WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheel of wealth will be slowed by all diyiazilties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier,
Ministry Honours.
We are officially informed that H.M. the King has approved that the fellowing honours be granted on' the occasion . of the termination of the post-war work of the Ministry of Transport and in recognition of their services to that Ministry :—Baronetcy : Sir Robert F. Bunnell, . K.G.B.3 knighthood: Mr. H. A. H. Stewand and Mr. C. F. Higham, M.P. Sir Robert F. Dunnell acted as secretary and solicitor to the Ministry until about twelve months ago. Sir C. F. Higham is at the head of the well-known firm of advertising agents, C. F. High= and Co., Ltd.
Coaching to Matiqees.
The inauguration of motor coach runs in eoemection with shopping expeditions has led to the introduction of this class of vehicle for other uses-, and it is stated that one of the novelties of the Christmas season this year will be a char:a-banes trip from the seaside to •a London matinee. Hastings, Eastbourne and Brighton are included in the scheme, which has been organized by Mr. Arthur Griffiths for "Mice in Wonderland" at the Garrick. An inclusive fee will be charged which will provide for the double journey, a stall at the theatre and tea. The first run will be on Boxing Day:
When an Owner is not an Owner.
judgment was given in the King's Bench Division lest week by Mr. Justice McCardie in a teat case which bad been brought by the British Railway Traffic. and Electric Co., of Westminster, for an injunction against the C.R.C. Co., Ltd., motor haulage contractors, of Kennington Road, who had obtained a inotoe lorry on the hire-purchase system feern the Traffic and Electric Co., and against the London County Council, who had registered the hirers as owners of the lorry.
The injunction asked that the defendants should he restricted from using in any way or for any purpose the registration book issued to them by the London County Council, and that the latter should be restrained from issuing a similar book or any document purportMg to show that any person other than the plaintiffs was the owner of the lorry.
Judgment was given for the defendants, the judge saying that the London County Council was bound by statute to regard the tenant as owner for purposes. of registration. The matter had been put to the Ministry of Transport, who thought they had got ever the difficulty by the simple device of issuing a regulation the purport of which was to say that "owner did not mean owner." The judge held this to be a startling proposition, lie also said that he was satisfied that the publication of the registration book was a slander on the plaintiffs' title, but there was no allegation of malice as against either defendant, . and that before the action could succeed there must be B6 malice. Whilst entering judgment for the defendants no order was made as to costs.
The Proposed Scottish Tractor Demonstration.
The Shows Committee of the Highland and Agricultural Society at a meeting of the directors in Edinburgh last week recommended that a demonstration of farm tractors and tractor implements he held in the autumn of 1922, provided a suitable ground could be obtained. This recommendation was approved, and it was remitted to a sub-committee to draw up a scheme and look out for suitable greued.
The above matter was referred to in the issue of The Commercial Motor for December 6th, when a report was given of the resolution that had been passed by the Implements Committee. Commenting upon that resolution and the position that might arise, the " Implement and Machinery Review" thinks it is extremely probable that tractor trials will be held upon a large scale in Scotland next year, although it points out that, as the Scottish trials, if -they are actually promoted, will be distinct from these to be organized by the SsiM.M. and T., there appears to be every probability that there will be two events in 1922, a circumstance which will hardly be appreciated.
The same jai/mai:es-lye that the suggestion has been made that the two should be amalgamated in one event, with the venue in. Scutland, lint it is stated the question of holding their trials in Scotland was under review some time ago by the S.M.M. and T. and apparently unfavourably regarded, hence the move of the Scottish body.
Commenting on the matter " Agrimot" says :—" I have already bad my say on this matter, anti have not yet found any reason for changing my view. I think it would be a pity to have large scale trials held on two occasions in one year, and a needless expense. If the two events do take place, the English site must be somewhere in the South of England,. nnlegie one body or the other drop the idea for 1922, and I should, personally, support the holding of trials in Scotland next year."
A new journal was published last week expressly for the benefit of the 20,000 taxicab owners of Great Britain. it is called " The Steering Wheel " and will be issued fortnightly.
After recently reviewing the results of the operation of the Common Fund of the " 'Underground " group for the last six years the boards of directors of the various companies in the. combine have decided to recommend variations in the division of the sum available. The original share of the L.G.O.C, was 32 per cent., and it is proposed to reduce this to 25 per cent. The Central London Railway also parts with a portion and the London Electric Railway receives an increased share.
Lincoln's Buses.
The Lincoln Corporation motorbus undertaking inaugurated e year ago is a matter of no little concern to this citizens who will be called upon to meet the substantial deficiency reported at this City Council meeting.
Aid. W. S. White stated that at the close of the last financial year there wag a deficit of £1,415, but this had been met by the borough rate. The result of the working of the last six month was a loss of £1,900. When they embarked upon that undertaking it was known that it was bound to result in a charge upon the rates. The buses cost £17,638, which amount was to be repaid in five years.
Aid. White supplemented his statement by saying that in Sheffield there was a lose of from £1,700 to £2,000 a week, and in Leeds the less was £169 a day, and that this was the experience in most places jest now.
A Safety Signal Device Tested.
The R.A.C. have recently observed a demonstration of an Arrow safety signal under their open competition rules. The device, which was entered by the Arrota Electrical and Motor Asscossories Co., -Ltd., of Charles Street, Louth, consists of two nickel-plated arrows, approximately 10 ins long, mounted oh uprights, one fixed facing forwards on the off side mudguard, and the other facing backwards and fixed on the off side rear mudguard. Each arrow rotates about the apex of its upright, the movement being imparted by Bowden wires actuated by a rotating handle mounted on the dashisbard. Each arrow is electric
ally illuminated at night. Any movement of the arrow automatically causes a signal to be given on the electric horn.
The device was teseted in West-End traffic during the day, and also at night, and the observations taken of its working showed that it worked satisfactorily. It was difficult to judge of the effect of the signalling device on other traffic. hat s the rear arrow affected following traffic m a way that showed that the signals were understood. The utility of the front arrow is, of course, not so great.
The S.M.M. and T. is sending a deputation. probably this week, to the Ministry of Transport on the question of general identification plates.
Mr. Robert tr. (loan, of the Aluminium Foundry, 219, Goswell Reeds London, E.G. 1, is distributing among his trade friends ansexamplie of the work of his foundry in the shape of a sandeast alnminhim fruit dish As with all (loan's castings, it is dean in production and the receipt of one is a compliment.
One of the -first calendars to be re-' eeived by us is that issued by the Underground group. The calendar comprises six beautiful colour reproductions of E. A. (lox's familiar "London Charac ters," and six apposite quotations from famous writers, in hand lettering. It 15 devoid of all advertising matter and will appeal to all lovers of art.
An An Ambulance Debate.
The Sudbury Board of Guazdiane had before them a, few days ago an exhaustive report of a sub-committee which had been deputed to ascertain the approximate costs of a motor ambulance.The report was presented by the chairman ef the committee, and it showed that the sum expended by the board for the year ended September 30th last for the conveyance of poor persons amounted to L101. 9s. by motor and £11 2s. by other means. .
The approximate cost of a motor ambulance arranged to take two stretchers, with accommodation for attendants, and convertible for use for the conveyance of mental cases. was £307. The report also pointed out that there was a demand for a motor ambulance both for private and public use in the area of the union district, the nearest motor ambulance being located at Bury St. Edmunds. In comparison with the present expenditure for hire, it was suggested that it would. be possible to run an ambulance at an approximate annual cost of £76, which included interest on capital, petrol, repairs, and other item. The guardians are evidently in sore need of a motor ambulance, and the attitude of several members, who brought pressure to bear and influenced the guardians to defer consideration of the matter for six months, is not to be commended. A. motor ambulance, it would seem, is not a luxury, as one member euggested, but rather a necessity.
Prospects in Netherlands East Indies.
Tho British Chamber of Commerce for Netherlands East Indies reports that, as a result of the rapid development of North-eaet. Borneo, the volume of freight is growing. Several good roads have been constructed, and the market, actual and potential, for commercial motor vehicles is particularly deserving of consideration. The making of good roads and the facilities with which motor lorries can handle plantation produce have already led to a rapid increase in the number of heavy vehicles in use. The type of vehicle which is most needed in North-West Borneo is of 3-5 ton carrying capacity.
New Bus Services in the North.
While the present season may not be the most advantageous one for opening up isolated country districts, it 'nest be borne in mind that large numbers of country residents make a special feature of shopping expeditions to the larger towns in their districts at Christmastime, and generally appreciate facilitiea provided for their tra,nsport during the winter equally as much as during summer.
In view of this, two newly instituted services,. opening up rather remote Northumbrian districts, should be very popular. In the first cue, Messrs. John Lee and Son, of Rothbury, have commenced a special passenger and goods service between Rothbury and Newcastle, via trinkhurn, Weddon Bridge, Longhorseley, Morpeth and Stantiegton. As the railway facilities in that imighbourhood are not by any means convenient, these saloon omnibus•services, which are run each Tuesday and Friday, should soon establish themselves. The goods service will rim each Friday. The total distance, return, is in the vicinity a 70 miles, and the return fare is 9a. In the other case, Messrs. Herrington Bros., of Morpeth, have inaugurated a daily passenger and goods service between that town and Newcastle, the single-journey fare for the 16 miles being 2a and the return fare 3a. 9d, Whilst Morpeth is on the main line and possesses good railway facilities, there is, nevertheless, ample scope for such a service, especially amongst the inhabitants of the villages en route to the Tyneside
The December T.B.R.
With the issue of the T.B R. (Travel by Road) motor omnibus guide and char-a-bancs directory of England and Wales for December, this publication has now been-issued for seven consecutive months. It has during this period constituted an accurate register of the changes and growth of the motor omnibus systems throughout the country. Its publishers can certainly claim to have done pioneer work, for until this guide was placed on the market no comprehen
sive time-table of road service was in existence. A close study of the seven issues of the T.B.R. would reveal the constant changes that take place in services from month to month. The problems which these alterations present to the publishers are difficult ones, but they have, nevertheless, collected the information and reduced it to a uniform ,system with commendable thoroughness. A feature of the December issue is the details given of the new service of the Bristol Tramways and Carriage, 0o., Ltd., which connects Swindon and Chippenharn with Faringdon, thus creating a completely new link between Oxford and Bristol. This service is particularly interesting,' as Swindon hes long been conspicuous-among our important towns for its lack of long-distance road services.
Widening Brighton Road.
Brighton Corporation approved a scheme for widening the BrightonLondon road from the borough boundary to Aldbourne 'View. The scheme will provide work for the unemployed and will cost 2100;000, of which sum the Government is contributing 250,000; Brighton E35,000, and the East Sussex Council 215:000. A Unique Bus.
The illustration which we reproduce on this page possesses a. historical interest, and will, no doubt; call to the mind of many of those who have been engaged in passenger. road vehicle operation the old-time troubles associated with the running of horsed buses.
It depicts an unusual bits body mounted on a 2 ton Republic chassis belonging to Mr. Reuben Williamson, of Bridlington-on-Sea. It will be observed that the body is an old horse-laus, which has been mounted in, its entirety on the Republic chassis, with an exteusion which is carried over the driver ; it even retains the old coach lamps, and is undoubtedly a most unique example of a passenger road vehicle.
Mr. Williamson has just overheu,ed the bas, which has been running exactly a year, covering 50 milesper day for seven days per week ; it has a total mileage of over 18,000 to its credit. With
the exception of fitting new piston rings and decarbonizing the eylinclers, the vehicle remains the same as on the day it was put on the road. It says much for the power and reliability of the Republic chassis when it is stated that, with a full load, it takes all the hills in the district around Bridlington on top gear; • moreover, it must be borne in mind that the weight of the horse-bus body must •far exceed the weight of a, body specially built for a motor chaasis, as in the days when horse-buses were in use the question eV-weight did not enter so much into the bodybuilder's calculations.
Service Agents Wanted.
Associated Equipment Cm Ltd., re
quire service agents for the Cm, towns in Lancashire, except Liverpool and a 20 mile radius therefrom. This agency is offered only to applicants who are members of the Motor Trade Association, and they must occupy premises in every way suitable for giving the best possible service to owners of A.E.C. vehicles. Communications in connection with this matter should be addressed to the company at, Walthamstow, London,
E. •
Traffic Competition.
The Municipal Tramways Association is asking local authorities to support a resolution to the effect that the Roa-ds Act of 1920 encourages wasteful and overlapping competition with statutory undertakings, which will inevitably resalt in increased travelling charges to the public, and is contrary to the intention of Parliament, and that, therefore, representation be made at once to the, Minister of Transport urging the statutory regulation of such competition in the public interest.
Renewal of Motor Vehicle Licences.
Owners of mechanically propelled vehicles are reminded that they must produce their registration books on application for renewal of licences for the year 1922. To avoid inconvenience to themselves and delay in obtaining licences, they should satisfy themselves that they have the book available for production and that it is in order. In any case where it has not come to hand or has been lost, the matter should immediately be
taken up with the appropriate licensing authority with a view to the registration book or a duplicate, thereof being obtained prior to the new licence being applied for. When the new licences are available, the licensing authorities will be so pressed with work in connection with the renewal of licences and the issue of new licences that they may not be able to give immediate attention to applications for registration books not to hand or for duplicates.
A Horn for Delivery Vans.
The use of electrical horns on commercial vehicles, especially of the lighter type, is becoming increasingly apparent.
A horn has Just been produced by J. W. Pickavant and Co., Ltd., of Quikko Works, Lombard Street, Birmingham. which should prove especially suitable for use on delivery vans and other types of speedy commercial vehicles whose duty it is to do numerous journeys per day and do them quickly. The producers make the bold claim that theQuikko horn is the loudest vibratory horn produced. At the same time, he current consumption is very low, and another great point is that the horn will not need any adjustment either for volume or tone, unless the battery has been allowed to rim low.
E8 By a simple patented device, the cable is entirely protected from damage at the point where its emerges from the horn cover: cable trouble is thus eliminated and perfect insulation is provided tiaroughout the horn, which is supplied for either 6 or 12-volt batteries and in two finishes—highly polished white metal and black.
Figures That Speak.
The agitation for a bridge over, or a traffic tunnel under, the River Mersey, is in full blast again. The following are figures giving the number of vehicles which crossed the Mersey by the luggage boats during the last three municipal years:
Two a Minute !
The Irlam District Council is to press the Ministry of Transport to fix a speed limit for the district owing to the dangers of street traffic. It was stated at the council meeting that at the inquiry recentIyheld in Warrington, figures were submitted showing that 1,455 vehicles passed through the town travelling between Liverpool and Manchester during a period of ten hours in October.
Buses or Trams ?.
Southport, Town Council has been asked to discuss a motion at itssnext meeting urging the appointment of a special committee to consider the advisability, or otherwise, of the adoption of a system of motorbuses OA an adjunct to or in whole or part substitution for, the existing tramway system and to report to the council.
Inefficiency and Accidents.
Monmouthshire County Council has called attention to the serious question of the issue of driving licences for motor vehicles to any person without any kind of test of efficiency, or physical or mental competency, and pointed out that many motor accidents are the result, more or less directly, of the inefficiency of motorcar drivers. The matter has been before the County Councils Association, which, at its last meeting, decided to make representation to the Department Committee on Road Vehicles as to the dangers ensuing from the presence of inexperienced drivers on the roads,
A Steam Wagon Risk.
The Cheshire County Council has called attention to the danger and nuisance caused by the emission of sparks from steam wagons, and also by the practice of drivers raking out the fireboxes and leaving the hot ashes at the roadside. The County Councils Association has agreed that the practice of leaving hot ashes on the roadside is dangerous and harmful, especially in the case of tarred roads, and suggests the possibility of by-laws on the subject; being macle under the Municipal Corporations and Local Government Acts.
The Association has asked its highways committee to consider the matter of the emission of sparks.
Traffic Facilities at Worcester.
A proposal has been brought forward that better facilities for crossing tRe river Severn should be provided at Worcester. The first proposal suggests that the present bridge .crossing the Severn at the end of Broad Street should be considerably widened. The second is that a new bridge should be constructed at the Barbourne end of -the city, craissa
ing from Park Avenue to Kepax, while a third suggestion is that a bridge should be constructed from the Bath Road. The first, two suggestions would he welcomed by motor vehicle users of all kinds, as the facilities for crossing the Severn in the neighbourhood are very bad. In the first place, the Worcester bridge is narrow, and, in the second place,it often entails going many miles round in order to cross the Severn for want of a bridge at the Barbourne end.
Bus, Tram, and Rail-less Results.
Statistics for the quarter ended September 30th in respect of the York City municipal services show that receipts and expenses per car-mile were as follow:—
Omnibuses: Receipts, 15.85d.; expenses, 17.97d. Tramways: Receipts, 21.57d.; expenses, 16.59d. Rail-less vehicles : Receipts, 17.17c1. ; expenses, 11.48d.
The annual report of the St. He-lens Medical Officer of Health mentions that two motor ambulances are kept at the Peasley Cross Hospital to convey patients to either of the corporation hospitals. During the year the total distance covered was 22,245 miles.
New Index Marks.
New index marks have been assigned as follow:—
County Council of Berks ... MO County Council of Cam bridge ER County Council of Chester... MB County ' Council of Glou cester DD County Council of Kent ... KK County Council of Lan.
caster TO County Council of the Parts of Lindsey ... FU London County Council ... XN, XO
Buses to Warrington.
At a meeting of the Warrington Watch Committee a letter was read from the British Automobile Traction Co., Ltd., Macclesfield, stating that they were desirous of re-opening their motor omnibus service from Altrincham via Lynun to Bridge Foot, and that theproposal was to run the service into War. rington via Hunts Lane and Fairfield Road, over the Northwich Road swing bridge and along Wilderspool Causeway to Bridge Foot.
The committee authorized the town clerk to inform the company that the committee agreed to such service, subjeot to an agreement on similar terms to those which are at present in force in connection with the omnibus services over the Longford and Sankey routes.
A Motorbus Arbitration.
Birkenhead Corporation has had correspondence with the Lower Bebington and Bromborough Urban District lt ounciLs as to the running by the corporation of a service of motorbuses to Rromborough, and has decided, in the event of the district councils definitely deciding to give their consent to the proposals of the corporation, to take all necessary steps to have the matter settled by arbitration.
Co-operation Between Road Users and Makers.
The importance of co-operation between road mere and road makers was emphasized at the meeting of the C.M.U.A. (Northern Division) held at Newcastle, on December 6th, at which Mr. Shrapnell-Smith, C.B.E., delivered a highly interesting address on "Roads, Road Transport and Railways." The assembly included many Northcountry road surveyors, and Mr. A. E. Brookes (Surveyor to Durham County. Council) advanced a suggestion whicia should recommend itself to many authorities.His suggestion was to the effect that county authorities should concentrate their estimated total expenditure for, say, five years, over the next 12 months, as it would amount in the end
to an economy, by getting the work done, and might lead to great saving by accomplishing repair work before the roads became more damaged. Mr. Shrapnell-Smith said they were endeavouring to secure rebates on licences taken out by motor coach owners after September 1st, allowing them to cope with business in October without bearing the full cost of a long licence.
Fixing Fares.
Cambridge Watch Committee has had a report by the chief constable with reference to fares for buses and taxicabs from the centre of the town, or the railway station to the Royal Show Ground, and decided to fix fares at 9d. per head for motorbuses, and ls, per person with a minimum fare of 3s., for taxicabs.
Warrington Bus Losses.
The accounts of the Warrington Corporation for the year ended March 31st show that there was a gross loss on the omnibuses of £993, the net loss having been 21,526.
According to these accounts the Tramways Committee received £123 from the Lancashire United Tramways, Ltd., for the privilege of running motor omnibuses from Longford Bridge to the Central Station from July 13th to September 30th.
Worcestershire Main Roads.
Road users will be very glad to hear that proposals for the widening of the Worcestershire main roads have been made, and it is contemplated taking up work on them soon. The Worcestershire main roads are mostly very good, so far as the surface is concerned, but many of them are too narrow in places, and winding, with many dangerous corners.
A gentleman, who has the real gift of salesmanship and organization, whom we have known for many years, is on the look-out for a good post where he could exercise his reorganizing abilities. He has a fine war record and is thoroughly used to handling men. We shall be glad to forward any inquiries addressed to this office, marked "Major."
Local Proceedings.
Wimbledon Town Council is getting tenders for the supply of tipping gear for one of its Foden wagons.
Cambridge Watch Committee has granted a hackney carriage licence for a Ford motorcab to Mn. A. M. Cox.
Blackburn Corporation has now. decided to seek Parliamentary powers to enable it to run motor omnibuses within and without the borough.
According to an advice received from Stockholm, the Swedish Railway Board has been authorized to buy four electric lorries abroad for the transport of luggage.
Waraington Corporation has appointed a sub-committee to consider the advisability of using motor vehicles instead of the present horse vehicles for the cleansing department.
Wimbledon borough surveyor has again called attention to the need of more haulage transport facilities, and the corporation has asked him to obtain tenders for various makes of motor tipping wagons.
Birkenhead Corporation is considering a letter from the f3xton Carriage Co., Ltd., with reference to the running of Corporation motor omnibuses for the convenience of persons attending dances, etc.
Blackburn Corporation has asked a committee to deal with the question of the adjustment of charges for the parking of motor vehicles on the old recreation ground behind the Albion Hotel, Ewood.
Manchester Corporation has under consideration a scheme for the construction of a new road from Oldham Road at Royton to Oldham Road at Failsworth, passing through the districts of Rorson, Chadderton, Manchester, and Failswarth —a total length of q miles.
The office of H.M. Commissioner at Cape Town reports that a South African municipality is desirous of obtaining particulars ard quotations for a compound steam or meter road roller of about 8 tons weight with scarifier. Further particulars can be obtained from the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.
Sentinel Service.
With a view to centralization and to provide better service for customers, th Sentinel Waggon Works (1920), Ltd., are removing their general sales offices to their Shrewsbury works as from January 1st, where, after that date, all general correspondence shoulif be addressed. The London district sales office will be at 17, Icidesleigh House, Caxton Street, Westminster, London, S.W., and repairs will, of course, continue to be dealt with from the company's service depot at 30, Fernhead load, Paddington, W.
As Cheap to Send Goods by Road Motor.
At a meeting of the Camp:len (Gleecestershire) branch of the N.F.U. reoently, the question of railway rates was discussed, and Mr. W. Stobee urged that it was one which should be seriously tackled by the N.F.U. Council. He.gave an instance of his experience when he was charged by the railway company the market price of leeks, and pointed out that he ahould not grow them again, as it was monstrous that farmers should still be charged war rates for their produce.
Other experiences were given by members, and it was urged that in many instances it was cheaper and quicker to send produce by motor vehicle..
A series of public meetings has been held by the residents of Springwell and district seeking to establish a bus service in High Usworth, Havannah, and Springwelhto Wrekeriton tram terminus, and as a result of their efforts a service was started on Saturday last..
Motor Coach Licences.
At a meeting of the Bournemouth Corporation Hackney Carriage Committee, the inspector submitted a number of applications for additional licences for chars-a...banes, and added that others were to be sent in. It is „doubtful whether the committee will grant these licences unless they are made by local owners, for they have, recently turned dawn an application from the Was and Dorset Motor Services, Ltd., who asked if a char-a-basics licence could be granted far plying for hire in Bournemouth.
Brain co (1920), Ltd., advise us that they have made a further reduction in the price of Compression puncture-proof tubes of 10 per cent.