Trials Models for Olympia.
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Apropos the presentation of the Judges' report upon the September-October trials, the following eight-page review of which appeared in the second edition of this journal for last week, we are glad to be able to inform our readers that one of the outstanding features of the forthcomingshow at Olympia will be the representation of the large majority of the successful models which participated in the competition. Some manufacturers have parted with the identical machines, and they will have to show duplicates, but the fact remains that the tested models will be greatly in evidence. The publication of the report upon the trials was fittingly arranged to precede the opening of the Olympia Show by a suitable interval, and competitors are now in a position to prepare for the display of their certificates and medals.
While on the subject of forthcoming shows, we may point out that, in order to permit of the opening by the Lord Mayor of London, Sir J. Bell, the first day at Olympia will be the 27th instant, a Triday, and not the 26th of the month as originally announced. We are glad to see, too, that the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has resolved to grant free admission to members-of the Commercial Motor Users' Association, because of the increasing position of importance which this body enjoys. Its co-operation with both the Club and the Society over the recent trials renders it all the more desirable that the three should act in harmony, and not in opposition one to the other. Mutual interests can best be advanced by recognition of the proper functions of each, whether by manufacturers or users, and this granting of facilities, coming, as it does, closely upon the heels of the announcement that the C.M.U.A. had resolved to maintain friendly relations both with the Motor Union and the R.A.C., must be a matter for congratulation to all parties who have at heart the real progress of the movement, rather than the improvement of their own prospects.
Cordingley's Show, which will be opened on the loth instant, promises to possess no small degree of interest, and the names of some of the principal exhibitors will be found on page 15. We would remind our Provincial readers that, in consequence of the postponement of the opening of the Olympia Show by one day, they will only be able to see the two displays in the course of a single visit to London by being in town on the 27th or 28th of this month.
The Best Use of Steam Wagons and Tractors.
The quality of keenness can be equally exercised in the arrangement and organisation of steam-wagon and tractor haulage, as in any other department of industry or trade. A number of doubtful openings for steam plant can undoubtedly be brought within the range of practical application, if those who are studying them will only take a little trouble to make sure that they employ these modern examples of mechanical plant for use on common roads exactly in the manner best suited to their capacities. Thus, rather than allow wagons and tractors to run into the centre of Manchester, we are much interested to know that a great increase in the savings effected has been shown, as an alternative method of use, in the cases of certain owners who have placed their horse stables some seven or eight miles from the centre of the city, say, at the farthest point compatible with a reasonable working day for the horse, and have thereby, in using the motors for what virtually amounts to depot-to-depot service, got the best out of them, as well as out of their animals.
Licensing Bill Hinders Sales to Brewers.
A not altogether unexpected effect of the Licensing Bill is the decision of many brewers to curtail further expenditure on capital account as far as is possible, and we are sorry to have had cases brought before us in which orders for commercial motors have not been confirmed. This programme of laissez faire appears to us to be in the nature of a panic, so far as a modern road locomotive is concerned, however just the assumption of the attitude may be in regard to fixed buildings and plant. It is now generally agreed that depreciation at the rate of 121 per cent. per annum, which means, after allowance is made for the residual value in any machine, a five years' working life, is ample provision to make in respect of any motor wagon, and for that reason, if for no other, even were the proposed limit of 14 years to become Law, which is at least questionable, there can be no really sound argument against the placing of orders for the cheapening of transport. In quoting from one of the letters which has been brought under our notice, we would express the hope that the disappointed manufacturers will take steps to bring the above argument before the writers. This letter reads : " In view, of the alarming character of the Government's Licensing Bill introduced into the House of Commons last week, my directors have decided with great regret to postpone indefinitely the question of the purchase of another motor lorry. We take it
that if political should permit us to reconsider the matter, you will be prepared to supply us."