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.
LEYLAND'S SUCCESSFUL PAST YEAR'S TRADING.
Leyland Motors, Ltd., staged a big recovery in profits in the year ended September 30, 1934, the preliminary figures showing that a gross profit of £396,000 was made, the net figure, before making provision for income-tax, being £317,000. In the previous year the gross profit was £150,717 and the net figure £79,975.
The dividend on the £900,000 of ordinary capital has been raised.from 5 per cent. to 12i per cent., less tax. It may be recalled that dividends were resumed in 1930, after 1. lapse of some years, when 20 per cent. was paid, whilst, in each of the following two years, 10-per cent, was distributed.
Industrial Transport Association Progress.
We are informed by Mr. W. Oldham, chairman of the Industrial Transport Association, Chandos House, Buckingham Gate, London, SAVA, the national professional society for transport officers, that the Association has now set up its own office; and engaged the services of, a. full-time qualified secretary in the person of Mr. J. A. Dunnage, F.S.S., A.M.Inst.T., who has been honorary general secretary of the Association for the past six years. The decision is based upon the steady progress which has been made and the prospects of continued expansion.
Guy Capital Reorganization Approved.
At extraordinary general meetings of the preference and ordinary, shareholders of Guy Motors, Ltd., held at Wolverhampton on January 4, resolutions for the capital reorganization of the company, along the lines indicated in our issue dated December 14, were unanimously approved. The effect of the scheme will be the cleaning-up of the balance-sheet, which, together with the introduction of new capital, will have a beneficial effect on sales.
Hint of T.G.W.U. Action on Wageagreement Evasions.
In a speech at the annual dinner of the Carriers' Section District Council of the Transport and General Workers' Union, on Saturday last, Mr. Ernest Bevin, general secretary of the Union, stated, in connection with the agreement reached by the National Joint Conciliation Board, that in any case of evasion the Union would not rely solely on challenging licences before the Authorities, but virould also use its economic power to enforce the report. He' said that the agreement must not be assumed to apply only to holders of A and B licences. He was shortly meeting two large federations of Ce20 licence holders, and made it clear that there was already an indication that the largest traders throughout the country would fall into line with the agreement, by special arrangement.
Production Figures for 1934. • According to figures circulated by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 85,633 British commercial vehicles were constructed in the year ended September 30 as compared with 65,508 a year earlier. There was a substantial increase month by month. So far as exports are concerned, 12,260 commercial vehicles were exported in the year, as contrasted with 9,877 in the preceding 12 'months.
A Comprehensive Work on Maintenance.
A series of three large volumes entitled " Commercial Motors," and dealing with the maintenance, repair and general management of all the bestknown types, is about to be published by Virtue and Cd., Ltd., 19-21, Thavies Inn, Holborn Circus, London, E.C.1. The author is Mr. H. Scott Hall, M.I.A.E., a well-known engineer consultant. The volumes are beautifully printed, well bound and contain numere ous excellent illustrations, and the information given is both reliable and comprehensive. In addition, the third volume will contain a legal section.
Long Hearing of L.N.E.R. Appeal,
On Wednesday the Appeal Tribunal commenced to hear, in London, the appeal of the London and North Eastern Railway Co. against the Northern Licensing Authority's refusal of an A licence for a "pool" vehicle. There were three objectors. The case was continued yesterday.
NEW DUNLOP NON-SKID PNEUMATIC TYRE.
While at the Dunlop factory some months ago we saw under test, and were much impressed by, the first examples of a new tyre, which is now announced by the company under the name of the "Dunlop 90." It is available in the wired-type sizes in both Fort and Standard qualities, and does not supersede the triple-stud tyre, but is an alternative at the same price range.
It has been introduced especially to meet the requirements of the modern vehicle, which include higher speeds, rapid acceleration, more powerful braking, lighter steering and smoother travel. A special feature is that the remarkable non-skid properties remain until the tread is worn smooth. It has sharp edges to resist side-slipping when cornering, whilst rows of deep lateral studs and notches in the linked central studs check forward skidding. Another good point is its silent running.
Armstrong-Saurer's Increased Capital.
The nominal capital of ArmstrongSaurer Commercial Vehicles, Ltd., has been increased by the addition . of £50,000 in E1 ordinary shares beyond the registered capital of £200,000. On December 21, 1934, 50,000 shares were allotted for cash to Sir W. G. Armstrong, Whitworth and Co. (Engineers), Ltd.
Important Company Wants Products for Distribution.
Slough Motor Supplies, Ltd., Central Office Chambers, Trading Estate, Slough, desires to extend the scope of its business activities, which' is now confined to the petrol-service station and the tyre-sales side of the motor trade. The company wishes to get into touch with a manufacturer, not necessarily of motor goods, who would De prepared to allocate a territory for the distribution of his products from the wholesale rather thin the retail point of view.
Road Transport of Cattle Unfairly Handicapped.
At a meeting of the executive of the elonmouthshire centre of the National Farmers' Union, a member stated that it was curious that the orders prohibiting the movement of animals in foot-and-mouth disease areas were operated in connection with road transport, but not rail conveyance. A lorry convoy of his cattle intended for a Christmas show had been stopped when passing through such an area and was
still held up. If he had sent the animals by rail they would have passed through.