WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"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.
A.E.C. Profits.
The accounts of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., for the year ending December 31st last are published always with the accounts of the Underground Electric Railways Co. of London, Ltd. They show that on gross earnings of £1,278,989 there was, earned a gross profit of £105,771. The earnings and the costs were each less than the previous year by nearly a quarter of a million pounds, as compared with the figures for 1924, but the gross profit was but slightly less.
After deducting administration expenses, income tax and corporation Profits tax and depreciation of machinery, and adding interest earned, there is a balance 'for the year of £68,123, which is better than the previous year's result by £19,759.
The improving position' is shown by the feet that, whilst there was a substantial loss on the year's work-lug in 1922, the net profit in 1923 was £46,790; in 1924 it was £48,364; whilst the figure for 1925 is nearly £20,000 better. The amount now carried forward to next year's accounts is 1121,220, as no dividends have been paid for some years.
The issued capital of the company amounts to £1,100,000, of which the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., holds £500,000, and the Underground Electric Railways Co. of London £600,000.
Recommended Routes for London Users.
The Royal Automobile Club has issued a new edition of the map of recommended routes into, out of, round and across London. The scale is 1 in., and the map covers an area of roughly 30 miles by 30 miles, with Piccadilly Circus as the central point. The map is one of routes rather than roads, and is designed for the use of road users who do not already know their way into and out of the metropolis. The various routes Shown have been selected to avoid traffic as much as possible. Tramways and roads where heavy traffic may be expected are clearly marked. The price of the maple 2s, 6d. on paper and 4s. mounted on cloth. It can be obtained from the touring department, R.A.C., 83; Pall Mall, London, S.W.
A Vulcan Development.
A complimentary dinnerwas'recently given by the directors of the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co.(1906), Ltd., to Mr. Colin Munro, of Johannesburg, who has been appointed the 'company's representative in South Africa and has recently sailed to take up his position. The function was presided over by Mr. C. B. Wardman, chairman and managing director of the company, and he was supported by Councillor J. Hindle and Mr. T. Rimmer (directors) and departmental managers of the Vulcan works.
Mr. Wardman, referring to the appointment of Mr. Munro to develop the demand for th company's products inSouth Africa, said that Mr. Munro had
already experienced something of Vulcan enthusiasm in the speed and energy with which they had accomplished what was _ considered the impossible problem of preparing and shipping their latest models in time for exhibition at the .Tohannesburg Motor Show at the end of March.
Mr. Munro, in reply, paid special tribute to the manner in which the works staff had co-operated to get out the new models in time for the Show to which Mr. Wardman had referred, and mentioned that it was a great annual event of its kind in South Africa and was well worth the special effort entailed.
The Scottish Show.
A -meeting of the members of the Scottish Trade Association will be held in Edinburgh on Tuesday, March 23rd, to consider the question of the date and venue of the projected Scottish Motor Show for 1926. Dundee's Fire Brigade.
The annual report of the firemaster of the Dundee Fire Brigade, which has just been issued for the year 1925, shows that in the 12 months 65 more calls were dealt with than in the previous year, the figures being 351 and 286 respectively. The authorities in Dundee have a well-equipped .brigade and employ three Leyland fire-engines, one Argyle engine and a Garford motor tender and tractor, in addition to other equipment. The bodywork on a Leyland • fire-engine which was purchased in 1924 was carried out in the workshops of the brigade.
The total distance travelled by the vehicles during the year was 6,426 miles, and the total quantity of petrol used for all purposes, including pumping at fires, drills, etc., was 1,537 gallons. Tn the list whichshows the description of property in which fires occurred, we note that motor vehicles occupy second place.
Luxurious Parlour Coaches l3ui1ding in America.
Mr. II. W. Allingham, who, together with Mr. Troyer, is over in America studying labour-saving methods that could be applied in the two factories of their British coachbffilding concern, the Hoyal Body Corporation, Ltd., sends us some interesting details regarding the latest development in parlour coaches, or' de luxe saloon omnibuses, in America: They visited three factories building these vehicles.
Mr. Allingham writes The new Yellow, Coach is a superb chassis in two sizes, with Silent Knight engines of about 60 h.p. and 110 h.p. The construction of these magnificent saloons, seating from 14 to 30 people, has been improved as a result of three years' valuable experience, until constructional . methods differ radically from both pleasure and ordinary city bus types. Some of the finest work seen at the plant of the Lang Body Co., Cleveland, with a capacity of 10 per day, was 24-seaters on chassis of 16-ft. to 18-ft. wheelbase. They are as complete and as comfortable as a Pullman car. The added comfort is such that an increased fare is easily obtained to offset the reduced seating capacity. I believe this is a development which is certain to come in England in the near future.".
A German Chain-track Tractor Competition. . . The German Ministry of Communieations, in conjunction with the
tIinistry of Food Supplies and Agriculture, has decided to organize a prize competition to discover the most suitable form of chain-track tractor for agricultural, forest and general road wOrk. It is stated that the trials will be held in the spring of 1927 and that the competing machines must be based on , general, plans drawn up by the State Committee of Technics and Agriculture, copies of which May be obtained from the Reichs, Ministerium fiir Ernahrung mid Land-. wirthschaft, 72, Wilhelmstrasse, Bet, lin, W.S. B.P. Petrol-pump. Service.
The British Petroleum Co., Ltd., who are the distributing organization in this country of the Anglo-Persian Oil Co., Ltd., have recently put into service a number of petrol-pump-maintenance. service vans, so that they can offer improved service and also enable their qualified fitters regularly to inspect and check the accuracy of the large number of B.P. pumps installed at garages throughout the country. Morris vans ore being used forthe purpose, and the bodies incorporate several novel features.
From one of the illustrations which eppear on this page it will be seen that the equipment carried by the vans is most complete. A full set of King measures up to five gallons is carried in specially constructed cupboards mounted immediately behind the driver's seat, in addition to a supply of sundry spare parts, varnish and paint and also two portable eases of service fitters' tooh. The tailboard, which is supported by strong stays; forms a fitter's bench when lowered, and the interior of the body is equipped with suitable shelves and partitions for carrying the various spare
Parts and fittings. In addition, two boxes are provided for suitable lengths of piping and a complete chest of heavy tools is also Carried. Furthermore, in case of necessity, a complete pOmp can be carried in the centre of the van.
It is theintention of the company to ensure, by means of these vans, that every dealer's B.P. pump is Visited at regular. intervals. Each vehicle will be staffed by two fully qualified service
fitters, The vans are finished in the British Petroleum Co.'s standard green and red colours.
Mr. Clewes's Lecture.
Mr. J. L. Clewes, the transport manoger of Lipton, Ltd., delivered a lecture on the "Financial and Statistical Aspects of Road Transport Operation" before the students of the' London School of Economics on March 3rd. He went very eloselY into the question of a comparison of the cast of transport of goods by road and by rail, one of his main objects in delivering the lecture being to show the extent of the
"menace" -which road transport is offering to the railways and which was referred to by the National Wages Board in their recent award on railway men's wages. Appendices to the lecture gave the actual figures of the working costs by motor and the comparative figure.s of operation by road and rail.
Owing to great pressure of space in this week's issue of Th,e Commercial Motor we are not able to deal' with Mr. Clewes's interesting lecture in full, but hope, in a later issue, to reproduce some of his statements and arguments and some of his figures.
A.E.C. in Scotland.
As from the first of this month the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., of Walthatnstow, London, E.17, have taken over the business of the Peric Motor Co., Ltd., 5, Alva Street, Edinburgh, who have hitherto represented the manufacturers of A.E.C. vehicles as their agents. The Associated Equipment Co„ Ltd.. will run a sales and service branch from this address, in addition to their other Scottish branch at 139, West George Street, Glasgow. The area manager in charge will be Mr. E. Tonathy.
Midlands C.M.U.A. Meeting.
The annual general meeting of the West Midlands Division of the Commercial Motor Users Association is being held to-day (Tuesday) at the Chamber of Commerce, New Street, Birmingham, at 5.30 p.m. Mr. E. S. ShrapnellSmith, C.B.E., will speak on " Road Transport and National Economy " and deal with the proposed revision of motor taxation, and, later, will open a discussion on the subject of "Road Law, Customs and Courtesies."
Huddersfield Co-operative Traffic.
The Huddersfield Co-operative Society made a, profit of .£121 on the running of its motor coaches in the latter half of 1925. The receipts were £520. . Mr. T. Flint is the manager of the department. The original cost of the society's motor vehicles was 122,878, but by a 20 per cent, per annum depreciation on their nominal value they have been reduced to £2,311 in the present accounts.
Personal Pars.
Mr. P. Stewart Gaul has, we are told, just taken up the position of sales manager of steam and electric road Vehicles with Clayton Wagons, Ltd., of Lincoln.
We are informed that Mr. Walter Paddon has just been appointed general manager of Vigo Motors, Ltd., 8, Long Acre, London, W.C., who are distributors, for the County of London for Chevrolet commercial vehicles and cars.
We understand that at a recent meeting of the Maidstone and District Motor-Services, Ltd., Mr. George F. French was elected to a seat 'on the board and made oPerating manager to the company. His former position with the company was in the capacity of engineer and manager.
Recent Leyland Orders.
Amongst recent orders received by Leyland Motors, Ltd., Leyland, Lancashire, is one from Mr. W. B. Richardson, of Rockingham House, Kettering, who has placed an order through the United Services Omnibus Co. for six SG11 chassis, on which single-deck bus bodies are to be mounted.
Barrett and Co. Ltd., the well-known
confectioners, of 'Wood Green, London,N., who already own a number of Leyland vehicles, have just ordered a 5_twiner of this make.
Gargoyle Greases Renamed.
We understand that the brand names of the range of Gargoyle greases produced by the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., have been altered as follow :—Gargoyle Mobilubricant Extra Soft, formerly Gargoyle Transmission Grease Light ; Gargoyle Mobilubricant Soft (especially suitable for use in grease guns), formerly Gargoyle Transmission Grease Heavy ; Gargoyle Ditobilubricant Medium, formerly Gargoyle Mobilubricant.
These greases are produced in the Birkenhead works of the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., which house a most up-todate grease-making plant. • More Official Orders.
Amongst the orders for commercial motor vehicles given out by Government Departments during January last was one placed by the Air Ministry for light lorries' with Crossley Motors, Ltd. One for chassis was divided by the C.P.O. between Morris Commercial Cars Ltd., and Morris Motors, Ltd. This Department also ordered vans from the Albion Motor Car Co.,. Ltd.; A. E. Gould, La, and the Maudglay Motor Co., Ltd.
• The -orders given out by the Crown Agents for the Colonies included those for ambulances to be supplied by A. Harper, Sone and Bean, Ltd., tipping lorries by Dennis Bros., Ltd„cesspoolemptying machines by the Lacre Motor Co. Ltd., passenger and goods vehicles by-ihe Albion-Motor Car Co., Ltd., 1-ton lorries by Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., and motor road rollers by Barford and Perkins, Ltd.
Fire-engine Tenders for Hanwell:
1-lanwell Urban District .Council has received the following tencletrs for the supply of a motor fire-engine:—
The higher quotation of Messrs. Merryweather is for a machine with si Hadfield pump, otherwise ail. engines are provided with turbine pumps. The council has decided to arrange for tests before making a selection of the type of fire-engine best suited to its needs.
Studebaker Activities.
We are asked to remove a •misapprehension which appears to exist in certain quarters regarding the continuance of the sale of Studebaker vehicles in
this country. We are informed that Mr. L. J. Oilier, who for many years prior to 1922 was actively associated with the Studebaker Corporation of America as vice-president, has taken over from Mr. E. II. Watson, of Studebaker, Ltd., the distribution of Studebaker products in the British Isles. The old company of Studebaker, Ltd., !las been liquidated, and the Studebaker business is now tieing conducted by the new company under the title of Studebaker of Great Britain, Ltd., their offices and works being at Pound Lane, Willesden, London, N.W.10.
Levis Motorcycles for Commercial Use.
Butterfield% Ltd., manufacturers of the Levis motorcycle, have just introduced what they call a Quick-Service pannier—a carrier box or basket attachment for the delivery of light goods. The pannier is constructed of sheet steel and is supplied with clip fixings. When enamelled inside and outside its price is 32s., whilst with baize lining and waterproof cover or metal sliding lid its price is 45s. The weight is approximately 14 lb., and tests have proved that with a load of 40 lb. there is no tendency for tailwag to be set up. The company are also marketing a wicker model complete with straps and waterproof-covered too or basket lid.
The advantage of the Quick-Service pannier is that it not only enables deliveries to be speeded up as compared with an ordinary bicycle, but it makes possible the use of a lighter machine than would he necessary if a sidecar outfit were employed. Furthermore, it takes up little space when not in use.
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Darlington's Popular Trolley-buses.
In consequence-of the rapid increase in traffic which has resulted from the 6ubstitution of trams by 'trolley-buses on portions of the Darlington Corporation's transport system, the transport department has found it necessary, within sir weeks of the inauguration of the new mode of locomotion, to place an order for a further four vehicles.. This has been given to Messrs. Clough. Smith and Co., Ltd., the cost involved being
£6,312. The vehicles will be similar to the original 20 trolley-buses purchased, most of which have now been delivered.
Reo Progress.
Spacious premises are at the present time being erected in Bristol for Harris and Hasell, Ltd., for the purpose of enabling the reassembly of Iteo chassis to be undertaken. Although the company took over new premises 18 months ago, thee, we are told, have proved inadequate to house the large numbers pf Re o chassis arriving to meet demands in this country, and this has resulted in the need for further expansion. The Danish Show.
The International Automobile Exhibition in Copenhagen was opened towards the end of February by H.R.H. the Crown Prince of Denmark, and on the first day 20-,000 people attended. The Ford Motor Co. almost monopolize the commercial vehicle market in Denmark, so that few snakes of commercial vehicle were on -show, although sixwheeler extensions for the Ford were much in evidence. • The International Harvester Co. exhibited Several of their vehicles in chassis form and complete, whilst the General Motors organization had a new chassis on view which is sturdy and workmanlike model built to
carry 21-ton loads. Automobiles M. Berliet exhibited a saloon Omnibus of
imposing appearance. The Danishbuilt Triangel lorries made by the United Automobile Factory were notable absentees, although Vehicles of this make were on view at the Industrial Exhibition held in Copenhagen three weeks earlier. 'This' company specialize in the production of vehicles for military purposes and supply such machines as cable' teeders, wireless cars and ammunition vehicles.
An omnibus on the Studebaker stand attracted a good deal of attention, as did a new 30-cwt. chassis exhibited by liOle Motors, which had pneumatics on all wheels and is built for fast omnibus work.
It is regrettable to note that British commercial vehicles Were entirely absent from the Show.
Motor Lorry Subsidies for Spain ?
Senor A. Elizahle, the head of the Barcelona concern Making the commercial vehicles and cars bearing his name. is heading a campaign to induce the Spanish Government to increase the duty on imported vehicles, with the object of encouraging the extension of the motor industry in Spain. He is also urging the Government to introduce a system of subsidies to benefit those Spanish firms using Spaniglebuilt motor lorrie.a suitable for military purposes. Dovetailing Bus Services.
The 'tramways committee of the Southport 'Corporation has received a letter from the Waterloo and Crosby Motor SeTvices, Ltd., in which they ask whether the committee would be prepared to arrange for an interchange of tickets between their service and the corporation's bus service. The matter is under consideration. The watch coinmittes has deferred consideration of an application from the same company for permission to run a motorbus service in the borough.
International's New Service Station.
The International Harvester Company, Great Britain, Ltd.„, have just opened their new truck and tractor service station at Harvester House, 250, City Road, London, E.C.1. The company now have a capacious showroom, general offices and spare parts depot all under me roof, whilst they also possess good whaiffing facilities. They are thus in a position to give good Service in connection with the Sale and upkeep of International . lorries and McCormick-Deering industrial tractors.
Recent Thornycroft Orders.
Amongst the batch of orders for over 50 motor vehicles received by John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., during the week ended February 20th there were no fewer than 13 repeat orders for '29 vehicles. These included one for seven type Al long passenger chassis and an Autocrat omnibus for the Stalybridge, Hyde, Mosley and Dukinfield joint Tramways and Electricity Board—following the successful operation of their fleet of Thornycroft Boadicea buses supplied last year another for two Durbar omnibuses for the Isle of Thanet Electric Supply Co., Ltd., a third for seven type Al chassis for the Director of Army Contracts ; and a fourth for six type Al long chassis for Hall, Lewis and Co., Ltd., who are equipping them with bus bodies for delivery to passenger-vehicle owners in Barry. Amongst new orders the company received one for seven type .S single-deck buses for the City of Santos Improvements Co., Ltd.
In the same period the company delivered seven chassis to the Aberdeen Corporation for bus work, a type j
watering wagon with hydraulic tipping gear to the Plymouth Corporation, whilst shipments of various chassis were made to New Zealand, Singapore and South Afriea, the latter consisting of one of the company's new type Al rigid six-wheeled chassis.
A London User of Sheffiex Lorries.
We are informed that R. A. Johnstone, Ltd., of Tinsley, Sheffield, have recently. supplied four. 2-ton Shefilex vehicles to W. Duncan Tucker and Sons, Ltd., horticultural building and,joinery specialists, of Tottenham, London, N.15. In addition, the company have received a repeat order for two vehicles of a similar type from the same users.
Redcar Licensing Conditions.
In revising the conditions governing the granting of backney-carriage licences for the popular north-country watering phi& of Redcar, thelocal corporation has gone very thoroughly into all
matters affecting motorbus services locally. It has drawn up a set of regulatioas which will both improve the status of the industry and provide better facilities for the travelling public. The most interesting of the new clauses is that which makes it clear that in future only vehicles specially built for passenger-carrying work will be licensed, and that licences will not be issued in respect of convertible vehicles. In addition, all applicants are required to sign an agreement undertaking to operate to a time-table arranged by the licensing authority with a view to providing regular and adequate services.
Karrier .Works Busy.
Amongst many recent repeat orders placed' for Karrier commercial vehicles, the following can be noted :—A number of 30-cwt. subsidy models fon the War Office;' two 25-cwt. 'chassis for the Bradford Co-operative Society, which already owns• a fleet 'of vehicles of this make;' a 50-cwt. lorry for Quilliams, Ltd., of Liverpool; and 30-cwt. chassis for British Motors; Ltd., Sydney.
Karrier Motors, Ltd., have also received orders for tipping wagons from Geo. Cock, Ltd., and J. Wimpenny and Co., both of Linthwaite, who are buying 2,ton tippers. Amongst passenger chassis the company have on order a 20seater bus for the Skipton Motor Co.
A New Tube Repair Kit.
A new.large-size tube repair kit has just been marketed by the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd. This new kit, which sells at 3s. 6d., is very complete, and contains 72 sq. ins, of self-vulcanizing patching rubber, a 1-in. by 5-in, tube of special patching solution, a pair of scissors, Schrader valve caps and valve interiors. The lid of the container is perforated to act as a buffer, and so as to keep the container air-tight a metal disc is provided on the underside. The container itself is made of metal strong. enough to stand all the ordinary tool-box abuse. Local Proceedings.
Leeds Corporation has decided to purchase another motor ambulance.
Leeds Corporation has arranged to purchase a Lacre road sweeper, in exchange for an old machine, for #464.
Cheltenham Corporation has decided to purchase a motor lawn mower at a coat of about £95.
Leeds Watch Committee has accepted the tender of Dennis Bros., Ltd., for the supply of a petrol-driven trailer pump, Eastbourne Corporation has accepted the tender of Messrs. Parkinson and Poison at #330 for the supply of a motor ambulance.
Ilford Urban District Council is considering the desirability of increasing the appliances of the fire and ambulance services in view of the development of the district.
The tramways committee of the Sheffield Corporation recommends acceptance of the tender of the National Benzoic Co., Ltd., to supply standard benzole mixture for 12 months.
Leeds Watch Committee has granted a licence to Shell-Mex, Ltd., to store 202,000 gallons of petrol in bulk and 1,000 gallons in steel drums at premises off Goodman St., HunsIet.
Morecambe Corporation has just sent a repeat order to Guy Motors, Ltd., for eight motorbuses.
Reigate Corporation has accepted the tender of Clayton Wagons, Ltd., for the supply of a 6-ton steam wagon. The company are also supplying a similar wagon to the Rotherham Rural District Council.
The tramways committee of the York Corporation has decided to invite quotations for the supply of two 26-seater motorbuses.
Hull Corporation has asked the tramways manager to obtain quotations and particulars of six different types of covered-in double-deck motorbus.
Bolton Corporation has 'accepted the tender of the Victoria Motor Works for the supply of two 2-tau motor vehicles for the cleansing department.
The highways committee of the Ripon Corporation recommends acceptance of the tender of Leyland Motors, Ltd., at £718, for the supply of a tipping lorry.
The tramways committee of the Bolton Corporation has accepted the tender of Leyland Motors, Ltd., for the supply of five 52-seater double-deck motorbuses, and, subject to powers being obtained for running services outside the borough, for the supply of fire single-deck motorbuses.
Trolley-buses Wanted.
West Hartlepool Corporation invites alternative quotations and specifications for the following vehicles :—Twelve 36seater trolley-buses on pneumatic and solid tyres, alternatively ; 12 doubledeck trolley-buses with open tops and 12 covered-top-deck trolley-buses. Further particulars can be obtained from the Tramways Manager, 67, Church Street, West Hartlepool, and tenders have to be delivered not later than March 15th.
Accumulator Trials in France.
A trial of accumulators suitable for traction purposes is to be commenced in Paris on Mikch 15th, under the auspices of the -Union des Syndicats de l'Electricite.
America's Concrete Roads.
As indicating the growing use which is being made of concrete for highways in the United States, it can be mentioned that the mileage of concrete roads in the State of Missouri was nearly doubled during the past year, 430 miles having been added to the 450 miles of such sinfacing which already existed. The increase itself, we are told, is double the total mileage of concrete roads in the whole of the United Kingdom.