WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficultie3 of traneport at whatever points arising', as a carriage ie by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John. Becittie Crozier.
An Appeal to the Ministry of Transport.
E. Snow and Sons, Merthyr, have been greeted a permit by the Merthyr Watch Committee to ply for hire for pleasure purposes a bus from the Castle Street. stand. The committee has received notification that an appeal has been lodged by Messrs. Snow with the Ministry of Transport against the decision declining sanction to the firm to run e itadditional has on the Merthyr .district services.
Subject to the chief constable agreeing to the fitness of the Merthyr ValeTreharris main road, Messrs. Snow will be requested to run the MerthyrTreharris service to the latter place.. "The Watch Committee has, conditional te reed, suitability for heavy traffic, granted a licence to Messrs. E. T. Jones, Troedyrhiw, for a new service, Treharrs-Troedyrhiw Crossing, and has given sanction to the same proprietors running an Aberfan-Merthyr bus service.
k Burst Pipe on a Wagon.
A most unusual accident occurred recently to a steam wagon in the neighbourhood of Sheffield. This was the. bursting of a steam pipe, with the reault that the driver was scalded and otherwise injured le The incident is interesting in view of the fact that in an,editorial we recently drew attention to' the dangers which might ensue as a result of not paying itoper attention to the maintenance of steam vehicles, although it is, of course, quite possible that the trouble may not have been due to this c&us.6. We deal again ivith:the matter editorially,
improved Communications.
.
The. SelectCommittee of the -House of Lords has passed the scheme for a ferry at Sandbach, and a motor road throngli Stud-land to Swanage Which wilt halve the length of the journey from Bournemouth to Swimage. The latter scheme, which has been received with much satisfaction in Bournemouth and the surrounding districts, is to be carried out by the Baurnemouth-Swanage Motor Road and Ferry Co, Six-wheeled Petrol Carriers.
• The Public Control Committee of the London County Council reports that three years ago the council approved revised oonditions for insertion in licences granted to persons and firms for
• the storage of petroleum relative to the conveyance of petroleum spirit in the County of London, No. 10 of the, conditions then approved provides that the tank shall be of a capacity not exceeding 1600 gallons, and be divided: int» selfcontained compartments, any one of 'which shall not contain more than 600 gallons."'
Applications have recently been received foe permission to use mecha.niGaily propelled tank wagons of a larger capacity than 1,0(X) gallons. The committee has inspected two vehicles of a capacity of 2,000 and 1,200 gallons re I020 epectively, and is of opinion that the conveyance of petroleum may be allowed in vehicles of these types, subject to certain conditions. it is proposed, however, that-consent shall only be given to the u se of vehicles of a type which has been approved by the committee.
The recommendation of the committee is as follows t—" That, notwithstanding anything contained in condition. No. 10, a quantity not exceeding 2,000 gallons of petroleum spirit may be conveyed in a mechanically propelled vehicle of a type approved by the council, provided (a) that where. the quantity carried exceeds 1,200 gallons the weight of the engine and load shall be distributed over the three axles of a six-wheeled composite vehicle (engine and trailer); and (le) that every vehicle carrying at any time more than 1,200 gallons shall, during thei-time that it is engaged in the conveyance and delivery of petroleum spirit, be in the exclusive charge of and be constantly attended by not less than two competent per-ions."
Bus Fare Reductions.
The results of the omnibus competition in Lendoniis already showing itself in e ome quarters by the reduction of faros. All the factors are ready for a bus-fare war, but this will not he to the disadvantage of the public, although it may prove a hardship for sense of the smaller owners.
The Economical Motor Ship.
Te such a degree of economy has the motor-driven .ship now developed that steamers are being converted to oilengined vessels in increasing numbers. it ie estimated that at present-day prices of oil and coal a saving of between
8,000 and 210,000 per annum can be effected in the fuel bill by converting a 10,000-ton 111-knot steamer to a motor
ship. . • Some highly interesting information on the subject is given in the July issne of 7'he Meter Ship, .1:vhich is now on sale.
This number Contains many useful articles, amongst which axe "The 104)00. ton Holt Liner .'Taritalus,'," " A Fourcycle Still Oil .Engine," "The S'uteererigitied Tanker Scottish Borderer,'" "The Double-acting Oil Engine.'
An Important Albion Experi ment.
A very oronsideiable business in vehicles Ior the Crown Colonies has been done for many years past, by the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., of Glasgow, with the result that they have obtained a very adequate conception of what types of vehicle are required overseas It is particularly interesting to. note that the company are at present experimenting with a form of chain track, with a view to finding out how far this device may be considered a practical business proposition. The result of this experiment will be awaited with interest by many overseas traders who are at Present handicapped through their inability to extend their trading areas owing to the e.xtreine ePet and difficulties of transport in many parts.
Buses on Richmond Hill.
Residents of Richmond, Surrey, are increasingly perturbed at the suggestion that a service of buses might -be run on Richmond Hill. Some time ago such a suggestion was made by the London General Omnibus Co., but was not pushed. Recently, however, a large private bus loaded with passengers made it way up Hill Rise and discharged its load at the top of Compass Hill.
Theroad at this point is extremely narrow and, besides this, there is a lot of fast-moving traffic. Although we have every sympathy with the development of the bus we certainly think that this hill should he exempted. It is already dangerous in some -respects owing to the volume of traffic and its crowded conditiom during holiclae, times. Apart from this there is already a bus service along the lower road, and it is only a matter of two or three minutes' walk to reach the vantage point for the famous view over the Thames Valley.
Increased Taxi Fares.
The Ma.neffiester Watch Committee recently resolved to recommend the council to sanction an increase of 5d. per mile on the present fares for taxicabs. This will bring the charges up to Is. 6d, per mile and 4s. per hour for waiting time.
This resolution was the result of deputations from the National Federation of Hackney Carriage Proprietors. the Transport and General Weaken! Union, and the Manchester and Salford Ownerdrivers' Association, who declared that the scale as last revised was unprofitable.
It will be remembered that the charges at pitesent its force were adopted for a probationary period.
Rear View Mirrors Wanted
The North-Western Divisional Committee of the Commercial Motor Users Association is anxious to get into touch with manufacturers of mirrors for coramerctal vehicles. What is required is a combined mirror with the badge of the association enamelled on the back. The address of the Division is 25e, Winckley Square, Preston.
Petrol Measures.
At a meeting of the Glasgow Corporation Statute Labour Committee a letter was submitted from the Inspector of Weights and Measures relative to the desirability of obtaining, for the use of his department, a special type of standard measure of five-gallon and onegallon capacity, which had been designed in his office, to be used in the verification of petrol measuring pumps.
H.e. explained that, whilst he had asked firma to quota for the manufacture of the measure, there had/been cliffioulty in getting estimates, due to the fact that, the class of measure being quite new, the manufacturers were unable to arrive at a definite cost of manufacture beforehand, and that it had been suggested that experiments should be made with the manufacturers of the cue-gallon measure.
After consideration, the committee agreed to 'recommend the acceptance of the offer by James G. Carrick and Co., Ltd., 23, North Wallace Street, Glasgow, to manufacture a one-gallon measure of the type desired, and to charge for the same on the basis of tinsmiths' and engineers' net-wages,and the net cost of the material,, plus 15 per cent, for shop on cost.
Taxi Fares in Bath.
The, general ,purposes sub-committee of the Bath Council recently reported that it had been resolved to recommend the council to inite by-laws with respect to hackney carriages in order to enforce the following charges : for the first mire le. 4d., and far each succeeding quartermile or part thereof 4d., waiting time to be charged at 4d. per five minutes.. For each additional person beyond two the charge would be 6d., two children under the age of 10 years to count as one person. A rate of one-and-a.half times these charges would he authorized for hirieg between midnight and 6 a.m. We -understand that the taxicab owners have approved this proposal.
Co-operative Imurance.
The headquarters of the Co-operative Iireuranee Society, Ltd., are being removed from Red Lion Square to Kingsway, W.C. The etunpany have:acquired West Africa House, which contains a gtound floor and six upper stories, which have been partitioned off into suites so that the rooms not required by the society can be let off. The Co-operative Insurance Society, Ltd., have greatly extended their business during the last few years, and the new offices in London will provide opportunities for even greater development.
Coach and Bus Facilities,
The Birmingham and, Midland Omnibus Co. have arranged an extraordinary number of cheap day and half-day excursions by their Midland "Red" coaches and buses from Birmingham, Worcester, Kidderminster, ,Bromsgrove, Drotwich, and practically all the towns served by the firm's vehicles. Local offices exist inevery centre.
A feature of these facilities is the issue of " anywhere" tickets available on Tuesdays and Fridays at an inclusive charge of 6s. The holder can travel anywhere on any bus at any time on the day the ticket is issued. It practically means a one-day pass for the -.Midlands.
. General fares have been recently reduced on the Midland "Reds," in addi,. tion to which cheap return tickets are issued from all important stages. Regular travellers-may effect a further
saving still by 'purchasing what are known' as discount tickets. These tickets are available for return fares, thus resulting in a. kind of double saving and making travel very cheap indeed. The following table of 'prices give an idea of how the seherne works :—
No.
Den Momina.
on.
Value. Cost. Caving.
on.
s. d. s. d. s. d.
50 2d. 84 70 14 25 3d. 63 5-3 1 0
12 6d. 60 5 0 .1 0 10 1s. 10 0 8 4 18 An illustration of the double saving is as follows'.—On a route' where the single fare is 8d. a return ticket could be had for is. (e.g., Worcester to Droltwich, and then the discount ticket would produce a further saving of roughly 2d., total saving 5d. or 6d.
The. company' have inaugurated a guessing comp-et-4i" the query • being ITow many passengers will travel on the Midland 'Bed' buses on August Bank Holiday, 1923?" The first prize is a Rover 2-seater car. Tickets are 6d., arid the entire proceeds will go to the Birmingham and district branches of the Royal Society for the Prevent:on of Cruelty to Animals, and Our Dumb Friends' League.
Personal Par.
We very much regret to haveto record the death of Mr. James Golby Barford, J.P., chairman of Barford and Perkins, Ltd., of Peterborough, whose death in his sixty-second year occurred on June 29th, He was the son of the late Mr. William Barford, j.P., one of the founders of the firm, and was educated at a private school and Christ College, Finchley, subsequently spending' it year in Austria before serving his apprenticeship with E. R. and F. Turner, Ltd., engineers; of Ipswich. Re was on the council of the Smithfield Club from 1905 onwards, and his father before him was also on the council for many years. Mr. Barford was a prominent life member of the Royal Agricultural Society of England, and filled many other important positions in connection with agriculture. He did good work of a special character during the war, and last year went on a trip to South Africa, partly on business and partly on account of his health. Mr. Barford had a severe stroke at the and of April and never recovered from it.
A Bus Service Application Rejected.
The Swansea Watch Committee has recived a report from the Chief Constable, which indicates that Dy fatty Street:as a traffic route ishard to govern and dangerous to traffic by virtue of its twists.
Mr. G. W. Person, Gorseinon, subse quent to the receipt of this report, applied for a licence for a new bus service between Swmiessa and Lougher. The Chief Constable said this meant use of the D,yfatty Street route. in view of the fact that ten buses are already in service on this route and were adequate to the public need, he recommended the application be not granted. The committee acted in aerordance with this information.
A Daimler Price Reduction, We learn that the price of the Daimler 2-3-ton -chassis was reduced from £700 to £595 as' from July 1st. All Daimler commercial vehicles are fitted with the Daimler. silent sleeve-valve engine and the Lanchester worm drive. At the new price they certainly present a very attractive proposition.
A South African Bus Service.
In the course of a paper read, at the African district meeting of the municipal and county engineers, Mr. D. P. Howells, town engineer, Benoni, said an omnibus service was maintained between the town and the various mines within the municipal area and also between Benoni and the neighbouring municipality of Brak-pan. The buses now in service included four electrics of various carrying capacities, two 21-3-ton petroldriven Guys, each with seating aecem•. mndation for 30 persons, and two White omnibuses, each carrying 28 passengers:
During the earlier stages in the development of the mines the electrics served their purpose quite well, but with the increased traffic now obtaining-these vehicles were found unsuitable. The demand was mainly in the early morning, in the afternoon and again in the evening, when workmen left work, and for these services speedy petrol buses had been found necessary. It was the intention of the council to replace gradually all eleetrics by petrol-driven buses and to dispose of the electric machines either by sale Or to other departments for the transport of materials, etc.
The Motorvan's Part in a Cycling Record. . The modern record-breaking cyclist finds good use for a motor vehicle to accompany him throughout his journey for the purpose of actiug as a tender, carrying spare wheels, food, and attendants.
C. F. Davey, who is a crack Vegetarian cyclist, now professional, after being for some years in the ranks of amateur cyclists, has just beaten the record from Land's End to London, a distance of 304 miles. He left Land's End at 8 o'clock on Tuesday morning of Last week and arrived at Hyde Park Corner at 1.51 a.m. on Wednesday, beating the record for the distance by 1 hr. 55 mins.
It had been Davey's intention to essay the cycling record from Land's End to John o'Groat's, which involvesa journey of 837 miles, the present cycli-ng record for which is 2 days 19 hrs. 50 mats., and he had intended to turn and continue his attempt to cover the 1,000-miles record, but owing to the persistence of adverse winds, Davey, after many days' waiting, gave up the attempt and made his attack
on the Land's End to London record instead. He may, later on in. the season, endeavour to beat the end-to-end record.
Throughout his record attempt he was followed the whole way by an Austin, his food being 'cooked in the vehicle en route. The spare wheels carried were found:to be useful on two occasions during the ride becauseof .punctures, and 'another feature which was found to be advantageous was the light from the headlamps with which the vehicle was fitted, as this proved very useful in lighting the way and also in enabling 'observation of the movements of the rider.
The Austin -20-cwt. delivery van which wasiosed for the purpose, and fitted out as is shown in our illustrations, doubtless assisted Davey in accomplishing his record ride.
Another Filling Station..
Tankard and Smith, Ltd., have recently opened a firm petrol filling station at 222-232, High Road, South Tottenham, London, N., which is provided with two Anglo-American pumps and two Shell-Mex pumps.
Petrol for commercial vehicles is being sold at le. 6d. per gallon, but the station is open to alleeemers. National Benzoic mixture is also stocked. Additional garage accommodation is being built, and the works and garage will then cover over two aeres.
Leeds Open-air Garage.
Leeds Corporation is considering the possibility of providing an open-air garage on some vacant land belonging to the corporation. If the scheme be brought into being it will do much to alleviate the difficulties of visiting coaches.
An interesting new type of spanner has been introduced by Fastnut, 17, Newnham Road, Wood Green, London, N. 22, This fits and ratchets on six or more nuts of different sizes, and this without having any movable part and without having to be adjusted to the nuts. It is of great strength, and so confident are its makers that they are issuing with each spanner a 12 months' guarantee. For nuts of from .13e in. to in. its cost is 5s., from in. to gm. 6s., and lig in. to Ili in. 7s. 61.
Tractors Crossing a Railway.
The question of the passage of tractors over railway crossings vira3 raised by Mr. F. Smith (Burwash) at El. meeting of the EastSussex Executive of the N.F.U. at Lewes on Saturday week.
Mr. Smith stated, with regard to a crossing in his parish, that an order was made twelve months ago whereby a farmer who wished to move a tractor over the crossing had to give twenty-four hours' notice. 'The humus in Lis district contended that the railway company had noeinore right to shut up the main road to motor tractors than to heavy motor traffic which hauled trailers. The weight of a tractor with tools and implements was about 32 cwt:, whereas the motor lorries weighed. about 5 tons and carried a load of about 5 tons. He had seen a motor lorry with a trailer cross the line without notice being given.
He suggested that a letter be sent to the railway company asking them to remedy the mattere.failing which he thought the executive should get into touch with the local parish and district . councils and the County Council with a view to action being taken.
It was deeided to write to the company as suggested and to ask for a prompt reply.
Protecting the " Underground " Motor Man.
Rather an interesting application of Triplex glass(which, as will be remembered, consists of two sheets of glass between which is interposed a thin sheet of transparent celluloid, the whole being subjected to a pressure of 100 tons to the sq. in. and producing a glass which will crack but will not splinter) is its employment for the motorman's compartment in the new Underground cars on order. In all future Underground rolling-stock this glass is to be employed. If it is thought desirable to use this glass on a track where extraneous objects likely to break the window of the motorman's compartment are rarely present, how much niece desirable is its use on road vehicles?
In order to provide morning and evening bus facilities for the residents of Loughton end Woodford, a new L.G.O.C, garage was opened at Lough ton on July 9th. The building cost £15,000; accommodation is provided for 40 buses.
Testing Electrical Equipment.
The Royal Automobile Club has re cently carried out a test with Rota lighting and starting equipment, as made by Rota x (Motor Accessories), Ltd., of Willesden Junction, London, N.W. 10, under its open competition rules. The articles entered for trial were a dynamo, starting motor, switch, cut-out, battery, two headlamps, two side lamps, and tail lamp, together with the necessary wiring, switches, etc., and the object of the trial was to demonstrate the reliability in performance of the equipment over a distance of 25,000 miles. ,
The engine of the car to which the equipment was fitted was started 681 times OIL the trial. Response by the engine to rotation by the starter varied. All lamps were lighted for an aggregate time of 2464hours, and side, tail, and. dash lamps for an aggregate time of 160 honk's. The dynamo was charging the -batteries for 834 hours, the quantity of the acid in the batteries being made up with distilled water on 10 occasions. No work, repair, or adjustment was carried out to the equipment with the exception of replacement of certain bulbs. The cut-out operated satisfactorily throughout the trial,whilst the starter riey.,er, failed to rotate the engine.
For Use-on Road or Rail.
In the United States, but, of course, not in this country (except in very exceptional districts, and circumstances), there is a need for vehicles to be transferable from road to mil and vice versa., lint in the British Empire also there are many •places where advantage can be taken a this ability. In South Africa and Australia, where townships are not connected • bygood roads, but only by a railway line upon which the railway service is scanty, a transferable vehicle can render extremely good service, and there is a concern in London known as Motorailers; Ltd., of which Brig..-Gen. Sir Henry Capel Holden' is chairman, which is developing patented methods which apply to a carnmercial vehicle and enable it so to be transferred whenever
required. •
We are able (I-, illustrate a motor lorry capable of handling a 5-ton load, • and built by the Mack l'idotOr Co., which is equipped with the same object in view.
The chain-driven wheels on the rear• axle are provided with inner steel flanged rims for running on rails, set at proper track gauge, twin rubber tyres being provided for use when the vehicle runs on the road, these standing, of
course, slightly proud of the flanged railway wheels.
Attached to the front is a special twowheel pilot truck, power-operated so that it can be lowered to allow the flanged wheels to engage with the railway lines, the rubber-tyred steering wheels being thus raised clear of the ends of the sleepers outside of the rails. When the pilot truck is lowered the steering gear is automatically locked so that there shall be no chance of the road wheels riding over the rails and throwing the vehicle off them. When it is required to leave the rails, the pilot
truck is raised, thereby aatornatically releasing the steering gear; the driver is then able to turn the front wheels and run on to the roadway without stopping. At a level-crossing, such an operation is simplified by the fact that 4-ft. and 6-ft. ways are brought up practically level with the top face of the rail.
Of the nine fire-engines which were present at the recent annual competition for the Surrey district of the National Fire Brigades -Association held at Guildford, no fewer than eight were of Denins manufacture. In the wet drill competition they acquitted themselves well.
A-considerable toss was anticipated on thei.;tiaikorbus service run by the Hull. , Corporation, but to the surprise of many, • but,irpt.t.o those who know what can be"1.•/•,..! 'attained by the Motorbus in competition with the oId-fashioned tram, the buses ,
snow a small profit for the past year.
COMMERCIAL MOTOR Hackney Carriage Regulations.
The Bridgend C.D.C. is to put into farce the provisions of the Hackney Carriage Act., and has decided that, when the draft of suggested local regulations is submitted, it will invite the neighbourink local authorities—the Penybont R.D.C. and the Og,more and Garw U.D.C., who also intend putting the Order into force—to confer over the matter.
The aim of such consultation would be to obtain similar regulations for the adjoining authorities, so far as is possible. This would aid bus and taxicab proprietors, as well as the councils.
Petrol Pumps at Blackpool.
Having received modifications in the original application, Blackpool Watch Committee has now granted permits to Jackson Bros. {Blackpool), Ltd., for the erection of a petrol pump and storage tank in Station Road, South Shore, and to Mr. Alfred Whiteside for the erection of a petrol pump and storage tank on premises in Alfred Street.
Bus Service Stipulations.
At a meeting of the Rotherham Watch Committee the town clerk reported that, acting on the suggestion of the Ministry of Transport, he had, together with the manager, interviewed representatives of the Barnsley and District Traction Co., Ltd., with regard to a proposed omnibus service being inaugurated connecting Rotherham and Huddersfield, and informed the cominittee that the Barnsley Traction Co. had agreed that, in order not to compete with the Rotherham service-to Thorpe, they were prepared to charge a minimum fare of 8d. per passenger, and that, in the event of theta picking any passenger up between Thorpe and Ratherhani, a fee of lAd. per passenger should be paid to the Ilotherham Corporation Tramways Department. They further agreed that an efficient system of cheek should be instituted in order that Rotherham's tramways manager should be. enabled to ascertain the correct number of passengers so carried.
The town clerk informed the committee that he had agreed that the service from ThorpeCommon to Chapeltown should be abandoned.
Local Proceedings.
• southborough Urban District Council " has decided to purchase a Ford lorry.
Hull Watch Committee has ordered a 'Cron-ley motor ambulance at a wet of £595.
Leeds Corporation Health Committee has decided to purchase a Motor ambulance.
Hull -Corporation Tramways Commit-, tee has decided to start bus services on two new routes.
The surveyor has recommended to the' Aberayron R.D.C. that a new motbr lerry be purchased. .
Gniidford Rural 'Distriet Council has decided to purchase a combieed tipping wagon and cesspool emptier.
Ilford Urban District Council is se. commended to puechaee :en Austin motor ambulance at a oust of £750.
KetlileyCorporation Tramways Committee is inviting tenders for the supply of (feeble and siogle-deck raillesa buses.
Birkenhead Corporation Tramways Corporation Committee is to erect a motorbus garage at an estimated coat of £12,832.
Plymouth Corporation Gas Committee has accepted the tender of Shell-Mex. Ltd., for the supply of 100,000 gallons of gas oil.
Burnley Corporation has asked the tranaways managed to repoit on the quee ii011 providing a niotorbue service to Stoneyholine.
Manchester Corporation Tram-ways Cemmittee has purchased two Halley 48 h.p. petrol motor tipping wagons and four Ford vans.
The Ministry of 'Transport has now sanctioned a loan of £1,785 for the purchase by the Ilourneraeuth Corporation of the three beach runabouts.
Burnley Fire Brigade has been asked to consider the desirability of purchasing a light rnotorvan which can be at the service of any of the corporation departments.
Wakefield Watch Committee has declined the reniet of the Yorkshire (West Riding) Electric Tramways Co., Ltd., that the licensing of omnibus conductors should be discontinued.
Hull Watch Committee has granted the Corporation Tramways Committee licences for four moterbuses to he run on two routes withinehe city, subject to the routes and time-tables being approved by the chief constable.
At the Bournemouth Fire Brigade Committee a letter was received from the Ministry of Health with sanction to the borrowing of £2,800 for the purchase of a petrol driven turntable fire-escape, the amount to be 'repaid in 10 years.
The year's accounts of the Hull Corporation show that the income of the motorbuses was £6,176, and the expenditure £5,034. The Sum of £1,141 represented interest, loan repayments, etc., leaving £1 for tramfer to the reserve fund.
HUH Watch Committee has adiourned consideration for one month applications 112ti by the Anlaby Motor Bus Co. Tor permission to run a motorbus service to Aldborough, and by Mr. N. Thompson for permission to run a Service between Hull and Witherneea.
A New Midland Service.
The Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co_ have eine...Ed a new service of buses from Kidderminster to Cookley and Cannsell. There is a daily morning and afternoon service to Cookley, end many extra on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to both villages. At this rate every village in Worcestershire will, soon be linked up with the towns.
Transport Developments in Japan.
The British Consul at Tokio reports that, in connection with the rapidly increasing use of mechanical road transport In Japan and the call for improved methods of transport between Tokio and Yokohama, it may be of inteneeit to note that a regular service for the carriage of goods by motor lorry between the two cities was recently commenced. The promoters of this enterprise consist of seven important Japanese forwarding agencies, and it is understood that at present they plan to despatch lorries twice daily from both Tokio and Yokohama.
The distance by rail between the two termini is about 18 miles, and the tone allowed for the journey is two hours. The collection and delivery of goods in the central districts of both cities are included; outside these districts they can be contracted for.
No C.M.U.A. Parade for Worcester.
It is understood that the Worcester and District Branch of the C.M.U.A. will not hold a parade this year. It, is rather unfortunate that this should be so, because past events have alWays been an successful. The reason for the decision has not been made public. Doubtless it will mean disappointment for many who have usually been so interested in the affair.
Wood-Milne Depots.
A series of depots, each equipped with solid-tyre presses, has been opened by Wood-Milne Tyres and Manufacturing Co., Ltd. The addressee are :-102, Vauxhall Roed, Liverpool; 382, Summer Lane, Birmingham; 11, Glenravel Street, Belfast; 18, St. -Stephen's Green North, Dublin.
Buses v. Trams.
At a recent. meeting of the Manchester County Council a resolution was passed instructing the tramways committee. to • discontinue the running of tramcars in Market Street and to make arrangements f or a service of motorbuses. The committee was further -instructed to consider the desirability of substituting buses ion tramcars in the congested streets iii the centre of the city.
Present Taxation Condemned.
At the recent Grocers' Conference at Searborreagh, the resolution was put forward that " This conference considers the present method of taxation of commercial vehicles is meat unsatisfactory and urges the Government to consider a tax on motor spirit as a method of obtaining revenue and an incentive to motor haulage." Dunlop Price Reductions.
The new price war between the tyre makers is apparently in full force, and the Dunlop Rubber Co. have not been long in accepting the recent challenge. Considerable reductions came into force from July 4th, all applying to 'pneumatictyres„ and the amounts varying from 6s. 64. to 18s. 9d., according to the size of the tyre. For instance, the 710 min. by 90 ram., which was £3 is. 3d., is now £3 Os. 9d.; the 895 mm. by 135 name which was £9 lie., is now £8 12s. 3d.
Small reductions have also been made in the prices of tubes.
-.London's New Buses.
Since June lit 272 Landon General motorbuses of the latestNS type have been delivered, and are now in service upon routes 9, 11, 27, 29, 73 and 73a; 1,300 vehicles of the same type are on order, and the Associated Equipment Co. at Walthametow are working at a pressure which enables them to maintain a weekly output of 50 complete buses. It is anticipated that, by the end of March next, the L.G.O.C, fleet will number approximately 4,700 vehicles.
A Tank Wagon for Lubricating Oils.
One of the familiar methods now adopted for the transport of lubricating oils is that of conveyance by tank wagon. In this et-inflection we illustrate elsewhere a machine of this type supplied by the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., to Silvertown Lubricants. Ltd.. the main features of which were designed by tha oil company in conjunction with the technical engineers of the chassis builelers.
The outfit has been rendered necessary by the large increase in the business of the company. It consists of two rectangular tanks, eaoh -of 300-gallop capacity, and in addition to these there issufficient spars at the back of the lorry' to carry nine 40-gallon casks. ft is thus possible to make :deliveries of engine oil he bulk and of gear oil and grease in barrels simultaneously. The tanks can be filled or emptied from either side of the vehicle, and a compartment is provided for storing the _hose. The chassis is a 45 lap. model A.E.C. with the "5 " type engine.
Who is to Pay for Road Damage?
Mr. Thomas White, chairrime of a conference of assessment representatives, at a meeting held recently, urged the imposition on motor users of the maintenance of main roadsHe said that the user is now paying . £18,000,000 yearly, but the damage to reads alone is nearly £70,000,000. In his own words, I" If the burden were placed on the right sheulders the result would be an immediate fall of over 20 per oent, in the present rates."
A scheme involving, the expenditure of £3,000 has been adopted by the Bridgend U.D.C. for improving the fire appliances of the local brigade. Tenders for a fire station have already been called for, and a new motor fire-engine is to he purchased.
Street hydrants of the ball type, instead of the screw-down type hitherto need, are to he provided for the better Service expected from a motor engine.