WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheel of wealth will be slowed bp all difficulties of transport. at Whatever _points arising, as a carriage is bp
the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—,Tohn Beattie Crozier.
London Travel.
Some remarkable .figures showing the growth of the travelling habit amongst London people and the visitors to 'the. Metropolis have. been quoted by Sir Albert Stanley. He givee the number of paesengees carried on the London Under. ground trains; in omnibuses and tramcare in the different years as follow :— . Trains. Buses. Trams1908-210,414,459 340,000,000 123,536,322 1912-247,354,539 492,858,934 160,033,567 1916-285,967,067 679,619,447 178,256,400 1917-338,727;664 618,814,590 184,921,8e4 1918-379,4.39,072 652,562,327 198,334,490
The number of miles covered by onmie busee has grown from a total of 5,88e,333 in November, 1918, to a total of 9,055,658 in November, 1919. The Tube trains cover a Mileage of 712,000 per week, also showing an increese on last year's figures.
Important Amalgamation.
The amalgamation of the WilkesOverland and Crossley Companies, • which was hinted at at the beginning of this month, has now become a-n actuality, and the company has been registered tinder the ' title of WillyeOverland Crossley, Ltd., with ae capital of £2,000,000 in 21 ordinary shares (1,500,000 ten per cent. cumulative preference ordinary and 500,000 ordinary). The objects of thecompany are, of course, obvious, and they are to enter into an agreement (a) between WillysOverland Co. 'incorporated in Ohio., U.S.A.) and J. W. Weirs, and (b) with Crossley Motor Co., Ltd. Up to December 15th no persons had consented to act as directors. The registered office of the company is Crossley Street, Gorton, Manchester.
The Shell "Spirit."
The first annual dinner of the garage staff of the Shell Marketing Co., Ltd., was held on December 19th at the Florence Restaurant, Rupert Street, W. 'Mr, M. V. Ambler 'the motor engineer of the company, me:de a most able chairman. He was well seconded by Mr. R. T. Smith, After a very eXcellent dinner, which both the staff and the visitors appeared thoroughly to enjoy, the Chairman gave the toast of "The King."
The dinner was followed by an excellent entertainment, in which members of the garage staff took a prominent part. This entertainment was interspersed with the other toasts of the evening the flit of which was "The Shell Marketing Company," proposed by Mr. C. A. Ross. Air. Ross made an excellent. speech, in which he drew particular attention to the work which had been done by the company in helping to win the war. He also drew attention to the wonderful spirit of en-operation which exists between the various members of the steff. He designated this co-operation as the "Shell Spirit."
Mr. Ambler replied on behalf of the company. He : "It gives me the greatest, pleasure to be here to-night occupying the chair at this, the first, Shell Garage anneal .dinner. I leave to congratulate you all on the excellent reputation you are establishing for yourselees he regards this work, and the running re 1326
cord of cars overhauled at the garage. I am confident that no other establishment of a similar kind can compare with yourselves for workmanship, keenness, and general efficiency. You will agree with me when I say that this dinner has be-en a great snecese, and reflects great credit. on your committee."
The health of the visitors was proposed by the Chairman and responded to by Messrs. W. G. James and W. J. Letvzey, divisional managers of the company,. Both of these gentlemen 'gave great credit to Mr. Ambler and the garage staff for the quality of the work they are turning out
The Commercial Motor was .toasted Mr. F. Stu-bbs the district A uperiatendent, proposed , the health of. the cheirnian, who responded in a few w ellchosen Words.
French Mudguard Test.
L'Auto_ is organizing aedemonstratiou of mudguerds of various types, -which will take place at the end of aanuaree The attachnierits are to be tested orr both pleasure and commercial vehicles. Full particulars can be obtained from L'Atito, 10, Faubourg Montmartre, Paris.
Petrol. Profits.
The Committee which is inquiring into the price of petrol site again. to-day after an adjournment of a week. Up to the preemie evidence of consumers, technical experts and representatives of the big petrol companies has -been taken. Anyone desiring to give evidence should communicate with the Secretary, Motor Fnel Subeeemenittee, 54, Victoria Street, S.W.,
Hints to Hauliers.
As announced in our last week's issue, we are starting with our first issue of the New Year a new feature of special interest to men engaged in the haulage and carrying business. It will be found to be exceedingly helpful to newcomers to the business, and will deal at regular intervals with the various problems and phases of running commercial motors for a living.
To the list, of companies connected with the commercial vehicle industry who issue at frequent intervals house organs for the benefit of their employees must be added the name of the British Motor Car Co., Ltd. No 1 of this organ has _jest been issued and reflects considerable credit on the editorial staff. .
American Motors, Ltd., Audrey House, Ely Place, London, E.G. 1. advise us that they have appointed Duff, Morgan and Vermont, Ltd., 48, Dover Street, Piccadilly, W., as wholesale distributors for Wilson motor vehicles in the counties of London, 'Surrey, Middlesex, Kent, Hertford, Redford, Huntingdon, Cambridge, Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.
Leyland, Tatnell and Co. Ltd., 96, Great -Portland Street, W., who are .agents for various makes of British and Anierican commercial vehicles, advise us that Mr: R. Leyland Heney is rile longer connected with the company, and that Mr. A. H. Tathell and Mr. W. E. Roberts are now the joint managing directors.
' National Report.
The report of the National Steam Car Co., Ltd., for the year ended October 31st, shows a profit of £24,482 after making provision for the maintenance of buses in operation, depreciation of tools, plant and buildings. To this amount must be added the stmi of £2,595 brought forward from the previous year, making a total of £27,077. A 10 per cent. dividend lese encome tax is to be paid, which will absorb £25,750, leaving a. balance of £1,327 to be carried forward. In Mei. tioe, the sum of £45,227, being the amount, in excess of beak values of sundry assets disposed of during the year, has been placed to suspense account, ant of which the following writings off and reserve have been made :—Patent rights, drawings, etc., £6,396; stock of materials and work in progress for steam buses, £10,000; reserve fee liabilities, etc., on discontinuance of London services, £17,000, leaving a balance of £11,831 to the credit of this account.
It has been suggested that the name of the company be changed to the National Omnibus and Transport Co., Ltd.
The G. attie Report.
The Departmental Ccanrinittee appciinted to investigate Mr. A. W. Cattle's proposals for improving the method of handling goods and traffic and to consider the practicability of many of the suggested improvements, into the existing traffic system has now issued a report which fills eight pages of foolscap. The report summarizes the evidence and sets out the features of the scheme for a central clearing 'house, goes into financial estimates, and points out -that the evidence an capital outlay and profit and loss is complete. No strong recommendation is made by the Ganuniteee,
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but doubt is suggested n a number of the paragraphs, and various objections are set out against the establishment of such a central clearing house, including the huge capital expenditure, the impracticability of conveying the large volume of traffic involved over the railway lines connecting the trunk systems with the clearing house, and to the increase of handling necessitated by the system, whilst the concentration of the whole of the goods traffic at one spot would create a central congestion area and many of the existing depots would still have to be maintained.
Commercial Cars, Ltd., Share Dealings.
Application was made jest previous to the Christertae holidays to the Stock Exchange Committee by the director& of Commercial Cars, Ltd., for authority to introduce the shares on,the market, and particulars of the new Undertaking were formally published. No new issue Of capital 1.8 involved, The company was registered in September hist to take over the private company: incorporated in 1905, and the change indicates no alteration in management or control. The share capital is £250,000 in 250,000 ordinary £1 shares, and the whole of the 227,745 share which were issued represent the purcheee price at the business. There are also £136,000 debentures.
Buses for Salford?
• Salford Corporation Bill for the.'SeSeion 1920, which has just been deposited in the Parliamentary Private Bill Office,„ is a comprehensive measure, and is one of the biggest Bills that hes come before Parliament during the last 20 years. Among the tramways proposals is the power to use trailers, as well as the conetruction of about 41 miles of new line. The street improvements include 25 widening in 16 different thoroughfares. Another proposal is the acquisition of power to run motor omnibuses within the borough, and with the consent of the local authority outside the borough. An interesting condition of the running of the buses outside the borough is that the Corporation shall pay the outside authority id. per bus.mile. After three years it is provided that if either the Corporation or local authority desire to chenge the method of payment, then the Corporation shall pay not more than one half the extra coat of the upkeep of the eoade.
The borrowing powers sought approach a total of £900,000, including 105,971 for street works; £187,500 for relaying streets; £210,447 for construeCoil of eramweys, and £100500 for motorbuses and -tramcars.
Co-operators and Motor • .Lorries.
Co-operative societies are increasing their fleets of commercial vehicles. Five hundred and fifty of the leading societies now own 316 motorcars and 689 motor lorries, the latter being chiefly engaged in the conveyance of goods from central warehouses to branch stores. At thenew motor works of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, Ltd., at Chorlton Road, Alexandra Park, Manchester, motor lorries are now being manufactured, there being 250 employees at those works. During the last six months 20 such vehicles have been sent out, and .it is the intention to make others of 16 h.p., 20 11.p., and 30 h.p., a sale being assured within the co-operative movement which is at presedt dependent on the production e of the standard makers.
The L.C.C. Motor Ambulances.
At a recent meeting of the L.C.C. the Highways Committee reported that the 11 ambulance vehicles attached to the London ambulance service comprise one Dennis vehicle purchased in 1914, eight Armstrong-Whit-worth vehicles purchased. in 1915, and two vehicles purchased in 1918. The Dennis vehicle has been placed out of commission owing to serious damage sustained in a collision. The eetimated " life" of the ambulance vehicles is iive years, Mid during the war the overhaul of the vehicles could not be systematically undertaken. The two ambulances purchased in 1918 were bought cheaply, the chassis having been taken from a wrecked ship, and they have proved unsatisfactory in working, while spares for them have to be obteiined from abroad and are not easily procured. In the cireumstandes indicated, the vehicles are constantly needing repairs. and, owing to the unsatisfactory condition of the vehicles, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain the ambulance service in an efficient condition. Tenders have been *Red by public advertisement for new chassis, but only one tender, namely, that of Crossley Motors, Ltd., has been received, under which the company offer to suprily chassis at the price of £900 each. The chassis offered' by the company have been inspected and found suitable for the ambulance service, being of good design and strongly built. The committee proposes that three chassis shall be obtained from the company, that one new body shall be purchased at an estimated cost of 2180, that the chassis purchased in 1918 shall be sold and the bodies thereon transferredto new chassis and that the Dennis chassis shall be repaired and fitted with a. box body,. the estimated cost of these incidental works being £250, making the total expenditure £3,130. Against this amount 'should be set the sum resulting from the ale of two chassis.
The report. was adopted.
Dazzling Headlights
.It is stated that the question of the dimming of glaring headlights on motor vehieles will shortly ocime before the
Committee appointed by the Ministry of Transport to inquire into the lighting of vehicles, and that a report and recommendation will probably be laid before the Ministry early in the New Year. It is expected that restrictions for dime ming lights will be recommended.
Inst.A.E. Meetings.
The fifth meeting of the session of the Institution of Automobile Engineers will be held in the hall of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Storey's Gate, St. James's Park, S.W. 1, on Wednesday, January 7th, 1920, at 8 perm, when Lieut.-C-ol. D. J. Smith will read a paper entitled "Producer Gas for Motor Vehicles."
. The sixth meeting will take place at the Chamber of Commerce, New St., Birmingham, on January 29th. 1920, at 7.30 p.m., when Dr. A. H. 'Gibson will read a paper entitled "Air Cooling of Engines.'
Cards of invitation for either of these meetings may be obtained on ap41.1eation to the secretary, Institution of Automoc bile Eminems, 28, Victoril Street, London, S.W. 1.
Accepting the Inevitable.
At a meeting-of the Flintehire County Connell, it was reported that the Crossville Motor Co. had now agreed: to pay 5d. per bus mile in respect of the Connah's (41:my and Mold circular routes,on condition that they had permission to raise certain fares to reimburse them for the extra amount which will become payable to the county council. .
A New Splashguard.
Numerous types of anti-mud-splashing devices have been tried on commercial vehicles in the past, but with perhaps one or two exceptions, they have proved after lengthy trial to be of little use. One of the latest devices of this nature, which possesses original details' to be tested is that made by W. J. Sherrington. of Waldringfield, neai Woodbridge, Suffolk,
This device was recently tested on the outekirts of ipewich, fitted to a light pneumatic-tyrad van, Government officials were to have attended the trial, but owing to difficulty in getting down by road they were late in arrival and the test was finished before they appeared on the scene.
The construction of the device and its method of attachment to the Wheel can be readily diseerned from the illustration which we •reproducatherewith. It consists, as will be seen, of a rubber apron shaped to lie over a portion of the rim of the wheel; it is thick enough to make it serviceable, but will readily yield to any obstruction which it may encounter. Metal studs are fitted on. the outside surface to take kerb chafing. A. grooved drum on the wheel accommodates a half band to lugs on which are fastened the strap carrying the guard plates. The weight is carried 'boy a strong spiral spring, which is forked for connection to the half band. The guard can be detached in a few seconds from the wheel, and there isenothing to hinder any of the usual operations which arc incidental to a punctured tyre.
The splasleg,uard appeared to emerge from the tests with every satisfaction.
Motors for the L.C.C.
AL a London County Council meeting recently a scheme of . motor transport was decided upon in connection with the cartage and other work associated with the tramways department.
During tho war the Council has been paying .R22,500 a year for hired motor and horsed vehicles, and this apart from the cost of the removal of sludge and refuse.
The Council decided to do its own work and for this purpose agreed to the purchase, at a total cost of 227,600, of the following vehicles
Seven 5-ton steam wagons.
Seven light motor trade vehicles.
One 2-ton .petrol lorry.
Nine 3-4-ton petrol 'lorries.
Two &ten cable trailers.
Two steameor petrol tank wagons. Two motors for the traffic manager and the electrical engineer.
By this Scheme the Council estimates tube able to effect a saving of £6,200a year.
Selected firms are to be,invited to tere der for the motor vehicles.
Lyons Fair:
Intending exhibitors at the forthcoming Lyons Fair should communicate early with the Secretary, 51, Rue Pergalese, Lyons. A large number of applications from French manufacturers have already been received. The Fair will be held between March 1st and 15th:
A tastefully-designed calendar is to hand from the British Piston Ring Co., Ltd., Holbrook Lane, Coventry. The company will be glad to send one of these to anyone who inquires for it at the above address,
The Next War.
War is the business of military men, so it is not surprising, that men of the calibre of Major-General ,Sir Louis Jackson, who read a paper on the "Possibilities of the Next War" before the Royal United Services •Institution recently, should now be considering the
conditions which may be expected then to prevail.
Beyond referring to his opinion that the next war will be one of open warfare, we need not go into the military side of his argument, but with regard to transport his remarks were interesting.
He considers that ene of the greatest developments in the art of war will be brought about by mechanical transport. He looks on the Tank as a. freak called into existence by exceptional circumstances which were not likely to recur, and which, if they did recur, could be dealt with by other means. The outstanding feature of the Tanks had been that they had made mechanical transport independent of the roads, which fact was going to influence most deeply the tactics of the future. If the whole transport of an army was earriedby vehicles with caterpillar wheels it would be independent of the toads. Instead of long columns of transport it could advance in open order on a broad front, which Would certainly materially facilitate the movements of an attacking force. . At the semis time he. said fast cars and motorcycles would be useful for sudden blows at long distances.
Willard Batteries.
sThe whole of the plant, machinery, and -steels-in-trade of the British Willard Battery Co. has been purchased by Mr. George Gregory, from United 'Motor Industries, Ltd.' 45-46, Poland Street, Oxford Street, London, W.1, and in -future all business in connection with Willard batteries for starting and...lighting purposes should be addressed to 90, High Street, Cttnden Town, London, N.W. 1. The whole of the Willard staff, consisting of specially-trained mechanics, have been 'taken over by the new concern.
New Bus Routes in the Midlands.
I view of expected new developments in fise Midlands, a conference of representatives of Midland County . Council's was held recently at Birmingham to consider the question a new motor omnibus
u28 routes and with the idea of arriving at uniformity of action in consenting to the establishment of new motorbus routes.
Col. C. F. Millward, speaking on the matter at a meeting of the Worcestershire County Council recently, said that the subject was one which was likely to be dealt With nationally. They had read of the necessity for imposing taxation on the traffic which used the roads in order to meet some of the rapidly increasing cost of the roads.
Road Transport in Lincolnshire.
An important scheme of meter transport for conveying the produce of South Lincolnshire to markets-in the Midlands and also in London is under considera thin. Mr. Cecil Robinson, produce merchant of Quashing, near Spalding, is taking the initiative, and is supported by numerous leading agriculturists. Negotiations have been opened by a leading London Transport Corporation, and the establishment of a motor service is contemplated in South Lincolnshire with big garages at Spalding, reterboreugh, and elsewhere, to run to and from a number of large towns, taking agricultural produce and bringing back commodities needed in the district.
Midland Motor. Traffic.
Of the determination with which schemes relating to road traffic is being taken up,in Midland areas, to solve difficulties occasioned by the chaotically congested condition into which railway arrangements have fallen, further practical evidence has been forthcoming within the last few days. If anything were needed to give impetus to the movement it would be afforded by the exorbitant rise foreshadowed in rates for goods transport.
In the main centres' more partimuarty of the East Midlands, extending from No ante to the Yorkshire borders, the necessity for the establishment
efficiently arranged clearing houses is being ' emphasized as indispensab.o adjuncts to the success of any well coordinated system of road transport which depends for its remunerative results upon a free interchange of traffic between
various towns. In that direction the work being done by the Leicester Chamber of Commerce premises .-to be attended with practical results.
The time admittedly was never more opportune for launching the project upon a comprehensive scale and commercial organizations at Derby and Nottingham are displaying no less keenness in the matter than is being manifested at Leicester, tho members of the Derby Chamber of Commerce at their recent last meeting emphae sizins their view -as to the complete desirability of the clearing house plan. Incidentally, the Derby Chamber discussed the projected scheme for the erection of a super-power electrical station for the East Midlands, enforcing the view that whilst Nottingham's needswere obviously considerable, so far as Derby is concerned the town can produce and supply
electricity at a cheaper rate than is lady to be involved by the ,present gigantic scheme entailing an estimated ultimate expenditure of between £14,000,000 and £15,000,000.
The Motor Traders' Association has sent.a "most emphatic protest" against the decision of the Sydney Municipal Council, New South Wales, to throw the municipal garage open to private cars. The Council has merely "received" the Protest.
A Hull AuctiOn.
An auction sale was held a few. days ago at Hull by order of the Surplus Government Property Disposal Board. There was a large attendance, and in most cases spirited bidding sent prices up to a lligh figure. The vehicles bad been returned from service overeeas, and many of them showed considerable
• signs of rough -usage.
Ten Crossley light lorries, which were offered, realized prices ranging from L-175 to B305, according to condition. There were 17 Commer Car 3-ton lorries -brought under the hammer, the best of them fetching £400, Whilst the average price Was about £200. Sixteen Peer"less 3-ton lorries brought an average price of about £170. The highest prices realized at the sale were for two 3-ton Leyland lorries, _which 'woes so-1st tfor 1680 and 2580 respectively. An Albion larry was sold for £270) a Riker for :C520, and a Wolseley for £610.
Clayton Municitial Orders.
During the week previous to the Christmas Holidays Clayton and Shettleworth, Ltd., Stamp End Works. Lincoln, received orders for four Clays ton 5-ton end-tipping steam wagons Beni the North Riding C.C., and one from each of the Mowing municipal tho r e s :—Chesterfield R. D. C Eaten UDC., West Hartlepool Corporation, and liVeatmorland C.C.
• Fleet Standardization.
• The Mickleover Transport, Ltd., recently disposed of a number of their vehicles by auction on their premises at Ifiekleover. This company controls. all the transport througiblout the .country for the United Dairies, Ltd., and Associated companies. In addition it has a
Jars agency•business. .
Two Foden ateana lorries sold for £850 eaoh, this being the highest price obtained at the sale, the average ruling price being £400 and £600 fiSr various types of motor lorries, all of which were hi good running order. Buyers attended. from all parts of the country, including Birmingham, Derby, Manchester, Stamford, Grantham, etc.
The reason for the sale is that the company are adopting Albion lorries as standard vehicles and are consequently disposing of all other makes. This is only one instance within • cur knowledge where largo companies employingconsiderable numbers ef commercial vehicles are standardising on one particus 'Jar make and type. This .policy ha-s no
doubt much to recommend it. "
Knox. Lubricators.
Knox Bros., Ltd., Express Works, Stockport Road, Manchester, manufacture large numbers Of lubricators Of all types, many of whichare of particular use in -connection with commercial • vehicles.
Thet\ pee include east-iron and blued-steel Stauffeur lubricators, automatic tell-tale lubrica-tors and automatic springpressure lubricators. They also make winged and ordinary locked cap dustproof types and automatic drip sight-feed lubricators of various patterns.
Glass Insurance and Vibration.
The following passage in the annual report f the Halifax Mutual Plato Glass Insurance Society is interesting in tiew of the constant increase in the number of heavy vehicles to be seen on the streets. It runs
Motor traffic has ,greatly increased the risks to windows, and the directors once more call attention to the heavy cost of breakages. . . Where glass shelves are used in windows, they need daily_ attention because of the vibration ca-used by heavy traffic."
Apparen.tly the view of the insurance society is that every boon also brings its peoblems.
• Local Proceedings. Peterhead T.C. has decided to purchase a steam wagon.
The purchase of a fire-engine is contemplated by Retford T.C. Stockton T.C. is to purchase an elec. tric refuse van at a cost of £810.
Carnferth U.D.C. is considering the purcha-se of a motor ambulance.
A. mechanical street sweeper is being purchased by Carlisle Corporation at a cost of £1,500.
Wigan Corporation has decided to purchase six additional motor omnibuses at a cost of £11,240.
Sanction is being sought lay Broadstairs U.D.C. to borrow £1,800 for the purchase of a motor fire-engine. Leigh T.C. is to promote a Bill in Parliament to obtain powers for running motor omnibuses inside and outside the borough. Authority is being asked by Walsall Corporation Tramways Committee to Spend a sum of £15,000 on additional motorbuses.
Two steam tractors, three 5-ton trailers with tipping bodies, etc., are being purchased -by Cardiff Corporation at a cost of.10,800 "Safety First" New Year . Resolutions.
The London " Safety First" Council has resolved again to offer money prizes and diplomas to drivers of vehicles for " freedom from accidents" during next year, and also a " Safety First" scholarship, 1150 in prizes, and 'certificates for the best essay _written by children at-tending schools in the Greater London area. ft has been decided to hold during the last week in February a special publicity campaign:
The Council has decided to invite the attention of manufacturers of tyres for self-propelled vehicles to the necessity for an efficient non-skidding tyre and the advisability of further experiment in this direction. ae