AUTHORITY WARNS HAULIER AGAINST RATE-CUTTING.
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That an operator who cuts rates and makes difficulties for his fellowoperators should not really be allowed a licence was the opinion expressed by Mr. A. F. Nicholson, Western Licensing Authority, at a sitting at Taunton.
• When Mr. R. J. Bushen, of Minehead, applied for a renewal of a licence for two vehicles a number of local hauliers objected, alleging that the applicant was guilty, of rate-cutting. Mr. Nicholson said he was satisfied that the applicant had carried materials not permitted by his licence ; furthermate, he upheld the allegation regarding the cutting of rates.
(Further complaints might well lead to the suspension of the applicant's licence. The renewal was granted with the proviso that the radius of operation be restricted to 20 miles, instead of 25.
Albions for Hyderabad Railway.
An order for chassis for 49 27seaters and 110 20-seaters has been received by Albion Motors, Ltd., Glasgow, from H.E.H. the Nizam State Railway Board. A large number of the bigger vehicles is already in the Board's service, one being shown in the accompanying illustration. The new models will be similar in appearance.
These 27-seater chassis have normal control and are equipped with Dorman 4DS oil engines. The type has been developed from the Albion 2-2i-ton chassis. A deviation from standard is the use of a 14-ft. wheelbase and single tyres on all wheels.
The 20-seaters are forward-control machines, also having Dorman 4DS power Units. In this case the type has been adapted from the Albion 30-40cwt. model. They have 9-ft. 6-in. wheelbases—shorter than standard.
In both cases the bodies are to be built by Park Royal Coachworks, Ltd., London, N.W.10.
All these buses are being constructed to the requirements of the Board's consulting engineers, Sir Douglas Fox and Partners, Westminster, London, S.W.1.
Cutting Down Road Haulage of Coal.
In the North-Western Area, the policy with regard to the road haulage of coal has been to restrict the radius to 7 miles or 10 miles and to cartage from the railhead, as distinct from the collieries. A big fight, therefore, occurred, last Friday, when Messrs. J. Oultram and Son, of Kingsley, applied for the renewal of their B licence authorizing them to convey coal from collieries over a radius of 40 miles.
Mr. W. J. Ford, secretary, Lanes Council, rfud Merchants Federation of Great Britain, illustrated the attitude of his members by stating that they were losing thousands of tons of coal business by haulage from Yorkshire into Lancashire at cut rates.
Mr. P. Kershaw, for the L.M.S. Railway Co., pressed the point that during the past year the applicants had not gone to collieries more than 22 miles away. The first period was to be re.
B18 ga.rded as a trial period. Upon the evidence, 25 miles (the radius proposed to be granted by Sir William Hart, North-Western Deputy Licensing Authority) was a generous limit.
Mr. Leslie Walsh (for the applicants) quoted Lord Blanesburgh on the implication of the Act that B licences should be unrestricted as to area, except at the judicial discretion of the Licensing Authority. The opposition of the railway companies, if sustained, reversed the policy of the Act.
Sir William Hart: "In this case, justice will be done if I grant 25 miles for coal for one named firm."
Struggle for Larger Vehicle.
The extent to which the Hawker judgment protects the old-established haulier was illuminated by proceedings in Manchester, last Friday, when Messrs. Brierley Bros,, Allendale Street, Salford, were granted permission to substitute a 3-ton for a 2-ton vehicle, which was part of their fleet of 13 Machines.
Mr. P. Kershaw, for the L.M.S. Railway Co., asked Mr, J. B. Brierley why he did not buy another 2-tonner. Mr. Brierley replied that he was advised that the heavier vehicle would be better suited to the work.
Mr. Kershaw submitted that the application must be refused. The present licence represented an increase upon the basic-year fleet of three vehicles. There was insufficient evidence why the applicants should not be granted another 2-ton vehicle, Mr. Leslie Walsh, for the applicants, pointed out that Mr. Kershaw's argument was specifically rejected in the Hawker case.
The application was granted.
New "Northern Counties" Company.
We are advised by the receiver for the debenture holders of the Northern Counties Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd., Wigan Lane, Wigan, that be has sold the goodwill, land and buildings, and stock-in-trade of the concern, a new company having been formed to continue the business under the same name. SCOTTISH CONCILIATION DECISION "REVOLUTIONARY."
The decisions of the Scottish Conciliation Board in respect of drivers' wages were described at a sitting of the Northern Scotland Licensing Authority (Mr. H. Riches) as revolutionary and likely to cause universal regret in the north of Scotland.
The Board, said Mr. Riches, had reached the conclusion that the best interests of the industry would be served by the maintenance of one general rate for the whole of Scotland. The Board had regard to the special position of operators in the Western Islands and in Orkney and Shetland, but took the view that it was generally similar to that obtaining in all parts north of the Caledonian Canal. Granting a concession would not in any way improve the position or afford further protection to existing operators. The scale to be
observed was that decided in June,. 1035.
Mr. John Mitchell, secretary of Inverness Road Hauliers Association, for one of the northern operators, said that it was a most revolutionary statement, and the announcement would cause universal regret throughout .the northern counties. Mr. Riches remarked that it was of far-reaching importance to the industry.
• • Engine Overhaul Business Acquired.
J. H. Richards and Co., Ltd., Cato Street North, Saltley, Birmingham, the well-known specialist in beasing re4 newals, cylinder and crankshaft grinding and general engine overhauls, has, we learn, acquired the business of Andrews Crankshaft and Cylinder. Co., Ltd., and this has now been moved from Montague Street to Cato Street North, Croydon Haulage Deal Proposed.
Hall and Co., Ltd., Victoria Wharf, Croydon, has applied to the SouthEastern Licensing Authority for an A licence for five vehicles. This application is in respect of the proposed acquisition of the business of Messrs. Wrapson and Denyer.
APPLICATION OF CONVOYS . REFUSED.
The North Western Licensing Authority has refused the application of Convoys, Ltd., London, for A licences for three vehicles—two in possession andone to be acquired— based at Liverpool. The hearing occupied seven days. Mr. W. Chamberlain, North-Western Licensing Authority, remarked that he thought this was the longest case on record on the roadhaulage side.
The applicant required the vehicles for the carriage of newsprint between Liverpool and Manchester. The railways, Manchester Ship Canal Co., and various hauliers objected, raising the point of whether an established operator who wished to open up business in a uew centre became a newcomer.
The 800,000th Fordson Tractor.
The 800.000th Fordson tractor will shprtly leave the assembly, line at the Ford .Works at Dagenham -and; upon ita"coinpletion, a new record in the pr6duction of farm machinery will have been achieved. Production and sales of the Fordson tractor have been soaring month by month during the past few years, and last year exports alone were quadrupled.
Sir J. Maxwell's Patience Exhausted.
Road hauliers in the Northern Area would be well advised to take careful note -of the explicit warning given by Sir John Maxwell, the -Licensing Authority, at a -tting in Newcastle, last Friday. Ile •aid that he was tired of hauliers pleasing that they were unaware of their bligations.
His view is at, by this time, hauliers ought to know the law's requirements, and hat, if they do not, it is their duty to make themselves acquainted with tie procedure, without delay.
Misunderstood aw: Appeal Fails.
The Appeal Tr banal, at York, last week, dismissed an appeal by Mr. Reginald Barker, Vest Street, Eckington, against the efusal of the Yorkshire Licensing A thority to grant him an A licence.
Mr. E. Ould, f ar the appellant, said that Mr. Bathe' was an operator during the basic year, but he failed to apply for s claimed tonnage within the speci ed time. Conceding the point that the Act, as strictly construed, required hat applications for claimed tonnage should have been made before April 1, Mr. Ould said the appellant was under the impression that, as he was an established operator, it was not necessary for him to apply. There would be no danger of creating a precedent in granting the application, although the appellant had failed to make the statutory application.
Without calling on Mr. H. B. de Pereira (railway counsel), the chairman (Mr. Rowand Harker, K.C.) said that the Tribunal was of opinion that Mr. Farndale was justified in refusing the licence.Costs of £4 ds, were awarded against Mr. Barker.
DO's and " DON'T's " for Applicants
14AVING spent a fair amount of time at one of the principal traffic courts, it occurs to me that a little advice prepared in the form of " Do's " and "Don't's" might prove helpful to intending applicants under the Road and Rail Traffic Act.
DON'T tell the Authority, "I only want to live," This is a privilege reserved for civil servants and railway shareholders; hauliers are lucky to exist.
DON'T say you hire a lot &SW= is SUM 10 ask: "What will happen to the •hiree' if you obtain the grant?
DON'T admit that you don't hire. You will be informed that you have no. evidence of need.
DON'T forget the respect due to the courts. Remember that, last year, the Act cost over £250,000 to administer.
DON'T suggest you have altered your work since the previous application. Remember the railways—they never alter.
DONT ask for'a 50-mite radius. Limited carriers' applications for variations should B heard, bat not granted.
DON'T ask railway counsel questions. Remember, only the deaf are employed.
DON'T tell the court about those "aid, old customers.' Motors WSW invented in only about 11105; someone had to do the work-before you.
DON'T ask for two additional vehicles unless you have tufficient work for five ; you might then be granted one.
DON'T say the railwaas are too cheap; no one will believe you. Say that you take the railway rote and add 50 per cerd.—you are just as likely to
" be believed!
DON'T try to keep anything back ; remember that it is a " public "
DON'T waste the time of the court in reading out the names of your customers—send the list to the railway in advance.
DON'T mention Glasgow if you be a London haulier; that traffic is reserved for the Green Arrow aeroplane service.
DON'T say that you carry glass for 100 miles; railway counsel will toll you that it has Myer been done.
DON'T tell another haulage contractor, "Ft's a free country "; your life is worth more than his.
DON'T forget your turnover figures—the railway " Who's Who and What" is not complete yet.
DON'T be put off by the gentlemen, with pencils and notebooks, In the second row—they are Daily — reporters sent by Lord — to see fairplay.
DON'T try to exchange a B licence for an A licence. " You can't do that there 'etc."
DON'T talk about "getting In a jam" in the soft-fruit season— certain competitors will be pleased to show you how to turn soft fruit into jam.
DON'T talk about catering for new business; the railways Ore looking after all that.
DON'T talk about return loads—it isn't done, DON'T forget your smelling suits—variations have been granted.
DON'T try to understand the Act. Mr. Oliver Stanley couldn't.
DON'T be annoyed if another haulier objects—his turn is corning!
DON'T apply for a licence—it wanes the time of the court.
Upon reading the above, I regret to find that I have included 25 " don'ts " without a single "do."
However, as the Metropolitan Deputy Licensing Authority recently so aptly remarked, the Act is a restrictive measure —and he ought to know. —ADJECTIVAL
DOUBLE SHIFTS• NOT GOOD ARGUMENT.
That the desire of the applicant to avoid double-shift working was not, in itself, sufficient ground for the Yorkshire Licensing Authority to grant an additional vehicle, was the ruling of the Appeal Tribunal, at York.
The Tribunal allowed an appeal by the L.N.E. Railway Co. against the grant of a variation of an A licence to Mr. C. H. Parker, coal dealer and haulier, of Bilton, Harrogate.
The chairman (Mr, Rowand Harker, K.C.) said that the Authority's decision to grant an additional vehicle was based on the ground that, during the past three months, Mr. Parker riad, been working double shifts with his vehicles, and that the continuance of the practice was inconvenient and un desirable. The respondent ' had also said that he was unable to hire sufficient vehicles.
The Tribunal allowed the appeal with 45 15s. costs.
Sentinel's New Sales Office, The Sentinel Waggon Works, Ltd., has transferred its sales office to 10, Haymarket, London, S.W.1, from which address all' inquiries in respect of steam wagons and trailers will be
dealt with. Spares should, as previously, be ordered from the works at Shrewsbury.
Transport Board Favoured.
Support is given by Newcastle and Gateshead Chamber of Commerce transport and aviation committee to the proposal to form a transport board.
A resolution adopted by the committee opposes further restrictions on ancillary users until the division of function between rail and road is more clearly determined. The committee is impressed with the advantages of a transport board to control all goods transport, and urges that such a. scheme should be thoroughly investigated by the Transport Advisory Council, Death of a Bus Pioneer.
We much regret to announce the death, on April 1, in his 97th year, of Mr. William Samuel Birch, late chairman of Birch Bros., Ltd. He was, we believe, by far the oldest bus proprietor in the industry.
For a long time he was chairman of the Atlas and Waterloo Omnibus Association, one of the strongest pm-motor organizations of bus proprietors, and was a prominent member of the London Omnibus Owners Federation, originally formed to combat the development of the electric tram, and the immediate ancestor of the Omnibus Owners Association.
His first motorbus was put into service in 1904, and the company's fleet was absorbed by the London Passenger Transport Board on February 21, 1934, the activities of the company then developing in other directions, mainly by the increase of its coach and taxi fleets. The present chairman is his son, Mr. W. H. Birch. 200 MILES OF FLOODLIGHTING IN DURHAM COUNTY.
Durham County Council, which may reasonably claim to have the most forward road policy in the north, is engaged upon an ambitious scheme for the floodlighting of 200 miles of main road in that area. Already 150 miles of road have been examined.
This action is stated to be in anticipation of the possible transfer of lighting obligations from the small public authorities, as recommended by the Ministry of Transport's Departmental Committee.
Egypt Wants Lorry Chassis.
The Municipality of Alexandria is calling for tenders, which have to be presented in the city by April 27, for the supply of five lorry chassis. Those firms in a position to supply products of United Kingdom manufacture may obtain further details by applying to the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, quoting reference TY.30050.
S.M.M.T. Players to Produce " Road House."
On May 2 and 4 the S.M.M.T. Players are producing their third play in two years, this time Walter Hackett's "Road House," at the Fortune Theatre, under the direction of Mr. Alan Turner, well known for his operatic productions. The cast is taken entirely from the staff of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and all the profits are devoted to the London Centre of the Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund. Tickets may be obtained from the honorary secretary, Mr. R. E. S. Judge, at the Society's offices, 83, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1.
Shipping Guide for Hauliers.
The following is the number of ships arriving at the London docks, wharves and jetties named, from April 10-18 inclusive :—Docxs ; King George V, 7: Royal Albert, 8; Royal Victoria, 1; Surrey Commercial, 5; East India, 1; South-West India, 5: Tilbury, 6; Tilbury Stage, 2; Millwall, 2; Royal, S. WHARVES l—flay's, 4; Middleton's, 1; Mark Brown's, 1; Butler's, 1; Regent's Canal, 1; Tilbury Jetty, 1. TWO CONCERNS TO CONTINUE OPERATION?
• Application has been made to the Northern Scotland Licensing Authority by Mr. T. D. Galbraith, liquidator of Amalgamated Scottish Utility Ltd., 197, Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, to continue the company's business. The application concerns 18 vehicles and two trailers at Dunfermline and 'six vehicles and two trailers at Kirkcaldy.
Mr. A. Ferrie, liquidator of Majestic Transport Co., Ltd., 212, West George Street, Glasgow, has also applied to the Northern Scotland Licensing Authority for permission to continue the concern's business. The company has 10 vehicles.