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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

"'The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier,

Stricter Supervision of Buses and Coaches.

In view of recent accidents to motorbuses and coaches, the hackney carriage and licensing sub-committee of the Liverpool Watch Committee is undertaking a special examination of the problem with a view to the passing of new by-laws and the securing of such further powers as may be deemed necessary. On. particular point the committee is considering is the provision of fire-extinguishers, the use of which is not compulsory in Liverpool. The corporation buses, however, are all equipped with them.

Other new regulations that will be urged in the near future are :—(1) That in certain cases proprietors of passenger vehicles take out a policy of insurance for the protection of the public in regard to third-party claims; (2) provision for independent expert opinion on the road-worthiness of a vehicle—the proprietors to pay the fee if the report is adverse; (3) enforcement of special tests in cases of vehicles to he used on routes having long and steep hills.

The hackney carriage Oommittee is also expected to press its right of inspection of the corporation trains and buses. It delegated this 'powerto the tramways committee many years age, but it is felt now that it would be better if the tramway authorities were not their own judges in a matter whith concerns the safety of the public.

The licensing and inspecting pow,ers of the police are restricted to those vehicles which ply for hire in the •strict legal sense. Hence a large number of vehicles engaged in passenger traffic is exempt from supervision.

A French Agricultural Machinery Exhibition.

The Fourth Exposition of Agricultural Machinery, organized by the Union intersyndicale des Exposants de Machines et d'Outillege Agricoles, will be held at the Parc des Expositions, Port of Versailles, Paris, in January, 1925. Representation will be open to British tractor manufacturers, and those desirous of exhibiting must have their applications in the hands of Commissariat General du Salon de le Machine Agrioole, B, Rue Jean Goujon, Paris, by October 15th, 1924.

London's New Cab Fleet.

Out of the contract for one hundred " Yellow" cabs which will be run under the popular cab name-sign of "W. and _G." by the Turpin Engineering Co., Ltd., twenty-six of the vehicles have been delivered, and it is anticipated that the whole of the contract will be completed in two or three weeks' time. We illustrate on page 227 a group of the first nine of the fleet, the photograph being taken just before they dispersed to seek custom on the London streets. The merits claimed for the Yellow Cab are the excellence of the springing arising from the use of rubber blocks at the spring ends, the automatic lighting of the in tenor when either door is opened at night, the illuminated "Vacant sign in a

B22 prominent position, the use of large tyres and the smoothness and silence of the engine and transmission. The .in.

tenor of the cab is entirely upholstered in leather, and is thoroughly hygienic. The Turpin Engineering Co. have equipped the drivers in a smart brown uniform And there is every intention to maintain_ the fleet at a high, level of efficiency.

German Tractor Exports.

Although the number of tractors exported from Germany in May, 1924, was double that of May, 1923, there was a decrease of 50 per cent, in the first five months of 192,4 as compared with • a similar period in 1923. The chief importing_ countries were Russia. and Hungary, and the total weight bf machines exported from January to May this year was 147 metric tons.

"The Motor" First Show :Number.

The first of the three special Show Numbers of our associate journal, The Motor, is now on sale. It contains the first report of the Paris Salon, a forecast of tha exhibits at Olympia and an illustrated description of many new cars and accessories. There are also articles by many prominent personalities, including Sir Louis Newton, Lord Mayor of London, and Sir Herbert Austin, and W. Heath Robinson contributes an inimitable humorous drawing entitled " Scientific Tests of Balloon Tyres."

Heavy Vehicles on Unsuitable Roads : Alc of T. Inquiry.

The Commercial Motor Users Association, the London General Omnibus Go. and the Automobile Association offered strong opposition at a recent Ministry of Transport inquiry into the Middlesex County Council's application. for an Order prohibiting or restricting the driving of heavy motorcars and loco motives along certain roads. The inquiry was conducted by Mr. R. H. Davies, D.S.O., at the Guildhall, Westminster, Mr. R. H. Turner appearing for the County Council. The first application related to a series of country lanes in the Heston • and Twickenham district, upon which heavy traffic had greatly increased during the past few months following the opening up by the Twickenham Gravel Co. of new gravel pits. Formerly the roads -were used only to a slight extent by market gardeners, and the County Council held that, owing to their narrowness and construction, they were unsuitable and dangerous.

Mr. Berridge, for the Commercial, Motor Users Association and the Twickenham Gravel Co., said the application was unique inasmuch as it appeared to be directed against one company. The • roads ought to be put into fit condition to make them fit to meet the demands of modern transport.

Mr. R. McDonald, for the L.G.O.C., urged the necessity for improving the roads, and he called .Mi. Barber, the commercial manager of the L.G.O.C., who said the opening up of these reads for heavy traffic would greatly facilitate the handling of the enormous traffic connected with the international Rugby matches played at Twickenham.

From the point of view of the private car user, Mr. Fryer, for the A.A., also urged that, instead of closing the roads, the local council should improve the facilities.

The second application related to a series of modern suburban residential roads at Southgate, which, owing to .their geographical situation, afforded a through route parallel with the main Green Lanes, and which, according to Mr. Turner, were being increasingly used by drivers of heavy lorries. The roads Were never intended to carry this class of traffic, and he called evidence to show that considerable damage had been caused to private house property through vibration.

Mr. McDonald argued that the main road was already congested, and the forcing of these lorries on to it would make matters worse. Already 92 public vehicles passed in each direction per hour. The company's commercial man-ager said they contemplated running a cross-country service or buses along one of the roads.

Mr. Berridge and Mr. Fryer took the same point as in the previous case, pointing out that these relief roads were very desirable to meet the increasing volume of traffic. The Inspector will report to the Ministry, whose decision will be communicated to the County Council in due course.

Standard Haulage Rates.

At a meeting of stio Bolton Corporation reference was made to letters received rem Mr J. Greenhalgh secretary of rite Commercial Mott...r Users Assciaation (Holten area). and the Bolton and District Horse and Motor Carriers Association (Joint Organization) and Mr., A. Haines secretary cf the North of England Commercial Section of the Transport and General Workers' t.ruon, asking if arrangements ,ould be made for a joint deputation from the above associations to meet representatives of the corporation which engage hired carts with the objeet of establishing a stand. •iard rate for hired work done by haulage

contrac:ors for the corporation. The matter was referred to committee to consider.

Front-wheel Brakes for Austin Vans.

The Austin Motor Co., Ltd., inform us that all Austin chassis (both commercial models and cars) are now being fitted 'with four-wheel brakes, which are extremely simple and direct in operation. The braking mechanism is self-contained in the hub, and in their outward appear

once the front wheels do not differ from the rear wheels.

The entire braking mechanism is fully protected from the ingress of dirt and moisture, and provision is made for lubricating the moving parts with a greasegun. A trough drains off surplus lubricant and carries it clear of the braking surfaces.

Traffic Ban Rejected.

At a meeting of the Bexhill Corporation, Mr. S. J. Taylor, the town clerk, reported on the receipt of a copy of an order made by the Ministry of Transport as the result of an inquiry into an application for powers to prohibit the use of certain narrow roads in the district byteavy motor vehicles. The application covered certain roads in Bexhill, but none of these roads has been included in the order issued.

Blackpool Seeking New Bus Powers.

The Blackpool Town Council is to pro: mote a Bill in the coming session of Parliament to secure an extension of powers in several directions, one of which is concerned with the operation of motorbuses outside the borough confines. At present the Corporation maintains certain services within the borough, with the exception of a route between Thornton and Cleveleys, which is provided for in the last Blackpool Improvement Act. As is shown in another paragraph in our news paces, the Corporation is making additions to its bus services, which have proved a boon to the inhabitants of the areas which are served, and its new proposals have as their object the provision of better road travelling facilities in certain districts. • Water Charges for Motor Coaches.

Morecambe Motors, Ltd , recently pointed out to the Ministry of Transport that the Morecambe Corporation make a water charge of 21 6s. 8d. on each of the 13 vehicles comprising the :ompany's fleet of coaches licensed by the corporation, and sought to know whether the corporation had the power to impose this charge when issuing licences. The company pointed out that the water used in connection with these vehicles passes through a meter, and said that the charge per vehicle is much in excess of the water actually used. The company also sought to .know whether the corporation was entitled to impose a fee of 21 for examination of one of their motor coaches prior to the licence being granted.

The Ministry sent a copy of the communication to the Morecambe Corporation inviting its observations, and at a meeting of the watch committee it was arranged that the Ministry should be informed that the charges for water are adjusted according to the amount consumed, and that with regard to the examination charge, no fee is imposed if the vehicles be submitted at the proper time.

Power to Restrict Traffic.

Willesden Urban District Council has asked Mr. E. A. Pratt, the clerk, to send to all the metropolitan boroughs, asking them to support it in making representations to the Traffic Board, particularly with regard to the number and

speed of heavy motor vehicles. The council suggests that larger powers of restricting the number and tonnage of such vehicles using particular roads should be given to local authorities.

Lancia Agent's New Address. Curtis.Automobile Co., Ltd., the sole coneessionnaires in this country for Lancia vehicles, have just opened new head offices and works at Curtis Buildings, Abbey Road, Park Royal, London, N. W.10.

Canada's Increased Exports.

Evidence of increased activity in the Canadian commercial-vehicle industry is to be found in the figures relating to exports for the 12 months ended July, 1924. The actual shipmenta 'amounted -to 15,103 vehicles valued at 5,346,736 dollars as compared with 6,676 vehicles valued at 2,433,707 dollars in the previous annual period. Large numbers of these vehicles have been shipped to Australia, New Zealand and India, and in recent months there has been an increased demand from Ceylon, South Africa and Dutch East Indies.

Heavy Traffic on Worcester Roads.

The county surveyor has reported to the Worcester County Council that considerable damage is being done to the main roads by heavy traction engines and that it is necessary to take action in order to prevent overloading from being practised. The highways committee considers it to be desirable that these engines should be weighed, and has sanctioned the purchase of a small portable weighing machine similar to a type in use in America. Mr. C. H. Bird, the clerk, has been directed to ascertain the facts regarding the damage to the roads by heavy vehicles and to advise in what cases, if any, the county council can take legal proceedings against the users.

Institute of Metals Programme.

The Institute of Metals programme for the 1924-25 session, which opened on October 1st, covers not only the work of the parent Institute but of its six branches located in ;he various metailurgical centres. Over 30 lectures dealing with various phases of non-ferrous metallurgy are enumerated in the programme, including the annual May lect ire by the distinguished Dutch scientist, Professor H. A. Lorentz. Copies of the programme may be obtained from the secretary of the Institute, 36-38, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1. .

Pagefield Wagons for Bexhil.

At a meeting of the Bexhill Town Council the town clerk reported that sanction had been granted to a loan of 21,760 for the purchase of Pagefield refuse-collecting vehicles, which will shortly be ready for delivery. The surveyor was instructed to appoint men and instruct them in the use of the new system.

Wackpool Wants More Buses.

The Blackpool Corporation has ten motorbuses in service, and an eleventh bus is now under construction. At a meeting a few days ago the tramways committee decided to ask the council for sanction to purchase five more buses. The corporation now has three services running, and a fourth is to be added in October.

The buses on local services have carried 735,614 passengers since April 1st, the number during the two months ending September 11th being 325,967. Receipts for the latter period totalled £1,397, equal to la. 34d. per bus-mile, and for the 5i months £3,129, or slightly under is. id. per mile.

Searching for Petrol Substitutes.

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of War for France were re. sponsible for an exhibition held at flue from September 30th to Oct. 5th, with the object of furthering the endeavours

which are being made to find a satisfactory substitute for petrel. Agricultural tractors and military lorries using fuel extracted from vegetable sources, mineral fuels other than petrol, and synthetic products were demonstrated, as well as the various processes for the manufacture of synthetic fuels.

Linking-up South Wales Districts.

The Rhondda Tramways Co. have notified the Rhondda Urban District Council of their intention to run a bus service from Rhondda, commencing at Williamstown, to Ogmore Vale, the mid-Glamorgan mining valley via Blackmill. Such a service would link two important industrial areas and prove of value to South Glamorgan agricultural districts.

Installing a New Weighbridge.

At a meeting of the Barking Town Urban District Council, it was reported that information had now been obtained as to the number of vehicles using the council's weighbridge, from a period extending from March fith to August 29th —25 weeks. The total number of vehicles weighed during that period was 3,549, of which 213 (equal to 5.8 per cent. of the total number) were too long in the wheelbase to permit of weighing

in one operation. The surveyor sub824.

miffed particulars and estimate for the erection of a new weighing machine 20 ft. by 8 ft. with a capacity of 20 tons, and the matter was referred to the sub-committee for consideration and report.

A Stoke Bus Appeal.

At a meeting of the Stoke-on-Trent :watch Committee Mr. E. B. Sharpley, the town clerk, reported that appeals against the decision of the committee had been lodged by certain omnibus proprietors, and that an inquiry had been held. The Ministry of Transport had now, rejected the appeal by Mr. L. Bowler, but the other appeals have not yet been decided.

Chains for Auxiliary Drives.

Hans Renold, Ltd., of Burnage Works, Didsbury, Manchester, have just issued a• most interesting booklet which deals with auxiliary drives on motor vehicles. We are not aware of any publication that has dealt so thoroughly with the subject.

of chain drives for camshaft, magneto and other auxiliary drives, and the booklet should certainly prove of the utmost value to all interested in the design of automobile engines.

Fire-Brigade Fees.

Swansea Watch Committee has decided that its vehicles shall be used for attending files in the rural council area on the following terms (1) The period of the agreement to he five years. (2) The Swansea Rural District Council to pay the corporation a retaining fee of E350 per annum. (3) The Swansea Rural District Council to pay the charges recommended by the Royal Commission for the services of the fire brigade at fires outside the borough. (4) Either party to give to the other one year's previous notice if it be desired to terminate the agreement upon the expiration of the period of five years.

B.A.T. Traffic Receipts.

The traffic receipts on the passenger. carrying vehicles comprising the group of the British Automobile Tractioh Co., Ltd., have totalled £1,352,276 for the 37 weeks of the year, a figure which represents an increase of £287,862 over the corresponding period of last year.

Warrington's Useful-Ambulance.

The fifth annual report, dealingwith the Warrington motor ambulance service states that during the year ended August 17th, 341 .calls were received. The Corporation had the use of the Whitecross Hospital ambulance for 24 days whilst the Corporation ambulance was being refitted. The total distance travelled by the Corporation ambulance was 1,852 miles, including tests and other tourneys. The average time for each journey was approximately 54 minutes; the shortest run being of II minutes' duration, and the longest run 315 minutes. The daily record of calls was: 138 days no calls; 139 'days I call; 69 days two calls; 16 days three calls; 4 days four calls.

Goodyear's Annual Conference.

During the week ended September 20th, the annual sales conference of the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd., was attended by all Goodyear managers and salesmen in Great Britain and the north and south of Ireland. At the end of the conference the annual dinner of the company was held at the Troca,dero• Restaurant, when speeches were made by Mr. E. R. Preston, managing director, Mr. Sadler, director and secretary, Mr. Oxon, director, Mr. Bishop, assistant sales manager, Mr. Steer, manager of the company's London branch, and Mr. Robertson, who is concerned with the company's interests ia Scotland.

Home Office Powers Restricted.

At a meeting of the Gravesend Corporation the town clerk reported on the receipt of a letter from the Home Office, in which it was stated that if a licence had been actually issued to the AngloAmerican Oil Co., Ltd.' in respect of the storage of petroleum at the Royal Terrace Pier, the Home Secretary had no power to interfere, right of appeal being limited by Sebtion 10 of the Petroleum Act, 1871, to cases where licences had been refused by the local authority. In this connection, the chief constable reported that he had arranged with the company for a night watchman to be in attendance, so that the depot will at all times be under supervision.

Swain Parade Cup Awards.

In our report of the parade organized by the Manclester area committee of the Commercial Motor Users _Association, which appeared in our last issue, we were unable to make reference to the winners of the Swain silver challenge cups. We now learn that the cup for the best steam vehicle on parade has been awarded to Messrs. A. Cork and Sons, in respect of a Garrett wagon and that a 1907 Austin vehicle owned by Simpson and Godlee, Ltd., won the cup awarded to the best petrol vehicle on parade.

• The Berliet Works.

In our article descriptive of the Berhet Works, which appeared in our last issue, owing to an error in translation, an incorrect, caption was written under the lower left-hand illustration appearing on page 200. This was entitled "Running in the brakes—a three-horns' job," whereas the scene depicted is that, at the end of the main assembly line, where the lorry is started up and then driven out on to the test track.

Tractors in Egypt. •

According to official Egyptian static. tics, 101 tractors were imported during the first four months of the current year, whereas but 15 tractors were imported during the corresponding period of 1920. During the earlier year 294 tractors were imported, and this figure will be exceeded this year if the present rate of importation continues.

Agents for American tractors are systematically plashing sales throughout Egypt. One agent delivers tractors to farmers on a deferred-payment plan, and each sale is carefully followed up in order that the raurchaser may enjoy the maximum amount of service. This is a very important factor in Egypt, as the knowledge that stocks of tractors, as well as of spare parts, are obtainable at Cairo or Alexandria is gradually overcoming the diffidence that was previously evinced by local farmers.

At present most of the tractors in Egypt are used for agricultural work, but a programme of road development has been launched which should create a demand for certain vehicles of this type.

Motor Ship Developments.

Many interesting articles dealing with the latest developments of motor vessels and their power units are contained in the current number of The Motor Ship. Illustrated particulars of the passenger and cargo motor ship " Centaur '' are given, also details of a new double-acting two-stroke engine, and a. new auxiliary Diesel motor. A further informative article deals with the tonnage problem.

Further Experiments wah Senlinet Railcars.

With a view to providing further data eelative to the ability of the Sentinel steam railcar to meet passenger require. ments on small branch lines, the London and North Eastern Railway Co. have made further experiments on other sections of their system in the Tyneside district, in addition to the initial experiment made over the GosforthPonteland branch, which was recorded

in The Commercial. Motor dated September 16th.

Since that time the company have introduced the new vehicle for trial purposes between Newcastle and Dunston, and between Newcastle and Ferryhill, for brief periods, and, as was the case in the original trial, every satisfaction

was given. The railcar proved itself to have many advantages over the steam teen!, which it displaced temporarily, in the way of quicker starting-up and stopping, as well as in developing speed.

In all directions the trial runs were completely successful, and, in view of the fact. that coal consumption is extremely small, and that the rail coach is a cheaper unit than any other on the system, it is probable that in the near future a number will be introduced to run over different sections of the company's extensive system, where the traffic is of limited proportions.

New East Coast Road.

' The Minister of Transport opened the new east coast read between West Hartlepool and Easington towards the end of last month. The Durham County Council works committee has been responsible for the construction of the road, which is the joint enterprise of the Durham

County Council, the West Hartlepool Corporation and the Easington Rural District Council. Many engineering diffi. culties hod to be overcome in connections with the work, and the fact that these have been successfully surmounted is a tribute to the ability of Mr. Albert E.

Brooke, M.Inst.C.E., the county surveyor of Durham., The road runs from Easington Colliery through Horden and Blackball, to West Hartlepool, and results in the road jour. ney between each of these places being shortened.

The construction of the road was rendered necessary by the marked development of the East Durham coalfield area, and the scheme has cost in all E271,000, of which the Ministry has borne the sum of £100,000. Tho road is about nine miles long and its maximum gradient is one in eighteen. It has a 24 ft. carriageway, and the width between fences is 60 ft.

Simms Acquire Peel-Conner Business.

Simms Motor Units (1920) Ltd., Grease Street, Rathliene Place, London, W.1, inform us that, so far as magnetos are concerned, the Peel-Conner Nfagneto Co., have ceased to manufacture, and that they have taken over the whole of that company's jigs, tools and gauges, as well 'as a stock of magneto parts. They are, accordingly, in a position to supply spare parts for any type of Peel-Conner magneto, or to carry out repairs to such instruments.

Cooper-Stewart's New Address,

We are advised that the Cooper. Stewart Engineering Co., Ltd., who market a range of Stewart speedometers and other accessories, have removed to new premises at 136-137, Long Acre, London, W.C.

Stringent Bus Regulations.

The following regulations relating to buses have been made by the Stoke-onTrent Watch Committee for the safety. of passengers :—

Emergency doors -must be tested.ea.ch morning in order to ensure that they are in working order.

Vehicles must not be filled with petrol whilst containing passengers. The committee has called for a report on the subject of emergency exits and authorized a further inspection of vehicles before the expiration of the present licences.

Some Ford Engine Changes.

Several minor changes have been made in tho construction of the model T Ford engine, and a new piston known as the light design is now embodied. It differs from the old type in having thinner side walls, smaller bossee and holes for pistonpinhushes, and it can be distinguished from the previous type by a small flange, which extends around the inside bottom edge of the skirt. Its weight is now re

duced to about 11 lb., and to meet service requirements it is furnished in the standard and four oversizes, the latter being .0025 in., .035 in.-, .031 in. and .033 in. above standard. If these new pistons be required for old medels, the whole four must be replaced, otherwise the balance will be upset. Another small alteration is in the camshaft, the length of the No. -exhaust cam having been increased from 1, in. to in., the front camshaft bearing being reduced in proportion. The new bearing also differs from the old in that the notch and 30-degree chamfer on the rear end have been eliminated.

Darlington's Trolley-bus Scheme.

Since arriving at its decision to replace the existing tramway services of the borough by railless traction, as recorded in The Commercial Motor during the earlier part of this year, the Darlington Town Council has lost no time in taking steps to further the scheme, and now a Bill is being promoted, to come before the next Parliamentary Session, seeking powers to operate trolley-buses in the borough, and requesting that.provision be made for rimfling such buses on all routes at preterit served by light railways.

B26.

In making a recommendation to this effect to the corporation, the electricity and light railways committee adds that it has established a small committee to consider the advisability of including additional routes requiring transport -faeilities in the new Bill. It further recommends that tenders for the supply of a number of trolley-buses be obtained in the near future.

Taxicab Manufacture in Canada.

From Chicago it is announced that the Yellow. Cab Manufacturing Co., of that city, have formed a subsidiary company in Canada, who will establish works at Orillia, Ontario, for the construction of Yellow taxicabs for the Canadian and English markets.

The Steam Wagon Offends.

Poplar Borough Council is calling the attention of the London County Council and the Commissioner of Police." to the nuisance, inconvenience and danger caused to the general public by the perpetual emission of hot cinders and suffo

eating smoke from chimneys of steam wagons in use upon the highwaye-of the Metropolis," and suggesting to the Commissioner that the offence would be abated if a special order were issued to police officers to exercise greater vigilance for the detection and summoning of offenders in accordance with existing legislation.

The Motor's Part in a Shopping Week.

. The value of motor vehicles as an advertising medium was adequately demonstrated by i the many striking turnouts present n the monster procession which was held on the opening day of the recent shopping week held at Workington. In the section devoted to decorated motorbuses or motor coaches operating in the Workington district, the Cumberland Motor Services, Ltd., succeeded in carrying off the two principal prizes with smart and excellently maintained buses.

Motor vehicles engaged in a wide variety of trades and indostries were represented, and served as an indication of the almost limitless scope of motors in the world of commerce, and prizes for the best-turned-out vehicles of over and under 30-cwt, capacity respectively were awarded

Local Proceedings.

The Jackson Trust has presented the Glossop Town Council with a motor ambulance.

South Shields Corporation is arranging for a demonstration of motor sweeping-machines, Stoke-ot-r-Trent Watch Committee has authorized the purchase of a Guy chassis for the ambulance body.

Devon Count v Highways 'Committee recommends the purchase of a steam wagon at a cost of about £780.

Stoke-on-Trent Watch Committee has decided to invite quotations for the supply of a motor fire tender.

Ilford Urban District Council proposes to purchase a one-ten tipping wagon from Mr. G. Smith at.a east of Taf Fechun Water Board has empowered its engineer to inspect a .secondhand motor terry, with power to purchase_ Barking Town Urban District Council has authorized the purchase of a Clement-Talbot motor ambulance at a cost of £855, .

Stoke-on-Trent Corporation Cleansing Committee recommends obtaining quotations for the supply of a 2-ton chassis of English make.

South Shields 'Corporation has accepted the tender of the Edison Electric Co. for the supply of an electric Upping wagon for .£1,608.

Llandudno Urban District Council:bee received tenders for the supply of a light motor vehicle, but adjourned considerstion of the matter for the present.

Leeds Watch Committee hes authorized the chairman and the Chief Constable to visitLondon_ to obtain information relating to apperatus for ex tinguishing •oil fires. • The Dorking Rural Council has forwarded a •resolution to the Surrey County Council advocating that all buses running Cu recognized routes should carry a eondiector as well as a driver.

Guildford Watch Committee has notified bus proprietors that no overcrowding must be permitted and that seats immediately in front of the door at the rear of the vehicles must be removed.

The Joint Fire Brigade Commietee, of the Sleaford U.D.C., the Sleaford R.D.C. and the Ruskington U.D.C. now recommends the purchase of a 250-300-gallon trailer motor fire pump at an estimated cost of £400.

Glasgow Corporation has asked its tramways extension committee to consider an epplication from the Anderson Ward committee for a line of tramways or a service of motorbuses along Kelvinhaugh Street.

Ilackney Borough Council, which some time ago contracted with Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd., for the supply of 20 electric vehicles for refuse collection, now reports that it is desirable to order three more vehicles.

Shelf Garage Staff's Outing.

The sixth annual outing of the garage staff of Shell-Mex, Ltd., was held some days ago, when a trip was made by steam launch from Richmond to Cherisoy and back. Mr. M. V. Ambler, the company s engineer, and Mr. R. T. Smith, the garage superintendent, were the guests of the day, and the event was much enjoyed by all.

Bus Licensing in Monmouth.

One important proposal in the matter of licensing motorbuses in the county of Monmouth is made by the joint advisory committee of the Monmouthshire U.D.C.s, of which Mr. T. C. Griffiths, clerk to the Mynyddislwyn U.D.C., is the acting secretary. It is that all services in the county be licensed as from January 1st of each year, a step which it is thought will simplify the problems of co-ordinating the bus services of the various districts.

Buses that are Missed.

Residents in the Cummersdale neighbourhood have of late been deeply pertnrbed by the discontinuance of a useful motorbus service which was recently commenced joining up the district with Carlisle. So keen was local feeling that a special meeting of the local parish council was convened to discuss the situation, but, in the meantime, it was ascertained that the service had been suspended as the result of a question of licensing of the vehicles used, and

that it was hoped that it, would be resumed in the very near future.

Without doubt, the facilities given prior to the cessation of the service proved a boon to residents of the outlying district, and the action taken provides a very forcible illustration of the awakening recognition of the general public to the advantages of road passenger carrying.

Short-period Bus Licences.

The Carlisle Corporation Watch Committee has decided to renewlicences for all motor omnibuses plying-in the Area for the next three months, pending new regulations from the Ministry of Transport, when the committee, which is desirous of ensuring the safety of road passengers, will review the whole position of bur control and regulation.

Lorries Free to Enter Portugal.

A recent Government decree prohibiting the entry of motorcars into Portugal that weigh less than 3,000 kilog. has now become law. Lorries and cars used for commercial purposes, however, are exempted from this prohibition.

Business Vehicles in Italy.

The number of lorries in Italy on June let, 1911, was 392. On the same day this year the total number of lorries in the country was 28,212. This upward "bound is mainly due to the fact that the motor lorry was found to be an essential to victory during the war, whilst since 1919 it has been found to be just as essential in commercial and industrial spheres.

It is not expected, however, that Italian registrations will increase so rapidly during the next few years. The cost of petrol is very high,. the element of time is not so vitally Important as it is in many other Continental countries, whilst road transport, apart from motorbus routes carrying passengers and mails, is by no means common in many districts.

Change of Address.

A.T. Speedometer Co., Ltd., ask us to mention that they have removed their registered offices and works to larger and, more convenient premises at 20, Avonmore Road, West Kensington, London, W.14.