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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

"The wheels 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.

The Operations of the Belfast Omnibus Co.

It is announced that the Belfast Omnibus Co. is ready to commence operations upon the roads. Thirty companies have been taken over, and 168 buses are available with a seating capacity of about 5,000, the routes covering the whole province. It is the intention of the new organization to develop road transport in Ulster on the most modern and comprehensive lines. Orders far tin auxiliary fleet of the most up-to-date busev tiave been already placed with a leading manufacturer.

The company hastbeen registered with a share capital of £260,000. All the capital issued is held privately by the directors and their friends, comprising the vendors of the various constituent companies which have been taken over. The composition of the board is as follows :—Messrs. C. H. C. Moller (chairman), W. H. Capstiek, James M`Crea, Matthew Morrow, Councillor Samuel Al`Loughlin, M.P.S.I., Mr. H. C. Merritt, F.C.A., A.I.T. (managing director), and Mr. C. W. Batten (general manager).

A central repair depot is tol be established in University Street, Belfast, and arrangements are almost complete for the provision of additional garages at various points throughout the North of Ireland.

A Mechanical Transport Supervisor for the Soudan.

The Soudan Government requires the Services of a supervisor for mechanical transport. Candidates, who should be between the age of 26 and 30 years and preferably single, should have served mechanical engineering apprenticeship or pupilship in -works and have had some mechanical transport experience, preferably in the works of lorry manufacturers. Commencing salary offered is fE480 per annum, and, if the selected officer prove satisfactory, the post is described as permanent and progressive. Free first-class passage and liberal leave are offered. _Applications have to be made by letter, giving details of education, training and experience, to the advisory engineers Soudan Government, Wellington_ House, Buckingham Gate, London, S.W.1,

New Bus Powers : A Municipal View.

Reporting on the draft of the Road

Traffic Bill, the law committee of the Islington Borough Council staTeg that the borough engineer has called attention to the provision in Clause 45 to enable a highway authority to recover

expenses incurred by reason of damage to the road arising from extraordinary traffic. This power is exercisable by authorities outside London, and the committee is interested to know that a similar_ provision in respect of the Metropolis is contained in the Bill.

Attention has also been directed to the fact that new motorbus services are established in London without consulta tion with the local authorities. The works committee suggests that, as questions arise as to the suitability of roads for bus traffic, it is desirable that metropolitan highways authorities should be consulted before licensing. authorities approve any bus 'route.

The committee is in agreement with the suggestion of the works committee, and is of opinion that the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee and the Islington Meinbers of Parliament should be communicated with, with the object of securing the insertion of a clause in the Road Traffic Bill imposing an obligation upon the licensing authority to consult and obtain the views of the metropolitan borough councils, the roads of which will be traversed by buses licensed for any new route.

Stoke's Inspection of Hackneys. The watch committee of Stoke-onTrent Corporation will hold its meeting with the hackney carriage licences sub-committee in the third week in June for the annual inspection of vehicles.

The proprietors of the many motorbuses plying in Arnold Bennett's "Five Towns have been informed that this year's examination will be of a very strict character, "for mechanical or bodywork faults will not be overlooked," whilst "in regard to vehicles already licensed, where the seats are placed over the wheel-box, such seats must be raised in a manner approved by the expert 'examiner, so as to give the maximum amount of comfort to the passengers."

Repairing the Talyllyn Pass Road.

A contract to the value of £50,000 has been placed by the Merioneth County Council for the repair of the famous Talyllyn Pass Road. The road was damaged and rendered impassable to traffic by floods and a scheme of repair has been formulated, with the assistance of the Ministry of Transport, which it is hoped will obviate the need for closing the pass in such circumstances.

Tractors for French Government. Th. Schneider Automobiles, Besancon, France, has just received, following exha.ustive tests which have been made, a large contract from the French Government for its new type of tractor. As many of our readers may be aware, this company has for many years been one of the leading manufacturerls of motor vehicles on the Continent. It has showrooms in London at 138. Long Acre, W.C.2.

The Institute of Transport Council.

In order to fill the vacancies on the council of the Institute of Transport which will be caused by the retirement, under the rules, of 10 members at September 30th next, the council hag nominated 15 candidates representative of all interests of the Institute. Candidates who are interested in roads tor road transport are: Mr. R. J. Howley, C.B.E., managing director of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd.;

Mr. James Patterson, director, Carter, Paterson and Co., Ltd.; Mr. W. G. Verdon Smith, managing director, Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd. ; Mr. Walter Wolsey, director, Thomas Tilling, Ltd., and Mr. S. H. James, passenger manager, Pielsfords, Ltd. Nominations by members must reach the secretary by June 21st.

An Unsuitable Cliff Road.

Essex County Council is seeking an order on behalf of the Walton-on-theNaze Urban District Council prohibiting or restricting the driving of certain classes of motor vehicle over a portion of the parade in that district which is considered quite unsuitable for heavy traffic. The county surveyor reports that the carriageway is barely 15 ft. wide and in an unsafe condition owing to the road being on the cliff edge and held •up by a very inadequate retaining wall some 30 ft. high. The reason why such heavy vehicles as motor coaches use it is because there is an excellent view obtained from this spot.

A New One-gallon Petrol Pump. Liquid Measurements, Ltd., Bush House, Kingsway, London, W.C.2, has just issued a folder describing the new Hammond one-gallon, twin container, _visible petrol pump. This supplements the company's model C pump and meets the requirements of those who need a lighter and less fully equipped machine. We are told that the pump has beeu approved by the Standards Department of the Board of Trade, and is stamped by the Inspector of Weights and Measures before it leaves the works. A novel feature is the discharge register and meter, which is entirely enelesed by glass. The pump is fast in operation, and one container discharges while the other is filliug.

Bus Extensions in Monmouthshire.

Extensions of bus services are projected in several of the Monmouthshire districts. The Newport (Mon.) Town Council is concerned in two of the main proposals. The council is applying to the Ministry of Transport and the local authorities concerned for sanction for extra boundary running which will enable it to establish services between Newport and Monmouth town and Newport and Llanfrechfa Lower. Several of the bus proprietors in industrial districts have applied to the Llanfrechfa Urban District Council for permission to extend and expedite local and through services.

In West Glamorgan and East Carmarthen, toe, there is a tendency to extend bus services.

A 14-year-old Battery.

The tramways manager of the Ilford Corporation reports that, after a most remarkable life of 14 years, the battery of the electric tower wagon is now showing signs of eahaustion, and it will be necessary partially to replace it shortly. As a matter of fact this battery has an almost world-wide reputation for its extraordinary life, and has been mentioned on more than one occasionin technical references. The original guarantee by Edison's was for four years, and as a result of the experiences gained with this particular battery the guarantee of all batteries has since been raised to eight years.

The tramways manager has had a quotation fawn Edison Accumulators Ltd., to replace 22 of the 72 cells for the sum of £189 4s., with a guarantee that they will give 100 per cent, of their full rated capacity over a period of eight years. If this be done it is thought that the battery will probably continue to work efficiently for another couple of years or so, after which consideration will have to be given to replacing the other cells. The corporation has accepted the quotation.

Passenger Transport de Luxe.

A very fine poltroon coach made a halt at one of the parking places in Coventry the other day. The vehicle, which seats 20 people, is sumptuously appointed. The chassis is one of the now familiar Maudslay low-loading types purchased by Motorways, Ltd., of 23, Haymarket, London, S.W.1. The interior equipment of the coach includes such items as a soda fountain, cigar, cigarette and chocolate machines, lavatory accommodation and wireless headphones. It is used on the LondonLiverpool service.

Motors Displace Steamer for Mail Service.

Hitherto the Ardnamurchan (Argyll) mail service has been conducted by means of a steamer leaving ()ban every morning at six o'clock and returning thereto in the afternoons. It is now proposed to do away with this boat and to substitute therefor suitable motor vehicles running daily between Kilchoan and Acharacle, where they link up with steamers plying on Loch Shiel and having for their objective the Glenfinnan Railway Station on the, London and North Eastern line. The change has received the approval of the Postmaster-General and will come into force in the course of a few weeks. The passenger traffic will, necessarily, follow the mails. The new route, along

beautiful Loch Sunart and classic Loch Shiel, is .amongst the most charming and romantic to be found in foe West Highlands.

A Yorkshire Bus Application.

The highways committee of the West Riding County Council recently withheld its consent to the running of omnibuses by the Halifax Corporation on main roads between Halifax and Rochdale, Oldham, Leeds and Keighley. The corporation has since applied for the consent of the Ministry of Transport, although, in the case of the Rochdale route, its consent was refused in November last. The Ministry held an inquiry into the new application, and on behalf of the county council the application was opposed, whilst there was also strong opposition on the part' of railway companies and private omnibus proprietors. The decision of the Ministry is awaited.

Seeking a Road-closing Order.

Pembrokeshire County Council is seeking an Order under Section 7 (4) of the Roads Act, 1920, prohibiting the driving of heavy vehicles over the road leading from Catershook Gate to Kilgetty, and commonly known as Tre worn Lane.

Production in Canada.

According to statistics prepared and circulated by the Dominion Bureau ci Statistics of Canada, the production of motor vehicles in Canada during March last numbered 22,623 vehicles, this figure representing an increase of 18 per cent. over that for the prevlous month. Actually the production of commercial motor vehicles declined from 3,323 to 1,606, the number being made up of 583 machines under 1-ton capacity, 866 1-tonners and 157 vehicleawith a carrying capacity of over 1 ton and under 5 tons. In the first throe months of the present year 6,721 commercial vehicles were produced, 4,189 being 1-tonners.

Albion Service in Leeds.

As a result of increasing business which is being transacted by the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., in Yorkshire, particularly so far as motorbuses are concerned, it has been found necessary for the company to remove its office in Leeds, and more commodious premises have been taken at 99, Park Lane, where a comprehensive supply of spare parts and replacements is held. This service branch is, of course, supplemented by a fully equipped repair shop and service depot in Sheffield.

Huddersfield's Bus Powers.

The highways committee of the West Riding County Council has considered an application from the Huddersfield Corporation for consent to the running of an omnibus service on the Wakefield and Austerlauds main road, from Huddersfield to Marsden, through Linthwaite and Slaithwaite. Under its Act of 1920 the corporation cannot run omnibuses on routes not specified therein without the consent of the road authority, including (in the case of a main road) the county council. The councils of the three urban districts of

Linthwaite, Slaithwaite and Marsden are not prepared to consider the application until the Huddersfield Corporation withdraws all restrictions on other motorbuses from the Colne Valley running into the borough of Huddersfield. As the above route is already served by a tramways owned and worked by the Huddersfield Corporation, the committee has decided that the consent of ,the county council should be withheld. A Seven-hour Daily Motorbus Service.

The north country's first regular dally long-distance coach service will be inaugurated on June 1st by the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., which has everything in readiness for launching its new Tyneside-Blackpool service. The company has been influenced in its decision to commence the service by the extreme popularity of the Lancashire seaside resort amongst Tyneside and Durham County people, and it is felt that the single-booking system which will be operated will rapidly make the route a busy one. The journey will occupy about seven hours, or very little longer than the time taken by rail, and the single fare will be 15s. from Newcastle, with proportionate rates from adjoining towns, a considerable, saving compared with rail rates. Each passenger will be allowed to take a limited quantity of luggage, and luxurious S.O.S. all-weather coaches on pneumatic tyres will be employed. One vehicle will run in each direction daily, leaving the respective centres about 9 a.m. A'halt will be made for lunch.

Another French Producer-gas Trial.

The French Ministry of Agriculture (Comito Central de Culture Mecaniqne) is organizing a ,farther trial of agricultural tractors and stationary engines fitted with producer-gas plants, to be held at the Ecde Nationale des Grianon (Seine-et-Oise). The trial will include tests both on land and on the bench. Full particulars of the competition can be obtained from the Comite Central at 4 Bureau 49 his, 78, rue de "Pa-reline, Paris.

Petrol Pump Verification.

The Inspector of Weights and Measures of the Cheshire County Council reports that one of the well-known motor fuel companies recently 'presented for verification and stamping a measure of 49 gallons capacity used for measuring petrol into barrels, and that he refused to test it because he had no

corresponding standard. There are about 10 of these measures in use in the county, and a communication has since been received from the deputy warden of the standards pointing out that if these measures are 1111k:tamped and are used for trade the owners are liable to prosecution and, further, that should a

dispute arise as to the quantity of petrol delivered their case might be seriously prejudiced before the court. So far as he has been able to ascertain there is no 49-gallon standard measure in existence, and to originate one' would be an expensive matter. Moreover, he thinks it improbable that trade measures of such. an odd denomination as 49 gallons will continue in use. The deputy-warden suggests, therefore, that the local authority should agree to these barrel-fillers being .tested by comparison against such other legal standards as are available.

Advertisements on Motor Licences.

Motor licensing authorities are notified by the Ministry of Transport that it raises no objection to the letting of advertisement space on licences to drive motor vehicles, provided the advertisements are clearly marked as such, that the wording does not indicate official commendation, of the subject matter, and that the revenue therefrom be credited to the Road .'eund.

Motor Registrations in Canada.

The number of motor vehicles registered in Canada during 1926 was 836,794, or 8.9 per cent, of the population, against 7.8 per cent. in 1925. Passenger ears predominated and numbered 728,067, lorries 87,437, and °midbusee, motorcycles and other types of • vehicle 21,290. Revenue from the registration of motor velaides amounted to $15,434,494, and revenue from , the petrol tax, which is imposed in every province except Saskatchewan, amounted to $6,360,690. The largest number of motor vehicles registered in any province was 388,728—in Ontario.

An Addition to Our Municipal Bus Analysis.

After we Lad compiled the analysis of municipal bus services which appeared in our Special Municipal Issue published last week, we received details of the bus activities of the Leeds City

Tramways and Transport Department, and those of our readers who are retaining our tabulation for reference purposes may care to add the following particulars. The Leeds authorities run 54 petrol buses and eight trolley-buses, and the following are the details relating to each type:—

Petrol buses: 27 Guy-12 32-seaters, 12 20-seaters, 3 16-seaters; 15 Dennis —9 32-seaters, 6 28-seaters; 12 Karrier 30-seaters ; 6 Railless 29-seaters

(trolley-buses) ; A.E.C.—one 40seater and one 36-seater (trolley-buses).

Bodybuilders.: Leeds, City Tramways (21) ; Dennis (15) ; Guy (12) ; Roe (12) : A.E.C. (1) -, Railless (1).

Whilst the number of trolley-buses in operation in Leeds tends to diminish, a considerable increase has recently been made in the fleet of petrol buses owned by the Leeds authorities, this being consequent upon the opening of what might be termed express services to Adel and Alwoodley. Another factor is the extension of routes joining up existing tramway services, whilst a further reason is the operation of services along new roads, thus serving new housing estates. Other bus developments are projected at Leeds.

Mr. H. W. Ratcliff has recently joined the staff of Frank How and Co., Ltd., 77-87, High Street, London, E.15, the manufacturers of the well-known Trogon brands of lubricating oil. A M. of T. Inquiry at West Hartlepool.

As the result of an application from the West Hartlepool Corporation for permission to operate motorbuses over the whole length of the new Tees Road, instead of only portions as at present, a Ministry of Transport inquiry will be held at West Hartlepool on June 9th. The only body objecting to the application is the London and North Eastern Railway Co.

It is interesting to note that the West Hartlepool Corporation is making rapid headway with a number of interesting trolley-bus and motor omnibus projects, and has at present on order six 29-seater Bristol saloon buses of the latest type, shod With giant pnuetnatic tyres. The authority also owns the largest fleet of pneumatic-tyred trolleybuses in this country, recent deliveries including 12 Garrett and .12 CloughSmith vehicles of this type.

Subvention for French Military Tractors.

As a result of the recent trials, the French military authorities announce that the following tractors have passed the necessary tests to qualify for addition to the list of vehicles, to the owners of which the French Government will grant an annual subvention :—Light tractors for road use—the Citron. Kegresse caterpillar machines types P.7 his and P.10; heavy tractors—the Renault type P.O. chain-track ; and light tractors—the Siam and Ara chaintrack machines.

Canadian Lorry Exports.

A tabulation which has just been issued by the Dominion Bureau of Statistics shows that 2,560 commercial vehicles having a capacity of 1 ton or less were exported from Canada in March last, their value being $832,768. Of the total number of vehicles. British India imported 788. Australia 707, British South Africa 175, and Venezuela 102, the figures for many other countries being well below the centaur mark. The total number of vehicles exported from Canada during the 12 months to March last was 20.405.

A Useful London Guide.

• We have recently received a copy of an interesting little guide which should prove of much interest to the average Londoner and to those who visit the Metropolis. It is primarily a taxicab guide and shows the location of 6,000 public buildings, places of interest and amusement, hotels, hospitals, embassies, legations and consulates, etc., which are continually being sought for. The guide which has been published by Messrs. W. H. Tucker and Son, 3, Stockwell Park Road, London, S.W.9, should be of much value to chauffeurs, taxicab drivers and others who have occasion to drive in London. It is published at the price of 6d.

A Chilean Army Test.

_ In a severe test for commercial vehicles recently conducted by the General Staff of the Chilean Army, an example of the Republic Model 25 3-ton truck gave excellent results in competition with various makes of American and European lorry. The route was 790 kiloms. tong out from Santiago. It is of a particularly, rough character and in

volved the crossing of high mountains over narrow, twisting trails and long stretches of heavy sand, as well as negotiating swift-running rivers. In one case the Republic lorry crossed the sands of the Petorca River on sheets of corrugated iron, whilst several of the competing vehiclep used wire netting for the same purpose.

Each vehicle carried a load of 21 tons, and the Republic truck completed the test in the shortest time, taking 37 hrs. 40 mins. and maintaining an average speed th!roughout the journey of 21. kiloms. per hour.

Traffic Beacons on a By-pass Road.

Kent County Council reports that the lighting of the Sideup by-pass has been carefully considered at a conference at which representatives of authorities interested attended. The county council's duty is confined to the provision of such

warning lights as may be necessary for the protection of traffic during times of darkness, whether at night or during fog. Huxley Corner is a junction where five roads meet, and the erection there of two "beacons" is considered essential to the safety of the public. The council has an agreement with the Gas Accumulator Co. for the supply and erection of its beacons, the agreed price of each being f 45 and their maintenance being undertaken at 17 per annum. The committee has ordered two of these beacons for erection at Ruxley Corner.

Popular With Municipalities.

The number of municipalities using Guy buses has recently been increased by the decision of the Lowestoft Corporation to run such vehicles. The authorities in this resort have just ordered two 26-seater single-deck buses of this make, these being of the low load-line type, having one step only leading into the body of the interior. We are told that the list of municipalities operating Guy vehicles now contains over 100 names. A New Fuel-gas Process for Generating Electricity.

A process which has possibilities in the direction of producing in certain districts cheap current for charging the batteries of electric vehicles was recently demonstrated by Bulk Electricity, Ltd., Heatlifield, Sussex. Briefly, it is a special process of limestone burning with coke. The resulting carbon dioxide is passed through glowing coke and a reaction occurs which produces a gas containing 25 to 30 per cent of carbon monoxide, a combustible gas. This is used in the ordinary manner to run a gas engine and dynamo, the current generated being regarded as a by-product in the lime-burning process.

It is claimed that electricity costing one-tenth of a penny per unit can be

generated. In a district where limestone is available in quantity it would seem, from the claims made, that a plant could be installed for charging the batteries of electric vehicles at a very cheap rate. The plant now in operation is of about 40 b.h.p., of striking simplicity in construction and is operated by One man.

Heavy-duty Bernet Models.

Automobiles M. Berliet, Richmond Bridge Works, Twickenham, has just issued a leaflet which gives brief specifications of its heavy-duty • chassis to carry 5-ton loads, one being a chaindriven model and the other a live-axle product. The main dimensions of each model are given, as well as several illustrations of the chassis with different types of body.

Motors in Denmark.

According to a report recently issued by the Department of Overseas Trade,' there are 78,000 registered motor vehicles in Denmark, of which approxitnately 46,300 are cars, taxicabs and buses, whilst 13;200 are light delivery vans and 18,500 motorcycles.

Freeing a Toll Bridge.

In regard to King's Ferry Bridge, the Kent County Council is informed that the Ministry of Transport will be prepared to consider applications for grants towards freeing it from tolls, subject to comprehensive and agreed schemes being submitted. The council is of opinion that it would be desirable to negotiate with the Southern Railway Co. and the local authorities of the district with a view to ascertaining if terms can be agreed for the freeing of the bridge by paying to the railway company a capital sum, or, alternatively, an annual tonn, by way of compensation for the loss of income from the tolls, the company thereafter to work and maintain at its own cost the portion of the bridge carrying the road, and to maintain the road and the approach thereto.

In July, 1924, the railway company intimated that a capital sum of 180,000, or an annual sum of 14,000, would be required for the purpose. As a basis for negotiations the county council agrees, provisionally, to contribute 25 per cent. of the cost of freeing the bridge from tolls at a sum to be ascertained and approved by the county council, subject to the Ministry of Transport contributing 50 per cent, of the cost and the local authorities concerned contributing the remaining 25 per cent.

Ministry *Upholds Municipality's Action.

The finding of the Ministry of Transport in an important inquiry held on March 31st at South Shields, and reported in a recent issue of The Commercial Motor, has juet been issued. The inquiry was necessitated by the appeal of Mrs. L. Wilson, a local proprietor, against the refusal of the South Shields Corporation to grant licences to ply for hire in the borough, in connection with a route between South Shields and Boldon Colliery, and the Ministry has decided to uphold the corporation's action.

An African Producer-gas Trial.

The General Government authorities of Algeria and the Protectorates of Tunis and Morocco, in conjunction with the French Office National de Combustibles Lip-tides, propose to organize a reliability trial for vehicles equipped with producer-gas plant. It is planned to start the trials early in October next 1}nd to divide the competing vehicles into three classes, with carrying capacities of 14 tons, 31 tons and 5 tons respectively. The trial will be one of endurance and reliability and will comprise a run from Tunis to Casablanca in stages of about 100 idioms. (621 miles) per day. A. bill-climbing test will also be held and, at the end of the trial, points will be allotted for the best condition of the producer-gas apparatus and the vehicle generally.

Contracts for Light Alloy Bus Bodies.

Following the successful results which the Maidstone and District Motor Services, Ltd., has obtained from the use of metal passenger-carrying bodies made by Short Bros. (Rochester and Bedford), Ltd., this important concern has placed a repeat order with the manufacturers for the supply of five light metal-alloy bus bodies of the single-deck saloon type. Other orders for bodies of this description which Short Bros. has in hand or has recently completed include 18 single-deck saloons for the Southdown Motor Services, Ltd., and others for the Burma Electric Supply Co., Ltd., John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., and the Birmingham Corporation, the last-named being for a covered-in double-decker.

Plymouth's Bus Profits.

The net surplus i on the municipal omnibus system at Plymouth for, the financial year ended March 31st last is 11,374, and upon the tramway service £429. The tramways committee has recommended that these amounts shall be transferred to the reserve fund.

Associated Daimler Exhibits at Agricultural Shows.

At the Royal Ulster Society's Agricultural Show, held in Belfast from May 25th to 27th, the Associated Daimler Co., Ltd., in conjunction with its agent for Northern Ireland, the Service Motor Works, Ltd., 308, Albertbridge Road, Belfast, had on view three Associated Daimler Vehicles, these being a Model 416 26-seater low-loading motor coach, a Model 204 2-21-ton lorry and a Model 506 5-ton fiat-platform lorry. At the Dublin Spring Show three Associated Daimler vehicles were also on exhibition.

During recent months the company has made a number of deliveries to Ireland, one of the latest being a Model 416 32-seater bus of the low-loading type, this having been supplied to Mr. J. Hennessy, of Cork.

Lorry Winches and Cranes.

We have just received a copy of an interesting booklet describing a number of types of capstan and winch which R. A. Rotherrnel, Ltd., 24-26, Maddox Street, London, W.1, is marketing in this country. This equipment has been specially devised for use on motor vehicles and is available in light and heavy types. The booklet contains a number of illustrations of winches and cranes in use, together with particulars of the different models,

Christening a Lifelx at TracYr.

On June 10th next H.R.U. Princess Victoria will christen the new F.W.D.Roadless-Traction lifeboat tractor recently completed by the Four Wheel Drive Lorry Co., Ltd., Buckingham Avenue, Trading Estate, Slough, Bucks.

The programme will follow very closely the lines of a launching ceremony. for a lifeboat, and will take place in front of the works building, a platform being erected on the south side of the yard. The boat, mounted on a tractor, will be complete with its crew in its full rig-out of oilskins, cork jackets and sou'westers or wool caps. This will be in the background for the first part of the ceremony and will then drive up in front of the platform, where a bottle of champagne will be broken either over the radiator or on a track sprocket.

It is hoped that some sort of launch on dry ground will be arranged to show how the winch operates. The event will probably be unique, as we do not think that any tractor or motor vehicle has ever before been christened by Royalty.

Opposition to Sunderland's Bill.

When the Sunderland Corporation Bill, which includes 'sections seeking permission to operate both trolley-buses and motorbuses, comes before the House of Lords Committee in the near future, opposition will be forthcoming from the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., which is desirous of protecting certain services which it already works in the Wearside neighbourhood.

American Farm Equipment.

The British Consul-General at Chicago has recently forwarded to the Department of Overseas Trade a copy of the proceedings of the 33rd annual convention of the National Association of Farm Equipment Manufacturers, which was held at Chicago in October last, and this may be consulted by British concerns on application being made to 35, Old Queen Street, S.W.1.