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WHEELS of INDUSTRY The wheels of wealth will be slowed

24th February 1931
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

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.

The Institute of Transport Dinner.

Among the principal guests at the forthcoming dinner of the Institute of Transport on March 5th at the Connaught Rooms, London, W.C.2, wiff be • His Excelleney the Italian Ambassador. the Right Hon. Lord Ponsonby of Shulbrede (Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport). and the chairMao (the Right Hon. Sir Arthur. Griffith Boscawen) and members of the • Royal Commission on Transport. The speakers will include the President of the Institute, the Hon. Sir Arthur Stanley, G.B.E., C.B., M.V.O., and Sir Josiah C. Stamp, G.B.E., past president.

Marketing Morris-Commercials in _Germany. . . • It is with much interest that we learn that arrangements have been made for Morris-Commercial vehicles to be • marketed in Germany by the StoewerWerke, A.G., a company of outstanding reputation. We understand that Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., Soho, Birmingham, will ship major units from this country to the licensee, which will assemble them in Stettin, the necessary detail parts for the completion of the vehicles being supplied by the German concern.

Prosecutions for Excessive Noise.

It is officially stated that in the Metropolitan Police District the following prosecutions took place during 1930:—Under the Motor Car (Excessive Noise) Regulations, 4,711:under the Motor Car (Use and Construction) Orders in• regard to silencers, 18,615; under the same orders for failing to stop the action of machinery, 15: total,

23,341.

In view of thee figures the Minister of Transport sees no reason to doubt the effect of such Orders and regulations in discouraging excessive noise.

Increased Manchester Bus Receipts.

An interesting commentary on the rapid development of municipal bus services in Manchester is to be found in the estimates of the local corporation for 1931-32. The report states that for the current year (1920-31) the income from the buses will show an increase of *213,300, and the tram receipts a reduction of £193,500, with an increase of 1212,600 in bus expenditure and a decrease of £129,500 in tramways expenses, For. 1931-32 bus income is estimated at £592,300 and expenditure at £560,800.

No Increase in London Licences.

Reporting upon the annual renewal of Motor vehicle licences, the public control committee of the London County Connell states that daring the five weeks ended January 20th 46,015 licences were issued over the counter at the County Hall and 84,843 were sent by post, as compared with 43,686 and B28 88,953 respectively during a similar period of the previous year.

This year 23,670 licences were issued at post offices, as compared with 22,106 last year. The duty obtained in respect of licences granted by the council amounted to £2,451.154, as against £2,452,412 during the corresponding period of the previous •year. In.addition, the duty received at the post offices amounted to £218,879, making the total revenue collected in London £2,665,033.

The slight decrease in' the number of licences issued by the council is practically balanced by the increase in the number of licences given out at post offices, but this is the first year in which the number of licences issued in London has not increased.

The Annual New Car Number of "The Motor."

To-day our associated journal The Motor issues the annual New Car Number. A special feature this year is a 16page art section illustrating standardized and exclusive coachwork on 1931 cars. There is also a compendium of 1931 car prices and specifications.

Nearly 3,000,000 Drivers' Licences.

The number of drivers' licences issued from December 1st, 1929, to November 30th, 1930, was 2,809,583, and the revenue received therefrom was £102,396.

Plymouth's Tramways Doomed.

The transport committee of Plymouth Corporation has considered a report by the manager concerning the future of the tramways. He recommends that the discontinuance of the tramways be gradually effected over approximately the next 10 years, the rate of progress to be relative to the reduction of debt and the financial position of the under

taking. It is suggested thatcertain tramway routes should be maintained until such time as the tramway debt is practically extinguished, but that the services on these sections should be reduced and that 1.0 double-deck buses be bought. Licences for Public-service Vehicles.

On February 9th, 1931, there came into force the Public Service Vehicles (Licences and Certificates) Provisional Regulations, made by the Minister of Transport. Copies, price 2d. .each, are obtainable from His Majesty's Stationery Office, Adastral House, Kingsway, London, W.C.2, or from other addresses of the office or from any bookseller.

These regulations deal with the procedure to be adopted in applying for public-service-vehicle licencest certificates of fitness, road-service licences, and when submitting a vehicle for approval as a " type vehicle." The fee in respect of a public-service-vehicle licence and a certificate of fitness is £3 in each case; the road-service licence costs £1, or -10s: for a backing. For a new design of machine to be approved as a " type vehicle" the fee is P211, and for a modified class of machine, conforming substantially with a type already approved, the fee is £10.

Transport Results in Lanes.

• For 1930 the combined gross profits of the operating undertakings of the Lancashire United Transport and Power Co.,. Ltd., were £96,447, as compared with £88,785 in the previous year Receipts, increased by £23,823. and expenditure by £16,170, largely due to bus developments. Motorbus and sundry receipts, together with interest received by the company from the South Lancashire • Transport Co., amounted to £289,229, an increase of £33,300. A provision of £35,052 is made for the depreciation of motor vehicles, and £28,721 is to be carried to the depreciation account, this being rendered necessary by the gradual abandonment of the tramways.

Tilling's Offer to the National.

The directors of the National Omnibus and Transport Co., Ltd.,' have received from Thomas Tilling, Ltd., an offer to purchase the whole of the ordinary shares of £1 each in the company at the price of 438. per share, and the whole of the options on the ordinary shares at the price of 22s. per ordinary share comprised in such options. As these terms are considered satisfactory the directors have entered into a provisional agreement with Thomas Tilling, Ltd., on behalf of the shareholders aud option-holders. The agreement is subject to the acceptance by holders of 75 per cent, of the ordinary shares and options.

In the event of the agreement being ratified, Sir John ,Iarvis, Bt., the chairman of the National Omnibus, and Transport Co., Ltd., is to remain chairman, Mr. H. C. Merrett, a director, and the services of Mr. W. J. Iden, the company's managing director, and Mr. B. Smith, the general manager, are to be retained. Mr. H. G. Burfordand Col. the Hon. Stuart Pleydell-Bouverio are te resign in consideration of a payment of £3,000 to each by the purchasing organization.

Personal Pars.

Mr. S. Oxon, who was recently manager of the northern division of the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd., has now been appointed southern divisional manager for the company, Mr. S. Kershaw, who has acted as manager of the western division, being appointed to fulfil the vacancy in the north. Mr. N. Marsden, former general-line salesman in the Warwickshire and Worcestershire territory has been promoted to branch manager of the western division, with headquarters at 358-360, Bellbarn Road, Birmingham.

Henry Meadows, Ltd., the well-known engine and gearbox manufacturing concern, of Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, advises us that Mr. P. J. Hays has been appointed sales manager for the We regret to learn of the indisposition of Mr. Gordon Stewart, the governing director of Stewart and Ardern, Ltd. Mr. Stewart, whose name has for many years been associated with the distribution of Morris products in the London area, has not, of late, enjoyed good health, but we hope that the holiday abroad he is about to take will enable him speedily to recover, so that he will return full of hiscustomary zeal and energy.

Accident Prevention in Scotland.

At ti conference recently held in Edinburgh, it was decided to set up a Scottish " Safety First" Council, with a view to organizing an intensive campaign to minimize the toll of accidents. The address of the organization is 113, St. Vincent Street, Glasgow. Mr. H. C. F. Scott is the acting secretary, from whom Scottish users should obtain all details of the freedom-from

accidents competition for _drivers, which is run by the council and under which awards are made annually.

The Statesmen's Year Rook.

For those whose business demands that they take a wide view of the world's affairs, having a need for frequent and urgent recourse to information and statistics relating to each and every country, the Statesmen's Year Book, published each year by Macmillan and Co., Ltd., St. Martin's Street, London, W.C.2, is invaluable. The 68th annual publication is now in preparation and will shortly be available. In addition to information on the constitution and government of every country, detailed advice on production, industry, commerce,. communications, imports and exports, will be included, making the work particularly useful to all engaged in the export of commercial motors.

Hauliers' services Preferred.

A special committee of Sheffield Corporation has arrived at the conclusion that it is not advisable for the municipality to establish a central haulage department. Moreover, the committee is satisfied that nothing would be gained by carrying out with municipal vehicles (either by adding to departmental fleets or through a central department) the work now done by hauliers.

We are asked to make it clear that in connection with the Sdfweld process of welding, Messrs. Thos. P. Headland, of Pearman Street, London, S.E.1, are acting as sole distributors for the British Isles.

Water for steamers.

The joint scheme of the Commercial Motor Users Association and the British Waterworks Association for the supply of water to steam wagons is referred to in the annual report of the Liverpool Area Committee of the C.M.U.A. Although the scheme continues to operate successfully, a great deal of damage continues to be done to service boxes, whilst the committee notes with concern the increasing number of prosecutions against drivers.

Attention has been given to the question of interference by local authorities with natural water supplies, in eases of road reconstruction, and as a result assurances have been received from the Ministry of Transport that, where natural water supplies have previously existed, everything possible-will be done by the authorities concerned to see that they are retained.

Exacting Tests for Tyres.

An informative little booklet on tyre testing has recently been published by the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., and copies can be obtained from the general service manager at Fort Dunlop. The booklet is entitled "How Dunlop Quality is Maintained," and it deals with the company's test fleet, which annually covers 2,500,000 tyre-miles.

It contains illustrations and descriptions of the laboratories, rotary-testing machines, impact testing machines, and other devices for ascertaining features of tyre service. There is also a description of an unusual temperature -test. The Safe-Beam Anti-dazzle Device.

Much-improved editions of the Desmo Safe-Beam anti-dazzle device are now upon the market; prices range from £1 15s, to £2 Sc. and the types suit practically all makes of lamp produced within the past ten years. It is sold by Desmo, Ltd., Stafford Street, Birmingham. The idea consists of a reflector which covers only the upper half of the main reflector of each lamp ; fitting is but the work of a minute and no tools arc required. The new type permits a good length of beam for safe driving and, at distances below about 100 ft., the dazzle rays are completely cut off ; that is, from the point of view of a driver approaching the Deemo-equipped vehicle.

The latest type of the device includes a modified reflector and a point-filament bulb, which in combination give the results to which we have referred ; in

the past year or so this devic6 has been made much more effective, both from the point of view of giving a safe driving light and reducing dazzle.

Working Costs for a Municipal Fleet.

In his annual report the surveyor of Warwickshire mentions that during last year the quantity of material hauled by piecework from the various stations and wharves was 72,083 tons, the cost being £10,204, or an average of 2s. 10d. per ton delivered to the roads where required, as compared with 2s. Sid. per ton for the previous year.

The cost of working the council's 10 steam wagons was £6,063 5s. 5d., or an average cost of £2 1:3s. 10d. per working day. This figure includes the wages of drivers, two loaders, fuel, oil and repairs, but no amount for depreciation, interest on capital, etc. The tonnage ofmaterial hauled during the year was 54,539. The haulage cost of material delivered on to the roads was 2s. 21d. per ton, which was the same as in the previous year.

The average cost per working day for 1330 the Petrol lorries was £1 2s. 2d., as compared with 11 3s. 5d. for the previous year. These figures do not include an amount for depreciation, interest on capital, etc.

B.O.C. Building Bus Bodies.

The Belfast Omnibus Co., Ltd., which is the largest operating concern in Northern Ireland, is now building its own bus bodies. The first of the new bodies is mounted on an A.E.C. Regal chassis, and a large order for further chassis of this type has been placed. The company has also under construction several sliding-head coach bodies, A.E.C. Progress in Canada.

The new company which has recently been established in Canada to market A.E.C. commercial vehicles is forging ahead and, under the title of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., of Canada, the company is established in offices at

the Keefer Building, Montreal, Mr. E. 3. Cosford being president of the concern. Mr. Cosford has held several important executive appointments with sales organizations, and he is a wellknown transport personality on "the other side."

A Mercury 3i-tonner and ft Majestic 6-tonner with left-hand steering and other important modifications have recently been shipped to Canada for demonstration purposes.

A Debate on the Royal Commission's Report.

The council of the Institute of Transport announces that it has allocated the ordinary meeting, to be held on April 13th next, to a debate upon the final report of the Royal Commission on Transport. The meeting will be held in the lecture theatre of the Institution of Electrical Engineers, Victoria Embankment, London, W.C.2, and will commence at 5.30 p.m.

Applications by non-members of the Institute for tickets of admission should be addressed to the secretary, 15, Savoy Street, London, W.C.2.

Municipal Purchases and Proposals. .

ABERDARE Urban District Council requires four buses.

REDCAR Town Council has decided to purchase a fire-engine.

Presforra Corporation is buying 10 Vulcan 3-ton refuse collectors.

WARRINGTON Corporation is inviting tenders for the supply of nine buses.

Sr. MARYLEBONE Borough Council has ordered six Vulcan 35-40-cwt. refuse collectors.

The electrical department of SALFORD Corporation is buying a Thornycroft 5ton hydraulic tipping wagon.

The gas committee of CHESTERFIELD Corporation has asked the gas engineer to obtain quotations for a van.

DEPTFORD Borough Council is to buy new vehicles for dust collecting and other purposes, at a cost of £1,820. TIVERTON Town Council is applying for sanction to borrow £700 for the purchase of a refuse-collection vehicle.

The fire brigade committee of ATHERTON Urban District Council has authorized the purchase of an ambulance.

The highways committee of KENT County Council recommends the Purchase of a lorry not exceeding £800.

Cour,snoN Urban District Council has received sanction to borrow £310 for the purchase of a 35-40-cwt. lorry.

SALE (Cheshire). "Urban District Council is inviting tenders for the supply of an Austin 20 h.p. ambulance.

BLACKPOOL Corporation is buying two Electricar • 3/-ton refuse-collection vehicles equipped with the maker's patent covers.

GELLEGAER Urban District Council requires a motor ambulance, tenders for the supply of which have to be delivered by March 3rd, BOLTON Corporation is buying 10 Leyland bus chassis. The question of the bodies to be fitted has been referred to a sub-committee.

PENISTONE (Yorks.) and District Isolation Hospital Committee has decided to purchase a new fever ambulance at a cost of £460.

MaNcsissrEn Corporation has ordered Luehard high-pressure air compressors for tyre inflation from the Equipment and Engineering Co., Ltd.

The sanitary committee of SiTroseBOURNE Urban District Council is obtaining tenders for the supply of two or three motors for refuse collection.

• The cleansing committee of WALSALL Corporation has obtained sanction to • borrow £2,333 for the purchase of mechanical vehicles for refuse collection. CHICHESTER Town Council is inviting tenders for the supply of a refusecollection vehicle and a road roller of approximately 7 tons weight. Further particulars can be obtained from the City engineer and surveyor, Greyfriars, North Street, Chichester, and tenders have to be delivered not later than noon on March 2nd.

The tramway and omnibus committee of BIRMINGHAM Corporation is prepared to• receive tenders for the supply of 60 four-wheeled bus chassis, suitable for carrying 52-seater double-deck. bodies. Further particulars can be obtained from the general manager of the undertaking, The Council House, Con. greve Street, Birmingham, and tenders . hate to be delivered by 11 ala, on

• March • 11th. •

New Vehicle Registrations.

The Ministry of Transport has recently issued a return giving details of the number of motor vehicles registered for the first time under the Roads Act, 1920, during the month of December, 1930, and it shows that, in the figure of 20,273, 4,455 goods vehicles and 654 hackney vehicles are included. The figure for the month of December, 1929, was 18,020, which included 4,150 goods vehicles and 577 hackney vehicles.

The return shows the number of each class of vehicle registered for the first time by each licensing and registration authority, analysed in detail according to various taxation scales.

Motors for Estate Transport.

Included in the _orders which have been received during this month by Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd, are four from important landowners, who are buying vehicles for estate work. They are Viscount Lymington, M.P., who has bought a Morris-Commercial 10-cwt. van through W. W. Webber, Ltd., 15, London Street, Basingstoke; the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Kihnorey, who has pur phased a 30-evvt. station bus through Rowland and Harris, Ltd., Newry, Co. Down ; the Rt. Hon. the Earl of Bradford, who lia,s commissioned an R-type shooting brake through Bradburn and Wedge, Ltd., Darlington Street, Wolverhampton, and the Marquis a Downshire, who has bought a 30-cwt. lorry through Messrs. Perkins Brothers, Wokingham, Berks.

Buses Bring Increased Traffic.

On the latest Manchester tramways route to be converted to bus working— that between the city and Altrincham, six miles away-9,755 more passengers were carried during the first week after the change over and 17,362 in the second week. The journey time has been reduced by 10 minutes.

Thornycrofts for the Railways.

Important repeat orders recently received by John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., include one from the London and North Eastern Railway Co. for 14 30-cwt. goods chassis, and another from the South African Railways for five 12-ton six-wheeled chassis.

Crossley's Trading.

The report of Crossley Motors, Ltd., for the year ended October 31st last shows a loss of £49,823, from which a sum of £5,705, representing the balance to the credit of the previous year's account, has to be deducted, leaving to be carried forward to the next account a debit balance of £44,118.

During the year a number of new types has been added to the company's range, one being a six-cylinder doubledeck bus, for 'which a large number of orders has been received. In the report mention is made of the fact that particular attention has been given to the development of the heavy-oil engine, and that the Crossley unit of this kind has now reached an advanced stage and will shortly be made available to the buying public.

The directors have considered it prudent to make special stock provision to cover any loos on the realization of any other than current models, and to cover this item £40,000 has been appropriated . from, the reserve fund which now stands at £40,000.


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