Passing Comments
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WHEN building operations are in progress, local " authorities would do well to see that some temporary surfacing material, such as broken brick or clinker, is laid down in the entrance to the site. In many districts roads are being rendered dangerous to wheeled traffic, and unpleasant for pedestrians, by the deposit of mud carried out on lorry wheels from these sites.
AUSEFUL and well-compiled bulletin on the C.A.V.-Bosch equipment, dealing particularly with technical details and servicing, is issued quarterly by C.A.V.-Bosch, Ltd., and edited by Mr. B. L. Page, publicity and export manager. We note that the leading article in the January number is an optimistic outlook on prospects for 1985, by Mr. E. L. Cadwallader, the joint general manager. nNE of the points that attracted us in connection `-"with the de Normanville hydraulically controlled epicyclic change-speed gear, which has been tested out on a Commer vehicle, but, for the time being, will be fitted only to certain Humber cars, is that practically no change in driving technique is required, the clutch being employed in the ordinary manner. A change of gear, or a move into or out of the freewheel position, is almost absurdly easy, and the remarkable efficiency of 99 per cent, on third gear is claimed. Apart from the clutch, the only control is by a single lever above the steering wheel.
QOME points of interest to road users are contained in the reports of H.M. Inspectors of Constabulary. for 1934. Recent additions to the duties of the police in enforcing the Regulations made under the Road Traffic Acts have already had the effect of crowding out much of the primary work of the police, and in the event of further developments of this kind there is no reserve of strength in the police available. The' report states that the present number of motor patrols is inadequate and recommends that more traffic control should be undertaken by the
mechanized force. Concerning cyclists, it is suggested that closer restrictions should be placed upon this class of road user. The warning given in the Highway Code against riding abreast, for example, should be embodied in specific Regulations.
I N alluding to a certain type of vehicle a contemporary says that "the fuel is drawn by suction through a float chamber which, varying with the velocity of the entering air, is sprayed into the air stream." The suction must certainly be high to effect such a result!
A'ANY expressions of approval have been heard re"igarding the recent supper-dance arranged by the Institution of Automobile Engineers. It may be remembered that ladies were excluded from the dinner, and the new event, at which the only speech consisted of a few remarks by the president-elect, Mr. A. J. Hancock, was much appreciated by them.
ONE of the neatest stories of the week was related on Monday by Mr. R. Stuart Filcher, Manchester's transport manager. An application was received from a young man. who wanted to be a bus-driver. He gave excellent credentials about education and ability, and presented his case very well, with testimonials; but unfortunately he finished with the remark that "all my statements can be rectified by thy present employer." Mr. Filcher, by the way, seems to have revealed an unsuspected angle of interest in bus and transport life. Instead of dealing with traffic figures—other than .a casual mention of a million passengers daily—he displayed most interestingly what may be called the human facets of his job in life.