News and Comment.
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This journal is extensively read by the heads of many wealthy
commercial houses.
The Commercial Vehicle Committee of the S.M.M.T. consists of some 20 members in all, and of these only two are reckoned to be purely steam men. In view of the extent of steam-vehicle interests, this is felt by many to be insufficient.
The preparedness of steam-traction men to embrace the internal combustion engine is again exemplified by the action of Wm. Foster and Co., Ltd., of Wellington Foundry, Lincoln. This company's latest tractor is described on pages 292 and 293. One novelty about the machine is that its very big engine can be started with the greatest ease, and without the aid of a starting handle.
We illustrate below the unusual spectacle of a five-ton goods wagon which is temporarily serving the sad duty of carrying the body of its late driver to the cemetery. The man in question was F. Harding, an employee of Commercial Car Hirers, Ltd. He was one of the men detailed for service with the subsidized lorries during the manoeuvres in September last, and it was the exposure to which he was then subjected which caused him to contract a fatal attack of pneumonia.
C.M.(l.A.
Notwithstanding the fact that the, date for the receipt of entries without penalty is the 1st February next, there are already upwards of 60 entries for the 1913 Parade.
Close upon 50 members were added to the register during the month of /November, and the po:ition of the Association is stronger than ever before.
Tail Lamps Cut.
Mr. W. A. Pink, of Kettering, informs us that one of his drivel's was recently summoned for not showing a red light on the back of his steam wagon. The defence was undertaken by the C.M.U.A., and the case was dismissed on payment of costs, on the ground that the driver took all reasonable care to keep the lamp alight. Another case of the kind is reported to us from a Sheffield owner, john Walsh, Ltd.
A few months ago, both driven; would of necessity have had their licences endorsed for these purelytechnical offences. We are delighted to see that the Liverpool corporation has made a by-law. under which all vehicles used in that city must show a red light behind. The Paris Show.
Some interesting conunercial vehicles will be on view at the Paris Show. This exhibition will be opened on Saturday next, and it will remain open until the 22nd inst. Special bookings are announced by the S.E. and C. Railway, and L.B. and S.C. Railway, and particularly advantageous week-end trips.
Separate Import Records:to be Kept for Tires.,
In the House of Commons last week, Major Archer-Shee asked whether the question of identifying the number and value of foreign motor tires imported into this country had been referred to the Departmental Committee ; and, if so, whether the President of the Board of Trade can now state what is the number and value of tires imported into the United Kingdom from foreign countries in 1912.
Mr. Buxton, replying, said that the question had been referred to the Committee, and, although the full report of the Committee had not yet been received, he understood that it would recommend that imports of motor tires shall be separately recorded. The change would not, however, be brought into operation until the commencement of 1913, and particulars for October were not available.
R. A.S.E.
The annual meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of England will be held in the Club Room, the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington, on Wednesday next, the 11th inst., at 3 p.m. The Earl of Northbrook' will be president for the year 1913. It will be reported that the deficit on the Doncaster Show amounted to £1232 lls., but that there was already set apart from the ordinary account, as a contribution to the Show fund, a total of 22500. Particular mention will be made of the decision, which has already been announced in TEE COMMERCIAL MOTOR, to organize a special Overseas Section, for the exhibition of the natural produce of the Overseas Dominions, in connection with next year's Show at Bristol, from the 1st to the 5th July.
It will be formally reported that subsequent Shows have been fixed as follow :--In 1914. at Shrewsbury; in 1915, at Notting:ham ; in 1918, at Manchester ; in 1917. at Cardiff. It is certain that all will secure much support on the motor side.
Kensington Borough Council has decided to register its two petrol motor wagons under the War Office's temporary scheme.
Consulting Advice.
Mr. E. H. Lancaster, A.M.I.M.E., M.I.A.E., advises us of his removal into larger offices at 4, Sackville Street, London, W. His new telephone number is Gerrard 7919, and Air. Lancaster is now in a position to do additional drawing-office work, as he has three draughtsmen in constant employ.
Scout Specialities.
Scout Motors, Ltd., of Salisbury, Wilts, is making a special bid for business with carriers. The company's close touch with country requirements also promises to give it a big hold with purveyors of milk. A photograph, which we reproduce herewith, depicts a Scout motor lorry that is owned by Apia'. and Barrett, Ltd., of Battersea, London. An extra-large floor space is provided, as this is an essential feature for loads of churns, owing to their peculiar shape. The vehicle shown easily carries a load of three tons gross of milk in churns.
Experiences of the Use of Benzol Wanted.
The Petrol Committee is anxious to obtain details of the actual experience of owners who have used benzol. The question of fuels, other than petrol, for use in motor vehicles is now engaging the atten tion of the Petrol Committee, and from the information at present available benzol appears to be the most ready substitute.
Evidence is being taken from experts as to the production, distribution, and other technical details concerning benzol, but the Com mittee is anxious to obtain as many reports as possible from owners, both private and commercial, of their actual experiences with this fuel. All motor-vehicle owners who have used benzol to any extent are invited to write to the Secretary, Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, London, S.W., marking the letter "Petrol Committee." giving information under the following headings :—(1) Description of benzol used, where obtained and price paid, and stating if cost varies for large or small quantities ; (2) quantity used, and extent of experience of this .fuel ; (3) types of vehicles with which fuel has been used ; (4) description of any adjustments necessary to carburetter and cost thereof ; and (5) general opinion of the usefulness of the fuel and any other suggestions. It would be a convenience if replies are forwarded as soon as possible and, in any case, not later than to arrive by first post on the 13th. inst.