AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

,WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

12th February 1924
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 4, 12th February 1924 — ,WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

A Show at Maidstone.

The idea Of the holding of a displa,y or exhibition solely devoted to commercial motor vehicles by an important local agent, and doing the thing in a thorough style, is rather new, because any special local show of motor vehicles has, so far as we are aware, 'rarely been confined to the utility type.

Rootes Ltd., of Maidstone, Kent, are devoting the whole of the current week (from yesterday, Monday, to Saturday next, both days inclusive) to such a display, the aim not being so much the selling of vehicles as the creation of greater interest throughout the locality in mechanical road transport. Owing to the existence of ex-service vehicles; the demand for new commercial vehicles in Kent during recent years has dropped away considerably, but it is felt by the promoters of the display in question that, with the new type of vehicles, the public generally can be interested and a demand created.

Eight makes. -will be included in the range of exhibits, the preliminary list of

which is as follows Austin make : delivery vans of different types on 7 h.p.' 12 h.p. and 20 h.p. chassis, and an ambulance on a 20 h.p. chassis. Of Dennis make: four models from 1 ton to 4 ton. Of Guy make : three diffeyent models. Of Fiat make commercialvehicle chassis, a char-aabancs, a saloon coach, an ambulance and a hearse. Of Selden make: 30-cwt. chassis. On Buick ehassis : vans of various types. Of the G.M.C. make: four models, one of which will be a 15-ton tractortrader; and of Chevrolet make; vans and travellers broughams on 10-ewt. chassis, 1-ton vans, trucks of larger capacity and a motorbus.

In London particulars of the exhibition can be obtained from the service works of the company at Lodge. Place, St. John's Wood Roact N.'W.8.

A Competition for Body Designers.

The Worshipful Company 'of Coachmakers and Coach-Harness Makers of London, together with the Institute of British Carriage and-Automobile Manufacturers and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders,' have organized a number of competitions open to all persons of British nationality for various improvements to certain types of automobile bodies, which, it is stated, pos., sess certain defects and have not yet reached the limits of development. Competition No. 1 is for a half fullsize working drawing of a four-eeater all-weather body with four doors. This body must be built for a chassis of fixed dimensions, a print of which can be obtained from the secretary of the Institute of British Carriage and Automobile Manufacturers, 16a, Soho Square, Lon

Competition No. 2 is for a half funsize working drawing of a similar type of body, but, in this case, it has to be designed for a known type of chassis constructed during the year of the competition (1923-1924).

Competition No. 3 is open to students of the Regent Street Polytechnic School B20

of Motor Body and Carriage Building, and is for a. drawing of a coupe cabriolet with opening head and concealed dickey seat.

Competition -No. 4 is open to students of any technical school of motor body and carriage building other than the students of the Regent Street Polytechnic. In this competition a design of body is required similar to that of No. 3.

Monetary • and medal awards will be 'madein connection with each competition.

Sahara Crossed In Seven Days.

Three Citroen cars fitted with chain tracks left Colomb-Bechar on January 24th and arrived at Fort Bourrem, on the Niger, on January 31st, and at Timbuctoo the following day, thus crossing

the Sahara Desert in seven days, as against 21. days which were occupied by the expedition which undertook a similar jourrroy for the Citroen Co. last year. We have already referred to the performance of the Renault six-wheeled automobiles which accomplished the same journey in a period of six days, including a detour of 400 kilometres. A description of this type of vehicle appears elsewhere in this issue.

Fire Extincteurs : Revised Regulations.

We have received from the Commissioner of Police of :the Metropolis, New Scotland Yard, a copy of -the revised regulations governing the use of fire extincteurs upon public vehicles licensed in the Metropolitan Police district, together with a pamphlet, showing the .methods which are used in testing carbon tetrachloride extincteurs. The regulations deal with extincteurs operated by other than hand (pump) pressure, and also with those' in which carbon tetrachloride is used.

Dunlop Representation in India.

The Dunlop Rubber Co. is now represented in India by Major-General Sir Reginald. Ford, K. C. M. G., C.B. , C. M. G., D.S.O., who has lately returned from Rhodesia.. General Ford -gained his D.S.O. in the South African. campaign, and his other honours in the European War. Since his arrival in India, General Ford has married Miss Pearl Gertrude Dudley, daughter of Mr. William Tuthill Dudley, of Ohio, U.S.A., the ceremony taking plane in Bombay early last month

London-Manchester Motorway.

The scheme for the construction of the new highway from Loudon to Manchester, to be used exclusively by motor vehicles, continues to make some headway, and it is now stated that a survey of the Coventry to Manchester section of the road has been completed, and that working drawings are being prepared. It is estimated that this section will 'take from 18 months to two years to construct,' and that during this period 100,000 men will be given employment.

The broad details of the scheme are perhaps already well known, but it is worth repeating that where the highway crosses a public road or railway a reinforced-concrete bridge will be construe-toil, level-crossings thus being entirely avoided. On the section of the road recently surveyed there will be about 400 of these, as well as 19 toll stations, which are to We equipped with automatic machines to obviate delay and the need for the employment of gatemen.

Messrs. Whitley and Carkett-James, of Westminster, London, S.W. are engaged on the preparatioa of the drawings, which show that the road will be about 110 miles long and' more than 40 ft. wide.

It is anticipated that this scheme of road development will be included in the plans of the Government to relieve unemployment. It will be recalled that the estimated cost of the highway is £15,000,000.

Dodge Bros. Vehicles by Deferred • Payments. •

It is a great convenience to many potential owners of motor vehicles to be able to purchase a van out of income, without the necessity for disturbing capital or unduly depleting the bank

balance. It will, therefore, interest many of our readers to learn that a most attractive deferred, (payment plan has been ,specially arranged by Dodge Bros. , (Britain), Ltd., for the benefit of purchasers-of Dodge Bros. motor vehicles.

It is to be noted that the .charges are distinctly reasonable, and that no bills _ of ,exchange or promissory notes are re. quired, the whole transaction being completed with the signing of a. very simple and straightforward agreement when making the initial payment. • The advantages of this plan can best be illustrated by a concrete example. The following is the scale of payments applicable . to Dodge Bros. 15-wt.. de livery van:— Payable in 12 monthly instalments of ... 18 14 11 Full particulars of this plan can be obtained from any authorized Dodge Bros. dealer, or from Dodge Bros. (Britain), Ltd., Stevenage Wharf, Fulham, London, S.W.6:

American Production in 1923.

The United States Department of Commerce announces that the December production of motor vehicles, based on figures received from 186 manufacturers, totalled 275,268 passenger cars and 27,875 trucks. The total output of passenger cars for 1923 is given as 3,636,599, against 2,339,768 in 1922, while the output of commercial vehicles totalled 376,257 in 1923, as against 246,281 in 1922.

Bishop Auckland Road Improvements.

With a view to improving the motoromnibus route and relieving congestion at Bishop Auckland, which must rank as one of the busiest centres of passenger road transport activity in the whole of the North of England, the local urban district council has resolved to co-operate -with the county council engineer, Mr. *Albert E. Brookes, in a scheme to divert the Durham-Barnard Castle main road, in order to avoid the existing narrow and tortuous approach by way of Durham Chare. The total estimated cost is £24,4:00.

New Rubber Surfacing for Roads.

According to The ,S'ostilt London Press a new form of rubber road surface ;s being manufactured by F. and E. Stanton, Ltd., of 'larders Road, Peckham, London, &E., and trial stretches of road constructed with this form of surfacing are being laid in Southend and other districts. The -general manager of this company is of the opinion that other manufacturers of materials for rubber roads have been proceeding on wrong lines, and that by taking the old wood block and endeavouring to convert it into a rubber block they have only met with little success.

In the company's method of-construction the concrete foundation is retained, and it is built up with a, i-in. surfacing of rubber to the desired road level. The rubber face is constructed in rectangular arches of an even thickness. Grooves are left in the concrete into which the flanges of two adjoining pieces fit closely,

and these are firmly held in position with bitumen.

The great factor which has militated against the wider use of rubber road surfaces has undoubtedly been their initial cost, but with this system it. is said that the cost has been reduced by more than half. The cost is still higher, by perhaps 20s. or 30s. per sq. ft., than wood blocks; but stress is laid on the fact that the life of rubber is at least treble that, ,of wood. This new system of 'rubber road construction is to undergo further trials under the observation of various road authorities during the present year.

An Italian Show.

The Italian Motor Show is taking place at Milan this year from April 12th-27th. A magnificent new building has been erected for the purpose at a cost of more than 8 million fire, while the floor space exceeds 15,000 square metres. • Rival Bus Services.

In consequence of the damage to roads by rival bus services, the Long Ashton Urban District Council has decided to take counsel's opinion as to whether claims can be made for "extraordinary traffic" in view of the fact that, owing to competition, more buses are being run than are considered necessary.

An All-British Show in Australia.

An All-British Motor, Motorcycle and Accessories Exhibition is to be held in Melbourne in July by the Association of British Motor Manufacturers, in conjunction with the British Cycle and Motorcycle Manufacturers and Traders Union and the Australian Association of British Manufacturers and their. representatives.

The Shrewsbury and Challiner Tyre Co., Ltd., inform us that their registered offices have been transferred from Arthaick Green, Manchester, to Macintosh House, Gillingham Street, London, S.W.1. This change of address does not affect the works, the works management or the staff. At a meeting ot the Chelmsford Towri Council, the town clerk reported that, arising out of the fire of a petrol lorry in London Road, he had, as instructed, forwarded a copy of the correspondence on the matter to the Right Hon. E. G. Pretyman, and submitted correspondence which he had received in reply from the latter and Sir Henry Maybary, stating, inter "that the position is as stated in the Home Office letter to the town clerk, viz., that, as the law stands at present there is no power to issue regulations of general application to govern the conveyance of petroleum by road, and that it was understood that a Bill which contained provision for the making of general regulations as to the movement by road of bulk petroleum which would cover the question of danger from lights on such vehicles was now under consideration by the Home Office, with a view to its reintroduction in the House of Lords at the earliest possible moment."

Road Schemes in Welsh Mining Valleys.

On the recommendation of its roads -Committee tho Glamorgan County Council has adopted the schemes formulated for the construction of roads to connect mining valley areas, of which details have alreak appeared in The Commer cial Motor. It was announeed ..at a recent' meeting that the schemes, which are estimated-to cost £366,000, have been approved by the four councils concerned —Rhondda, Ogmore and Gawl, Glyncorrwg, and Neath.

. The allocation of costs, above the Ministry of • Transport grant, has devolved upon a committee.

The roads, when constructed, will reduce the distance between the Rhondda and Garw valleys to something like half the present mileage ; the distance from Tynewydd (Rhondda) to Hirwain (Aberdare) will be reduced from 25 to 8 miles; from Rhondda to Abergwynfi from 261 to 11 miles ; from Rhondda to -Blaengarw (Mid-Glamorgan) from 20 to 8 miles, and from Rhondda to Nantymoel by 101 miles, whilst the road journey from Hirwain (Aberdare) to the Blaengarw road will be reduced from 331 miles to 15 miles.

Transport from Grimsby..

The great increase of motor traffic at Grimsby, particularly in connection with operations at the fish docks, has led the authorities of the Lincolnshire port to decide upon carrying out work estimated to cost £43,000, in connection with the widening of one of the main approaches io the town, and application is to be made to the, Ministry of Trans.

for a grant of 50 per cent, towards the outlay. Recent railway troubles have largely accelerated the development of arrangements for the transport of fish to Midland and Northern centres frore Grimsby by means of motor conveyances and thereby the value of hidependent communication has been abundantly exemplified.

Early Steam Locomotion in London.

It is generally accepted that steam locomotion dates from 1825, in which year the Stockton and Darlington Railway was opened for traffic. There is, however, in one of the rooms at the Institution of MischanicaL Engineers'.

headquarters a most interesting old sketch, dated 1809, which depicts a demonstration circular railway constructed .on a site practically where Euston Station stands to-day. This railway was for ,demonstration of Mr. Threvithick's locomotive. Curiously enough, there does not appear to be much contemporary evidence Of the existence of this railway. Threvithick was a famous engineer in the 18th and early 19th centuries. He invented a number of steam road carriages, and as early as 1803 ran a steam carriage in London.

Institute of Metals' Activities.

The annual general meeting of the Institute of Metals will be held at the Institution. of Mechanical Engineers, Storey's Gate, Westminster, on March 12th and 13th, commencing each day at 10.30 a.m. The presidential address will be delivered by Professor T. Turner, M.Sc., A.R.S'AI., in the morn

ing of the .,first day's meeting. No fewer than 14 communications—many of a very important character—are due for B22

presentation and discussion at the meeting.. The annual dinner of the institute will be held at the Trocadero Restaurant on March 12th. • • • It is of interest to note—for the. first time in the institute's history—the membership passed the 1,500 mark on December 31st last. It is hoped by the council that, as a result of the many activities of the institute during the present year—particularly in connection with the British Empire Exhibition— this figure will be substantially increased before the end of 1924.

Loughborough Road Imptovements.

In view of the growing volume of motor traffic passing through the town, the necessity for comprehensive schemes of road. widening at Loughborough has long been pressed upon the notice of the authorities Of the Leicestershire town, who have now determined upon work affecting whole blocks of buildings in the busiest part of the municipal area. Certain details of the scheme have, however, met with adverse criticism, and an alternative plan so far as it affects two of the central portions has been submitted by a section of the ratepayers for the consideration of the Ministry of Transport.

Royal Cord Ignition Cable.

The Dominion Rubber Co., Ltd., 47-48, Farringdon Street, London, E.C.4, have just introduced Royal Cord ignition cable into this country. The manufacturers of this cable make very strong claims for its quality, pointing out that it is made of the finest-grade copper wire covered by a tough rubber compound that offers remarkable resistance to abrasion and hard wear. This • wear-resisting compound is, we understand, the same as that used for the treads of the well-known Dominion Royal Cord tyres. This ignition cable

• is very largely used in the motor indus, try in America. It is extremely flexible, and water, petrol, •oil, grease and heat have no appreciable effect upon.the outer covering Parking Inconveniences.

At a meeting of-the Lancaster Watch Committee a minute was read with respect to the inconvenience caused to the bus service by the parking of cars in Market Square. The chief constable reported on inquiries with respect to this matter, and suggestions were made that with regard to the general question of parking cars,. other places might-be found, but, so far as the malice department was concerned, no inconvenience had been caused by the Market Square park. .

The committee resolved that no further action be taken with respect to this matter and that: the report of the chief constable be subratited to the tramways committee.

Darlington Considering Trolley-buses.

Faced with the alternative of either renewing almost the whole of the existing tramway tracks in the, town or of finding some effective substitute for this means of passenger transport, the Darlington 'Corporation has for some time

past been viewing with great interest the results obtained from the me of trolleybuses in other parts of the country, in order to ascertain their suitability for meeting local requirements. At a special meeting of the Corporation a few days ago, the whole situation was once more reviewed from all aspects, and a paper was read by Mr. Alfred Baker, general manager of the Birmingham tramways, outlining the activities of tailless traction in the Midland city. After listening to the paper, the committee decided to invite Mr. Baker to visit Darlington, and, after having an opportunity f or investigating the local situation, to give his :civics as to the best means of ensuring future passenger transport for residents of the Quaker town.

Seaford and Eastbourne Chambers of Commerce are complaining to the 31 inistry of Transport and the local governing body concerning the had state of repair of the roads in. the cli.strict between 'Seaford and Eastbourne.

Neath Tradesmen's Needs.

The tradesmen of Neath have peti. tioned the local council on several matters pertaining to the bus services of the district. They suggest that buses should no longer be allowed to use Windsor road, but should use the London road as an alternative route which has for --some time been necessary as a result of repair work being undertaken on the Windsor road.

The tradesmen suggest that it would be advisable to allocate the Square as a terminus for the buses, and that, for the convenience of bus passengers, the council should erect a bus shelter at the entrance to St. James's Chnach. The council has referred all these questions to a committee for consideration.

Can.You Alford to Walk ?

"Can you afford to walk?" is the terse and somewhat pointed little title given to a small 1.eetlet Which has just . been issued by•Leyland Motors, Ltd. Its purpose is to prove the extreme ecimomy of the Trojan vehicle, which is becoming very popular amongst private car users and also amongst small tradesmen. Some very interesting comparisons dre made between the cost of walking 200 miles and the cost of running a Trojan over a like distance.

.Annual Meeting of Scottish CM IJftS.

At the annual meeting of the Scth !Commercial Motor Users Aseuciatiou, which was held a few days ago in Glasgow, reference was made to the, taxation on motor vehicles and the condition of the roads and bridges in ScotTand.

During the past year the Association has consolidated its position and membership, and nearly all the large users in Scotland are now members of the organization. Mr. J. W. Loudon, the secretary, referred to the fact that during tho past year a very important amount of work had been carried through. in relation to roads, and that the view of the Association was that all roads should be made fit for heavy traffic„ although it must be some considerable time before this desirable end was attained.

One of the most troublesome nuestions with which the Association had to deal. in 1923 was in connection with the Forth and Clyde canal bridges, and it was said that representations had been made in the proper quarter in order to secure new bridges of a suitable type to carry the increased weight of modern traffic.

Reference was made to the fact that it was anticipated that no radical change in the basisof taxation would be made as a result of the Government Departmental Committee's investigation, although what the Association most urgently pressed for was an immediate pro rata reduction of one-sixth on every annual licence and immediate administrative changes so that monthly and quarterly licence s could be taken out at any time at proportionate fates, and facilities given for; the transference of licences from any vehicle laid hp to any unlicensed vehicle substitutedt.

Blind Soldier Telephone Operators.

One of the most successful occupations taught to the blinded soldiers at St. Dunstan's is telephone operating. A large number of these men have found employment with important basiness organizations. in London and the provinces. St. Duustan's has several fully trained men ready for work, and it is thought that possibly in the motor industry there are sonic who might like to give a St. Duestan's operator a trial. If so, the authorities at $t. Dunstan's Headquarters, Inner Circle, Regent's Park, N.W.1, will gladly supply full particulars.

I uhlication ol the Ford.

Fin I owners are rarely offered a more eselui booklet than that containing 2.4 pages of practical information which has just been published by the manufacturers of Ferelingoyl—an oil extensively ttsed by the Ford Motor Co. themselves, who have recently placed their ninth successive contract for it The booklet is full of information of a permanently useful character. It takes all parts of a Ford, and explains .how they are lubricated and with what frequency they should be oiled, setting out this information also in tabular form for instant reference. Apart from the question of oils and greases, it also contains pages of valua.ble hints on the care of cars and trucks generally, and on the care of barrels. Ford owners can obtain copies of the booklet by writing direct to Sterns, Ltd., of Royal London House, Finsbury Square, London, E.C.2.

Morecambe Bus Dispute.

At a meeting of the Morecambe Hackney Carriage Comlnittes the town' clerk submitted correspondence which he had had With the Ministry of Transport with respect to the appeal of the County Motori., Ltd., against a decision of the committee not to grant omnibus licences for a suggested service from West End to Lancaster; and also submitted a petition signed by 124 residents and owners in the vicinity of the proposed starting and stopping place off West End Road.

It was resolved that the mayor, chairman, and town clerk be empowered to seek an intervieW with the Ministry of Transport to place before it the whole of the facts in connection with this application, and also in connection with the suggested municipal omnibus service between Lancaster, Morecambe and Heysham, the arrangement „which has been provisionally made between the corporation and tha Morecambe Tramways Co. for an interchange of tragic between Morecambe and Heysham, and also the relation of all these services to applications whidi were previously made by the Lambsfield Motor Co. for an omnibus service from Morecambe to Warton, and the Lancaster and District Tramways Co. and Fahys, Ltd.,' for an extension of their omnibus service from Queen's .Square to West End.

Fuel Prices.

Shell-Alex, Ltd., inform us that the latest retail prices of the various grades of Shell motor spirit are as follow Shell Aviation spirit, 2s. 3d. per gallon; Shell spirit, .1s. lid, per gallon; Mex spirit, is. 9d.• per gallon, the fuel in each case being delivered in two-gallon cans. These prices are for delivery in England and WalesIn Scotland the prices are 1d. per gallon higher, and in Ireland there is an increase on the figures of 2d. per gallon.

The retail prices of National benzoic? and National benzoie mixture have been increased to Zs. 3d. and 16. 11d, per gallon respectively for England and Wales and 2s. 4d. and 2s. respectively for Scotland

Local Proceedings. ,

Hull Watch Committee has purchased a: motor ambulance at a cost of £520.

Ashford Fire Brigade is to raise funds for the purchase of a motor fire-engine. 'Northampton Town, Council has purchased a motor ambulance at a cost of £190.

Manchester Watch Committee ha s purchased a Leyland motor turntable fire. escape.

Oldham Corporation Tramways Committee recommends the purchase of an electric tower wagon.

Calcutta Municipal Council has decided to invite quotations for the supply of a 4-6-ton motor lorry.

Manchester Corporation has purchased two motorcycles for the mains surveyor in the waterworks department.

Manchester Corporation Gas Committee recommends the purchase of a low-bodied motor tipping wagon.

PreStatyn Urban District Council is considering the advisability of securing motor equipment for the fire brigade.

The Merthyr Tydfil Works Committee has decided to invite tenders for supply of buses to establish a municipal . service.

Bexhill Corporation has asked a subcommittee to inquire into the desirability of introducing motor vehicles for refuse collection.

Oldham Corporation has under consideration the question of the provision of a.central department for the repair of motor vehicles.

Nelson Corporation Cleansing ComMittee recommends the purchase of a Yorkshire mechanical gully emptier at a cost of £895.

Priem Barnet Urban District Council Las under consideration the question of the purchase of up-to-date appliances for the fire brigade.

Birkenhead Corporation Tramways Committee has accepted the tender of the Mersey Motor Co. for the supply of six motor omnibuses.

York Corporation Tramways Committee recommends the purchase, of two additional 20-seater one-man-controlled buses from Leyland Motors, Ltd.

The Castle Ward Rural District

Council (Northumberland) • requires tenders for the supply of a 1-ten Ford lorry for use by the Highways Department.

Salford Corporation 'Tramways Committee recommends the purchase of a Leyland 4-ton motor lorry, with threeway tipping body and drop sides, at a: cost of 2788.

Bournemouth Corporation Tramways Committee has purchased three additional motor runabouts for the beach service from Messrs. Stearie,• at a total cost of £1,866.

Having conSidered the question of the purchase of a motor road cleanser, the Cambridge Corporation has asked the borough engineer' to report on the cost of these vehicles.

Balton Corporation Tramways Committee has" decided to purchase two additional motorbuses from Leyland Motors; Ltd. These are in addition to the three Leyland buses recently ordered.

Hull Watch Committee has given the tramways committee licences in respeot of two one-man-controlled buses on the understanding that if. the vehicles are used on routes other than those specified two men shall be in charge of each vehicle.

T24 Blackpool Corporation has purchased two 30-cwt. motor vehicles.

Derby Watch Committee has decided to purchase another Motor fire-engine.

Derby Corporation proposes the purchase of a 2-ton 20-seater motorbus and a 44on chassis.

Leatherhead Urban District Council is inviting neighbouring authorities to join in a scheme for the provision of a motor fire-engine.

Leeds Corporation is seeking sanction to a loan of £17,350 in respect of the purchase of 14 motorbuses, three railless cars, etc.

Blackpool Corporation has referred to a sub-committee the tenders received for the supply of three 30-seater singledeck motorbuses.

Birkenhead Corporation has had fenders for the supply of a 2-ton motor , lorry, and referred it to the Electricity Committee to deal with Adelaide Corporation, Australia, has under consideration a scheme for the motor equipment and improvement of the fire-brigade at a cost of 225,000.

Lancaster Watch Committee has further considered a communication from the County Motors (Lancaster), Ltd., with respect to. the Cockerham bus:service, and adjourned the matter until been sing day.

Eastbourne Watch Committee has asked the chairman, the deputy-chairman, the motorbus manager and the captain of the fire-brigade to inspect .three types of motor fire-engine tendered for and report their recommendations.

The Port Talbot Borough Council invites tenders, which must be received by February 18th, for the supply of one 10-ton. and one 8-ton steam rollers. Further particulars can be obtained from the borough engineer, Council Offices, Port Talbot.

Manchester Corporation Cl ea nsing Committee recommends the purchase of three motor sweeping machines and one motor sweeper and collector. The committee reports that compared with horsed brooms each motor sweeper saves 2426 per annum, whilst the 'motor sweeper-collector saves 2448 per annum.

At a meeting of she Oldham Corporation Tramways Committee the general manager reported on an inspection of trolley vehicles at Birmingham and Wolverhampton. He had conferred with the Ministry of Transport with .respect to trolley vehicles, but the consideration of the question of the.type of vehicle to adopt for Oldham was adjourned.

Brecon Road StheineS.

, Figures .detailed to the Breconshire Main Roads Committee show that in the year ended November 30th, 1923, the • sums collected in the county in respect of motor vehicle licences amounted to £16,145, as against £14,000 in the previous 12 months.

An extensiVe road improvement: scheme has been decided upon by the committee, and £20,000, of which half is to be derived from a Government grant, is to be expended on the resurfacing of main roads, whilst, the Ministry of Transport has agreed to bear half the cost of widening the Bnilth, bridge and of inlproving tie Llwynon road.

Huddersfield's New Service.

The Huddersfield Tramways Commit.tee has recently instituted a bus service to Meltham, and several members of the committee participated in the opening run on the vehicle. The service is intended to provide the inhabitants of Meltham with a dependable connection with the town, and it will provide them with facilities which they have not hitherto enjoyed. So far the results from the services appear to have been satisfactory, and so soon as the need is evidenced for additional facilities new vehicles will be brought into service.

Urban Roads and Motor Traffic.

It would be to the advantago of user's of mechanically propelled vehicles if, for ihe sake of increased efficiency, a propoSal which has been suggested by the county council for the Holland Division of Lincolnshire could be realized. Many urban roads in the Pen territory have degenerated intio a deplorable -condition, and the Holland authorities have decided upon. urging the Ministry of Transport to introduce legislation whereby all such roads shall come under the direct controt of the county councils.

Teesside Railless Traction Results.

A steady increase in patronage has been noticeable for some months past on the road services maintained by the Teesside Railless Traction Board, and at the iast monthly meeting of the Board further satisfaction was expressed, it being ceported that during December last 57,000 passengers were carried, a favourable increase as compared with the corvesponding period of 1.923. The recent institution of reduced charges for return tickets has had much to do with the increase. Total receipts for the period were £2,664.

Bus By-laws at Bexhill.

At a meeting of the Bexhill Licensing Committee the town clerk reported receipt of a letter from the Ministry of health, stating that as regards new omnibus by-laws local authorities should discontinue the making of any general series pending the consideration of recermendations of a new departmental committee on taxation and regulation of road vehicles which had been appointed by the Ministry of Transport.

In these circumstances the committee approved the town clerk's proposal to proceed for the present with the preparation of a new series of hackney carriage by-laws only.

A Miners' Ambulance. The outstanding advantages of the motor ambulance, as compared with horse-drawn vehicles, in providing rapid. transport to hospital of accident cases, and thereby in many cases meaning all the difference between life and death', are fully realized in the North of England, and the provision of mechanical vehicles at the various collieries is proceeding rapidly, the latest purchase being at Wheatley Hill, where the colliery owners and miners have jointly, at a cost of £441, bought an excellently equipped Dodge motor ambulance. This vehicle has been supplied by .Messrs. George and Jobling, and will be available for cases of illness, as wc.11 as for accidents.

A Fire-Brigade Chief Honoured.

Chief Officer J. W. Dane, of the Croydon Fire Brigade, has been awarded the King's Police Medal for long and meritorious service. Many of our readers may recall that we dealt with the activities of this remarkably efficient brigade in our issue for August 8th, 1922.

A Promising Bus Service.

The new Blackpool bus service between Talbot Road Station and the Gynn is showing promise of good results. During the first 15 days of the service the buses on the route travelled 2,576 miles, the receipts per bus-mile working out at just under is. ld. Since April 1st last 3O5,15 passengers have been carried on the local bus services of the corporation, and the receipts --£1,487—are equivalent to slightly over al. per bus-mile. During the same period 197,5N passengers were carried on the Cleveleys and Thornton motorbus service, the receipts totalling £2,214, equal ls. 11 per bus-mile.

On an average, including both the Thornton and Blackpool services, the corporation buses have travelled over 250 milesa day during the whole of the past 91 months.


comments powered by Disqus