AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

News of the Week

5th January 1945, Page 16
5th January 1945
Page 16
Page 17
Page 18
Page 19
Page 16, 5th January 1945 — News of the Week
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

CHANGES IN UTILITY-BUS BODIES

AT the request of the M.O.S. a committee of operators and bodybuilders has reViewed the watstime specification for the bodywork of buses and the following changes in the specification have been approved for future deliveries.

The following list concerns changes in double-deckers. Existing slattedtype seats will be replaced by an uphol-stered pattern, to be covered either in leather or moquette. In place of the existing four opening windows, there will be 10, six in the upper saloon and four in the lower; they will be of the half-drop or half-sliding type, as preferred. Panels on the front and rear roof will be domed. If required by the operator, safety glass can be used for all windows.

As regards single-deck bodywork, similar changes are to be permitted, except, of course, those which apply only to the upper saloon.

These modifications, to a large extent, meet the requests of operators as recently put forward through their association. The modifications can be introduced at once, but the M.O.S. has insisted that production must not be held up on account,of the changes. and work in progress must be absorbed. It is thus left to each bodybuilder to' introduce the improvements as and when it is possible.

The Ministry points out that a much larger programme of double-deckers is envisaged for 1945, but the labour position wi:l be increasingly difficult. It is, therefore, more than ever essential that individual deviations from the specification should ,not be permitted, and only when they can be proved to be essential will they be sanctioned.

DENNIS BROS. "JUBILEE YEAR"

ANOTABLE event in the history of that famous manufacturing concern in the road-transport industry, Dennis Bros., Ltd., Guildford. is its golden jubilee, which will be celebrated this year. Appropriately enough, a card concerning this, and signed by Mr. W. Fish, a joint managing director, reached us on New Year's Day. We liked its democratic style, the card being from the " employees, staff and directors" of the company, instead of these being placed 'in the reverse order,

It was in 1895 that the concern came into being as a manufacturer of transport media, and it has been a pioneer in many directions, particularly in connection with the development of worm gearing fol final drives and the' famous centrifugal fire pump, whilst its wide range of motor vehicle and other products has achieved and maintained throughout these 50 years an excellent reputation for good design, high quality and sound workmanship.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of "The Commercial Motor," and

during all these years we have experienced the most cordial co-operation from Dennis Bros., Ltd., the courtesies extended to us during our visits to the works being unfailing.

We take this opportunity of congratulating the company on its jubilee and of wishing it continued success.

NUMBER PLATES TO BE ILLUMINATED

l\PW that the war-time restrictions on rear lights on motor vehicles have been relaxed, number plates at the rear should again be clearly readable at night. Some rear lamps fitted during the war are not adapted to this purpose, therefore, to give time for adjustment, the requirement has been suspended until March 29, but those who can make the adjustment at once should carry it out.

The amending order is the Road Vehicles (Registration and Licensing) (Amendment) Provisional Regulations, 1944.

CROSSLEY MOTORS TO PRODUCE BATTERY-ELECTRICS

FOR some time past there has been much experimental work in progress at the Gorton works of Crossley Motors. Ltd., and the first fruits of this activity have been shown in a new 15-cwt. delivery van, which is at present undergoing exhaustive tests. It is an electric vehicle and it is stated to be equipped with batteries of a new and exceptionally large capacity which will give the van an effective range much in excess of anything yet placed on the market.

No details of the price, bodywork, or performance of the vehicle have yet been released ahd, in view of the present restrictions on materials and labour, it is not expected that it will be possible to commence production on a commercial scale until after the war.

NEW YEAR HONOURS

THE list of New Year Honours, as it concerns those in our industry, or connected with it, is as follows:—

ICnights Bachelor: P. B. Brown, chairman and managing director, Hadfields, Ltd. Commander A. N. G. Firebrace, RN. (Rtd.), chief of fire staff and inspector-in-chief of fire services, Home Office; A. P. M. Fleming, director, Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Co., Ltd.; A. F. Sidgreaves, managing director, Rolls-Royce, Ltd.; H. A. Tripp. assistant commissioner, Metropolitan Police.

C.B.: G. E. Robinson, R.T.C., London.

C.B.E.: E. R. `Cartwright, chief engineer, Asiatic Petroleugn Co., Ltd.; A. A. M. Durrant. director of Tank Design, M.O.S.

DEATH OF MR. S. H. PERK'S

WE regret to announce the death, as W the result of a cycling accident, of Mr. S. H. Perkis, a staff officer of the -R.T.C. at Cambridge.

TRADE UNIONS AGAINST LARGER BUSES

THE refusal of the M.O.W T to alter the Construction and Use Regulations in respect of the overall length and width of passenger-service vehicles, was hotly contested by Sir Wavell Wakefield in the House of Commons just before the recess.

One point he made was that no opportunity was given by the Ministry for the interested parties to put their case through a deputation.

In his reply, Mr. Noel-Baker said that no deputation had sought to put its case, and, in any event, he did not think it necessary, as every point had been clearly set out in a memorandum. One of the chief reasons for turning down the request was that of danger of road congestion which would lead to an increase in road accidents.

" The trade unions," said the Minister, " are all unanimously and Vehemently against it. It is made to increase pay-load, and to add to the number of passengers which can be taken by a single vehicle."

As the question of large vehicles is bound up with the roads that have to carry them, another reason for refusing . the request was presented. " Our roads, both in town ahd country," said Mr. Noel-Baker, " have been designed forvehicles not wider than 7 ft. 6 ins. overall." For this reason there were many thousands of miles of highway which would be less adequate for their job if the overall width of every vehicle were increased by 6 ins.

Whilst the Minister said that he was still prepared to receive a deputation. he added that he would not like to encourage any hope that the decision will be changed.

LIMIT ON ROAD REMOVALS DOUBLED

ANEW Order regarding the removal of furniture by road will do much to help the public and the transport concerns involved. The limit has been increased to 120 miles without restric tion, in lieu of 60 miles. Special permits will, however, still be necessary from the R.T.C.s where journeys over longer distances are considered essential. These will be issued only where the rail service is-not considered to be adequate, or where the cost of the difference between rail and road would involve financial hardship to those whose furniture is being carried. There is, of course, no limit for road carriage in. the case of people whose homes have been damaged by enemy action.

A.R.O. HOLDS FAREWELL LUNCHEON

THE Metropolitan Area of A.R.O. held a farewell luncheon meeting in London on December 28. This was attended by the members of the Hauliers' Sub-area .Committees, with Mr. Eric R. Taylor, chairman of the area, presiding.

Owing to pressure on our Space, we are compelled this week to -withhold details of the speeches, but these will be covered in our next week's issue. ARMY ENGINESIN CIVILIAN LORRIES?

AS a result of allegations that certain valuable Army stores, such as mator parts and even engines, have found their way into vehicles operating for civilian purposes: Scotland Yard is assisting the M.O.S. in carrying out a check.

The urgent need for repairs and maintenance may have led some civilian users into purchasing such spares and units, not knowing that they are Army property. For their own sake, therefore, a private check-up should be made, and any suspicious circumstances reported to the police or the M.O.S.

A MACCLESFIELD HAULAGE ACQUISITION [WE learn that the shares of George VV Sutton, Ltd., quarry owner, and of Wardle and Barber, Ltd., haulage contractor, of Macclesfield, have been acquired by Ashtop and Holmes, Ltd., also of Macclesfield, which has similar business interests, Mr, Frank Wardle and Mr. Fred Barber will retire, but the latter will assist the new management for a limited period.

DISTRIBUTOR'S INTEREST IN APPRENTICE. TRAINING AN interesting function took place at the works of Jeffreys Commercial Motors (Swansea), Ltd., Neath Road, Swansea, just before Christmas, when the premises were visited by certain .ed,ucational authorities, including the chairman of the Swansea education committee and Dr. Elfed Thomas, B.Sc., Ph.D., director of education.

The managing director outlined the activities of the company, and after the visitors had made a tour of the works, there was an informal discussion, at which the company's executives discussed • with the education authorities the assistance which they could give to apprentices. The company now has its own classroom in its works and it is taking a very direct interest in the training of apprentices.

GLASGOW HAS FIRST LOCAL J.I.C. FOR TRANSPORT [WORKERS are to have an opporVV tanity of saying how they think the Glasgow municipal-transport system can be improved. They may even criticise the management, if the need arises. This development has been brought about by the establishment of a Joint Industrial Council, representative of both management and workers, which Glasgow Corporation transport department hopes will benefit the public and promote greater co-operation between staffs and management. The creation of this body follows a recommendation by the National Joint Industrial Council for the industry. Glasgow is the first Large municipality to take action. The first chairman of the Council is Mr. E. R. L Fitzpayne, general manager of the transport department; the deputy-chairman is a trade union representative. According to usual practice, he will succeed Mr. Fitzpayne in the chair at the end of the year. BEET LORRIES MAY CAUSE LAND CONTAMINATION

ATTENTION to a danger resulting from the carriage of soil from farm to farm by lorrieS engaged in sugarbeet transport has been referred to by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The trouble is that of possible contamination by eelworms, which cause disease in sugar beets and potatoes. In the case of unloading . by water power, almost all this Soil is remcived, but with hand or grab unloading some remains ; if this be contaminated and, later, discharged on to other farm land,

the infection will be carried. Therefore, as little soil as possible should be loaded with the sugar beets, and, after unloading, the lorries should be thoroughly cleaned or at least swept out, before re-entering farm property. Operators are asked by the Ministry to pay special attention to such precautions, otherwise there may be even more serious results.

LIMITED CONCESSION IN EXPORT LICENSING

THE Board of Trade has made the Export of Goods (Control) (No. 3) Order, 1944, which permits certain relaxations in the control of exports,

as from January 1. .

The goods concerned now require licences only when exported to destinations to which the export of all goods is controlled, but this concession does not affect any regulations in force to govern the production of goods, including those for export.

The long list covers few goods of interest to our industry, with the exception of iron and steel in the forms of castings and forgings; stampings and pressings with or without rolled edges, but in both cases excluding machinery ' parts, and producer-gas units for operating motor vehicles.

ANTI-PILFERAGE STEPS CAUSE DELAY TO VEHICLES

THE Road Transport Section of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has had under review the notice of the Liverpool Port Emergency Committee, intimating that the police at the dock entrances must stop vehicles leaving the docks to check loads with the cart pass. Vehicles to be searched will be directed to a special berth, where the

• master-porter will provide the necessary men and appliances to unload the vehicle as may be necessary to satisfy the police. .

Although provision has been made for paying for the services of the master-porter, nothing has been said about paying the lorry owner for the loss caused by the delay to his vehicle. This is troubling haulage contractors.

It seems that the master-porter will render his account for the cost involved in lightening and reloading the vehicle to the district traffic manager of the Dock Board and, after certification, the bill will be passed to the shipowner or agent from whose ship the cargo in question has been discharged.

. Members of the Road Transport Section suggest that the point at which anti-pilfetage 'measures should be put into operation is at the quayside and not at the dock gates, and that an improved system of checking should be adopted..

The Section decided to •inform the Port Emergency Committee that it welcomes the system for the prevention of pilferage, but indicated that experience had shown that the system of checking loads on the quays was inadequate; it urged that an improvement be made, even if it should entail an increase in counters-off.

MIDLAND I.O.T. CELEBRATES TWENTY-FIRST

_THE Midland Section of the Institute THE Transport commemorated its twepty-first anniversary at a luncheon at Birmingham on December 13. The guests included Sir William WOod (the president), and Messrs. J. S. Nicholl and T. E. Thomas (past-presidents), T. W. Royle (vice-president). Mr. L. W. Gupwell, chairman of the Midland Section, presided. He was supported by Messrs, D. M. Sinclair and C. Rayner Smith (vice-chairmen). A. C. Baker, H. Shankland, C. J. Hurst, H. Howells, and a large number of members.

The opportunity was taken of making a presenthtjon to Mr. H. Howells, honorary secretary of the Section, who was a member of the first committee elected in 1923 anct, has served on it continuously TEST FARM INQUIRY ON MECHANIZATION

THE annual report of the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering, the headquarters of which are at Askhain Bryan, near York, refers to an inquiry which the Institute is conducting on test farms as to progress and effects of farm mechanization. The aim is to obtain 'accurate information concerning the way in which machines are used on a representative range of farms, the main. labour and operational peaks, and the influence on everyday working from the use of new machines or methods.

The six centres so far used for the inquiry are at Askham Bryan (14 farms), Dodwell (nine), Melton (nine), Stirling (13), Brigg (10) and Reading (eight). The farms range from less than 200 acres to 1,000 acres; some are highly mechanized, others use horses. At each centre a recorder is permanently stationed, and he sends in weekly records of the daily work done by every tractor and horse, with particulars of the implements used and the acreage covered. The records include details of fuel and oil consumption of all tractors. Special inquiries are also made on the practical aspect of problems on which the Institute is working. It is contemplated extending the scope of the inquiry by the inclusion of centres in .Norfolk, Essex, Devon, Shropshire and Northumberland. REINSTATING TRANSPORT EMPLOYEES AT GLASGOW

GLASGOW Transport Department is facing the problem of reinstating old employees whose war service has rendered them unfit for their former duties. Many are physically unable to work spread-over shifts and it is considered unfair to offer them minor jobs.

The M.O.W.T. has been approached to run a rehabilitation scheme and Messr§. E. Greenhill, convener of the transport committee, Mr. H. McNeil, sub-convener, and Councillor John Forman, who have made representations to the Ministry on behalf of the corporation, are hopeful that their efforts will be successful.

SAFETY AWARDS FOR DRIVERS* OF RAILWAY ROAD MOTORS WARDS by the Royal Society for. tt the Prevention of Accidents to 114 men of the L.N.E.R. parcels-delivery staff at Queen Street Station and the cartage staff at High Street Goods Station, Glasgow, were presented on December 29, to those of the men who were free from duty. The awards includedt a bar to the silver medal for. 45 men (more than five consecutive years free from accident); the silver medal for 13 (five years), and diplomas for 56 (one year to four years). As many as 40 of the recipients had completed nine years' driving without mishap since the inauguration of the scheme.

INDIA TYRE'S INITIATIVE IN EDUCATION CI.A MOST interesting booklet on postwar problems, as they apply to the staff of the India Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., Inchainnan, Renfrewshire, has been produced by that company.

It points out that the matter of the reinstatement in industry of personnel returning from the Forces is foremost amongst those which will confront this country on the termination of hostilities. The India directors are therefore formulating schemes to facilitate

this ' reinstatement. In addition, schemes are being prepared for continuing part-time education, to ensure that both men and women at present serving their country will have equal opportunities with those who have served the company during the war period.

Provision is also to be made for the continuation, on an organized basis, of higher and specializeetraining for all employees who intend to equip them

selves for executive positions. The question of juvenile training and education is also being ,tackled.

Staff-training officers, both commercial and works, have been appointed and are supported by a strong committee. Departmental managers will select employees considered suitable for the higher training, taking into consideration such war service as may have fitted them for positions of greater responsibility.

Special prizes will be Offered, ranging from £5 for matriculation or preliminary. to as high as £25 for a University degree; also prizesfor Board of Education national certificates. and others for accountancy, commercial, general science and rubber technology, engineering, transport, etc., where students have passed one or other of the examinations set by the various institutes and associiktions con.cemed in these fields.

The booklet is so interesting that other employers might well study it. They should apply to Mr. R. M. Davis, India Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., 30. St. ' John's Wood Road, London, N.W.8.

BARIMAR'S PLANS TO MEET FROST TROUBLES

are told that Barimar, Ltd., V22-24. Peterborough Road, London, S.W.6, has made its usual efficient arrangements in London and at all its branches for the repair of frost-cracked cylinder blocks and heads. of all kinds of vehicles employed on national service:

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WANTS WIDER VEHICLES

REITERATING the view that the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations ought to be amended to permit the width of goods vehicles to be increased to 8 ft., the Road Transport Section of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has asked the Association of British Chambers of Commerce to support this recommendation.

Members of the Section think that the M.O.W.T. refusal to sanction the increased width was due to the fact that it did not consider the roads of the country adequate to accept 8 ft. vehicles, although during the war years such vehicles have been used . extensively. They consider that as the Government was stressing the importance of our post-war export trade, motor manufacturers, in order to be in a position to compete with the manufacturers in other countries, where 8-ft. vehicles were widely 'used, should not be restricted in their export activity by the necessity of maintaining plant for the manufacture of vehicles of both dimensions.

NEW DAVID BROWN TRACTOR FOLDER

I T is true to say that. in order to give proper maintenance to a. road vehicle or tractor, it is impossible to know too much. about its details of construction. In the matter of use, too, the same applies, and, therefore, the new folder produced by David Brown Tractors, Ltd., should be in the hands of all operators of this maker's machines. The c entre pages are devoted to a drawing of the complete tractor in s section, with relevant text Matter dealing with the specification. There are numerous photographic reprocluctiqns showing the machine in operation with various trailed appliances, such as cultivators, ridgers, ploughs, and so on.

Copies of the folder can be obtained from David Brown distributors or dealers, or direct from the maker 3t Meltham, near Huddersfield. •


comments powered by Disqus