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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

25th October 1917
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Page 5, 25th October 1917 — WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

" The wheel of wealth will be slowed 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 Crosier.

French Tractor Trials.

. The French Minister -of Agriculture recently published the resultof the agrimotor trials held at Noisy-Is.Orand some weeks ago. The Bell tractor, obtained

I lie first place for consumption economy. Fourteen tractors took part in the trials.

Petrol Imports Up.

During September, according to the latest Board of Trade retuells, we imported 13,278,972 gallons of petrol, which almost equalises the imports of September, 1916, which totalled 13,532,420 gallons. During . the preceding month of August, the imports wcie -only 7,853,368 gallons, as Compared with 28,778,053 gallons for August, 1916.

Durham Coal-gas Conversion.

Owing to the cutting down of petrol supplies and threatened serious d.slocation and curtailment of the passenger and goods transport services of the United . Automobile Services, Ltd.' of ' Bishop Auckland, it was decided to adopt coal-gas. In their Durham district serviee this company now has two t.rivate charging instaTatiOnS, one at Bishop Auckland and the other at Durham, the gas being drawn through in. connections to the gas bag. 'The company has already fitted six omnibuses to run on gas, and the necessary work is now proceeding for the conversion of a further number.

New Taxes in Uruguay.

• The taxes payable in respect of motor ' and .isteain lorries, motorcars, motorcycles, and other thechanically.propelled vehicles using the public highways of the various departments • of the Republic of Uruguay, together with the special scale ,drawn up for the Department of Montevideo, have been fixed by law.. The vehicles have been classified, and the full text of the ordinance—in Spanish--indicating the tax to be paid in respect of each class may be consulted by British firms at the 'Department of .Commercial Intelligence, 73, Hasingliall Street, Landon, E.G. 2, The paynient of

• the taxes are to be made to the " Direecien de Rodados " at Montevideo or to the administrative bodies of the various departments. Vehicles licensed in the capital are ,at liberty, to travel freely throughont' the Republic, but licences issued in respect of the other departments are not valid hr the Depart ment. of Montevideo. The taxes will remainkin force up to 30th June, 1920.

Westminster's Maintenance Contract.

The termination dates of the maintenance contract between the Westminster City Council and John I. Thernyemft -anal Co., Ltd., for the upkeep pi four motor vehicles made by this concern, arid the present maintenance charge per annum are as fullew ;— (1) 12th September, 1918, maintenance charge Las p.a.

(2) 28th October, 1922, maintenance charge £65 p.a.

;3) 13th January, 1923, maintenance charge £65 pa. (4) 30th January, 1923, maintenance charge £65 p.a.

With respect to the three last-named vehicles, the maintenance charge in. creases after the fifth year (28th October,, 1917. 13th January, 1918, and 30th January, 1918, respectively), to £70 each per annum, and after the eighth year to £90

each per annum. It will be reballed that the makers asked for anincrease in the maintenance charge of 33i per cent., owing to the advance in the cost of labour and material. This point was debated by the Highways Committee who subsequently offered an increase of 20 per cent. The makers pointed out that other customers of theirs, on a similar footing, including the Corporation of London had acceded to their appeal for the 33 per cent. increase. The matter has new been further considered by the Westminster Committee, who have agreed to make an increase of 26 per cent. from, and including the September quarter, such increase to stand. during the Council's pleasure only.

Rubber Cylinder Manufacture.

We are informed that, owing to the widespread interest which has been aroused by the rubber and fabric cylinder for carrying coat-gas under high compression—described and illustrated in our last issue-ood-Milne, Ltd.., .21, Albion, Street, Gaythorne, Manchester, have decided to proceed at once with its manufacture as far as the present facilities will permit. But, in order to cope more satisfactorily with the many orders which have come, and are still coming, to hand, they intend to take and equip further premises, to he devoted exclusively to this new branch of industry.

Petroleum Executive.

Sir Boverton Redwood, Bart., Director of Petroleum Research, who has been adviser on petroleum to the various governmeat departments for many years, 'has been appointed by Mr. Walter Longto be Director of Technical Investigations in the recently-formed Petroleum Excel]. tive.

Coal-gas Brevities.

The Preston gas works charge hags at the rate of 2s. 6d. per filling.

Salford Gas Department is supplying gas at the rate of 4d. per 100 cubic ft.

The Blackpool was works are filling-gas bags at 3d. per. 100 cubic ft., with an extra charge of 6d. per fill at week-ends.

Walsall Corporation has tested. a motorbus running on coal-gas fitted with an overhead flexible container, and ordered four bags at £23 8s. each.

Newcastle-uader-Lyme is supplying gas. at4d. per 100 cubic ft.. for containers up to 250 cubic ft. capacity, and. 30. Per 100 cubic ft. for bags of larger size, ,• A 24-h.p. Thornycroft char-a-banes, carrying 20 passengers, fitted by A. Oliver and Son, of Flawkhurst, with a 600 cubic ft. gas bag, covers 14 miles on one charge. . . , •

The sole selling agencies for the Murphy "Safe " cylinder and —the Spencer flexible container have been ' taken up by Ernest Lyon, Ltd., 91, New

Bond Street, London, W. 1. • •

Ploughing Uphill.

The striking illustration which we publish on this page shows a 20, h.p. Titan tractor hauling a three-furrow Ransome plough at work on a gradient of 1 in

at Dderw, Llyawen, 13reconshire. The whole of a large field was ploughed both "up and down " by this machine. It

will be observed that the gradient was so steep that the brakes would not hokt the tractor when stationary, so the props had to be employed to keep the machine in position while the picture was taken. This commendable performance bears testimony to the bill-climbing powers of the machine arid the efficiency of the braking system employed. The illustration was sent to us by the tractor representativ.e for the counties of Brecon, Radnor, and Cardigan, who is. Tom NOrton, Llandrindod Wells.

Tractor Trial.

Gibbs and Co. Fawcett Street, Fishergate, York, notify us that they are operating daily near York one of the latest type Emerson tractoris with power-lift plough, and that they will be pleased to convey interested parties to view the machine at work.

Aeroplane Magnetos.

It is interesting to place onrecord the fact that the aeroplane piloted by Captain Laureati, which recently made the remarkable flight from Turin to London, was fitted with a. F.I.A.T_ engine, and that Dixie magnetos were used for

Prevention of Duplication of Traffic.

With the object of preventing the duplication of traffic services, the Walsall Corporation recently refused to renew the licences for the motorbuses running between Walsall and Birmingham. Nevertheless, the buses continued to run as usual and the Corporation took proceedings against the Birmingham • and Midland Motor 1Dmribus Co., 'who were convieted and fined for running the huseS without licences, though the magistrates suggested a modus vivendi should be arrived at. '

The Town Clerk. has now written to the company pointing out that the Corporation is unable to recede from its view that under existing circumstances the the present duplication of public vehicular traffic along the Birmingham road is not justified in the public and national interest. The service was not in operation four years ago, and serves no Army or munition porposes. The railway service„restricted as it is, ,does the journey to Birminghain in 15 to 25 minutes shorter time than the buses, and provides about 24 trains daily in each direction. In vier of the scarcity of petrol the committee feels that the use by the buses of motor spirit at the rate of over 6000 gallons per annum, according to the company's estimate, but at the rate of about 104000 gallons according to other information, for a service which is quite -unnecessary, ought not to be tolerated.

The Watch Cerra/lake is strongly of opinion that instead of the buses and the trains running side by side for a distance of two miles in the borough as at present, an arrangement should be made whereby the trams and the buses should run in conjunction, thereby avoiding the scandal of the present duplication.

Wayside Supplies.

Some little time ago the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Felice sent out a circular letter to the London Borough Councils with regard to the supply to motor vehicles on the road of fuel, water, power, etc., from mechanical fittings on the public highway. The Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committees referred the matter to their Executive Committee, which has drawn up the following report for submission to the various councils :—" As we assume that the Borough -Councils do not desire to impede the development of motor transport, we do not advise the Standing Joint Committee to recommend that objection be taken to the proposition in principle, although any specific Jiroposals will require 'very eareftl consideration, and to he closely, examined in detail. We are, however, of opinion (a) that each Borough Council, as the Highway Authority, should have the right to veto the installation within its jurisdiction ; (b) that if it determines to allow any installation for all or any of the purposes proposed, the same shall only be set up in such highways, and positions as shall he settled by the Borough Council cotcorned; (c) that if consent is given, a proper agreement should be entered into, and should provide for the payment of a rental to the Borough Council; and (d) that the Borough Council should have power to determine the agreement on the breach of any of the terms thereof, or at any time after reasonable notice."

Water for Steamers.

Westminster Council Highways Committee does not favour the proposal that steam wagons and tractors should be afforded facilities for obtaining water from the Council's standpipes and hydrants.

Wandsworth B.C. reporting on the suggested scheme for roadside water supplies for steamers, expresses the. opinion that no further obstructions should be allowed on the highway, and that depots should be established for the purpose adjoining and not on the public highways, public needt demanding their freedom from obstruction.

Motor Mail Vans in India.

The motor is displacing the horse in the Indian Postal Service. Ciitive-rsion has been somewhat slow, hut none the less sure. To a certain degree the war has disorganized offieial intentions, hut . the war is also forcing the pace. In 1913 the city of , Madras proposed to operate u motor service through a contractor, but tho scheme came to naught. Early in.1915, owing to the shortage of horses, it was decided to test the idea departmentally and 'two Ford -chassis were converted for the purpose. But it was speedily ascertained that adapted pleasure vehicles were unsuited to the work, and accordingly a lorry designed for such duty was procured. Satisfaction being recorded, the original model was • duplicated and three Federal vehicles acquired, while later four Studebakers were secured. As a result of motorizes lion the General Post Office stable has been abolished and the 47 horses withdrawn front this duty : the time Of transit taken betWeen. 38 post offices, two railivay stations and one sorting office

has been reduced by nearly 50 per cent., mails are now delivered more tape

d it crusly than formerly, Ny h le the financial outlay upon the city postal service has been-appreciably reduced.

Motor Street-washer.

The Highways Committee of Marylebone B.C. have recently inspected the Straker-Squire motor street washing machine. This vehicle is fitted witls a tank capable of holding 1100 gallons of water, and the water is sprayed on to the road surface through two spherical nozzles, fitted in front of the chassis, under a pressure varying from 36-60 lb. per sq. in., at an angle of 45 degrees, by means of a centrifugal pump driven from the engine. This high pressure water loosens the dirt, and the road surface is cleansed by means of rubber squeeges, made in Axes sections fitted on to is hinged framework, fixed under the chassis about midway between the front and rear axles, and is free to adapt itself to inequalities of the road surface. It is claimed that 20 to 25 miles of roadway can be washed in a day, end themachines can also he used, if required; for ordinary street Watering. A third motor sweeper is urgently required to act as a stand-by for the Laffiy machines, and in view of the present shortage of labour and the satisfactory result of the inspection the Committee have decided to purchase a Straker-Squire motor road • washer at a cost of £950.

For Motor Users.

A most instructive and helpful booklet dealing with the aims and objects of the Manchester, Liverpool and Counties Commercial Motor Users' Association has just been issued. We commend it to non. members. Application to the secretary, Mr. Ellis Green, F.C.A. ,3, Cromwell Buildings, Blackfriars Street, Manchester, will Secure-a copy.

Swiss Petrol Shortage.

Owing , to the present shortage of petrol, private touring has entirely been suspend-rid in Switzerland, and petrol can

only he obtained through the Card system. Motor vehicles have been grouped in the following classes ClassI (A) Vehicles belonging to the federal, cantonal or communal authorities. .

(B) Vehicles licensed by the State to convey passengers or • goods in connection with the railway services. (C) Cars for the use of doctors, veterinary surgeons, or for the transport of invalids.

Class TI : Vehicles in the service of transport of foodstuffs or goods in important trades. Class III : (A) Transport vehicles necessary to commerce and the transport of passengers. (B) Vehicles on hire (taxis). Class IV : All vehicles not mentioned in the previous groups: The latter class of cars are considered to be unnecessary, and no petrol can at present be allotted to them.

Pioneer Municipal Garage.

Ipswich has pioneered the municipal garage. Before the war, in his annual report, the electrical engineer of the town foreshadowed the possibility of a new field opening for the use of electrical energy, namely, that connected with the electric-battery vehicle. In his report,' just issued, for the year :ended 31st March last, he _says that now there are' five electrical commercial vehicles cared for in the garage opened by the council for the purpose, and an additional one is expected shortly. The units' sold for charging vehicles in the garage during the year totalled 13,160, -And the ievenue obtained, including garage charges, was £130.

He mentiortaithat fiom a total of 150 old-fashioned and out-of-date electric vehicles, nearly all private cars, in use in the 'county in 1913,. the -number has grown by the addition of the modern aild, as proved, highly successful type of commercial vehicle to over 900.

Ipswich was the first municipality in the country to establish a public electric vehicle garage. Glasgow, which shortly after followed suit, also records strikine.

success. '

Motors in Morocco. ,

The annual fair, which was opened on 15th September, was held this year at Rabat. In spite of the present trans. port difficulties, the exhibits were fairly nurnerous, these being mostly of French origin, with a good sprinkling of American firms. Amongst, the most prominent French firms having stands were Berliet, Peugeot, Roehet-Schneider, Renault, Panhard, De Dion and efienard; while America was represented by the Pord, Dodge, Pullman, Saxon. National, Hudson and Overland Companies. The tyre section included Michelin, Dunlop, Bergougnan and Goodrich. Several motor tractors were also on show, these being nearly all of French manufacture, America having the Bull as their only representative. Vacuum Oil and Valvoline also had stands.

Recent Registrations. •

Eye Bolts, Ltd., with a capital of £3000 in 21 shares, to be manufacturers and dealers in eye bolts. Registered office is at 5, Waterloo Street; Birmingham.

Oldbridge Engineering CO., Ltd.' with a capital of £5000 in £1 shares, to carry on the business of electrical, mechanical and general engineers, and to be motorcar agents, etc.

Transport Haulage, Ltd., with a capital . of £1000 in £1. shares, to be van and lorry builders, engineers, haulage contractors, etc. The registered office is at Belgrave House, Enfield Highway, Middlesex. .

Crabtree and Son, Ltd. with a capitalof £4000 in £10 shares, Ltd., take over the business of motor arid cycle engineers carried on by E. J. Crabtree, at Wisbech, and Downham Market, Norfolk, as Crabtree and Son, Registered office is at 6, Church Terrace, Wisbreeh.

British Motor Hirers Co-operative. Society, Ltd., with a capital of RICO in £1 'shares, to support and protect the interests of persons engaged in letting and hiring private motor vehicles, and to assist members to purchase, on the most favourable terms, motor v,ehicles, etc.

Harrold Manufacturing Co., Ltd., with a capital of £1000 in .£1 shares, to take over the business carried on by S. Cl. Perryman trading aa Charles Ha.rrold and Co., and to carry on the business of general mechanical en gineers. Registered office is at War-. wick Works, Tame .Road, Witten, Birmingham.

John White (Liverpool), Ltd., with a capital of £5000 in 21 shares, to take over the business of oil importer, blender and merchant, and dealer in petrol and other fuels, carried on by John White at 37, Moorfields, Liverpool, and elsewhere, under his own name and as the Withal Motor Fuel Co. Registered office is at 3, Moorfields, Liverpool.

Local authorities in certain districts are being requested by the police authorities to make use of flare lights to assist traffic on foggy nights.

Wheel Track Testing Gauge. .

The 'accompanying diagram iihistrates a new gauge for testing the tracking of the wheels which has been invented by the Wood-Milne, Ltd., 21, Albion Street, Manchester. -The appliance in question, although telescopic, packing into small space as Shown in the illus

tration, and of light weight, thire v with the requirements of port ability, is intended • essentially for garages. The main section (A) of steel tube, about g. • in. diameter and 36 ins. long, is designed to receive an extension sliding within, as well as the other sections which are removable. At either end of the -main -erection is a butt which receives the short member (B) at right angles to A, set hi position by .ar simple bayonet joint, and there held fiimly by the aid of athumbscrew. The free end of B has a light-pierced butt, which carries the scribing leg (C), set at right angles to B, but with the point outwards. Each member (0) is held in place by a thumbscrew, but the arrangement is such as to permit adjustment to be made.

The diagram illustrates the method of using this tool. The teleacoRic member (A) is drawn out and made tight, the 13 and C members likewise being brought to position and secured. When extended the points of the two legs (C) should bear against the..rim of either wheel, adjustments to this end being made by means of the main member A, or setting either, or both, of the two legs ;(C) by means of their ,respective thumbeerews.

By holding the gauge parallel with the axle and level the appliance may Fe passed up and down along the wheel rim. Should the two points, when the gauge is applied at one part of the rim, bear evenly against either rim, and then upon removal to another section of the runs be either too easy or touch one rim and not the other, obviously the wheel is out of track.

The device is so designed as to allow a wheel rim to be tested up . from the most difficult position, such as the engine side of the front wheels, and the live axle of the road wheels, inasmuch as outer leg leg can be passed under the obstructions without effort.

Local Proceedings.

Stalybridge T.C. is purchasing a new motor fire-engine.

Nelson T.C. is considering the purchase of a second-hand motor fire-engine.

Weymouth T.C. is considering the purchase of an ,electric tractor to cost £1200.

Dumbarton T.C. is considering thei pnrchase of a 30 h.p. motor fire-engine for £750.

Thornaby T.C. is making inquiries with regard to the ;purchase of a motor fire-engine.

Weymouth T.C. is to purchase an electric wagon for the use of the cleansing department.

Malvern U.D:C. is to purchase a second-hand motor lorry at a cost not in

excess of £250. ••

Higher Cab Fares.

Hull Watch Committee haa agreed to allow taxicab owners to charge an extra, 3d. on the pre-war shilling /ninth-nun fare, and to allow the register on the taximeter index to be increased id. on every 2. The owners' asked to be allowed to -charge 50 'per Gent. more.

Enrol Your Vehicle.

The County of London Motor Volunteers have recently issued a circular 'Letter to local authorities pointing out that they have recently been empowered by the War Office to raise sections of commercial vehicles for use in national emergency by the Government. The -.. Corps expect to be able to raise 30 sections, each comprising 30 vehicles, and local authorities are asked to register part of their fleets of heavy machines for this • purpose. arylebone 13.0. has . registered three dust collecting machines.

It will interest Northern users to know that Simpsons, Ltd., engineers, 91-93, Duke Street, Barrow-in-Furness, have recently installed a Hollings and Guest No, 13 solid .tre press, and that largo stocks of various makes of tyres are always held.


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