News and Comment.
Page 13
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
In this Issue.
We specially draw attention to the exclusive information which we are enabled to publish on page MS -with respect; to the remarkable regularity of running of the L.G.O. Co.'s " B -type " vehicles. As an object-lesson to the world in respect of public-service operation, the success which has attended this rq).acern is of vital importance to the industry at large.
Two more new models are deseribed in this issue ; first-published particulars and descriptive illustrations are included on pages 539 to 'We particularly commend the increasingly useful nature of our " Drivers' and Mechanics' " pages, not only to those for whose consumption they are originally intended, but to owners and others who are at all mechanically minded. This week's letters make very interesting reading.
Stoewer Machines at Manchester.
The actual exhibits staged by Norman Crossland oonsisted of a three-ton chassis and a 15-cwt. express delivery van. The larger model is one capable of drawing a two-ton trailer. At the time Of our -visit to the stand, we were informed that the chassis thereon was 4-tonner. We are happy to inake the correction.
'Ware Kingston.
It would be well for all drivers of steam wagons and heavy vehicles who have occasion to pass through Kingston to take notice that, at the present time, convictions, at the rate of three and four a week, for exceeding the speed limit of five miles per hour, are being recorded in the locality. A.5 a rule the fines are from 21 to 22 each„ with 8s. 6d. costs.
French's Staff Dinner.
French's Garage and Motor Works, Ltd., held its annual staff dinner on Saturday last, the 7th inst., at the Balharn Hotel, S.W. There were about 60 present, including representatives from the Brighton, Maidstone and Margate establishments of the London and South Coast Haulage Co., Ltd. Mr. W. F. French, the, managing director, was in the chair.
Quite a noteworthy item in the evening's programme was the presentation by the chairman of the awards of merit to employees. A first prize of 25 was awarded to the -driver who had the highest year's mileage to his credit, the distance covered amounting to no fewer than 17,800 miles. Other cash prizes were awarded for general all-round efficiency. Mr. French eulogized a certain section of the Technical Press, and spoke in high terms of the practical good it is doing for the industry. En postnt, he mentioned that he himself carefully roads our " D. and M." pages each week, much interesting and informative matter being therein included. Several of the concern's employees added to the evening's enjoyment.
Car and General Insurance.
The report of the Car and General Insurance Corporation, Ltd., for the year ended the 1st January last, shows a balance to the credit of revenue at:count of 219,511. The directors recommend the payment of a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, free of income tax, on the ordinary share capital of the company, and place 215,000 to reserve. The conipany thus shows that its various departments —motor, fire, employers' liability, driving accident, personal accident, etc., etc.—have been conducted on a satisfactory basis, in spite of keen rivalry and competitive rates. Albion Two-cylinders.
Whilst we prefer the four-cylinder engine, as a general rule, for commercial-vehicle purposes, we cannot fail to recognize that the 16 h.p. Albion has proved itself an exception to the general statement that two-cylinder engines are not in the front rank from the standpoints of long. life in engine and chassis. Sonic other manufacturers have abandoned the two-cylinder model, but the Albion directors have adhered to it for loads which do not require higher powers than 16 inp., and have done so with every proof of continued demand from satisfied
Commercars on Easy Terms,
Commercial Cars, Ltd., has, after years of successful pioneer work in both the commercial and constructive side of the industrial-vehicle business, come to the conclusion that quite a. number of would-he purchasers arc afraid of the initial outlay which is involved in the acquirement of a fleet of suitable machines, Especially in regard to cartage contractors and passengercarrying undertakings has it been decided that it may be desirable to offer to supply Commerears by the initial payment of a deposit and the balance by payment at certain fixed periods. . The company has, as a matter of fact, for sonic time past, been dealing with this branch of the business, and it asks us to notify that it will be pleased to furnish the actual terms of business to interested iiictuirers, The Japanese Minister of War has provided the sum of £15,000, in this year's budget, for the purchase of military motor vehicles.
To Operate in Greece.
The Hellenic Transport and Industrial Co., Ltd., with an authorized capital of 2100,000 in £1 shares, and with its registered office at 58, Pall Mall, S.W., with the main object of establishing and carrying on public motor services in Greece.
Bradbury's Booklets.
"Dowlais Merthyr " coal is proving to take a lead in favour with tractor and wagon owners. Bradbury, Son and Co., Ltd., whose head office is at 7, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W., has worked out an excellent roadside coaling-station scheme, in which matter it has acted directly upon the advice of the C.M.U.A. Bradburys are naturally reaping the benefit, and we strongly recommend users who are interested in proper roadside supplies of coal to communicate with this company, with a. request for one or other of its booklets.
Middlesex Highways.
Sir George Gibb and Lord Montagu, representing the Road Board. have been in consultatioa with the highway authorities for Middlesex. This county has an all-round highway rate of only ltd. in the £, which is the lowest in the whole of England and Wales with the single exception of Durham. Sir George Gibb intimated that the grant in respect of the new western approach for London should be regarded as a work in the interests of Greater London. Apparently, therefore, Middlesex will be able to obtain considerable additional sums for purely county purposes.
A Napier a Godsend.
Another testimony to the motorvan's capacity for replacing horses, and, in this instance, to the performance of a one-ton Napier van especially, is forthcoming in the following letter received by Messrs. Munn and Underwood, of Southampton, who sold the machine to Mr. A. Wilson, of the North End Steam and Machinery Bakery, I-Tarsley„ near Winchester. Mr. Wilson writes t--" The Napier I boaght of you last June has given me entire satisfaction, and has quite exceeded my expectations concerning it. It came as a regular godsend to me, as I had at the time three lame horses orr the round the van is doing now, which is a killing one for horses. We are making nearly 400 calls a day with this Napier, and. in spite of the muny stops and stnrtings, have had no trouble With it in any way " ci2 S.M.M.T. Offices.
We learn that the new S.M.M.T. offices in Pall Mall were brought to the notice of the Society by Messrs. Richards, surveyors and land agents, of Granville House, Arundel Street, W.C.
Jacob's Fleet.
Since our article on Messrs. Jacob's fleet went to press, we find that John I. Thornyeroft and Co., Ltd., despatched another chassis of its make to this user. It is a 3i-tormer, and is, of course, repeat order.
Testimony from Australia.
Messrs. Davis and Boyd, New Zealand, have given striking testimony to Dennis productions in the following terms, per Tozer, Kernsley and Fisher, Ltd. :—" The Dennis buses and lorries have given every satisfaction. The first machine has rvn something like 25,000 miles and appears to be running as well as when first put on the road ; in fact, considering the state of our roads, which are very rough, it is a wonder to as that the machine has stood so
Fulham Borough Council asks tenders (page 26 of advertisements) for the supply of a combined motor-sweeping and watering machine.
Daventry R.D.C., after a very considerable discussion, has resolved to purchase a steam tractor for stone-haulage and road-maintenance purposes.
The Scottish Motor Trade Asaociation, On the initiative of Lieut.Col. J. S. Matthew, managing director of the Argyll Ca, is preparing a scheme of co-operation with the military authorities in iespect of motor transport.
German Factory Wants Help.
A German manufacturer of commercial-motor vehicles wishes to get into touch with a British firm which would undertake the concession for its lorries and motorbuses in England, and, under certain circumstances, in South Africa and India. The name and address of the German manufacturer may be obtained from the Secretary of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Ltd., Maxwell House, Arundel Street, W.C.