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Progress in the ProTHEproduction of synthetic
duction of Synthetic rubber is progressing. The Goodyear Co. is completing a new plant at Akron, Ohio, with an initial production of 10,000 lb. per day of chemical rubber, which it terms Chemigum. The plant is really, of an experimental nature to enable tho problems of larger production to be worked out. The main difficulty at present is that synthetic rubber is costly, the price being from four to five times that of prices of the crude variety. It is, however, extremely tough and particularly resistant to oil. We have some synthetic-rubber tyres in use. which seldom pick up anything in the way of small flints, so often absorbed 1:)y tyres of ordinary rubber. Rubber Sale and Price of MAPHTHALENE, whether Naphthalene are NOw or not derived from coal Controlled • . . tar, is by reason of the Coal Tar. (No. 2) Order, 1941, which came into force on October 30, subject to disposal licensing and price control. There is also a Direction, published as a Statutory Rule and Order, which became operative on November 1, forbidding the disposal of any grade of naphthalene specified in the schedules to the Direction to a buyer in this country at prices exceeding those mentioned. May we take it that there is now much rejoicing amongst the moths and sadness amongst the sellers of those classes of alleged fuel economizer which seem to consist mainly of powdered moth balls?
Farmers Being Called L'ARIVIERS are being appealed Upon to Economize in I to by the National Farmers' All Transport . . . Union to avoid any unneces sarily long hauls by road or rail, by drawing on the nearest available sources of supply, also to assist the Q campaign to expedite turnr round by avoiding all possible delay in loading and unloading. Railways are congested by coal traffic, so should not have more transferred to them. The Union is urging the Government to remove some of the restrictions upon -the use of the tractor licensed at 5s., and it is hoped that some concession ini this• respect will soon be announced.
U.S.A. Army to Ex.: ; THE American Quarter periment with Small I master Corps is to purchase Amphibian Lorries . amphibian motor vehicles for
experimental purposes. This new lorry is said to be capable of operating in water, over rough roads, trails and hilly cross-country roads. On a concrete highway it can attain at least 55 m.p.h., whilst its water speed is 5 m.p.h. It carries a useful load of 8 cwt. The tyres are designed to give traction in mud and snow. There is a brush guard for operating through woodland, and a folding windshield to give reduced silhouette. The rudder and propeller are retractable. This vehicle is-intended for the carriage of both goods and personnel.
Q0 great has been the increase *--)in the use of machinery and tractors on farms that a little note circulated by the National Farmers' Union may prove valuable. It refers to simple precautions against accidents issued by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland. The main points are :—Do not attempt to repair machinery while it is in motion; never reach into moving machinery; do not attempt to put on or slip a belt by hand when the driving pulley is revolving; see that all power-take-off shafts are adequately shielded; prevent children from investigating revolving shafts or pulleys; and use single-piece, close-fitting overalls • so that no loose portions can be caught up.
Precautions Against Accidents with Farm Machinery . .