the " anywhere-to-anywhere " class of haulier, who does not offer regular facilities, would have a difficult case to establish before the Commissioners.
Successful Commercial-vehicle Entrants in Eastbourne Concours.
In perfect weather, the Eastbourne Concours d'El6gance, which was recently held, attracted a record number of visitors and was a most successful event. There were four classes for commercial vehicles, one for delivery vans up to 15 cwt., another for delivery vans over 15 cwt., another for lorries and, finally, one for saloon coaches.
In the first-named class there were 10 entries, and the first award was secured by Plummer Roddis, Ltd., with an Austin 13 lisp. van having bodywork by Messrs. Barton and Tipper. The second place was taken by Messrs. Margery Daw with a 14 h.p. Morris.
In the class for delivery vans over 15 cwt. (seven entries), Hovis, Ltd.,. secured first place with an impressive Leyland six-wheeler, the body of which was built by the operator. A Bedford van, operated by Eastbourne Corporation Electricity Department and with a Mansfield body took second place.
The Eastbourne Electricity Department also gained first award in the class for lorries (three entries), again with a Bedford, the bodywork in this case being by Messrs. Parrott and Higgins.
There were three entries in the class for coaches, first award being secured by Southdown Motor Services, Ltd., with a Harrington-bodied Leyland.
I.F.S. Exports More Tractor Parts.
Seven tractors of an estimated value of 1754 were shipped from the Irish Free State during the four months ended April last, as contrasted with 1,060 machines (1105,513) .a year ago. On the other hand, the value of the exported tractor parts increased from 116,525 to /22,704.
Personal Par.
Mr. H. Ardern, Director of Public Cleansing, Blackpool, and bon. secretary of the Institute of Public Cleansing, has been appointed chief of the City of Westminster Cleansing Department.
A presentation was recently made to Mr. T. W. Fallon, on severing his connection with the Barton Motor Co., Ltd., Exeter. Mr. Fallon was held in high regard by all grades of the company's workers.
Mr. F. M. Butler, A.M.I.M.E., M.I.A.E., certifying officer of the East Midland Traffic Area, has been appointed certifying officer of the Metropolitan Traffic Area, and took up his duties on Wednesday last.
Mr, M. Meltz, who is well known in connection with his all-metal body-building activities, has joined the staff of Strachans (Acton), Ltd. He has been engaged ,on the production of metal bodywork of various classes since 1909, and holds many patents • covering an s unique system of construction.
In view of the increasing demand for all-metal bodywork, Strachans (Acton), Ltd., informs us that it has equipped part of its works for producing such bodies, although it will continue to build wood-framed bodies.
G.E.C. Trading.
During the year ended March 31, 1932, the General Electric Co., Ltd., made a net profit of 1603,165, which compares with /611,547 for the previous year. A dividend of 8 per cent. is being paid on the ordinary shares, whilst a transfer of £137,750 is made to the reserve and £32,014 is contributed to the pension fund. The sum carried forward is /421,245.
Distributor's Display in Manchester.
Lookers, Ltd., Hardman Street, Deansgate, Manchester, distributor for various makes of commercial vehicle and car, will give the former pride of place in its extensive ground-floor showrooms from June 26 to July 8, when there will he a special exhibition of Commers of 6-cwt. to 61-ton capacity, 5-cwt. and 10-cwt. Austins, and Karriers in Cob, Colt and Bantam models. A variety of bodies will be shown.
Henley's Dividend.
The directors of W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd., have recommended the payment of a final dividend of 2s. (3d. per share (less income tax) on the ordinary shares of the company, making, with the interim dividend already paid, a total of 4s. per share for the year. They also recommend a cash bonus of 2s. per share, less tax. It is proposed to pay the dividend and bonus on July 7 Merryweather Protects a Pageant.
The fire-protection arrangements in connection with the Greenwich Night Pageant, which commenced on June 16 and closes to-morrow, have been in the hands of Merryweather and Sons, Ltd., the well-known concern of fire engineers. A detachment of the company's fire brigade, under the supervision of its officer—a former. senior superintendent of the London Fire Brigade—has been in attendance each night.
Alliance of Owner Drivers' First Meeting.
The first meeting of the Alliance of Owner Drivers was held a few days ago at the New Inn, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE., the chair being taken by Capt. E. H. B. Palmer, 0.B.E., the organizing secretary, who was supported by Mr. A. Dawborn, member of the advisory board.
Having summarized the aims and objects of the Alliance, the chairman said that there was a demand for an association that would represent solely the views and interests of the ownerdriver class of haulier. He emphasized the desire for amicable relationship veith the older associations.
The meeting was subsequently thrown open to general discussion. The reply to a question as to whether membership of the Road Haulage Association would disqualify for membership of the A.O.D. was, "No, so long as the rules of the A.O.D. are observed." In answer to a non-member's inquiry, it was said that the A.O.D. would advise, assist and represent its members in the matter of licences.
It was agreed to hold another meeting as early as possible. Those interested in the work of the Alliance can obtain particulars by writing to the organizing secretary, 6, Norfolk Mansions, London, S.W.11.
Aveling and Porter Works Removal.
Aveling and Porter, Ltd., advises us that it is transferring the whole of its business from the existing works at Rochester to a more up-to-date factory at Grantham. The transference will commence in two or three months' time, and will occupy five to six months. During the next few months the company will be building up its stocks, and. the move will be arranged so as to interfere as little as possible with its normal.
programme and spares service. .
The company's new factory stands on a site covering 30 acres, and the new brick-built shops, all arranged in bays 500 ft. long, are planned on modern lines.
All communications to Aveling and Porter, Ltd., and Barford and Perkins, Ltd., should be addressed to Rochester.
Sir Percival Perry on Ford Trading.
Sir Percival Perry, K.B.E., chairman, presided at the fourth ordinary general meeting of the Ford Motor Co., Ltd., which was held a few days ago at Dagenham. He said that the company's Dagenham works, although not at the moment employing a maximum number of workers, are designed to afford employment for many thousands, setting out to meet world requirements on a greater scale than is contemplated anywhere in the European automobile industry.
The .company's organization was designed upon a plan which contemplated four-fifths of its output of passenger and commercial vehicles being sold in the export market. In regard to tractors, the company expected that not less than nine-tenths of its products would be 'absorbed by overseas demands.
Sir Percival said that the losses which the company has sustained (its past year's trading was reviewed in our issue for last week) have accrued principally because Of the company's endeavours to increase British overseas trade. He mentioned that, in the automobile Indus B20 try, the company represents, in a peculiar -manner, the objectives of the World Economic Conference, and added that, if the objects of this conference were not ultimately attained, then the company would fail in achieving its programme.
Gilford Sales H.Q.
The sales department of the Gilford Motor Co., Ltd., is now installed at 28, Westminster Bridge Road, London, S.E.1.
A Ford Show in October.
It has been decided to hold a Ford motor exhibition at the Royal Albert Hall, London, from October 12-21 next. This period coincides with the Motor Show at Olympia.
Ribble Motor Services Accounts.
The accounts of Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., for the year ended March 31, 1933, show that total revenue amounted to £1,156,502, as compared with
£1,173,933 a year earlier. After deducting all expenses, including £172,296 for depreciation and £13,373 written off goodwill, a sum of £65,072 is left, which, added to the amount brought into the accounts, gives a disposable balance of
£115,428. The dividend on the 64 per cent, preference shares will absorb £13,000, and a 10 per cent. dividend on the ordinary shares £60,000, leaving £12,428 to be carried forward.
The vacancy on the board, caused by the death of Mr. Leo. M. Myers, has been filled by the appointment of Mr. F. P. Arnold.
A Helpful Route Map of London.
For the motor user who requires assistance when driving into or out of London, or for traversing the Metropolis in any direction the Automobile Association has issued a route map covering an area of 20 sq. miles between Edgware, Purley, Hounslow and Barking. The scale is 1 in. to the mile and all thoroughfares can readily be identified.
The classification of the routes into London, exits, recommended routes and lesser roads is helpful. A copy of the map can be obtained by any reader of this paper by writing the Association at Fanum House, New Coventry Street, London, W.1.
The Latest Firestone Tyre for Severe Service Conditions.
We publish on this page an illustration of an International industrial tractor, belonging to Mr. W. R. Smith, of Stokenchurch, which has recently been converted from solid tyres to special Firestone Ground-Grip pneumatics on the rear wheels. The tractor is fitted with winch gear. The machine is continually at work on soft ground hauling heavy tree trunks, and prior to the conversion sleepers had to be used to obtain adhesion.
The Ground-Grip tyre has a tread design which gives the maximum grip on the road or track, irrespective of the nature of the surface. It has a doublehelical tread which does not clog with mud, and the design is such that the apertures between the tread bars gradually increase in width and depth towards the outside of the tread, thus providing an easy passage for mud to extrude away. The side treatment of the tyre is also interesting, and gives great assistance in deep ruts and under other severe conditions, where the utmost tractive effort is called for.
The Firestone Ground-Grip tyres have been specially developed by the Firestone Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, for use on mechanical navvies, travelling cranes and tractors used on farm lands or for lumbering.
Benzole Producers Meet at Lucerne.
At the sixth plenary meeting of the International Conference of Benzole Producers, held at Lucerne the retiring president, Sir David Milne-Watson, was unanimously re-elected. Most ,European countries were represented and a general survey of the economic situation of the benzole market was presented.
Several technical matters relating to the production, refining and distribution of benzole were considered, and special interest was aroused by papers on the anti-knack value of benzoic and the inhibitor process.
New Registrations in April.
A return lately issued by the Ministry of Transport shows that, during the month of April, 1933, the number of motor vehicles registered for the first time under the Roads Act, 1920, was 27,400, as contrasted with 25,114 in April, 1932. This year's total includes 3,839 goods vehicles and 383 hackney vehicles, the comparable figures for 1932 being 4,024 and 460 respectively.
The increase in the total is almost wholly brought about by the larger number of private cars registered, the figure for April last being 17,420 as against 14,306 a year earlier.
Tecalemit's New Outfits.
We have received frem Tecalemit, Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, details of three new items of Tccalemit apparatus. One is the Easy Gun Lubricator, the trade price of which is £8. It is an efficient manually operated high-pressure grease gun, capable of dealing with any type of nipple. The gun itself fits into the grease drum, so that no grit or dirt can contaminate the lubricant. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use in connection with commercial-vehicle fleets.
Another new outfit is the Little Giant Lubricator, which sells at the trade price of six guineas. It operates on almost the same principle as the Easy Gun outfit, and the grease container holds 12 lb. of lubricant, sufficient for approximately 18 vehicles. It is a portable outfit.
The other appliance is the Junior airoperated gear flusher, selling at £5, the price including 20 ft. of rubber hose for attaching to the air point. It is easily carried around and is of simple design.
New Harrier Agent..
Lookers, Ltd., 5-25, Hardman Street, Manchester, the well-known concern of motor dealers, has been appointed a distributor for Harrier products of the Cob, Colt and Bantam types.
Accessories Required for France.
Etablissements Jean J. Roston, 31, Boulevard des Italiens (Palais Berlitz), Paris, wishes to arrange exclusive agencies for the sale of British motor accessories in France and its Colonies.
Hansomes, Sims and Jefferies Report.
The report of Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., for the year ended March 31, 1933, shows, after making provision for depreciation and bad and doubtful debts, a loss of £15,727, to which has to be added interest on debenture stock and deposits, amounting to £11,357. Adding to the previous year's balanee of £7,686 a sum of 135,000 transferred from the reserve account, and deducting the loss for the past year, leaves a sum of £15,602 to be carried forward.
"North-Western" Results.
In the year ended March 31, 1933, the reaipts of the North-Western Road Car Co., Ltd., totalled £643,307, and, after deducting all expenses, including depreciation, there is a surplus of £63,852, the amount available, after adding the sum brought in, being £87,456.
After deducting the interim dividend of 5 per cent., paid in November last, £64,955 remains. The general reserve receives an allotment of £10,000, whilst the 10 per cent. per annum dividend accounts for £22,500, a bonus distribution of 2 per cent, absorbing a further £11,250. The amount carried forward is £21,206.
Leipzig Fair London Office. Exhibitors at and visitors to the Leipzig International Industries Autumn Fair, which opens on August 27, should note that, as from June 19, the London office of the Fair has been moved to 34-36, Maddox Street, London, W.1, the change having been necessitated because of the need for more central premises.
British Cabs for Holland.
We learn that Singer and Co., Ltd., has recently received an order from Holland for 20 9 h.p. saloon taxicabs. Taxicabs are widely used in Holland, and operators of them find that engines of small horse-power are much more economical to run than the bigger units hitherto employed.