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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

10th April 1919, Page 4
10th April 1919
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Page 4, 10th April 1919 — WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

" The wheel 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.

Petters and Vickers Agreement.

The directors of Petters, Ltd., of Nautilus Works, Yeovil, have entered into an agreement with Vickers, Ltd., for a combination of interests in the manufacture and sale of the Petters patent semi-Diesel oil engine. During the war the extensions which have been carried out to the works at Yeovil have been mainly for aircraft construction, audit is stated that the buildings and plant axe not suitable for the manufacture of larger power oil engines.

During the war Vickers, Ltd., acquired the works at Ipswich which were specially constructed"and equipped for the manufacture of heavy oil engines by the Consolidated Diesel Co. These works are of adequate size, well situated, with sidings on the Great Eastern Railway, and furnished with the necessary cranes and other facilities for the economical manufacture of oil engines of the Petter type.

To carry out the proposed arrangement, a subsidiary company is being formed with a capital of £500,006 divided into 320,000 ordinary shares of £1 each, and 180,000 six per cent,. cumulative preference shares of £1 each. Li this new company Vickers, Ltd., and Petters, Ltd., will be the sole shareholders. Vickers, Ltd., are transferring to the company the freehold works at Ipswich and all the equipment and stock on band, and Petters, Ltd., are transferring all patterns, drawings, designs, jigs and special tools at present used or intended for the production of the Petters semi-Diesel engines, together with all.. stock 011.ha,nd and. work in progress which has not reached the erecting stage, and: including designs,' goodwill and orders in hand at March -31st. Petters, Ltd., share interest in the new cempany. is 159,900 ordinary shares, and 60,000 preference shares. The new corn-" pany is to be known as Vickers-Petters, Ltd., and operations were commenced on April let ;with a large number of orders in band and a cash :working capital of £100,000. Mr. E. W. Fetter has accepted the position of. managing director for a period of five years.

Going, -Going, Gone!

A large crowd assembled at the auction department of the Grabaane-White Co., Hendon, on April 1st, when a number of -commercial vehicles and vans belonging to the US. Army, were disposed of be public auction. Twenty-nine were ARC. 3-tan lorries, fitted with roller shutter .screens in the bottom' of the bodies for expediting. unloading, 13 of which were brand-new Machines. The averageprice fetched by the latter was, slightly in excess of £1,000 apiece, and for the remaining machines, which had seen some little service, prices ranging from 2525 to £710 were realized. A Straker-Squire 3-tonner fetched £650. Surprising prices fetched by two Ford 1-ton "trucks" which had seen three months' service evoked' much comment from the crowd. These vehicles. fetched £390 each. A number of Ford vans, catalogued aS having a 10-cwt. capacity

u2i3

secured prices in excess of £220. A number of Ford ambulances varying in length of service from cars which were practically new to cars which had been in use for a period up to 12 months, all of which were stated to be in good ran'ming order, etc., were sold for an average figure of £170.

Bidding throughout the whole of the sale was keen, and good prices were realized. Although a number of dealers were present amongst the buyers, the individual purchaser stood an equal opportnnity of securing any of the lots offered for sale.

• Petrol Imports.

1,177,440 gallons of petrol in one lot represents the-total petrol imports of the week ended March 31st. It was from Port Said to the Shell Marketing Co. in the as. "Eburna' " one of the AngloSaxon Petroleum Co.'s tankers

Second-hand Chassis Prices.

As evidence of the high prices that are at present commanded by industrial motor vehicle chassis of the best makes, it is interesting to note_ that at a recent sale conducted on behalf of the Government Stores Disposal Board at the Agricultural Hall, a Leyland bus chassis, dated 1914, which was not in the best of condition, realized 580 guineas.

New Fire Engine Makers.

It is announced that Gordon, Watney and Co., Ltd., of Weybridge, have purchased the sole rights of the Simonis motor fire-engines, a number of which are in use both at home and abroad. The works of the company are most suitably equipped for production of this class of plant. Their activities during the war were chiefly concerned with the production of aero engines, and last year 2,000 pbwer units of this kind were produced—a very creditable performance.

U.S.A. Oil Figures.

According to official " final " estimates, production of crude oil in U.S.A. during 1918 was 345,896,000 barrels, consumption was 367,489,000 barrels., or 21,593,000 barrels MOTS than produc tion. Stocks on Jai-Mary 31st, 1918, were 150,680,000; and on December 31st, 1918, they were 128,311,000—a decrease of 22,369,000 barrels. Stocks on January 31st, 1919, were 129,558,000 barrels, or 1,247,000 barrels improvement on stocks at end of December.

Char-a-bancs Construction.

At Bournemouth Corporation Licensing Committee the inspector referred to several accidents which had occurred to the back rows of seats of chars-k-bancs, and suggested that the danger of suejl accidents would be minimized by having doors opening on the near side only. The committee decided to recommend that no char-lebancs be licensed with a door on the oft-side,. and that owners of vehicles with off-side doors, already licensed, be "required permanently to close these doors, and further strengthen the off-side of the body by iron stays, or as may be required by the licensing committee.

Manchester Show Proposals,

On Monday of last week, too late for record in our, last issue, a meeting of North of England motor traders and others took place at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, at the'instance of the directors of a new company called the North of England Motor and Aircraft Industries, Ltd. The directors, already appointed, include Messrs. J. Newton, Tom Garner, Graham Reece, Rowland Winn, J. Haworth, R. Woodhead, and Sydney Norris.

The meeting was called for the purpose of inviting subsoriptions for shares in the new company which is to have a capital of 2250,000 in shares of £1 each, including 700 founder shares, the directors each taking up 2500 in ordinary and 225 in founders' shares. Allotment of founder shares may also be made to applicants of ordinary shares pro rata to the healing of the directors. One or tvvo selected subscribers may be invited to join the board. The objects of the company include the running of all kinds of trade exhibitions, including a motor show, the acquisition of a hall, and possibly the ownership of race tracks, a,erodromes, and a motor club, etc. An application is to be made to the S.M.M. and T. for a permit to hold a motor show, for the North of England, at Manchester, with the proviso that there shall be no stipulation as to all the accruing profits going to the central organization m London.

Disposal of Army Vehicles in the East.

In the House of Commons 'last week, Captain Ormesby-Gore asked the Secretary of State for War how the surplus motor transpOrt vehicles, staff cars, and transport animals of the Egyptian Expeditionary Force, when no longer required for military purposes, will be disposed of; whether they will be sold locally or shipped home; and, if the former alternative is adopted, whether any, conditions will be attached to the sale so as to ensure that such surplus will be used for the agricultural developments of .Palestine and Syria?

Mr. Hope: As and when these vehicles become .surplus to military, requirements, the representative of the Disposal Board with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force will'advise the Board as to how many should be sold locally and how many shipped home for sale. All sales will be fully advertised, so that all persons interested may have an opportunity -of purchasing.

Ford Wheel Pullers..

The A.S.°. Manufacturing Co. is now getting into peace-time stride so far as manufacturing activities are concerned, and notify us that they are able to give delivery of their registered deeign of Ford wheel pullers right away.

Owing to considerable pressure on our space, it has been necessary for us to omit our usual fortnightly feature, "Ford Van Pointers."

C.M.U.A. Report.

The annual report of the C.M.U.A. for 1918 shows, so far as finance is concerned, that the income of the Association for the year was 23,391 and the expenditure 23,280, leaving a surplus of 2111. The available ordinary funds on December 31st, 1918, were 2705. Matters which are mentioned in the report include the Association's 14 points of reconstruction, the extrordinary traffic caseWeston-super-Mare U.D.C. versus Henry Butt and Co., Ltd.—the recommendations put forward and adopted by the L.G.B. Committee on road locomotives and heavy motorcars the disposal of Government lorries—Mr. Walter WolseY, Jun., one of the Association's vicechairmen, is on the Advisory Committee dealing with this question—petrol and benzoic supplies and prices, and resolutions put forward in connection with the Ministry of Ways and Communications. Other matters of direct interest to all classes of road users also receive attention.

The Slough Depot.

In the House of Commons last week Mr. Tyson Wilson asked the Secretary of State for War whether, before it was decided to proceed with the depot at Cippenham, every effort was made to utilize existing Government factories which were completely equipped, electrically installed, heatedt and provided with sidings and convenient roads; whether he is aware that the machinegun factory at Burton-on-Trent covering 20 acres, costing over 21,090,000 to

e' equip, and which has never been used, is

eminently suitable for a motor repair depot; and whether the possibility of utilizing this factory was fully Considered before commencing the Slough uudertaking ?

Mr. Churchill; Before the works at Cippenham were started exhaustive inquiries were made, and the Ministry of Munitions was asked whether any Government factories were available and suitable for mechanical transport. Those available were examined by experts and found to be unsuitable for the purpose. The machine-gun factory at Burton-onTrent was not amongst those offered to the Department, and I understand that the factory is being used.

Motor Transport Humour.

Having had a report.of a motor transport codmnittee appointed to con'Sider the question of motor transport, Kendal Town Council has authorized the mayor, an alderman, and a councillor to purchase a horse !

Alexander Blackball-I and Co., Ltd., notify .us that their sales branch has now been transferred to 4, Broad Street Place, E.C. 2.

Mr. A. A. Mitchel, who has represented Connolly tyres in the Midland and Eastern Counties for.many years, has again resumed his duties.

Owing to the Easter Holidays our next issue will be published on Wednesday, April 16th, instead of Thursday. The manager points out that advertisements for that issue must reach him by Saturday next, April 12th.

Taxicab Licences.

In the House of Commons last week Sir Park Goff asked the Secretary cc? State for the Home Department bow many taxicabs or other vehicles had been licenced during the months of February and March; and how many discharged sailor and soldier drivers and mechanics had been employedduring that period? Mr. Shortt : During these two months the number of public carriages licenced in the Metropolis was 1,743; and the number of fresh licences issued to drivers and conductors was 5,945. The exact number of soldiers and sailors cannot be -given, but it is believed that about 90 per cent, of the fresh licences Were issued to ex-Service men.

L.C.C. Tramways Results.

The total revenue receipts of the L.C.C. Tramways for the year 1917-18 amounted to 22,932,140, which compares with 22,552,204 in 1916-17, and the surplus on working was 2803,955. After making charges 'for interest, repayment of debt, etc., there remains a balance of 295,559 available for renewals. The surplus ou working was equal to 27.40 per. cent. of the gross receipts as compared with 28.78 in 1916-17. The passenger traffic revenue averaged 13.97d. per car-mile, and adding advertisements and other sundry receipts, the total revenue workvi out at 14.30d. per car-mile as against 12.38d. in 1916-17. The expenses worked out at 10.38d. per car-mile, which compares with 8.82d. per car-mile for the previous year of working. The surplus on working was equal to 3 92d., per car-mile as against 3.561 for 1916.17.

Tyneside Transport.

The Northern General Transport Co., in addition to its own service of motorbuses, operating in the Tyneside district, owns nearly all the shares in the Gales head, Jarrow and Tynemouth Tramways Companies. The tramway receipts have risen from an average of £74,600 for the period 1908-12 to £117,967 for 1917, and there has ben corresponding expansion in the sum available for dividends from £35,200 to 254,670. The motorbus business has given good results, though prejudiced by the war, and in this directien there is every prospect of considerable farther development. The company's motorbuses have been written down in the books to a nominal figure. 'The reserve funds of Northern Transport and its three subsidiaries. amount to more than £250,000, and a dividend of 6 per cent. has been paid each year since its inception in 1914.

Henley's Dividend.

Subject to audit the directors of the W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co.; Ltd., have decided to recommend a final dividend on the ordinary shares of 2s. 6d. per share lees income tax, making, with the interim dividend of 68. per share paid on September 1st, 1918, 3s. per share fort the year.

Interchangeable Bodies.

Municipalities generally have during the last few years considerably increased their fleets of commercial vehicles, and, in many cases, each type of locomotion, that is to say, petrol, steam and electric, is represented. The particular type of vehicle which has found increasing favour among this class of user is thecombination watering and tipping lorry. The bodies are so constructed that one type is interchangeable with the other type, so that the chassis can be used for a dual purpose.

Se far as municipalities are concerned, they are very often used for street water

ini g n the one case, and for the collection

of refuse in the other. One of ourIllusB28

tration on this page shows a 4-ton G.V. electric lorry with a 750-gallon watering tank body, which was recently Supplied by the company to the Croydon Corporation. This tank body is interchangeable with a tipping body. The vehicle is fitted

with an Ironclad battery, 94 I.M.V.8, and is stated to do about 35 miles on one charge, at approximately 10 m.p.h.

. Mexican Oil Exports.

The U.S. Consulate at Tampico states that Mexico exported during 1918 53,892,771 barrels of crude oil, as against 43,278,234 barrels for the preceding year. 36.611,095 barrels were imported by the United States, the corresponding figures for 1917 being 33,038;047.

Advertisements for our issue dated April 24th must reach the Manager by Thursday, April 17th.

Passenger Transport.

There is a growing demand, particularly amongst urban populations, for passenger-carrying vehicles. That this demand is gradually being met is evidenced by the activity at the works of some of the largest manufacturers.

The illustration which we reproduce herewith shows a single-deck Karrier bus which has been supplied to Messrs. Whitham and Chatburn, of Scunthorpe, and is the first of a series which this company contemplates operating. Scunthorpe is a small town which has only recently come to the foreground on account of its valuable mineral products, and it has grown so largely during the last few years that the population is in dire need of some form of passenger transport. MCSSYS. Whitham and Chatburn see great possibilities for the operation of 'buses in the neighbourhood and anticipate complete success. The Karrier bus left the works of the manufacturers on March 22nd, and WAS driven through to Scunthorpe at the full legal limit in a most satisfactory manner. It will be seen from the illustration that the bus has a most pleasing appearance, and the body is neat and affords the maximum of comfort—a very desirable feature in bus body construction.

Silencer in the Gearbox.

• This is not a new and drastic revolution in lorry design, but refers to the title of one of the latest leaflets which is being issued free upon request to all interested by Sterns, Ltd., the oil refiners of Royal London House, Finsbury Square, London, E.C. The "silencer in the gearbox," of course, is " Ambroleum, ' the well-known gear lubricant produced by this company.

Inst. Mech. E.

The InstitutionMechanical Engineers is holding it annual general meeting on May 2nd at the Institution of _ Civil Engineers, Great George Street, S.W.1. A paper entitled "The Mechanical Properties of Steel, with Some Consideration of the Question of Brittleness" will be read by W. H. Hatfield, D.Met., of Sheffield.

Inst. A.E. Matters.

. An interesting meeting of the Institu•

tion of Automobile Engineers WM held on Wednesday, April 2nd, when Mr. Opperman read a paper on " Electric Vehicles." An excellent discussion followed in which a inuallaer of well-known men in the electrical industry took part, and the leading idea appeared to be that the electric vehicle did not in any way trench upon the ground which can be covered by petrol and steam vehicles. It was very strongly laid down by those who had had experience of the electric vehicle that its mehier was for comparatively abort journeys in towns and on good roads.

A very important step has been taken by the council of the institution in the imposition on all applicants for membership of an entrance fee amounting to £3 3s. in the case of members and associates and £2 2s. in the case of associate members.

Scottish Extension.

Our Scottish and North Country readers will be interested to note that Woodside and Co., Ltd., motor engineers, Prince's Street, Kilmarnock, have purchased the property at No. 122-126, King Street, Kilmarnock. This purchase will, enable Messrs. Woodside and Co. to have an extensive frontage in King Street, with a straight run through to Prince's Street, giving ample accommodation for all garage purposes. The future alterations to be effected on the premises will put Messrs. Woodside and Co. in a position of having an establishment unequalled in Ayrshire, with the most upto-date facilities.

M.T. Risks.

During the war the M.T. units of all the belligerents were faced with many difficulties attending the maintenance and running,of their vehicles. There is little doubt that the most adverse conditions of operation were net with by our

Italian allies. As affording some idea of the risks rim we reproduce an illustration herewith showing a Fiat lorry which was proceeding over a difficult mountain road at night, without lights, when, owing to a skid, it crashed into and broke crown the protecting parapet. Fortunately it was arrested with the front wheels and the whole fore portion of the vehicle hanging in space, and was brought back to the road by means of an overhead crane specially attached to a motor tractor to deal with such cases.

Another danger of the Italian roads under war conditions was that,-owing to heavy and sudden rainfalls, they had to be heavily cambered and provided with deep ditehes on each side. If a skid took place a motor vehicle generally finished in the ditch, from.which it could only be extracted by means of a *mile.

Removal.

The General Vehicle Co., Ltd., manufacturers of electric chassis, notify us that their war-time accommodation at 4, Southampton Row, being now quite inadequate, they have removed to larger and. more convenient premises at Pontifex House, 43, Shoe Lane, E.G. 4, where G.V. service will in future be available.

Tenders Wanted.

Darlington R.D.C. invites tenders for a new 5-ton petrol vehicle, and partionlars giving date of delivery, etc.,.aluyald be sent to the Clerk to the Council, Darlington, by April 21st.

Rhondda U.D.C. is desirous to purchase one or two second-hand motor vehicles suitable for conversion into trac

tors, for the fire-brigade engine. Inquiries -should be addressed to the Engineer and Surveyor Council Offices, Pentre, Rhondda. The above Council is also in the market for two motor lorries for their highways department, and inquiries should be forwarded to the above address.

G-type Leylands to be Followed by Ks.

The type of Leyland petrol lorry that was taken in such very large quantities by the Army authorities during wartime conditions, namely, the model that complied with the " A " War Office subsidy specification, is already proving itself to be a most suitable size for a very wide list of civilian employments. As far as the Leyland Co. is concerned, this type is known in its industrial vise as the G-type, and 'large numbers of them are being delivered to brewers, millers, hauliers, cotton mills, shippers and so on.

Our illustration herewith shows a type machine machine belonging to the Whittle Springs Brewery, Ltd., of Cborley, which is fitted with the ordinary fiat platform body carrying casks of beer. The Gtype is capable of handling 4-ton civilian loads, although in Army service it will he recalled, in common with others of its class, it was always labelled very conspicuously "Load not to exceed 3 tons." This marking was due to the fact, that the Military lorry carried a• great deal of additional equipment which would no be normally included in the load.

The "run" of G-type chassis—a very considerable one—at present in the shops at Leyland, has now all been allocated. and the K-type, which is similar in all essential details but with a slightly longer wheelbase and a more oompact bonnet and a few modified details of that kind, is to follow! *so soon as output facilities offer themselves.

Holding up Tractors.

Strong condemnation, at the action of the Fom! Production Department was passed at a meeting of ths Ormskirk War Agricultural Committee recently, when ' Mr. Rothwell, the chairman, said that the Department had a number of motor-tractors at Preston and refused to sell them until the end of May. It. was pointed out that farmers, on account of the delay

caused by bad weather and labour shortage, needed all the tractors possible at once, and at the end of May they would be of very little value for tillage purposes.

The second annual general meeting of the United Russia Societies Association will be held at the Speaker' Rouse, Westminster Palace, S.W. 1, oft April llth at 3 p.m.

Motor Vehicle Insurance.

The Commercial Motor Mutual Insurance Co., Ltd., has been formed with a 'capital of £10,000 in shares of £1 each, carrying a non-cumulative preferential dividend of 10 per cent, per annum. The whole of the 10,000 shares are to be offered for subscription at par. The company has been formed with objects as title.


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