WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness S-of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier, County Councils and the Traffic Bill.
At a meeting of the County Councils Association the highways committee reported upon the draft Road Traffic Bill and eslled attention to what it conceived to be its principal general feature, namely, the extensive power which was proposed to be conferred upon the Minister of Transport for making regulations. It was admitted that to attempt to prescribe, by the Act itself, for all the intricate details which required to be considered in connection with the regulation of road vehicles would render the statute unduly cumbersome and would, moreover, make it impossible to provide that degree of elasticity which changing circumstances were likely to necessitate. It was admitted also that all such regulations would have to be laid before both Houses of Parliament.
Notwithstanding these considerations, however, the committee is of opinion that, in certain respects, the proposals of the draft Bill in regard to the making of regulations go far beyond the necessities of the ca. What it had especially in mind was the proposed power to prescribe maximum weights and speeds, and it expressed the view that maxima for these purposes should be laid down by the Act itself, leaving the Minister to make detailed regulations, within the prescribed limits.
Fuel from Coke-oven Waste Gases.
Considerable attention is being paid In France at the present time to the question of discovering a synthetic spirit for use in the engines of motor vehicles, in order to render the country less dependent on imported petrol. The colliery owners in the chief French mining districts are also now turning their attention to the problem and, in this connection, it may be mentioned that the Courrieres Mines Co., of the Pas de Calais Department, in conjunction with the Kuhlmann chemical concern, has just formed a new company in Paris with the title La Societe des Products Claimiques Conrrieres-Kuhlmann, with a capital of 8,000,000 francs, (about 166,660) to establish a plant to ntilize the waste gases from coke ovens.
Canadian Users of Leyland Lorries.
Some interesting reports of the activities of Leyland vehicles in Canada have recently been received from the Canadian office of the company. They serve to show that this make of British vehicle is giving an excellent account of itself under various conditions of operation. A Toronto haulage contractor, for example, has had two Leyland tipping wagons in operation for five years, during which time the cost of maintenance has been negligible— in fact the sump of one machine has never been removed, whilst four piston rings form the grand total of replacements made on the other. Another contractor's 41-toriner has covered a total mileage of 130,000, carrying loads of concrete sewer pipes, the total expenditure for repairs being 72 dollars. The Toronto Storage and Transport Co., Ltd., bought a Leyland vehicle in 1922, since when it has run 280,000 miles without giving the slightest trouble. The Shell Company of Canada, Ltd., operates 27 Leyiands which have covered a total mileage of about one million These vehicles have given such satisfactory service that the user has recently placed an order for a further tight Leyland machines. Many similar instances of the efficient and economical use of Leyland vehicles in Canada are available.
New President of S.M.M. and T.
Sir George Beharrell, managing director of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., has been appointed president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Buses Popular in Wallasey.
That the bus as a means for public transit is becoming increasingly popular in congested areas is indicated by the growth of 800,000 in the number of passengers carried during the past year by the Wallasey buses, whilst there has been a decrease of 1,000,000 in the figure for the trains.
The Conference on Street Accidents, The summary of proceedings at the conference on street accidents, attended by representatives of the Home Office, the Ministry of Transport, the London Traffic Advisory Committee, the police, local authorities and the principal associations and societies concerned, which was convened by the Minister on Marcia 21st, is now on sale, and copies can be purchased from H.M. Stationery Office or through any bookseller, price 6d. net.
The summary contains an account of the discussion on the report to the Minister of the London Traffic Advisory Committee on street accidents in Greater London, and sets out the recommendations of the Advisory Committee contained in that report, all of which were adopted by the conference. The summary also covers the discussion on the provisions of the draft Road Traffic Bill, which was considered by the conference in so far as its provisions had a bearing on the prevention of street accidents. The remainder of the summary deals with the various motions put on the agenda by the dale. gates.
Ribble Motor Services' Successful Year.
We have often had occasion in the past to refer to the motorbus ramifications of Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., and some idea of the progress which the company continues to make was forthcoming at the eighth annual general meeting, held in Preston a few daya ago, when Mr. W. S. Wreathall, the deputy-chairman, presided.
The total revenue of the company in the year ended March 31st last was £331,600, this figure representing an increase of £132,600 as compared with the previous year. With regard to expenses, the chairman pointed out that a sum of £13,623 was absorbed on account of road licences. Another outgoing which showed a big increase was wages, which rose by £43,000 to £129,000. This SUM, it was pointed out, represented a very considerable proportion of the company's total receipts.
After charging the various expenses to revenue, a balance of £27,125 remains to be carried to the net revenue account, which is £23,500 higher than that for the previous year. The assets side of the balance-sheet shows an amount of £208,000 for rolling stock, this consisting of 270 vehicles, the majority of which are of the most modern type.
A dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum is to be paid as compared with 71 per cent. for the previous year, and a balance of £11,187 is to be carried forward. In the past year more than 18.000,000 passengers were carried on the company's buses; this is an increase of 7,500,000 on the previous year. The company is now operating services over no fewer than 466 miles of roadway in various parts of Lancashire.
Recent Bristol Orders.
Amongst some of the important orders recently received by the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., can be meationed the following :—One for ten 32-seater single-deck buses of the Superbus type from the Lancashire United Transport and Power Co., Ltd., another for three low-level light passenger chassis -from the municipal authorities at Rotherham, this being in the nature of a repeat order, a third for a similar chassia from Messrs. A. and R. Graham, of Glasgow, and another for a 40 h.p. 4-ton chassis from the Redline' Motor Spirit Co., Ltd.
A Blackburn Parade.
Under the auspices of the East Lancashire Road Transport Association and the Commercial Motor Users' Association, in conjunction with the Blackburn and District Horse Show and Parade Society, a transport parade was held in Blackburn on June 18th. Judging took place in the yard of the Blackburn fire station, and there was keen competition for the awards, which comprised 18 challenge cups, 10 medals, eight merit badges, and about £80 in prize money.
Plymouth Bug Returns.
The accounts dealing with the bus undertaking of the Plymouth Corporation for the year ended March 31st last have just been issued, and they reveal a pet surplus of 11,375. So far as outgoings are concerned we note that £14,550 was disbursed under the heading of maintenance and repairs, whilst traffic expenses absorbed .£19,764. The purchase of petrol involved an outlay of 19,947, and general expenses accounted for £2,231. Tinder the heading of interest and sinking fund, a sum of 110,309 is set. The total expenses per bus-mile amounted to 11.341d., the net surplus per bus-mile being .274d.
So far as income is concerned, passenger receipts totalled 155,381 (11.055d. per bus-mile), the hire of • lorries brought in £2,593, and advertising on buses £210. During the year with which the figures we have given deal, the Plymouth Corporation fleet of buses' covered a total mileage of 1,202,226.
Distributors for De Dions.
We learn that Johnson Neal, Ltd., well known some two or three years ago as a distributor of De Dion Bouton ears, which was subsequently amalgamated with De Dion Bouton, Ltd.— Mr. Johnson being appointed general sales manager—has now been reformed and has commenced business again with showrooms at 40, Conduit Street, London, W.1. Mr. Theelke, for many years associated with De Dion Bouton, Ltd., as sales manager, has joined the board of the company.
Johnson Neal, Ltd., has opened a commercial vehicle department, and has been appointed a distributor for this country for De Dion Benton passen
per-carrying and goods chassis. It informs us that it has opened a service depot at 56-58, Davies Mews, and that it is in a position to give immediate delivery of 20-seater and 28-seater Model JP2-type De Dion buses.
A Railway Company's Purchases. The Associated Daimler Co., Ltd., advises us that it has just received further orders for 16 Associated Daimler Model 204 2-2;-ton goods chassis and10 3-4-ton goods chassis from the London and North Eastern Railway Co.
Arm-bands for Signalling. A new " safety-first " device has recently been introduced by the East ' Kent Road Car Co., which operates extensive services in East Kent. This
consists of a white armlet, which has been issued to every driver and conductor in its employ. This is worn just above the wrist, the drivers wearing it on their right arm, while the conductors carry it on the left. The use of the armlet is to assist in signalling while turning, waving on traffic, etc., and enables signals to be more easily seen. The conductor signals with his left arm when the vehicle is rounding corners on the left side.
Dewandre Servo Braking in. Canada and America.
We learn that the exclusive licence for the manufacture and sale of the Dewandre vacuum servo for motor vehicles in the United States and Canada has been granted to the Westinghouse Air Brake Co., Pittsburg, wl4ich will iaow stand in the same relation to those countries as Clayton Wagons, Ltd., Abbey Works, Lincoln, does to Great Britain and Ireland and all British colonies (excepting only Canada), protectorates and dependencies.
Henley's Report.
The report of the directors of W. T Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd. for the year ended March 31st last shows a profit of 1306,985. After de ducting debenture interest, an amouni written off for depreciation on buildings and machinery, and other items, a sum of £251,776 remains, to which has to be added £503,779 brought forward from the previous year.. Directors' bonus of 12,500 reduces the total amount availahle to £753,055. . Of this amount 125,352 is absorbed by the payment of income-tax, and £50,000 is trans ferred to the reserve account, whilst a dividend on .the preference shares to the end of December last accounted for 19,000, and an interim dividend on the ordinary shares for 148,750. These items account for 1133,102 and reduce the available balance to 1619,953.
The directors now recommend the payment of a final dividend on the ordinary shares of 2s. 6d. per share, less income-tax (making 4s. for the year), and the payment of a cash bonus of is. per share, less income-tax. These disbursements will account for 1113,750 and leave a sum of 1506,203 to be carried forward.
Associated Daimler Spares.
We learn that the service department of the Associated Daimler Co., Ltd., has been removed to the company's new premises at Southall, Middlesex, and users who require spare parts should address their correspondence to the company at the Service Station, Windmill Lane, Southall, in order to avoid any possibility-a4 delay in the execution of their orders.
Pumps for Barrels and Drums.
Commercial users of oil in large quail-titles often purchase their supplies in drums or barrels, and a most convenient method of extracting the oil in such circumstances is to employ an efficient pump. In this connection we may mention that we have received from Joshua Rea and Sons, Ltd., Collingwocal Street Oil Works, Liverpool, details of its Senga oil pumps, which are priced at from 17s. 6d. up to 59s. 6d. The Senga Junior, at 17s. 6d., is a single-action type, with brass tube and brass ball valves. It is capable of dealing with all ordinary oils, and is designed for use in connection with 5-gallon drums.
German Makes of Six-wheeler.
There is a distinct tendency in Germany in favour of the extended use of the rigid six-wheeled motorbus and lorry. As a matter of fact we learn that no fewer than eight German firms are now turning out six-wheeled buses, these being Bussing, Daimler-Benz, Komnick, Faunwerke, l'slagirus and Yomag. Of six-wheeled lorries there are five makers—Bussing, Krupp, N.A.G., Komniek and N.A.N.
Fire Protection for Motors.
Details of the X.L.R.C. hand-operated fire-extinguisher of the carbon tetrachloride type have reached us trom the Darlaston Galvanized HollowWare Co., Ltd., Booth Street, Dariaston, Staffs. This is a neat outfit with a double-action pump, producing a continuous stream of liquid. It is designed for use on fires caused by petrol, lacquer andother liquids, and as the fluid is a non-conductor it can be used without danger of shock where
the origin of the fire is electrical. The extinguisher costs 45s. in polished brass and 50s. in oxidized nickel finish. Refills are 6s. each.
Merthyr's Municipal Services.
-Reporting upon the accounts of the bus undertaking of the Merthyr Corporation, the Government auditor says it is understood that free passes on municipal omnibuses are granted to members of the corporation. He knows of no sound reason why preferential treatment should be given and suggests that the practice should be discontinued. It was observed that the rate of wages paid to omnibus drivers appears to be generous. The agreement provides a fixed rate of £3 4s. for a 48-hour week, B92
and during the audit it was pointed out that this rate materially exceeded the rates of pay given to drivers by certain neighbouring authorities, where the minimum rate was £2 1.8s., rising by increments to a maximum of £3is. ed.
A Salesman Wanted for London.
We understand that one of the foremost of British commercial vehicle manufacturers requires the services of a well-educated man of about 30-35 Years of age to act as salesman from the London office of the company. Applicants for the post who mark their letters " G," care of the Editor, will have them forwarded.
British Vehicles on Petrol Distribution.
We learn from the Anglo-American Oil Co., Ltd., that it has now no fewer than 2,007 motor lorries and tank wagons of all-British manufacture in use in connection with the distribution of Pratt's motor spirit in this country.
Bournemouth's Bus Purchases.
The tranaways committee of the Bournemouth Corporation recommends acceptance of the tender of W. and G. Du Cros, Ltd., for the supply of three low-loading 26-seater motorbuses at a total of £3,610. The committee advertised for six vehicles, but only three are now recommended for purchase owing to the lateness of the season and possibly another three will be purchased early next year. The following concerns sent quotations for the buses : Lee Motors, Ltd., Bournemouth; W. and G. Du Cros, Ltd.; Karrier Motors, Ltd.; Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd.; Curtis Automobile Co., Ltd.; Guy Motors, Ltd.; J. I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd.; Commer Cars, Ltd.; Dennis Bros., Ltd.; Associated Daimler Co., Ltd.•' Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd.; Leyland Motors, Ltd.; Tilling-Stevens Motors, Ltd., and 3. C. Beadle, Ltd. • British Trolley-buses for Peru.
The Westinghouse Brake and Saxby Signal Co., Ltd., has received an order from Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd.. for seven sets of pressure brake apparatus for trolley-buses destined for Lima, Peru.
A W.D. Test of the Scammell.
We have been asked to point out that it was only yesterday that the War Department carried out its first trial of the new Scatumell rigid-frame six-wheeler. The reference to such a test which we made in our description of the vehicle published in our issue for last week was due to the misconstruing of a statement made to us.
Speeding-up Postal Services.
Arrangements are being made by the Newcastle postal authorities to speed up the collection and delivery of letters and parcels throughout their area by a much greater use of motor vehicles. In the past a moderate-sized fleet of light vans has been used, but provision is made in the reorganization scheme for the employment of further vehicles of this type and, in addition, some postmen will be supplied with motorcycles for delivery work and for making collections in districts where postal business is comparatively light.
A £900,000 Bridge.
The new international bridge between Fort Erie, Ontario, 'and Buffalo, New York, was opened to traffic on June 1st, following a brief ceremony in which the mayors of the two towns concerned participated. The ceremony of dedication is being deferred until the autumn, when there is a possibility that the, Prince of Wales and Mr. Baldwin may officiate on behalf of Canada, and Mr. Coolidge on behalf of the United States. The bridge has cost $4,500,000 to complete.
Limiting Licences.
In connection with applications for licences for hackney carriages and omnibuses, the licensing committee of the Herne Bay Urban District Council has decided that the number of vehicles licensed last year is sufficient for the needs of the public, and that the use of additional buses would result in confusion and congestion of traffic. Subject to representations which may be made by applicants to the council at the general licensing meeting, the number of licences granted is to be the same as last year.
New Dennis Buses for Bangor.
Bangor Motor Service, Ltd., which now has a fleet of 24 buses and six coaches; is making additions to its rolling stock by the purchase of two 32seater E7type Dennis low-loading buses with four-wheel brakes. The company's summer services have just been inaugurated. A new service between Bangor and Amlwch, via Menai Bridge,Pentraeth, Red Wharf Bay, Benlloeh, Chapel Cross Roads (for Moelfre .Bay), Brynyr-Efail, and Penysarn, has been instituted, and four buses will run each day from Bangor.
Freeing a Busy Road from To115.
The Minister of Transport has indicated to the House of Commons that he would consider making a special grant to the responsible authorities for the freeing of the Cardiff-Penarth main road from tolls. . The authorities concerned are the Cardiff Oily Council and the Penarth and Barry Urban District Councils.
The Cardiff Council has special interest in the project, for it pays in respect of its buses tolls of 13,000 per annum and £400 per annum for the passage of its refuse-collection vehicles to the Penarth Road destructor.
The remarkable growth of motor traffic over, the road is • considered to have increased the sale value of the toll rights from £25,000, asked for in 1923, to somewhere in the .region of 160,000. If the tolls are removed, however, the councils will have to embark on a road and bridge improvement scheme which is estimated to cost £150,000. The two bridges now in use have wooden. supports, .and, whether the road is freed or not, public safety and traffic ;requirements will shortly make it imperative for the bridges to be reconstructed.
The Cardiff Council has a Bill in course of preparation which will prescribe for the freeing of the road. It is probable that sanction will . be sought to "farm ',' the toll for a period of years in order to recover the cost of freeing the road.
Buyers of Thornycrofts.
One of the largest orders received by John T. Thornycroft and Co. Ltd., during the week ended June 18th was for 14 type-Al 80-cwt. subsidy chassis and nine chassis of similar capacity from the Great Western Railway Co. In this period the London and North Eastern Railway Co. also plaend an order for four type-Al 80-cwt. subsidy chassis. In addition to a number of other
orders received from users in this country for various types of goods and passenger carrying models, the company received several large orders from their overseas branches, these including one for ten vehicles for Australia, a typeA3 30-50-cwt. six-wheeled chassis being included amongst them. Other orders came through the company's branches in Singapore and Brazil.
A Belt for Fan and Dynamo Drives.
We have received from Garnett Whiteley and Co., Ltd., Broadgreen Road, Liverpool, an example of the Lotus belt for the fan and dynamo of the Morris, lt,is constructed to avoid stretching and slipping. The side plates are made of fine quality rubber, and are fastened to a central steel chain by studs and 'lilts. The chain has outer and inner pressed-steel cup-bearing plates, and in use the joints have almost the action of a ball bearing. It is stated that this belt cannot slip even if run slack.
Licences in Cheshire.
Last year Cheshire County Council issued 97,948, licences under the Road Fund, an increase for the veer of
.10,211,
Croydon's New Fire-fighter.
The Croydon municipal authorities possess one of the most efficient lire brigade organizations in the country, and its motor fleet has recently been extended by the purchase of a new appliance from Dennis Bros., Ltd., Guildford. The engine on this appliance is rated at 60 h.p., and the four-cylindered engine has a bore of 127 tom., and a stroke of 180 ram. There are two pumps, one intended. for first-aid purposes, drawing its supply of water from a 4Q-gallon tank carried on the appliance. The other, the main pump, is designed to deliver from 500-700 gallons of water per minute.
• On the occasion of a recent test, the pump, working from hydrants, threw 674 gallons of water per minute at a pressure of 98 lb. per square inch, the water leaving the nozzle at 75 lb. pressure.
The ladder which is carried on the machineis of the self-supporting type and is a product of H. Simonis, Ltd., of Park Royal, London, N.W. When fully extended it reaches a height of 60 ft., and when used for a water tower, to a height of 45 ft. It is interesting to note that Croydon's latest acquisition is fitted with brakes on all wheels. The Croydon Fire Brigade has other Dennis machines in its service at the present time.
A Garner Depot for London.
Readers in the London area may he interested to knew that the London sales and services headquarters of Garner Motors, Ltd., are at Sentinel House, Southampton Row, W.C.1, where demonstrations can be arranged and detailed information given on the company's latest products.
A German Public-service Association.
A meeting of private motorbus and coach undertakings in Germany, at which about 100 concerns are stated to have been represented, was lately held in Frankfort-am-Main, when the formation of an Association of Motor Bus and Excursion-service Proprietors was decided upon, the headquarters to be in Heidelberg. Irish Free State Imports.
No fewer than 75 commercial vehicles rattled at 118,719 were imported into he Irish Free State during April last is compared with 11 (13,688) in the :orresporiding month of 1926. The iggregate imports during the first four nouths of the present year are officially returned at 241 vehicles (144,881) as rontrasted with 82 vehicles (M,468) in a similar period a year ago.
The Value of the Fire-extinguisher.
A member of our staff recently witnessed an incident which served to impress upon him the importance and value of the modern fire-extinguisher. A large delivery van recently puled up in the East End of London, when it was seen that volumes of smoke were coming from under the bonnet. The driver and his assistant hurriedly descended, by which time flames could be seen from under the footboards. Apparently the vehicle was not equipped withany type of fire-extinguisher, because the two men made frantieendeayours to put out the flames by using their caps. A serious blaze seemed inevitable when the driver of a G.P.O. motorcycle combination jumped from his machine and ran across to the vehicle armed with a fire-extinguisher, which was, subsequently discovered to be of Pyrene make. The appliance was quickly "brought into use, and within a few minutes the van had resumed its journey.
A Merthyr Bus Appeal.
At a meeting of the Merthyr Watch Committee a letter was read from the Ministry of Transport with reference to the appeal made by the Western Services, Ltd., against the decision of the council to grant licences to the company. A copy of an Order made by the 1124 Minister was enclosed, which provides that the council shall grant licences for four omnibuses to the appellant, subject to it giving the council an undertaking in the following terms :—
"That the western terminal point on any service of omnibuses run by Western Services, Ltd., between Merthyr Tydfil and Abergavenny, shall be the tramway terminus at Dowlais, in the county borough of Merthyr Tydfil, and that no omnibus of the Western Services, Ltd., operating on the said service shall ply for hire on any street within the county borough of Merthyr Tydfil to the south of the said tramway terminus."
The watch committee has now granted the four licences.
A Leyland Outing.
On Saturday last over 2,000 "employees of Leyhuul Motors, Ltd., were conveyed in four special trains to Lon don. The party left Lancashire early in the morning, and upon arrival in London was conveyed in a fleet of 85 special motorbuses and coaches on a sight-seeing expedition. Many of the principal places of interest were visited.
Opening a New Bridge at Newport.
On June 22nd the Minister of Transport formally opened the new bridge over the River T_Tsk at Newport. The bridge, which is of value to all through traffic between South Wales and Midland and Southern counties in England, is a concrete, steel and brick structure, 357 ft. long, 60 ft. wide and having five spans.. It has been constructed at a cost of £140,275, and f.80,000 was spent on the erection of a temporary bridge, whilst considerable expenditure was incurred in connection with various improvements effected to outlet roads from the bridge. A Kentish Company's Report.
The report of the Maidstone and District Motor Services, Ltd., for the year ended Match 31st last shows a net profit of £46,023, as against £44,388 in the preceding year. It is proposed to pay a final dividend of 10 per cent., making 15 per cent_ for the year—the same as for the previous 12 months. A sum of £10,000 is being allocated to the reserve account and the amount to be carried forward is £12,277, as against £7,753 brought in from the previous year.
Available for a Position Overseas. We are informed by Mr. Edward Meeson, whose recent article in this journal regarding the design of vehicles or use on the Gold Coast and other countries overseas has won most favourable comments, that he is willing to accept a suitable position abroad
where use can be made of his extensive knowledge of transport requirements. Letters addressed to him c/o' the Editor of this journal will be forwarded.
More Buses for Aberdare?
The Aberdare Urban District Council proposes, if its Bill now before Parliament is sanctioned, to add five new buses to its fleet at an estimated cost of 16,750. Our recent analysis of municipal bus services shows that eight vehicles (five Tilling-Stevens, two Bristol s and a Leyland) are at present in use.
In connection with the announcement of Challands, Ross and Co., Ltd., which has been appearing under " Bodies " in our small -advertisement columns, we are asked to point out that the company's address is at Canal Street, Nottingham.
A New Tyre Factory.
Pirelli, Ltd., 144, Queen Victoria Street, London, S.W., has decided to erect a new factory in this country for the manufacture of pneumatic, semipneumatic and solid tyres to meet the growing demand for its tyre products in the United Kingdom and parts of the British Empire. It is probable the new factory will be in the neighbourhood of the two extensive Pirelli plants now in operation at Eastleigh and Southamp, ton, where some thousands of people have been engaged for many years in the production of cables.
Glasgow's New Concrete Bridge.
The finishing touches are now being given to Oswald Street Bridge, Glasgow, which is to be opened by H.M. The King on July 12th. It is claimed that this bridge is the most ambitious project carried out in reinforced concrete in this country. It is a three-span structure, the side spans being 122 ft. and the centre span 165 ft. It is built on a foundation of 14 caissons, or watertight boxes, which are sunk to a depth of 56 ft. below high-water level. The new bridge fills a great want and will materially improve cross-river traffic facilities.
The Canadian Lorry Industry Growing.
Canadian-made motor lorries are finding their way into a large number of countries in different parts of the world. During the 12 months ended April. 1927, the weber of vehicles exported was 20,116, of a value of $6,800,107 f.o.b. factory, compared with 19,530 lorries worth $6,443,319 during the preceding 12 Months. British India was the largest buyer, followed by the South American Republics.
Tractors in Ireland.
According to official returns lately to hand 132 agricultural and other tractors were imported into the Irish Free State during last year, as compared with 136 in 1925. The machines were, however, of a eheaper kind, the value of the imports declining from £52,582 in 1925 to 125,239 last year. The United States is credited with 88 machines, of the total, as against 42 for Great Britain, two machines falling under the heading of " other countries."
Road Users' Petition to Parliament.
The petition organized by the Automobile Association (a) to protest against the continued diversion of the Ro-ad Fund to general purposes, and (b) to urge the maintenance of an efficient Roads Department, was presented to the House of Commons on Thursday of last week.