CALL FOR LOWER TAX ON FARM TRACTORS.
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At the. annual meeting of the central executive of the National Farmers Union for Scotland it was agreed unanimously that a recommendation be made to the executive committee to take steps to have the road duty on agricultural tractors reduced to £2, to have the duty on commercial paraffin removed, and the minimum age limit of 21 years for tractor drivers abolished.
The mover of the resolution (Mr. J. Mackie). declared that the Modern general-utility tractor could be used both on the land and on the roads, and it required special consideration. The present tax of 212 was much too high and, along with the 8d. per gallon duty on paraffin, penalized the farmer for taking his horses off the roads.
A tractor was a slow-moving machine, and if a lad were allowed to drive a motorcycle at 60 m.p.h., a man of 20 should surely be allowed to drive an agrimotor.
Official. Orders for November.
A. fair number of orders for motor vehicles and bodies .ss as given out during November last by Government Departments. The Admiralty ordered Bedford lorries. The War Office contracts included two for bodies placed with Chas. Roberts and Co„ Ltd., and Carter, Paterson and Co., Ltd., and others for Tasker 15-cwt. trailers, A.E.C. 3-ton •six-wheeled chassis, Scamrnell six-wheel-drive tractors and Morris-Commercial chassis.
The Air Ministry placed contracts for Strachans bodies. and drivers' cabs, Crossley and M.C.W. ambulance bodies, and Crossley chassis. A Wallis and Steevens motor roller was also ordered.
The G.P.O. authorities gave orders for Bonallack and Duple bodies, and Albion and Morris-Commercial vans and chassis. The Crown Agents for the Colonies purchased A.E.C. lorries and trailers, Aveling-Barford motor rollers, and ordered tractors from Tractors (London), Ltd.
Sales Chances in Palestine.
A recently issued report. of the Department of Overseas Trade shows that there is an important and increasing market for motor vehicles in Palestine. The total number of motor vehicles imported in 1934 was 3,575, of which 569 were of United Kingdom origin, whereas, in 1932, the comparable totals were 760 and 184 respectively. There has also been an impressive increase in the importation of tyres and tractors. The reasons for the advance are the growth in population, the expansion of trade and good roads.
These facts are of interest in view of the forthcoming Levant Fair of 1934, which is to be held, as in 1934, at TelAviv, Palestine. In the Fair of 1934, 33 British motor-vehicle concerns were represented, as against 17 in 1932, and it is hoped that the encouraging trade figures will induce even more British manufacturers to take part in the 1936
E1.6 event. The Fair is held biennially and, this year, takes place from April 30May 30. Details of the event may be obtained from the Fair management, at Tel-Aviv, or from the Federation of British Industries, in London.
Uniformity in Canadian Transport Legislation Sought.
Among the subjects discussed at the Dominion and Provincial Conference, at Ottawa, was the general transport situation, with particular reference to the use of lorries and buses on public highways and the competition with the railways.
Replying to a delegation from the Affiliated Railwaymen's Organizations, the Minister of Railways and Marine recently said that a royal commission mightbe appointed to examine the whole situation. The first step, he said, • would be an effort to secure uni forrnity of legislation between the provinces and the Dominion.
The railwaymen contended that the control of buses and lorries should be placed with the Board of Railway Commissioners, or a similar body set up by each province.
United Service Transport Big Tax Payments.
In the year ended September 30 last, the United Service Transport Co., Ltd., made a gross profit of 252,800, which is 22,400 higher than that for the previous year. The amount paid in petrol tax and licence duties rose by 23,500 to 238,800. The net profit comes out at 29,995, compared with 29,980 for the previous year. The dividends for the year on the preference and ordinary shares are maintained at 10 per cent, and 13,614 per cent. respectively.
Toll Bridge to be Freed.
The Mersey Docks and Harbour Board has agreed to free Poulton Bridge from tolls without compensation, subject to the corporations of Wallasey and Birkenhead carrying out road works at a cost of 210,290. RECIPIENTS OF NEW YEAR HONOURS.
Amongst the recipients of New Year Honours are Mr. P. J. H. Hannon,. M.P., President of the Industrial Transport Association, and a popular 'personality both in Parliament and. road-transport circles, and Lieut.-Col. F. C. Shelmerdine, C.I.E,, 0.B.E., DirectorGeneral of Civil Aviation. Each of these gentlemen receives a. Knighthood.
Advocates Protest Against Sitting.
All the advocates at the sitting of the North-Western Deputy Licensing Authority, Sir William Hart, in Mane chester, on Monday, joined in a protest, voiced by Mr. H. Backhouse (C.M.U.A. solicitor), against such an inquiry being held between Christmas and the New Year. Difficulties of securing adequate instructions, of obtaining witnesses, and of interfering with the. holidays of the staffs were urged.
Sir William Hart expressed the wish that the matter had been referred to earlier, in order that other arrangements might have been made. No doubt the protest would be borne in mind for next year, A Useful Garage in Birmingham.
A service depot building is for sale.
freehold in Birmingham. It is especially suitable for heavy vehicles, and occupies 8,500 sq. ft., with concrete floor, overhead crane, pits and offices; there is an adjoining yard of the same area. Letters addressed " Depot," care of the Editor, will be forwarded.
Oil from Under the Sea.
An nil well bored at the bottom of the Caspian Sea has started to yield oil. This is the second well of its kind to be successfully exploited. It is situated some 750 yds. from the shore. near Artern Island, in the neighbourhood of Baku. Over 2,204 ft. deep, it has a daily yield of about 200 tons.