pock Congestion.
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In the recently issued ninth annual report of the Road Board—now, of course, destined to be the last report of that body—there is urged the creation of a new authority to prepare a comprehenSive planning scheme for the whole of the Loncben dock and • riverside area. What is contemplated is the development of the Thames-side area between the docks and Tilbury into a hilly-occupied industrial region of docks, factories„. works and housing villages. It is estimated that 50,000 workpeople and their families -will need . accommodation, so that the -total population of this new district thrown off from, and closely attached to; London, will exceed about 300,900 people.
A very wide use of mechanical road traction is anticipated, and it will be necessary for new roads to be planned and laid out with special regard to the requirementsintroduced by the changes in road transport conditions. Just what the powers of the suggested authority will be is not yet defined, nor has it been definitely planned as to whether its jurisdiction should he restricted to the dock and riverside area or whether its powers should cover the greater London area.
Grouping of Transport Units..
With the return from the war fronts of so'missy men who have been engaged in mechanical -transport, it was obvious that a very large number of ,them would desire to make use of their knowledge and experience (in some oases acquired during the period of hostilities), and to use them as a means to a livelihood on their return to civil life. Already through the War Motors Association a number of them have been able to acclaimSurphis Government vehicles, and have established themselves as single mechanical haulage units in different parts of the country. It is admitted that the man who runs his own vehicle can,. like the
ewner-driszer of a cab, make a good hood, but he is faced with the-difficulty
I giving continuity of service. ASSUIT1ing that he gets help for the purpose of carrying out the clerical duties attached to his business,' and that he can get good garage attention (not always the easiest thing to obtain) at an economical outlay, be is still faced with the need for a spare vehicle to cover the periods when his own machine is undergoing overhaul. Again, such a man is seldom in the know, or is likely to be in the 'knew, of what is proper in the way of rates, and many of them will no doubt be carrying fine goods (which are only carried by the railways at an expensive ra.to) at a charge which does not represent a lair return for the work and risk involved. For this and many other, reasons to which we need not refer, we are glad to learn that some effort is being made to group together and to co-ordinate the activities of owner-drivers. A central association, to be known as the Road Transport Association has been formed with offices at 116, Victoria Street, Westminster, London, S.W.1, which will thin to promote and co-ordinate the commercial interests of transport owners and,. by means of an allied organization, which will act as brokers and as a clearing house (probably taking the form of a limited liability company), will endeavour, to secure efficiency end economy in -thinning by the provision of loads and minimising of empty running. This association has been organized by a few officers and ex-service men, and will largely busy itself in securing employment for and the welfare of exeer vice officers and men. The association will -work with the Chambers of Commerce and with the Imperial Ex-.Service Association, and also with any other institution which seeks to help ex-soldiers, but, of °purse, its activities will not he limited solely to ex-service officers, and men We do not wish here to go fully into the scheme, but we would suggest that all those interested should get into communication with the secretary at the address given, in order to learn more abOut the scheme, and about the suggested constitution Of the various component parts of the organization.
Buses in Middlesex.
At a special meeting of the Middlesex
County Council it was decided that a Bill be promoted in the session of Parliament of 1920 for power--(l} To enable the Council tis own omnibuses and to run omnibus services; and (2) To enable the Council to operate omnibusesin the County or within the limits of the Metropolitan Police area. This action was taken in view of the fact that the London County Council is seeking bus Dowers outside Loncrom
Personal Pars.
• Air' W. I). Williamson, who is responsible for one of the most interesting papers submitted at the Roads and Transport Congress, is the general manager of the Pagefiehl motor works of Messrs. Walker Biee., Wigan, and is also prominently connected with a bodybuilding concern in that town. Mr. Williamson is certainly one of the coming men in the industry, combining a thoroughly sound com,mercial sense with very high technical qualifications. He is the possessor of a logical and analytical mind which gives weight to his opinions and of a genial perecrnality Which ensures his popularity. During the war his firm has, • of course, been one of those engaged on the regular Production of lorries for the Government. Though resident in the north, .Mr. Williamson finds time to do even more than his share in the co-operative work of his industry. Amongst other things he acts as chairman of a committee of the A.B.M.A.M., formed to evolve standards• in respect of certain fittings and accessories applicable to the generality of commercial motor vehicles.
Mr. Raymond Dennis, who leaves this country on November 28th to tour tee motor markets of the world is, of course, one of the founders of Dennis Bros., of Guildford. It would be impossible to over-estimate the degree to witi4h the, growth arid success _that firm has been the direct result of the work of the brothers, Raymond and John Dennis. The two form a very happy combination of technical and commercial ability. Raymond Dennis, though possessed of sound engineering knowledge, hasmany years past, devoted himself manly to the commercial side of 3 manufacturing business. The output of the Dennis factory has, of course, -been largely increased during the war, and this has, no doubt, emphasized the necessity for developing and consolidating the firms overseas trade. Mr. Dennis will be accompanied on his tour by Mr. W. E. Hobbs, 0.B.E., who was at one time closely associated with one of the leading London daily papers. During' the war Mr. Hobbs received recognition of the value cd the work which he did in connection with the propaganda organized bv the Cievernment._
Lights and Taxation.
Two committees with important powers so far as the moter using portion of the community are concerned, have just been appointed by the Minister of Transport. The first will deal with the question of lights on vehicles and lighting requirements generally. _It consists of Sir Henry Maybury, chairman, Brig.
General Sir H. C. L. Holden, K.C.B., Mr. A. L. Dixon, C.B.E., Mx. E. S. Shrapnel-Smith, G.B.E. Lieut.-Col.
• Charles Jarrott, 0.B.E., Mr. F. L. D. Elliott, Mr. Sidney Straker, Mr. P. J. T. Rose, Mr. F. Berryman, Mr. C. W. • Tindall, Mr. Barber, and Mr. W. G. Howard-Gritten, M.P. The second committee will deal with, taxation of yehicles, the speed of vehicles and regulations and orders affecting the same. It consists of Sir Henry Maybuiy, chairnian, Sir. Geo. Beharrell, Sir Philip Nash, Sir. Julian W. Orde, Mr. E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E., . Major Stensen Cooke, Mr.
• F. L. D. Elliott, Mt. C. W. Tindall, Sir -Harcourt, Clue, Mr. F. Pick, Mr. W,
• Rees Jeffreys, and Mr. W. Id. pascoe. It will thus be seen that, besides ,the Ministry, the interests represented arc the vehicle owner and commercial vehicle user, the manufacturer, the police and local authorities, agriculture, the L.G.O.C., the Customs authorities, the Home Office, and the Roads and Bridges Committee of the County Councils Association.
Harvey Frost and Co., Ltd.— ' New' Developments.
It is now generally known that Harvey Frost and Co., Ltd., of Great Portland Street, have entered the now trade combine as Harper Bean, Ltd, One of the first results of this ararngement will be " that Harvey Frost and'Co. Ltd:, acquire priority rights, in the -manufacturing resources of all the Harper Bean factories, securing a rate of output that under other conditions would have been unobtaMable for a long time to come.' The trade and public alike will appreciate the value of this point, for the demand for HY, vulcanizers is such that only the most rapid expansion on the manufacturing aide of the business could keep pace with it.. We are authorized to state that it is not. the intention of Harvey Frost and Co., Ltd., to alter their policy of nort-competition with actual tyre. repairers. The business of the concern is to
c14 manufacture and supply B.F. vulcanizers and materials, and te increase by personal service the efficiency of work done by the process; tyre repairing itself is no part of their activities, except for demonstration and instructional purposes. The management will remain the same under the new arrangement, Mr. H. Iliervey Frost continuing as managing direct* as has..been the case since .the company started. The whole organiza tion will be run On the sasne at hitherto.
Left-hand Steering.
The Ministry of Transport is forming • . an expert advisory committee on motor transport, Which will discuss, among .other . things, the question of left-hand steering on motor vehicles.
-. Major Stepson Cooke, Secretary of the • Autennabile. Aesociation . and ,. Motor Union, Lae been aSked to, serve on 'the committee: -The traffic department of Scotland Yard will give evidence. Scot.-land Yard eiperta de 'not like left-hand "steering. The Chief .argunient against it " is the difficulty experienced by drivers in giving' -recognized road signals.
Dorman Developtridnts.
We understand that W. H. Dorman and Co., Ltd., of Stafford, are about to increase their capital, the prospeotrus of which will he advertised in the Press on December 1st. It is an issue to increase the capital by £300,000, of which £250,000 is 8 per cent. cumulative preference participating shares issued at par, with further rights of participation up to a total of 14 per cent. in any one year. Applicants for every five of the preference shares can apply for one ordinary share at par, but ordinary shares are not offered separately from the •preference issue.
The prospectus gives several important developments in the (lineation of the application by Dorman.s, under licence, to the principle's of wave transmission to appliances having direct bearing upon shipbuilding, mining and other industries. We are informed that it ii intended, early next year to give a series • of practical demonstrations at 'Stafford.
Withdrawal .of Stea.m .Buses from .London
Mr. W. J. 'den, managing director of
the National Steam 'Car r.' K. P. Hawksley, chairman and Co.,Mr. Clifford
Turner, solicitor, explained to a meeting of the London M.P.s one day last week at the House of Commons their reasons for withdrawing the • steam omnibuses from London routes.
Mr. Hawksley said that . between December, 1918, and .September 30th 1919, varlets improvements in .wages and hours represented. an increased cost of approximately £40,000 .Per_ annum: An -incrcease•of 4s. per week. to drivers and conductors as from October 1st represented an additional £6,250.. The omnibuses were losing in October 5d. per-mile.
Mr. Iden said he did not think the men thrown out of employment eould.be taken over, by the London General Omnibus Co. The men were warned 12 months ago of what would happen.
• Owing to the general increase in labour and material. costS, the. Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., have been obliged • to fix the -selling price of their chaasis . at £1,175.
-1-541load Transport in the
Midlands.
From all parts of the Midlands significant .evidence is now forthcoming of the determination of manufacturers and traders to obviate the difficulties of railway transport by carefullycoordinated systems of motor traffic. Activity in relation to the matter has been especially manifested by commercial organizations which take within the scope of their operations territory lying between Northants and the Yorksnire bonder, whilst in many other directions in areas contiguous to the East Midlands there age manifold signs of development.
Derby set the example by formulating some eminently prartical proposals; Nottingham commercial men have accorded favourable consideration to projects which are designed to revolutionize. existing arrangements, and the Leicester Chamjber of Commerce has now come forward with plans which are destined, to be of further advantage, it being a salient feature of all the schemes that, whilst distinctly local wants are to be amply, catered for, long-distance journeys are to form the main desideratum.
In this way particularly the aim, is to establish expeditious means of !communication with the Mersey and the Humber ports, the utility of saTaugements in the Latter connection having been amply demonstrated during the recent railway strike. The Leicester Chandler of Commerce, which is inaugurating a vigorous propaganda in regard to the matter, has, in view of the congestion of railways and docks, the heavy rates involved for railway transport and cartage and wasteful expenditure of time, under present railway arrangements in loading_ and unloading, approved a scheme for the establishment of a clearing house for the interchange of traffic in connection with the Chamber, thereby endorsing a plan which is being viewed with favour also in Nottingham, Derby, and other centres.
The cardinal element in the arrangement is emphasized by the Leicester declaration that owneasof lorries, etc., participating are not to lose control over their own vehicles or drivers. The whole, project is based upon mutual agreement between those who require cartage and those who have the means of cartage. .
Expenses of the administrativework, which will be concentrated. in a central bureau of the Chamber, are to be met by a commission upon the rates charged. Such commission, it is suggested, might be a percentage of the receipt* taken by • the owner of :a lorry during any one month. It is not proposed, however' to establish anything in the nature of goods warehouses, and obviously the measure of the success of the scheme must be the extent of the co-operation of other Chambers..
So far AS Nottingham and Leicester are concerned the conditions offer ample prospect of profitable means of intercommunication, the hosiery manufacturing interests, in which both towns are largely concerned, constituting one,. Of the biggest assets.
But apart from special industries, the convenience which would be afforded to all the Midland Lawns for the interchange of general commodities cannot fail to prove of inestimable advantage_
The Leicester Chamber has taken the work boldly in hand by circularizing similar trade organizations in the terri tory extending as far on the one side as Liverpool, and in the other to London. Fifty Chambers of Commerce , were approached with entirely encouraging results, it being made clear in the Leicester explanation that the scheme is being propounded with a. view to 'promoting the advantageous interchange of traffic with those who, if proceeding only on their own account, would be running their lorries empty or only partially filled on outward or return journeys. -Information is meanwcffile being carefully collated as to available cars or lorries running, in or out of Leicester, present indications appearing to warrant the anticipation that, with the co-operation of neighbouring towns as links in radiating chains of communication, the scheme may be established upon a. practical and profitable basis.
Federation of British Industries.
following appointments were nacle at the annual meeting of the Federation of British Industries upon Sit Vincent Gaillard. relinquishing his poi.ion as president on the termination of his year of office :—President, W. Peter
ltyIan E'Sq7; vice-preSidents, 'Mr.-
Godfrey Isaacs, Mr. Philip Lockhart, Sir William Pearce, M.P.
Leylands at Ham.
The size of the Sopwith beton; at Ham, Surrey, we now learn, extends to no less than 35 acres, so that "service " will not occupy mere. than "a fraction of it, and in that case we should not be surprised to find that Leylands, who have recently acquired it, will use it for body. building, and even for the production et
, one of their models. .
Vickers Purchase.
The well-known London. hotel known at St. Ermin's, in Westminster, for so long occupied by one Government Department after another, all concerned in war matters, has been sold to Messrs. -Vickers, Ltd., for office accommodation, the price, which it is understood has been
paid, being about L400;000.
We regret to hear of the death of Mr. H. E. Stoner, the managing director of the Vacunm Oil Co, Ltd. He was 55 years of age, and suffered a long illness.
Novel Method of Chassis Delivery.
The illustration which we publish on this page shows two Tilling-Stevens chassis, the one a two-ton gear-driven vehicle, and the other a four ton petrol. electric lorry. These were driven from London to the premises of the Quality Garages, Ltd., at Wallasey, a distance of over 200 miles in the unusual manner shown in the picture. Although this is not the first instance of two vehicles being delivered under the power of one, it is, so far as we know, the first time that such a long distance has been covered. The driver left London at 10 o'clock one morning, and arrived at. Wallasey the next afternoon, which Was undoubtedly very good going.
Rubherine Tyre Fillings.
The merits of Rubberine es e filling for pneumatic tyres are well appeeeiated by many commercial-vehicle users, an more particularly by the users of light vans. Although, perhaps, the pneumatic tyre has reached an advanced stage of per iectin, i1 is still not immune from
• puncture trouble, and it is here that a tyre filling sues as that manufactured by Rubberine, Ltd., of Market. Road, London, N.7, comes in very useful. The chief ingredients of this substitute for air are cellulose and vegetable oil; certain chemicals are also added and the whole is then well churned. It is then allowed to ferment and arrives finally at the consistency of treacle. It is heated to a pre-determined temperature.
Ordinary standard covers are utilized, being held in position by a eircumferen, • tial band which is in three pieces and which is derived to the wheel by the ordinary security bolt. The Rubberine is filled through a special type of valve which directs the fluid in opposite directions round the wheel. The security bolt opposite the valve is utilized for the application of the air release valve.
Each pump as at present installed is capable of filling six tyres at one time. A special pressure gauge is attached to each wheel, and evben the tyre is filled to a pressure in accordance with the weight of the vehicle to which it belongs it is automatically disconnected.
The National Roll.
'f he national scheme for the employment of disabled men has been making considerable progress. About 170 public bodies have given undertakings to place disabled men where opportunity offers, and There are also a very large number of firms who have agreed to their names being placed upon the National Roll. There are at present in want of employment about 40,000 disabled men, but the indications show that this number is decreasing. When the scheme has been in operation for about thiee months, and firms have been given a reasonable opportunity of considering it, it is proposed to issue a booklet giving the names of those institutions and concerns who have signified their adherence to the scheme A number of big firms, we understand, are rather, shy of sending in their names, giving it as a reason that they do not want to advertise the fact that they are doing their duty, but this idea is new breaking down, because the value of the force of example is being recognized.
Petrol Prices and Profiteering.
In the House of Commons last week Mr. Doyle asked the President of the Board of Trade the date on which the price of petrol was decontrolled; what was the retail price then and what is the present price; whether there has been an increase or decrease in supplies in the intervening period; whether the published statement that petrol is delivered to this country at Is. 91c1. per gallon, Inclusive of cost, insurance, freight, and the Government tax of 6c1., is approximately correct; whether petrol is included in tile provisions of the Profiteerins -Act; and, if not, if this commodity will be brought within its scope? Sir A. Geddes: An order made tinder the Profiteering Act on October 2nd fixing maximum prices for motor spirit was revoked on October 14th. There has been no change in prices, so far as I am aware, since that date. Stocks have slightly increased. The statement with regard to the cost of petrol delivered in this -country appears to be Approximately correct. Motor spirit has been declared an article to which the Profiteering Act applies.
The Lorry on the Film.
The uses to which the caterpillar type of tractor can be put are apparently innumerable, and this was exemplified irr an eicoellent film shown by Renault, Ltd., of Pall Mall, and West Brompton, London, S.W., at the theatre of the Gauniant Co., Ltd. The film depicted the Renault tank type chaseis drawing a four-furrow plough, timber hauling in the forest, in uSe for taking parties on mountaineering tripe, and towing four ...exceptionally large French barges. The speed at which the tractor hauled the barges was wonderful, and greatly in advance of the .oldfashioned methods at present in vogue on the canals in this country, while its hill-climbing over deplorable surfaces was equally astonish= mg. Another film gave an excellent idea of the capabilities of the' light commercial • vehicle, and, the two-ton and seven-ton lorries manufactured by this well-known French concern. The lorries, in particular, were to be seen hauling heavy loads -up steep gradients and over road surfaces very much the worse for wear. Of special interest was a. fleet of twoton pneumatic tyred lorries, fitted with tip-up metal bodies, belonging to the Michelin Tyre_ Co., Ltd., making their journeys loaded with sidg and coed. Those interested Will, very shortly, have another opportunity of seeing these very interesting and instructive films.
The rising output of coal is putting a very muCh better complexion on the state of the market. The output for the week ending Noviember 8th amounting __to 4,804,456 tons, is the highest recorded since the reduction of the miners' working hours in July last.
Local Proceedings.
Slough U.D.C. is to purchase a peiroidriven fire-engine and other apparatus at a cost of £3,200.
A 1-ton or 11-ton motor tip wagon for scavenging purposes is to be purchased by WillingtonU.D.C.
Thornley Parish Council has received the sanction of Ely C.C. to borrow 2600 for a fire-engine and_appliances.
Mansfield Woodhouse U.D.C. is applying for sanction to a loan of £1,380 for the purchase of a 31-ton electric vehicle and charging plant.
Lowestoft, Corporation tramways manager reports that there is a big field before the motorbus, and lieges that the corporation should secure motorbn.s running powers.
Hackney B.C. have placed an order with Renames, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., for two electric 31-tonners and two electric 2-tonners to be fitted with sidetipping bodies.
More Strike Effects.
Recently Glasgow Corporation accepted oilers of Edison Aceemulators; Ltd., and Electric Vehicles, Ltd., for the supply of electric vehicles, but these companies have now intimated that, owing to strike troubles. and other causes beyond their control, they are unable to deliver any of the vehicles within the time stipulated. '
Towing Lorries to Slough.
The towing • of derelict Government lorries and other motor vehicles from Richmond to Slough for the purpose of repair is, according to a, report of the Kent County Connell by the Bridges and Reads Committee, causing great damage to the main roads of Kent. The C0111-' mittee say that the traffic is most destructive, and that it is quite impossible at present to estimate the damage or to prepare any claim against Government.