Motorcab
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The management of the Lewisham Automobile Garage, at 2524, High Street, Lewisham, informs us that it intends placing several taxicabs in service in that place.
Correspondence in relation to our leading article of last week, in which we drew attention to the shortage of motorcab drivers in London, has been taking place in the columns of the " Morning Leader," the " Daily Graphic," the " Evening News," and other London papers.
A.B.C. Cab Co.
Thornton and Crebbin, Ltd., now in voluntary liquidation, in an action brought before Mr. Justice Warrington, in the Chancery Division, has successfully resisted the claim that it should complete payment in respect of 5,000 shares of SA each, in respect of which a total sum of £250 had already been paid, in the A.B.C. Cab Co., Ltd. The decision turned upon the repudiation of the alleged right of a Mr. Keating to act as agent in the matter of the application named.
Sirdar Tires.
The Sirdar Co.'s pneumatic tires ars pear to be enjoying a satisfactory vogue, and the company ascribes this in no small measure to the strength of the fabric employed. A single ply of the canvas is tested to 843 lb. warp and 858 lb. weft, whilst no fewer than from four to six plys of such canvas are used in a cover according to the size of the tire. Special attention has also been given to the hardened studs in the treads, with a resulting combination which should yield excellent results in motorcab service, or upon Tight vans.
Gamage-Bell.
The photograph reproduced herewith shows one of the new, light-green, Carnage-Bell, four-cylinder, 14-16 h.p. Belsize cabs while on a country journey. These new vehicles, which are attractively finished, are commodious to a degree internally and commendably quiet while running. In spite of their apparently-extra-large bodies. they are particularly smart in getting through sonic of the hilly suburbs of the Aletropolis. Touching on the limousine bodies, it seems quite possible that they may be acceptable enough with the public while the doubtful weather lasts, but a spell of fine weather may prove that the closed cab cannot compete with the landaulet and its adjustable hood to suit all weathers. There is more glass than usual, and the large side windows to the sides of the main seats have " wired " glass in the frames.
Petrol Duty.
In the House of Commons, Mr. Cathcart Wason has further asked whether the proprietor of a motor vehicle which is duly licensed as a public carriage for hire, but which of necessity stands in the hotel yard, there being often no other place where such vehicles could stand, is entitled to rebate of the petrol duty ? Mr. Pete has also asked whether the owner of a motorcar, which in the terms of Section 3 of the Fifth Schedule of the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910, is constructed or adapted for use or is used partly for the conveyance of goods, is precluded from claiming the rebate of a gallon on motor spirit used if, owing to there being no public stand on which it can stand, he is unable to comply with the condition that it should stand for hire, although it is used exclusively for the conveyance of trade passengers and goods?
Mr. Lloyd-George replied :—" Rebate of motor spirit duty is only allowed in respect of spirit used in a vehicle of the description referred to in Section 3 of Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule to the Finance (1909-10) Act, 1910, if it complies with the condition as to standing or plying for hire contained in the section. If my hon. friend and the hon, member will give me particulars of any special cases they may have in mind, showing that the owner is prevented by causes outside his own control from complying with this condition, I will he glad to consider them."
The impudence and extortion of the Vienna cabby receive a check by the introduction of taximeters, which the Statthalter, Count Kielmannsegg, has made compulsory for all sorts of cabs, including the smart fiacres—Vienna's speciality. Naturally, the nacre
drivers are furious. As a matter of fact, they threatened violent resistance to the fitting of the taximeters, and held a mass meeting of protest against the Statthalter's interference with their immemorial right to fleece the public, but there was more smoke than fire, and the menaces failed to materialize into anything of an alarm ing character. The drivers have doubtless realized that the tide of public opinion has set strongly against the old system, and, to use a homely adage, they will not cut off their noses to spite their faces. How this measure of reform will affect, the growth of mutoreabs. in Austria's capital remains to be seen.