A Question of Representation.
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We are assured, in reference to our short editorial references of last week on the subject of " Adequate representation of commercial vehicle interests," that the leading manufacturers and traders are well satisfied with the present constitution of the Council of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. We are reminded, in proof of the justice of this attitude, that the existing Commercial Vehicle Committee has at no time had its recommendations sent back, either by the Committee of Management or the Council, and these facts are cited as evidence that matters are in practically an ideal condition. We are quite prepared to admit that the Council of the Society has dealt in a broadminded and even generous way with the minority—an admittedly pushful minority—which is more largely interested in the production and sale of commercial motors, but we see no sufficient reason for agreeing that matters are on a wholly satisfactory or permanent basis. Proof to the contrary is furnished by the insufficiency of touch which exists between the Council and typical manufacturers of steam wagons and tractors. Had any measure of consideration -been shown for these most important members of the industry, rnany of whom, it should be noted, have refrained from joining the Society owing to the belief, whether just or the reverse, that heavy steam-propulsion does not get a fair showing, we feel that they would not have been put in the unhappy position of a choice between adhesion to the Society's band, and a sacrifice of their established, trading interests, such as those we quoted last week. Further, the Council would not, in the ease of Manchester, which is acknowledged to be one of the most important centres of industrial activity, officially require such members of the industry to show their vehicles and tractors at a place which is structurally unsuitable for the purpose! As a matter of fact, St. James's Hall, Manchester, is less adapted for the exhibition of heavy wagons and tractors than was the accom.
modation provided at the Crystal Palace in February, 1904, and in regard to which the writer had occasion to pass criticisms which, in conjunction with other representations, happily went towards the securing of better treatment for the commercial vehicle section on subsequent occasions.
The other point under discussion, that of a fixed proportion of representation upon the Council of the Society, may be undesirable and unnecessary. We agree that it is open to any member to put himself in nomination for election to the Council, and we recognise the soundness of the argument that he should abide by the result, Nobody can object, in these circumstances, to some measure of concerted action between the younger manufacturers, and particularly amongst those who are exclusively interested in the production of trade vehicles. Such efforts to obtain a larger number of seats upon the Council of the Society are legitimate; in fact, so long as personalities are avoided, they are praiseworthy, and we believe they will be accepted, forthwith, as the first step towards a larger representation. The existing sum total of five representatives, out of a total of 40, does not coincide with the obtaining condition of affairs, and the recent considerable growth of the commercial vehicle section should bring about some change at the next elections.
Winter Precautions.
Prevention is better than cure, and for that reason we give certain warnings to owners and drivers now. All vehicles with internal-combustion engines require extra attention in respect of the water contents of their radiators, cylinder-jackets and pumps, together with the connections thereto, and all of these should, where the storage building is not artificially heated, be completely drained each night. Failing this precaution, the expansion of the water on its solidification will certainly be the cause of considerable expense, for it is no small matter to purchase a new cylinder casting, and it is immensely annoying to have a radiator which is like a sieve. One other matter, in connection with an internal-combustion engine, is the difficulty which arises, on cold and frosty mornings, in starting the engine. The well-known practice of squirting a little spirit through the compression-cock does not always avail, and, in the case of such failure, we recommend drivers to swathe the induction pipe in hot cloths.
Steam-propelled vehicles and tractors also require to have their water connections emptied, and particularly does this apply to the pump, which is so often placed in an exposed position. And congelation here is much more likely to cause a burst or fracture than with the types of pumps which are more common in petrol vehicles, owing to the positive action of the plunger. As regards the boiler end, where a vehicle or tractor is exposed to the weather, drivers should avoid the drawing of the fire. If the boiler is to be blown off that night, or emptied of water, it is best to come in with the fire burnt down thin upon the bars, and to allow it to die practically out before blowing off, so as to avoid sudden contraction by the inrushing of cold air, and it is also helpful to place a weighted sack upon the top of the funnel, so as to retain such heat as is left in the plates and tubes. If the boiler is not to be emptied of water, a well-banked fire should be left in the fire-box or grate.
kgricultural Motors for Canada.
The Bristol Chamber of Commerce, at its last meeting, onsidered a letter from the Canadian Government agent in 3ristol, Mr. W. A. MacKinnon, in which that gentleman, :fter quoting the interest evinced by members of the Chantper in the recent R.A.C. Trials, drew attention to the important and growing Canadian demand for light agricultural notors for various farming processes. We agree that an ,xcellent opening exists in Canada, provided British manuacturers take up the matter, both as regards output and inance, in a thorough-going manner. We hope, indeed, hat there will be British competitors at the Winnipeg Indusrial Fair of next year, when special prizes will be offered by the Board of Management for the Motor, under five tons in weight, which is judged to be the best for agricultural requirements. The Canadian market is still available for Britishers on favourable terms, and the representatives of the Canadian Government, whose name we have quoted above, has intimated his willingness to supply further details. Some of our supporters may care to refer back to the article on Canada's agriculture, which was published in our issue of the 29th March, 1906, and in which the principal features of the Canadian situation were explained and illustrated. It is clear that the attention of foreign manufacturers will soon be attracted to this great field. Will none of our English companies step in first?