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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

The wheels of wealth will 64 stowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by ttp? roughness of the roads over which it rims."--John Beattie Crozier.

Leyland Profits.

The annual report of the directors of Leyland Motors, Ltd., and the balance-sheet for the ninth year of working of Leyland Motors, Ltd., to September 30th, 1927, have just been published.

The accounts show a gross profit of £395,734, as against £329,985' for the previous 12 months. From this gross profit there have to be deducted £46,264 in respect of interest on loans, bank overdraft and the purchase of the Ham factory. 147,500 in respect of income tax, £1,128 for directors' fees and £70,179 for depreciation, making a total of £165,071, as compared with £139,328 for the previous 12 months. A profit on an investment realization and sun

. dry receipts bring the net profit for the

• period up to 1238,842, as against £191,211 for the period to the end of September, 1926.

The adverse balance on the profit-andloss account at the end of the year was £518,467, and this is now reduced to £284,625—a wonderful recovery in the -four years since the deficit was in the region of 1.1,000,000.

The directors say that they have pre . pared a scheme for the reorganization of the capital of the company, particulars of which will be issued within the course of the next few weeks. The issued capital of the company is £1,849,968, and there are arrears of dividend on the 6 per cent. and 71 per cent, preference shares since January 1st, 1921.

The American Industry.

An up‘to-date report on the motorvehicle industry of the United States has been prepared by the Department of OverSeas Trade on information furnished by the Commercial Counsellor at Washington, and United Kingdom concerns which are desirous of receiving a copy should communicate with the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1.

Extraordinary Traffic in Pembroke.

Traffic of ah unusually heavy character over roads in the Pembroke area, in connection with haulage for the Admiralty constructional works, has resulted in negotiations between the local authority and the haulage contractors. A. demand for payment at the flat rate of 5d. per ton hauled was made by the council. After interviews, the contractors have offered to pay 3id. per ton hauled and the council has accepted this rate, the Proceeds to be earmarked towards the cost of the upkeep of roads as they become damaged by extraordinary traffic over them.

Cubic Capacity and Loading Weights.

P. W. Lucas (1922), Ltd., 240, Brixton Hill, London, S.W.2, has drawn up some useful data for the benefit of users and potential users of the Chevrolet 25-cwt. lorry which the company is handling in conjunction with the G.M.C. vehicles. The standard lorry body fitted to the Chevrolet 25-cwt. chassis has •a capacity of 61 cubic ft. The object of the information is to draw

/120 attention fo the danger of overloading when the vehielea are used for the transport of certain classes of material. Thus, when loaded to full bOdy capacity, the lorry will hold the -quantities of different material shown in the following table It is made clear, therefore, from these figures, that, to prevent overloading, the cubic capacity is not a safe guide as to the "quantity of a definite class of load that can be safely carried, but ;that regard must be given to the weight of the material to be transported.

Six-wheeled Buses in Belgium.

It is announced that the Societe des Antobus BruxeLlois which operates the motorbuses in Brussels, is preparing to put in service a number of six-wheeled vehicles with a bigger seating capacity than the four-wheeled single-deckers at present in operation.

Biscuits by Road Motor.

Biscuit manufacturers are large users of motor vehicles, and their machines are often called upon to make long journeys to different parts of the country. It is interesting to note that a number 'of concerns of this class has recently placed repeat orders with the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., of Glasgow, these including Win. Crawford and, Sons, Ltd., Huntley and Palmer, Ltd., McVilie and Price, Ltd., and Peek, Prowl and Co., Ltd.

An Insurance Company's Report.

The recently issued report of the Road Transport and General Insurance Co., Ltd., for the past year's trading, shows a profit of £14,386, as against a profit of £22,450 in the previous 12 months. A dividend at the rate of 15 per cent, is being paid. Provincial Bus Developments.

We understand that the arrangements are nearing completion by which the British Automobile Traction Co„ Ltd., will acquire further considerable holdings in provincial omnibus undertakings. In consequence of this scheme, the annual general meeting of the company

will be held a few weeks later than usual.

International Service.

The International Harvester Co. of

Great Britain, Ltd.," 259, City Road,

London. E.C.I, will be opening on

March 1st an extensive service station for the benefit of users of International motor lorries anti industrial tractors. From our knowledge of the spare-parts organization of this company and the facilities which are being offered by the new service station, it is obvious that the company is particularly well placed with regard to after-sales service.

A Bus Superintendent Required.

Applications are invited by the Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council fat the position of bus superintendent of the council's fleet, which is vacant through the resignation of. Mr. D. F. Adey. Applications have to be made by March 3rd, and must be addressed to Mr. T. Aneuryn Roca, Town Clerk, Merthyr Tydfil. The appointed person will have to be qualified in motor engineerina, have experience in control of staff, and be capable of supervising the complete overhaul and repair of 19 buses of Thornycroft, A.E.C. and Leyland makes.

The Latest Newcastle-to-London Service.

In our issue dated February 14th we referred to a new bus service which has recently been commenced between-Newcastle and London by Mr. J. Glenton Friars, of Blaydon. Associated Daimler vehicles are being used for the service, and it is interesting to note that the bodies with which they are fitted have been built by Short Bros. (Rochester and Bedford), Ltd., Rocheater. Particular attention has been given to the comfort and convenience of passengers in the layout of the interior, which is divided into two compartments, an observation saloon and a luxurious parlour section, the space between them containing a kitchen-buffet and a toilet cubicle. Other details of the equipment include an exhaust heater, electric-light fire, folding tables to each seat, electric fans and bells, independent lights and drop windows.

Industrial Visit to Canada and U.S.A.

The Society of Chemical Industry has accepted the invitation of the American section to hold this year's annual meeting in New York and that of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers to participate with the (British) Institution of Chemical Engineers in a visit to Canada and the United States of America. The provisional itinerary starts at Quebec on August 19th. and the party will return to England by

eptember 17th.

Light Lorry Costs.

An interesting analysis of the working costs of motor lorries has just been made in New South Wales, Australia, tne information being compiled from the signed statements of a number of owners. From the replies received from one group of 21 owners of Bean 25-30-cwt. lorries, it was found that the vehicles, -which are engaged mostly in wool transport in rough country, averaged 11,905 miles a year and carried an average load of 28 cwt. The return shows that the vehicles ran an average of 171 miles to the gallon of petrol con

sumed. The lorries are fitted with Dunlop pneumatic tyres and the mileage has worked out at the rate of 12,000 per set.

An analysis was also made of the cost of spare parts and repairs, and this shows that the average expenditure per 1,000 miles run was 8s.

Institute of Motor Trade Examinations.

The fifth examination for membership of the Insfititte of the Motor Trade will be held in London and certain provincial centres on April 13th. The council of the Institute is offering gold, silver and bronze medals for the three candidates securing the highest number of marks in the 1028 examinations, taking place between April and November. Full particulars and entry forms can be oh'Dined from the secretary, 157, Great Portland Street, London, W.1, Another French Producer-gas Trial.

Under the auspices of the Union des Vehicules Industriels du Surl-Est, of Marseilles, another reliability trial for motor lorries fitted with producer-gas plants is to be held next month. Classes will be provided for vehicles which wili carry from 20-34 cwt., 36-40 cwt., 2.6-31 tons, 3.6-4i tons, 4.6-5 tons, C.6-61 tons, 6.6-74 tons and 7.6-10 tons, and the awards will be based on the total operating costs per ton-kilometre. Only one man per vehicle will he allowed to drive and aftend to the operation of the producer-gas plant. The

speeds to be attained range from 22 m.p.h. to 10.1,m.p.h., according to the vehicle's category, 10 per cent. more being required from those fitted with pneumatic tyres, whilst when a trailer is attached the required speed is reduced by 25 per cent.

Cumberland Bus Fusion.

We understand that arrangements have almost been completed for the fusion of a number of motor concerns, the activities of which centre on Penrith. It is stated that Armstrong and Siddle's Motor and Transport Co., Ltd., which runs regular bus services over a large part of Mid-Cumberland and North -Westmorland, will be absorbed by

Messrs. Cumberland Motors. The amalgamation will be followed by a large extension of services. A meeting was recently held at which negotiations were dealt with for the inclusion of other concerns and, if the outcome of these be successful, it will be possible to make long journeys in these areas.

A New Dunlop Depot.

The Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., is opening a new depot' on March 1st, at Hollis Croft, Broad Lane, Sheffield, Mr. Townend, formerly the assistant district manager at the company's Leeds branch, will be in charge.

Co-operative Bus Working.

An interesting system of inter-working was introduced on Monday of last week by municipal and private passenger undertakings over the new coast road between Newcastle and Tynemouth. Licences have now been granted to the Tynemouth and District Electric Traction Co„ Ltd., for the operation of a service between Newcastle and Whitley Bay, and now the services are jointly run by the Newcastle Corporation the

Wake

field's Traction Co., and 'tike

How the A.A. Assists Users.

Some idea of the service which the Automobile Association is able to give to commercial motor users is indicated by a recent request which it dealt with. The association was asked to devise a special route between two points in the north of England and, if it had been for an ordinary motorcar, the distance, if the best route had been followed, would have been 48 miles. In this case, however, a route was needed which would enable a member of the Association to transport by road a heavy colliery

boiler, weighing 33 tons and being 31 ft. long, 10 ft. high and 9 ft. 8 ins. wide. As it was proposed to carry the load on a trailer and to haul it by two traction engines, the total weight of the outfit was about 50 tons. It was essential that the route chosen should have easy gradients and strong bridges, giving a clearance of 14 ft.

The Association went to considerable trouble to select a route and made inquiries in three counties, with the result that a satisfactory route, cOvering 100 miles, was chosen. Advice was also given so that little inconvenience should b,e caused to other road users.

Brown Brothers' Report.

The report of Brown Brothers, Ltd., for the )ear ended December 16th last shows a profit of £68,025 after making provision for taxation, depreciation and directors' fees. The balance brought forward was £16,645, so that £84,670 is available for distribution. A dividend is to be paid on the 71 per cent. cumu.

lative preference shares for the year to December 31st last, of which £8,437, less income tax, has already been paid. The balance of £16,875, less £3,375 for income tax, is payable on April let next and, after deducting this sum, £71,170 temains. A. sum of £20,000 is to be transferred to the reserve fund, making this £87,360, whilst a further 130,000 (f.37,500, less income tax) will be absorbed by the payment of a final dividend of 7iper cent, on the ordinary shares, which, with' the 2i. per cent. interim dividend already paid, will make 10 per cent., lesS tax, for the year. When these disbursements have been made, £21,170 remains to be carried forward.

Newport's Commendable Idea.

• The Newport (Mon.) Public Works Committee has adopted a proposal to the effect that at each of the main-road approaches to the town a large map of Newport be erected, so as to facilitate the progress of drivers who are strange to the borough. Subject to the borough engineer's approval, a plan of the town will be erected on a structure measuring at least 6 ft. by 4 ft.

More Buses for Leicester.

The Leicester Corporation, which already runs more than 30 motorbuses, is buying a further six vehicles, and these will be six-wheeler double-deckers, fitted with pneumatic tyres. The corporation's fleet of buses is proving very popular and, as the number of vehicles in use increases, it is the intention of the authorities to augment the services in suburban areas.

The Range of Leyland Goods Models.

Leyland Motors, Ltd., Leyland, Lanes, has just issued a folder which gives details of the various types of goods-carrying vehicle which at present B22 occupy a place in its manufacturing schedule. In the lightest category there are 50-cwt. and 3-ton models, whilst the heavy group embodies' 4, 5, 6 and 6-7-tonners. For heavier loads the Leyland Longframe 10-ton sixwheeler is available. Constructional details of the various models are given, a number of the outstanding features of the chassis being illustrated. The folder includes a data sheet, which gives a host of dimensions for each model, not only so far as the chassis are concerned, but also for the different types of body.

Fleet Purchases of Morris-Commercial Lorries.

One of the largest orders which have recently been received by Mortis-Commercial Cars, Ltd., is that from the maker of the Atco lawn mower—C. U. Pugh, Ltd.—which has bought 31 12cwt. chassis. Another company which has bought a fleet of Morris-Commercial vehicles is the Midland Co-operative Laundries Association, Ltd., which has just acquired eight light ton vans—a type which comes within the £16 tax limit.

G.W.R. Fleet Additions.

In the light of the steps now being taken by the railway companies to secure general road-transport powers, it is of interest to learn from the current issue of the house journal of the Great Western Railway Co. that further important contracts for motor vehicles have lately been placed by the Company. Orders have been placed for 42 4-ton chassis, 72 30-cwt. chassis and three A0type chassis to be supplied by John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd. Orders for 60 motorbus bodies have been divided between Strachan and Brown, Ltd., John Buckingham, Ltd., Vickers, Ltd., the Weybridge Engineering Co., Ltd., and Short Bros., Ltd.

An Australian Tipping Gear.

The latest Australian mail brings a brief reference to a new tipping gear for motor vehicles which has been devised and patented by Mr. A. Mackay, of Subiaco, Western Australia. It has already been fitted to a Leyland 3-tonner and an Overlaud 30-cwt. lorry belonging to the municipal authorities of Perth. and to a 3-ton vehicle owned by the Fremantle Municipal Council. We are hoping to be in a position to publish details nf the gear in a later issue.

Contracting versus Ownership.

When the Cardiff Waterworks Committee recently considered tenders for motor and horse haulage, members drew attention to the large sum expended annually by several corporation committees in hiring vehicles. Would it not" be better, they asked, to acquire additional motor lorries and horses to enable the work to be done by the departments themselves'? .

The I waterworks engineer said that they had not the space at their headquarters tp allocate to a haulage depart-merit, but 'members said that the Public works. committee—which; itself

contracts for haulage work—should provide accommodation for such a department.

It was resolved to have detailed figures of haulage costs by contract and a statement as to the cost of establishing such a haulage department submitted to the next meeting. A Devon Area-licensing Committee.

At a meeting of the Paignton 'Urban District Council a letter was received from the Torquay Town Council intimating that it is in favour of the proposed formation of an area-licensing committee to deal with applications for licences for motorbuses, and suggesting that the area proposed should be widened by the inclusion of the Teignmouth and Newton Abbot urban districts.

A Range of Washing Apparatus.

The B.E.N. Patents, Ltd. 32, Tottenham Court Road, Loudon, W.I., has just issued a leaflet giving the prices of its complete range of five models of the B.E.N.-Myers motor-vehicle washer. The company claims that the range of models in which the car washer is avail

able is the most complete of its kind, and covers practically every requiremeat likely to be encountered in either the smallest garage or the works of large fleet owners. The washer is available as a one to six-gun plant.

Concerning a Long-distance Service.

In an article concerning the activities of the HoYal Body Corporation, Ltd., which appeared in cur issue for last week, we stated that the Westminster Omnibus Co., Ltd., is running a service between London and Folkestone. This should have been between London and Cambridge, as the company does not work a service to Folkestone.

Oxford to London Daily.

In our issue for Iast week, we drew attention to the daily service recently inaugurated by the South Midland Touring and Transport Co., Ltd., of Oxford, and we now learn from the Curtis Automobile Co., Ltd., that the vehicle which is being used on this route is a Lancia, the chassis being of the third-series Pentaiota pattern, equipped with a well-appointed body.

Woking's Consideration.

The omnibus committee of the Woking T_Trban District Council sug-. gests that before a new service is allowed on a particular route, the bus proprietors already running on that route should be given an opportunity to Jay before the committee any objections or observations they may have to make.

Rotherham's Trolley-bus Plans.

At .a meeting of the tramways coniinittee' of the Rotherham Corporation,

the tramways manager reported that the chairman and Alderman Gummer were authorized to decide upon tenders received for trolley-buses and that they had agreed that a Guy six-wheeled chassis should be purchased as a specimen vehiele before the order for the re maining three is placed. The tramways manager informed the committee that the order for a similar body to those already in use on the railless vehicles had been placed with C. H. Roe (1923), Ltd., of Crossgates, Leeds, at a price of £527.

rAn Ambulance for Carmarthen.

The Carmarthen Motor Cycle and Light car Club is to inaugurate a scheme for providing the local hospital with a motor ambulance of an up-todate pattern

A Tramways Company's Experiment.

. At a meeting of the tramways committee of the Rotherham Corporation, the tramways manager reported that he had made arrangements to dispose of four buses of a certain type, and had loaned to the general manager of the Mexborough and Swinton Tramways Co. one of them for trial purposes at. a nominal figure of 41d. per mite run. If the vehicle proves satisfactory, the tramways manager of the company proposes purchasing two of the vehicles.

A Progressive Enterprise.

Although the firm of Thomas P. Headland is of comparatively recent establishment, the enthusiasm of its staff which was evident at the celebration of the firm's fifth anniversary, held a few days ago at the Suffolk Galleries,

Pall Mall, London, suggests that the business will continue to make steady progress. Over 300 persons participated in an enjoyable programme of dancing and a musical entertainment.

The opportunity was taken for presentin7,Mr. Thomas P. Headland with a handsome gold watch, and in returning thanks for this evidence of the esteem in which he is held Mr. Headland said that in a business which was concerned with the supplying of engineers' sundries and spare parts prompt service played a big part, and this was only made possible by the wholehearted CO-operation of the staff.

Cheaper Current for Eiectrics.

Liverpool Corporation has reduced the rate for electric-vehicle battery charging from 1.25d. per Unit plus 25 per cent., to 1.5d. per unit.

A Paper on Steering Gears.

At a general meeting of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, to be held on March 6th at the Royal Society of Arts, John Street, London, W.C.2, Dr. P. W. Lanchester will read a paper entitled "Automobile Steering Gear— Problems and Mechanisms." The paper by Mr. G. L. Ensor, entitled Notes on the Single Sleeve-valve Principle," which was awarded the Daimler premium, will be read at Bristol on March 5th and at firming . ham on March 12th.

An Offer for Perth's Buses.

The tramways committee of the Perth Town Council recently considered an offer made by Messrs. Crerar and Hepburn to take over the corporation's motorbuses and the council has been recommended not to adopt the suggestion. The Perth General Omnibus Co., which is run by Messrs. Crerar and Hepbura in opposition to the municipal services, offered to purchase the motorbuses belonging to the corporation for 19,500 and to pay a further 1500 per annum for the right to establish a bus service within the borough.

It is said that the tramways corn

mittee is putting forward a recommendation that steps should he taken to obtain the necessary Parliamentary powers for the abandonment of the tramways undertaking. The Perth Corporation first commenced the operation of bus services in May, 1911.

Glossop's Licensing Policy.

Glossop • Watch Committee has granted licences to the North Western Road Car Co., Ltd., for 50 buses and decided that the question of the granting of licences in the future be referred to a special meeting which is to be called to consider the question of future policy with regard to the licensing of hackney carriages. . •

1927 Results of a Devon Passenger Transport. Concern.

The., report of the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co., Ltd., for the year ended December 31st last shows a profit of 113,364, after writing off depreciation. After deducting from this sum mortgage interest paid and accrued and the amount to be transferred to the fund for the redemption of mortgage, there remains a balance of £12,223, to which has to be added £1,802 brought in from the previous year. Of the total of f14,025, general reserve

B24 benefits to the extent of 12,000, whilst a dividend on the preference shares * absorbs 17,000, thus leaving u. balance of £5,025. A dividend of 71 per cent is to be paid on the ordinary shares, and this will account for a further 12,250 and leave 12,775 to be carried forward.

During the past year there was a considerable expansion in revenue and profit. In the period -covered by the report, the garage and rolling stock belonging to Mr. E. 0. Babingtou, of Ashburton, was acquired, thus dispensing with the need for building a garage in that town. The company now ownS, directly or indirectly, a fleet of 124 motorbuses and motor coaches.

The company's services link up a number of important centres in South Devon. Fleet Cars, Ltd., of Torquay, the capital of which is held by the company, had, according to the report, a good year, considering the wet slimmer.

Bristol Passenger-vehicle Orders.

Several important municipal authorities have recently placed repeat orders for passenger-carrying vehicles with the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., of Bristol. These include the Manchester Corporation, which is buyleg 12 32-seaters, and the Doncaster and Wigan Corporations, which are both buying 30-seaters, the order from the former being the eleventh placed with the company.

Orders for complete buses have also been received from the Bath Tramways Co., Ltd., and the Norwich Tramways Co., Ltd.; whilst Newcastle (Staffs) Motor Co., Ltd., has indented for a number ,of Bristol low-loading light passenger chassis.

Parts for Electrical Components. The Itunbaken Magneto Co., of Tipping Street, Ardwick, Manchester, has just issued a folder which describes its various types of dynamo and starter brushes, 'carbon brushes and platinum screws for British, American and Continental magnetos. The company has specialized in this equipment for a number of years.

C.A.V. Battery Features.

"The Modern Battery" is the title given to a folder which has just been issued by C., A. Vandervell and Co,, Ltd., Acton, London, W.3. It illustrates and describes in a simple and non-technical manner the construction and characteristic features of C.A.V. batteries. The constructional details are illustrated in a novel way by a series of overlapping sheets.

His Majesty's Consul at Kovno reports that the local municipality is inviting tenders for the supply of motorbuses, the vehicles to be of the saloon type and to seat from 1S to 24 passengers. British manufacturers who are in a position to meet the requirements of the authorities can obtain further particulars from the Department of Overseas Trade. 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, quoting reference AX5929.

The Problem of Road Grants.

At a conference held in London, which was attended by representatives from English and Scottish county councils and boroughs and other road authorities, the following resolutions were adopted :— "That it is impossible for the highway authorities to carry out, with grant aid on the existing basis, the works necessary for the conversion to and sub-' sequent maintenance of the roads under their charge at the standard requisite for modern traffic, and that an immediate and substantial increase in such aid is, therefore, imperative. "That the whole of the moneys pro- timed by the licence duties on mechanically propelled vehicles should, subject. to the statutory prior charges, be devoted to road purposes in accordance with the original intention of Parliament.

"That a joint deputation be appointed to place the foregoing view of the association before the Minister of Transport and the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

"That the minimum grant increase should be as follows ;--Class I roads, from 50 per cent. to 75 per cent.; Class II roads, from 34 per cent. to 50 per cent.; selected scheduled roads, from 25 per cent. to 33* per cent."

New Filling Depot for Speedolene

Oils.

Silvertown Lubricants, Ltd., Norway House, Cockspur Street, London, &WA, has just completed the erection of a new filling depot, which includes amongst its equipment the latest appliances for the economical and accurate filling arta despatching of the company's well-known Speedolene motor oils in packages. Cleanliness has been the watchword in the design of the new premises, and tanks which contain the various grades of oil are connected with automatic fillers, the tins, drums • and barrels being filled from them.