Answers to Queries.
Page 18
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Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any poin s connected with the construction or use of copnmercial motors. Where a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed : if a request for prsvacy IS not *many made, any query and answer may be published. Some replies, owing to pressure on our space, are held several weeks. Numerous requests reach us for lists of motorcab and commercial-vehicle owners ; these we never supply. Our advertiament columns are oPen to those who desire to make announcements to owners for the purposes of trade.
For Newspaper Delivery.
[2114] " WANTING" writes : —" Could you please tell us what make of light car is being used by the London newspapers 2 One of our customers has seen a number of light vans in London for carrying small loads, and we should like to be put into communication with the manufacturers. Do you consider that a car of this type would be satisfactory for a traveller to use on extended journeys? " ANSWER.—The vans which you have in mind are probably those from the works of Belsize Motors, Ltd., Clayton, Manchester. We can recommend them to eau for newspaper work, or for the alternative application which you name, Conditions in the Colonies.
[2115] " A.C." writes : —" We are at this moment interested in the special requirements of various Colonial States, with regard to the construction of motor vehicles. On page 454 of your issue of the 23rd January, we notice some particulars given of the apecial requirements of the Federated Malay States. Could you inform us where we could obtain a full set of the special requirements of our various Colonies and other countries ? "
ANSWER.—We refer you to our issues of the 17th and 24th June and 1st July, 1909 in which we made a summary and review of the Blue Book with regard to mechanical transport in the Colonies, You can no doubt refer to those issues on the file at the works, or you can buy the Blue Book itself. We do not recollect the charge, but you would be able to get it from Messrs. Wyman, Fetter Lane, E.C. It concerns the conditions in 40 Colonies and Protectorates, so far as mechanical transport is concerned, and is, to the best of our knowledge, the most-recent report of its kind.
A Non-paying Motorbus Service.
[2116] "COMPANY" write :—" A few months back,
we asked your opinion as to the District Council running motorbuses in opposition to ours and another firm, Since then, the town has voted against them. They are now seeking powers to control and impose a time-table, and what we would like to know is, does the law allow any council to impose any restrictions as to time-table ? We have ample proof that it ig impossible to run to same. There are no factories in this town ; we rely on the picture shows and theatre. If the weather is fine, our receipts average I lg. 9d. a bus per day of 10 hours. If wet, 18s. 2d. At present, we are losing money, as you can see by the above receipts. The buses we have are 24-28 h.p., of the double-deck type, and fairly reliable." ANSWER.—You certainly are not taking enough money to pay, no matter how low your mileage may be. Any local council which has powers to license can, in fact, impose any conditions that it chooses. The reason for this is that the law reads that the licensing authority may ' license vehicles, and not that they ' shall' license vehicles. If, however, fhe licensing committee consists of a reasonable body of men, they will certainly not wish to impose conditions on you whieh will force you to discontinue the service which contingency it would be as well for you to lay before them. You can certainly run out the term of your present licence, as you like—in the absence of a forfeiture clause. The Wyles Plough.
[2117] " EXPORTERS " write : —" In your issue of 7th November last, we note that you give a long description of the Wyles plough. We shall be glad if you will let us know as to whom we can get in touch with over this matter, as we think possibly we might be able to do business with them."
ANSWER.—You should address yourselves direct to Mr. A. Wyles, 9, Mount Preston, Leeds. We are not at. liberty at the moment to inform you of the name of the manufacturer who has arranged to produce these interesting little machines in quantities. No doubt Mr. Wyles will inform you when he feels at liberty ti do so.
Motor Omnibuses for China.
[2118] "SHIPPERS" write :—" We have received an inquiry for three or four 36-seaters, complete with body and tires, and our friends have requested us to make the purchase from one of the makers whose buses have been adopted by the large well-known omnibus companies. Our friends opine that it would be advisable also to consult an independent engineering firm for the best type to choose, in view of the importance of the first trial giving satisfaction."
An:MEL—It is doubtful if any London-type omnibus chassis are really well suited for China. London conditions are exceptional, and the vehicles are cut down in weight, to meet the police requirements, to a point which undoubtedly renders them not the best type for country or export purposes. You cannot do better than apply to makers of chassis which are rather heavier than the modern London motorbuses.
Driving Backwards.
[2119] "DRIVER" writes :—" I am writing you to see if you can give me correct advice as regards backing a steam wagon on the highway, as I was pulled up by the police last week for running my wagon backwards. It was in a narrow road, and impossible to turn, so I had to back about 300 yds., but I had my mate piloting me, so there was no danger. The police took my number.
" I have been driving a, wagon a long time and have never been pulled up for anything before, and I saw in THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR that you would be able to give advice, so I should be pleased if you would give Me the exact limit for such business, so that I shall be sure in the future as to what I can do."
ANEWER.—There is a regulation to control unnecessary driving on the reverse. Your case will depend upon the existence of any alternative. If, by driving forward, you could have turned the head of the lorry down some road, and then backed into the street again., so as to face in the direction from which you came, the police may be able to support their case and get a conviction. The exact wording which you have in mind is found in Article IV (1) of the Motor Cars (Use and Construction) Order, 1904, which reads : " He shall not cause the motorcar to travel backwards for a greater distance or time than may be requisite for the safety or convenience of the occupants of the motorcar and of the passenger arid other traffic on the highway." If there were neither passenaer nor other traffic on the highway. that should provide another defence. Every case of this kind has, of course, to be settled on its merits.