WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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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 Crozier.
Railways and the Roads.
When the Railways' Bill came before the House of Commons on WedmJay last, after having undergone amendment in the Standing Committees, Sir William Joynson-Hicks, Bart., M.P., atonce asked for the Speaker's ruling as to Whether the 'proposed new clause (which stood on the paper in the names of Major Hamilton and other members, and which empowers railway companies to own and run road vehicles) was in order. He submitted that it was outside the scope of the Bill, which was for the reorganization and further regulating of railways.
Major Hills explained that the railway companies had carried on this business as ancillary to their main work, and he submitted that the Bill could Cot be cerifineol to the consideration of lines and rolling stock to the exclusion of ailedlarMs. The Speaker said that he thought that Sir William JoynsoniFficks was right. This Bill was not a. Bill to afford new powers to railways (a statement that was received with considerable cheering), its scope was the regulation of railways, and the Matter dealt with in the proposed new clause would. require separate Thus, for a time, ends the. peat: struggle over the efforts of the railway companies to add road traffic rights to their monopoly, but, as we point out editorially, it is more necessary than ever, now, to keep the subjerct alive. The clause has been thrown out in accordance with Parliamentary procedure; Parliament itself has given no decision on the merits of the claim by the railway companies, and it may be taken for granted that railway interests will, as soon as possible, introduce a Bill so as
to bring the matter up for discussion. The result will depend on effective propaganda and the enlightening ofthe public upon its inevitable less ot facilities should the small hauliers be ssueezed Out of business by the competition of the railways. Bringing road transport under the railways would make a complete monopoly of all internal transport.
Service Depot at Watford.
The Watford Motor Co., Ltd., Lamb Place, Watford; have opened a new repair works and service depot, which is said to be the largest in -Hertfordshire. It is fitted up with new and up-to-date plant, consisting of lathes, gear-cutting maehines, solid tyre press, vulcanizing and nay-acetylene welding plants, etc. Spare parts are stoeked for most of the well-known makes of commercial vehicles, including Cornmer Car, Hanford, etc. The company also hold stocks of ball races and accessories, as well as the best makes of solid and pneumatic tyres. A staff of highly skilled mechanics, capable of dealing with overhauls and repairs of . every description, is constantly employed.
Six Miles Per Hour.
The Corporation of Worcester have applied to the Ministry of Transport for permission to fix a six-mile-per-hour limit on all vehicles of 4 tens and over that pass through the city. As the area of the city is rather extensive, this is a very serious matter for commercial vehicle users. The matter was discussed at a recent meeting of the local C.M.U.A. branch, when it was intimated that vigorous opposition was being made against the pi-op-neat. .
An Amphibious Vehicle.
A curious amphibious motor vehicle was demonstrated at Marseilles a short time ago. The method of propulsion on the land is by caterpillar wheels of a new type, which also enable the vehicle to manoeuvre in deep mud or sand, such as is to be found on river banks or the seashore. The _hull is, of course, watertight, and at the sternis a three-bladed screw, which revolves at an average speed of 800 r.p.m. Both the caterpillar wheels and the screw are driven by a 30 h.p. motor. On land the,machiim is guided by an ordinary steering wheel; incidentally,,, it is fitted with a threespeed gear, and can be ,driven backwards, When in thewater it is steered by means of a rudder, operated by aneither wheel near the driver. The mechanism is so arranged that both caterpillar wheels and screw can be set in motion together or separately.
This machine has been designed for several purposes. It should prove useful as a means of transport across tracts of wild country Where rivers and swamps have to be crossed, and it can, if necessary, be employedas an agricultural -tractor Or -as a life-saving machine..
Lancashire Bus Extension.
The Lancashire United Tramways, Ltd., of Atherton, has arranged with the Warrington Corporation to run a through Service of motor omnibuses between Warrington Central Station and Winwick, Newton, Lowton, and Leigh. It will be remembered that in a recent article dealing with the L.U.T. motor omnibus services in Sonth-West Lancashire, we stated that the buses did not go farther than the Warrington boundary, where the tram track starts.
Wild Talk.
There seems to bare. been some wild talk at tbe July meeting of the Wirral District Council, when it was alleged that at Birkenhead men with no experience were allowed to ply dor hire with motorbuses in the county area. The statement was made that six of the bus drivers were ex-tram drivers, and were not required to pass a police test before they went on the road. The Birkenhead tramways manager characterizes the statements as ridiculous, as no man was placed in charge of a bus who did not prove his ability by passing the very severe examination to which all drivers are subjected. As to drivers not passing a police test, what would be the value, of this, as the police knowledge of the requirements for driving these vehicles might not be complete or sufficient to be a guarantee for any greater care or safety than already existed?
Not the Steering.
In the, caption under the illustration showing a Knox tractor-lorry which had fallen into a ditch near Basingstoke, and which was published on page 744 of our last issue, we mentioned that the accident. was due to the breakage of a steering connection.
We have been asked by Messrs. Pickfords, Ltd., to state that, the accident was not due to the failure of the steering gear or to any mechanical fault hatever.
Allen-Liversidge, Ltd., 'Dividend.
The directors of Allen-Liversidge, Ltd., have declared an interim dividend for the six months ended April 30th, 1921, at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum (less tax), payable on August 31st. Last year the interim dividend was at the sante rate. .
The transfer books of the company Will be closed from August 18th to 31st 553.
Fire Fighting in South Africa.
The municipality of East London recently.decided to make increases in their lire-brigade equipment, and have placed an order for two large motor engines, with all the latest improvements, with John Birch and Co., Ltd., Engineers, London Wall Buildings.
G-0. Tractor Price.
We have been informed by Noyes, Stockwell and Co., Ltd., that the price of the G-0 tractor has been reduced from 390 to 2350 f.olr. Bamford, the reduction dating from August 1st,
Worcester Parade.
The Parade Committee of the Worces ter C.M.U.A. have arranged for the second annual parade to take place early in September.
Fiats Still Italian.
False reports have been put into dr emulation for some time regarding nego tiations. between German capitalists and the Italian Fiat Co,
There have been no negotiations, and. consequently, no concessions of shares to 'foreign capitalists on the part of the Fiat Co., its managing directors, or any members of its board. These reports can therefore be denied as absolutely without
a vestige of truth. After close inquiries it• has been ascertained that no group of Fiat shareholders, acting indepeudently .of the company, has negotiated the sale of any important. quantity of Fiat shares to foreign interests, the capital of this motorcar company, therefore, remaining entirely in Italian hands. '
• Natalite Fuel.
The.duties and restrictions on the production and manufacture of power alcohol having been removed, the Alcohol Fuel Corporation, of 7, Princes Street, Westminster, S.W.1, state that they hope shortly to make preliminary arrangements for the production and sale of Natalite motor spirit in the United Kingdom. _MessrsE. S. Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E., F.C.S., G. W.
Watson, , A.E. IL G.. A. Harding, F.T.C., F.C.S., and 3. Stanley Arthur, B_Sc., A.I.C., have been retained as technical advisers to the corporation.
Personal.
Mr. T. C. Giffen, who is well known amongstScottish traders and whose address is 50a, Frederick Street, Edinburgh, has been appointed sole representative for Scotland for G. Davenport. and Co., Ltd., of 99-105, Cierkenwell Road, London, E.C.L Mr. Max R. Lawrence, M.I.Mech.E., M.I.A.E., is establishing himself in London at 252a, Gloucester Terrace, W.2, as a consulting engineer. He will undertake to "advise on all matters connected with motoring or works production. He was works manager of Lanchesters and Wolseley-s, and his many friends will remember him as Wolseley agent and agent for J. and E. Hall in Manchester before the war.
• The Hook District Council is taking up the question of the dangerous roads and street crossings which have been the cause of several accidents to motor vehicles in recent months.
£500 Profit From a Foden.
Cheshire County Council, which purchased a Foden steam wagon just over nine months ago, has been keeping a careful record of working results. The . vehicle has been used in connection with the asylums, and the accounts in respect of the wagon shows that it has yielded a net gtsiii to the council of 2502 Bs. 2d. The income, based upon the cost the council otherwise would have incurred in cartage at local rates, is put down at 21,140 8s. lid., the expenditure, after allowing for wages, fuel, oil and grease, repairs, depreciation, interest and insurance amounting to 2638 Os, 9d. Altogether, quite a good showing.
Profitable Corporation Buses.
The declared accounts of the Wolverhampton Corporation motorbus service for the year ended March last show an income of £25,528, or 22.157d. per bus mile, and an expenditure of £24,716, or 21.481d. per mile. The net profit was 2346. Eight vehicliai were in use per day. The operating costs came to 14.999d. per mile; general expenses, 1.69M.; and maintenance, repairs, etc., 2.753d. A sum at, the rate of 1.4353. was set aside for depreciation. The bus mileage was 276,130, and 2,572,032 passengers were earrikl. The Wolverhampton Corporation motorbus service is one of the few such municipal concerns which show a profit.
Concrete Roads. •
Concrete roads have proved extremely popular in America, and until recently little was done in this matter in this country. Now, however, the City of Leeds Corporation is laying reinforced concrete roads in three thoroughfares in Ifunslet, the reinforcement used being B.R.C. fabric No. 9.
Shell-Mex on the Isle of Wight.
Shell-Me,: Ltd has arranged with the Newport (Isle of Wight) Town Council to rent a site by the quay.
Goods-passenger Vehicles.
The motor baalage industry—both goods and passenger sections—has, during the last few months, been shorn of all its inflated tendencies, and, due to the continuance of competitive conditions, there seems an imminence of the trade 'being maintained as, at present for some time to Come.
This has an important bearing on the construction and manufacture of vehicles, for, whilst owners are naturally cautious about incurring heavy initial .expenses, when prospects of getting a reasonable and fair return seem dimmed, the policy of conservation produces evils which in time are their own. undoing.
A question 'that, sooner or later, will receive more attention from users is : To what extent is it possible to dovetail the passenger business into the goads haulage trade by the employment of convertible vehicles, without detriment to either industry ? There are many firms who are exclusively goods carriers and others who specialize in passenger traffic, and a big number who deal in both, using passenger bodies on their lorries When other werk more remunerative is not available. It seems to us that the ramifications of both sections of trade are .so vast as each to demand a specialized experience, a specialist capacity to grapple with new conditions, and a certain freshness of vision which is the life Of every business undertaking. Each section should therefore be wider a separate management, even if housed under one roof.
As for the coach-lorries, there seems to be room for improvement in this trade, and, whilst one cannot expect this typo of vehiae to compete with the specially built -Coach chassis, it should be the function of the manufacturers to devise new constructive methods which will give 'the lorry-in passenger service suitable spring resiliency, without detracting from the utility of the lorry as a goods carrier and enenre a rapid Means of conversion from one service to the other. " Many 11.3-AT convertible bodies have been put on the market this season, anedrittshe, all have their own peculiar m m r.f , as motor coach experts declare, road passenger travelling has a tendency in the direction of grading-1st and 2nd -class coaches—reasonable consideration shoold surely be given to tha peculiar nature of the buSuress of the' small owner haulage contractor arid motor coach proprietor.
Nottingham Tram Takings.
evideiking the demand for 'sidequateand expeditious passage of trans
port in Nottingham, it is instructive to note that the receipts on the municipal tramway system during the past financial year amounted to-4403,114, showing an increase of £24,167, or .14d. per mile, over the previous annual period. But an enormous increase in working ex, penses is illustrated by the fact that, within the time mentioned, the total amounted to £365,361, an advance of no less than .271,137, or 3.02d. per mile, leaving a balance of 237,752 only compared with 284,723 in the preceding 12 months. Any elaboration of motorbus traffic is likely, therefore, to prove de
sirable, sirable as much upon the score of. increased. revenue as for the greater public convenience which such alternative means of tranSport would afford.
Overhanging Trees.
Raising a point regarding motorbus owners' liability for personal injuries sustained by a passenger in somewhat unusual circumstances, a case was dealt with at the last sitting of the Nottingham County Court, involving a claim by Mrs. Annie Osborn, of Breaston, against Messrs. Barton Bros., of Beeston, who were the pioneers of bus traffic in the area contiguous to Nottingham. Plaintiff was travelling upon one of the defendant's buses from Breaston to Long Eaton, and at a spot known as Long Eaton Lane was putting into her pocket the change tendered to her by the conductor, when be was struck Violently in the face by the branch of an overhanging tree, which gave her two black eves, a cut, nose, and spoilt her blouse and costume. No warning regarding the branch had been given by the conductor, and she suggested that, had the conveyance beenkept in the middle of the road the accident. might have been avoided. The bus conductor alleged, however, that before tendering the plaintiff her ticket. he went to the top of the ho, and, seeing the trees in the distance, shouted "Look up." At this particular time of the year the trees were dangerous, and grew right over the middle of the road. By the side of every seat on the bus there was a notice warning passengers not to stand.
Mr. Thomas Henry Barton, a member of the defendant firm, said that the trees on the road, which belonged to a private owner and over which he had no control, were damp at the time of the accident, and, in consequence, sagged lower than usual when the weather was dry. This was the first accident they had had on that road in 1.5 years. The deputy judge (Mr. Tinsley Lindley), in giving a verdict for the plaintiff for 912 and costs, said that the bus driver must have been aware of the danger on. the road, and, in his opinion, there would have been plenty of room to. have avoided it had the man turned to the other side of the road. Negligence upon the part of the driver therefore led to the accident.
Mersey Ferry Tolls.
At the, recent annual meeting of the West _Lancashire Furniture Removers' and Warehousemen's Association, there was a discussion as to the tolls for using the Mersey ferries. Some time ago the rates for steam and motor furniture vans were advanced from 4s. loaded end 2s. unloaded to 5s. 4d. and 4s. 8d. respectively. Since then the Wallasey Ferry Committee has given further attention. tothe matter, and the outcome has been that the tolls have been reduced to 5s. for the outward journey and 3s. 6d. for the return journey, when the vehicle is
light. The ,Association is naturally pleased that its protest ass had a satisfactory result.
A Motor Bookshop.
The use of commercial motor vehicles as travelling shops is certainly on the increase, and examples have been described from time to time in the pages of this journal. A new departme in this connection is the employment of a motorvan fitted up as a bookshop and provided with an arrangement of trays which accommodates sufficient basks to meet almost every taste. The vehicle in question is owned by Messrs. Rees and Spring, of Balham, London, S.W.
In the advertisement of S. Smith and Son (M.A.), Ltd., which appeared in a recent issue, the price of the commercial 'speedometer suitable for Fords was given in the description as 95 5s., and underneath the illustration as 95 15s. The latter is the correct. price.
Sidecar Taxi Fares.
At Bradford the town clerk submitted to the Watch Committee observations of the Ministry of Health on the by-laws adopted by the committee on April 4th for sidecar taxi fares. Instructions were given for the draft to be again submitted for the consideration of the Ministry with an amendment providing for double fares between midnight and 7 a.m., instead of fare and a half as originally proposed, and for the previous wording to be so amended as to provide for a fare of is. for the first mile, and 2d. fcr each peceeding 4111arter-mile or part thereof.
Rates on L.C.C. Trams.
Because there was a loss of half a million on the municipal trams last year the London County Council sought to be relieved of local rates contending that the assessments should be entered on the lists as "nil." A conference of London rating authorities and the L.C.C., however, has now decided that the assessments shall be fixed at bnehalf.
Road as Racing Track.
Though the new Llandudno-Colwyn Bay through road has not long been constructed and available for traffic, there are already complaints about damage caused by fast driven motor vehicles, and theCoiner-von County Council has called the attention of the chief constable to the matter.
New London Indexes.
At the request of the London County Council, the Ministry of Transport has assigned to the Council 28th, 29th, and 30th index marks consisting of the letters " XK," " XL," and " XM " respectively, to be used in that order, for the registration of cars and motorcycles.
Edinburgh's Bus Earnings.
The bus services of the Edinburgh Corporation have had a very successful year.
In the annual report of the genera. manager it is pointed out that there are at present 81. buses in service, and that the revenue obtained from these vehicles has steadily increased, one route—Easter Road to Slateford Road--drawing as much as 21,123 per week. The total revenoe is 293,000-, the working expenses 269,881, interest and sinking fund contribetions 210,813, leaving a balance of 212,428, together with 21,482, 15rought forward from last year's accounts, which is available to be placed to the credit of a reserve account Should. the committee approve of the creation of such an account.
During the year motorbus services have been introduced on several cable tramway roetee Some of Lles cablr tramway% closed down were being operated at a considerable loss, -whereas now Loses are being operated on a profitable basis, in addition to which new districts have been supplied with bus services_ The general manager does not think it would have been possible to keep the undertaking from rate relief without the aid of the buses.
A Motor Vehicle Inspection.
When. members of the South-Eastern District of the Institution of Municipal and County Engineers held a meeting at Richmond they inspected the mechanical vehicles of the corporation. These included one Clayton steam wagon,. one Yorkshire commercial steamer, a G.V. electric vehicle, and also an Edison electric loaned for the occasion be Mr. G. Bruce Tames, engineer to the Barnes Urban Council. The steam wagons, as Mr. J. H. Brierley, the. borough surveyor of Richmond, pointed. out, wereused for general haulage works and were quitea satisfactory, adding that he first used steam wagons in 1906.
With regard to the electrics, 'be had
two of the G.V. type, and by their use he saved, roughly, 22 a week, or about 2100 a year over the older method. The cost of running these vehicles was, rolighly, 22 a day. They were used for the collection of house refuse.
The Child Who Hangs On.
Recently the London County Council refused, to apply for legislation making it -compulsory for an attendant to beplaced on all-trailers in order to prevent the risk to life entailed. by the dangerous practice of children ruling thereon.
It is now reyea1ed that the decision was arrived at in consequence of the views of the Commissioner of Police, who expressed the opinions that 1. The danger is not confined to trailers, but attaches also to the practice of children hanging behind single vans; it would, therefore, be equally necessary for an attendant to be placed on a single wagon as on trailers.
2. It is possible that an attendant would not keep 'continuously alert to prevent children hanging on to a vehicle, but that, at intervals, he would attempt to frighten them away after they had hung on, and, in so doing, would produce rather than prevent accidents. 3. It is found necessary for the police themselves to exercise great ease in cases 'where children are concerned, but the average van attendantwould probably net be so careful.
Surprise Claims by Customs Authorities.
Several ewner s ef American cars purchased second-band have received abrupt notes from the Customs authorities requiring them to furnish proof that their chassis were not imported for use as commercial vehicles.
If a chassis was originally imported for this purpose and is afterwards used as a private car, the Customs claim a payment of 33A per cent, ad valorem duty. It is a very important point, as it is quite possible that many owners may have to pay, hundreds of pounds as duty.
Local Proceedings.
Lancashire County Council has de eided to purchase a motor ambulance at a cost of 2400.
Todmorden Corporation has obtained sanction to borrow 22,000 for its motorbus undertaking.
Liverpool Corporation proposes to pool the Corporation motorcars and to establish a central garage.
Southend Corporation has askea the borough surveyor to make inquiries as to the purchase of a steam or petrol roller.
Carnarvon County Council has decided to purchase a motorcar for the surveyor, who has to supervise over 200 miles of roads.
Newport (Isle of Wight) Town Council has instructed the borough surveyor to make inquiries as to the cost of a steam or petrol motor water van.'
Grimsby Corporation has decided to purchase a 20 lep chassis for 2600 from the Daimler Co. and an ambulance body for 2390 from Messrs. Wilson and Stock. all.
Willesden Council's Works C.,ommittee. has witnessed a demonstration of the Karrier road sweeper and collector, but at present does not propose to purchase one of the machines.
Calcutta Municipal Council has decided to purchase three 1 ton Ford chassis at Rs 3,800 each, and three ambulance bodies at Rs 1,650 each from the Rusts Engineering Works.
Lewisham Borough Council is recommended by its Health Committee to purchase, for the disinfecting department, a 17-24 h.p. four-cylinder Dodge delivery van from the British Automotive Co..; Ltd., at a cost of 2450.
York Corporation Streets Committee has considered tenders for the supply of a 4 ton petrol wagon, and recommends acceptance of the offer of Karrier Motors, Ltd., Huddersfield, for. the supply a 50 h.p. side and end tipping wagon at 21,219 10s.
The Stores Department ,of the London County Council proposes to purchase a 10 h.p. two-seater motor at a cost of about 2460. The eferes committee says the cost will be recouped within three years from'savings which will he effected in wages and travelling ex'lenses.
The Surveying Committee of the Bath. City Council has considered the question of providing the city surveyor with a motorcar. During the past 10 months the cost of hiring . has. been 232 per month. The committee suggests allowing the surveyor 227 a month so that he can get his own car if he thinks fit.
'Membership ot the Worcester Branch C.M.U.A. has doubled during the past 12 months.
Applications for space at the Brussels Motor Exhibition, to be held from December 3rd to 141b, should be addressed to the Comite Executif du Salon, 80, Rue de Namur, Brussels, not later than August 17th.