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Mexican Mule Drivers Face Lorry Competition

13th February 1942
Page 34
Page 34, 13th February 1942 — Mexican Mule Drivers Face Lorry Competition
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

UNTIL last spring no wheeled vehicle had ever attempted to negotiate the wild and difficult 56-mile strip between San Ignacio and Tayoltita in Western Mexico. Roads are non-existent and between the two places are rugged mountains, stony creek beds, rocky canyons and sandy surfaces—all of which make even a mule driver's life one of hazards.

Now, however, Francisco Ferrera is making regular lorry journeys between the two towns, carrying supplies inland to the San Luis Mining Co. at • Tayoltita, an extensive gold and silver property. The vehicle does the run in a day instead of the week occupied by pack-mules, and it provides transport for passengers as well as goods. The route, which was originally surveyed by mule riders, often follows the river bed, because it provides the smoothest course available. Flooding restricts working for several months and the main operations are confined to the four-month dry season. The trail crosses and recrosses the river some 300, times; for about half the journey the vehicle is running in water from 3 ins. to 3 ft. in depth.

At the beginning of each ?eason a tractor and bulldozer go through to clear away accumulated obstructions, but even on normal days the crew may have to dig passages ' through rock

slides or lay down planks to get a grip on the river bed.

In addition to the normal hazards of the journey, the operator and his men face constant threats from mule drivers, who object to the competition. These men formerly carried all freight over the route and 'have been doing all they+ could to obstruct the vehicle,

even threatening bodily harm to Ferrera and his staff. Following upon complaints the authorities have given military protection to the transport men. All sorts Of consignments are carried in addition to passengers— mining supplies, furniture, groceries, 'hardware, sugar, beer and numerous oddments,

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