WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheel of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crosier.
A Big Deal.
The big R.A.F. "park" at St. Omer, consisting of about 950 Leyland lorries and a number of Crossley's and Ford tenders, seine trailers and motorcycles and a host of spare parts, has now been purchased, lock, stock and barrel—everything there, in fact, except the sheds— by Mr. Henry Spurner, Junr., on behalf of Leyland Motors, Ltd. It is not easy to get any information on the subject, because both parties are reticent about the deal, and all that they will disclose is that it has actually been completed. We understand that the purchase price was a round half-million sterling, showing a substantial advance on the figure offered by representatives of Lever Bros., Ltd., who desired to obtain a. large fleet such as the Leylands would have given them, for the new fish-distributing industry, in which Lord •Leverhulme is interested. So far as we can gather, the vehicles will all be brought to the new Leyland factory at Ham,a'Surrey, acquired from the Sopwith Aviation Co., Ltd„, there to be overhauled and disposed of. The large number of orders on the books of the Leyland Co. will naturally he the first to receive attention, so. that it is doubtful whether the company will have a single one of its newlyacquired stock available for , sale, but, inasmuch as the deliveries in satisfaction of the existing orders can now he greatly accelerated, it goes without saying that earlier delivery of newly-placed orders can be promised.
The Research Association of the A.I3.M.A.M.
To the British motor industry belongs the credit of being the first specific branch of the engineering industry to form a Research Assoeiataon. Negotiations have, for some time past, been carried on between the, Government Department of Scientific and Industrial Research and the Association of British Motor and Allied Manufacturers, with the result that the Research Association of British motor and allied manufacturers has been ,formed under conditions entitling it to substantial financial aasistance from the Government. That the movement is receiving influential support from within the industry is apparent from the composition of the Council of the Association recently formed as follows :—Mr. H. C. B. Underdown, Dr. T. Blackwood Murray, Lieut.-Col. J. A. Cole, Mr. A. E. Berriman Mr. R. Clayton, Mr. A. Craig dr. W. Letts, C.B.E., Mr. R. Maucislay, Mr. A. McCormack, Mr. J. W. Mills, Mr. T. C. Pullinger, Mr. S. Straker, Mr. T. Thornyeroft, Mr.. L. Walton.
This Council has power to add to its members, and will doubtless exercise this power when the Association has been further strengthened by the inclusion of several important firms in respect of which the formalities of election are not yet complete. The activities of the Association will fall under two main headings; that is to say—on the one hand, the collection and dissemination of scientific information of value to the industry, and, on the
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other, actual research and experiment.
is not intended in the first instance to establish laboratories, but rather to utilize existing institutions. Aklequate funds are already assured by submriptions guaranteed for a period of. five years and substantially supplemented by the Government grant. A technical secretary of the Association will be appointed in the near future and a director of research at a later date.
Conversion to Producer Gas:
A development of considerable interest has occurred in connection, with the D. S. Smith suction gas producer for motor vehicles. A well-known concern is fitting a power set, consisting of a D. J. Smith producer and a gas engine to the chassis of a steam lorry. This is a combination of units of proved worth and. reliability, and every hope is entertained that diet resulting product will prove eminently satisfactory, and will convey its loads at a surprisingly low cost,per ton mile, If these hopes prove justified the result may well be revolutionary; as the disadvantages, of the ashort water range and comparatively heavy fuel consumption of the steam vehicle will be abolished.
A Daily Freight Bulletin.
We have consistently urged upon those -who have sought our advice upon the establishment • of a freight exchange organization, the need for adaily bulletin of freights and loads offering for circulation by post to every owner of transport and manufacturer, dealer. or buyer of goods within the categories and in the district desired to be covered. The daily bulletin is almost the only way in which to " marry " the load to the vehicle. We' see that a Daily Road-Freight Bulletin is to be publisheds by Mann aaxl James, engineers and freight brokers, of 2, Broael Street Place, London, E.C, 2, at a subscription of 10s. per month, or £5 5s, per year for those who have freight to move and at double Om figures for owners of transport vehicles. A feature of the scheme is a trial month's service at half fee.
B.S.-A. Issue.
An issue of £2,500,000 6L. per cent. 12 year notes in denominations of £25, £50, and £100, constituting a charge upon the undertaking and property of the Birmingham Small Arms Co., Ltd., is being made at 99 per cent., the notes being on offer by various banks named in the prospectus appearing in our advertiseanent pages. These notes are repayable at par on January 1st, 1932, the company having the right of repaying any of them at par by drawings at any time after the end of the current year on giving three months' notice to the holder. So long as any of these notes are outstanding no debentures or debenture stock may be issued except on certain specified property. With the proceeds of this issue the assets of the company and its subsidiary companies will amount to over £7,500,000. The net profits for the past seven years have totalled £6,337,378, givi.na a yearly average of £905,339.
Taxation.' A Suggestion.
With regard to the difficulty now being expelienced in the 'search for a method of taxing motor vehicles to take the place of the petrol duty, we understand that the objection of the authorities to the petrol duty arises from (1) the practical impossibility of correctly defining the term "motor spirit," and (2) the complication caused by the rebates to doctors, users of commercial vehicles, etc. However, despite its faults in these respects there is no fairer method of taxing motor vehicles than on their mileage, particularly in view of the fact that the proceeds Of taxation are allocated to road improvement and new road construction and -petrol consumption is the only reliable means of getting at the mileage covered. It is now urged that the petrol duty should not be lightly thrown over in favour of taxation by h..p, or weight, involving the -sacrifice of the rebate by commercial vehicle users, but that it be collected in a different manner. It, is immaterial what the specific gravity, flash point or boiling point of the contents of a can of petrol may be : if it is sold for motor use it should pay a duty, and it is suggested that a modification of the exacting revenue duty on patent medicines should be employed. The petrol importers, instead of paying duty where a quantity of petrol is released from band, would lay in a stock of seals of three different kinds. The white seal would, represent full duty, the blue seal half duty, and the red seal duty free. These should go on all packages—a shi/ling white seal on a two-gallon can of full duty spirit, a £10 seal on the faucet of an 800-gallon wagon of half duty spirit, and so on. A certificate would be issued to persons and concerns entitled to buy and use half duty and duty free spirit, and asupplies of such spirit would only be made to them on production of such certificate. The scheme is perfectly simple, and seems to overcome all objec4,ions. We hope, therefore, it will receive full consideration.
The Exhibition Question.
We have the best authority for stating that there is every chance of a commercial-vehicle exhibition being held at Olynipia this year after all. A most encouraging response was made to a recent circular to the trade from internal-combustion engine makers, quite enough to form the nucleus of a show, and apart from this the steam-wagon and tractor makers and electric-vehicle makers who have separate organizations, are also keen on an exhibition. Although an expected. meeting of the S.M.M. and T. members was recently cancelled, the reason Was not for lack of interest, but because the date was inconvenient to the president. We learn from many sources that the recent. Transport Exhibition at the Agricultural Hall was very satisfactory, and the feeling is rapidly growing in favour of a show at Olympia.
We understand that a new refinery for crude oil, for the production of motor spirit, lubricating and fuel oils, is .about to be established on the south bank of the Thames, opposite Thames Haven.
Danish Import Duties.
tattler a Danish law, dated October 4th„ the Customs duties on motor vehicles, chassis,bodies, etc., imported into Denmark are now leviable at the following rates :— Motor vehicles and ehaesis of three or more wheels, whether complete or incomplete. not including motorcycles with sidevars), 25 Ore per kilog. plus 5 per cent. ad valorem.
Be dies for Motor vehicles, 25 Ore per
Bus Traffic and Road Upkeep.
AL the last meeting of the Plemesgate R.D.C. it was decided that the Council should be represented at a meeting to be .11eld in Ipswich for the purpose of discieseing meter omnibus traffic in relaCon to road Maintenance. The Council unan i mo usly expressed disagreement with the suggested levy of 3d. per omnibus mile. It was pointed out that the proposed leyy should apply to other heavy traffic as well, end. one member said that motor omnibuses were a boon to country people and it was not fair that other road traffic should be imm-une at the expense of motor omnibus proprietors. It is proposed to emphasize this point at the coming meeting.
Company Registration Statistics.
We have just received from Jordan and Sons, Ltd., Chancery Lane, W.C. 2, a very instructive list showing company registrations which teak place from July to December, 1919. It is safe to say that in the number of campanies and anaount of capital the past year will have outstripped, all its predecessors. The registrations in the United Kingdom for the second half ef the year numbered nearly 6,000, with a capital of about 260 millions.
L The.number of thaw, dealing with the meter trade was 411, With a Capital 'of over 18 millions.
;• The number of companies formed with a capital of a million and upwards is unprecedented, and the Six, million capital of Harper, Bean, LW., was the largest for Use half year.
The average capital per oomparty for the year 1919 was well over £45,000
Heat Treatment of Steels.
We have received from Messrs. 0. P. Wall, manufacturers of high-grade steel and steel wire, of Pertietone Road, Sheffield. a copy of their revised booklet dealing with the heat treatment of steels, gauge comparisons, metric equivalents, etc. This iseue contains complete details regarding forging, annealiog, normalizing, general hardening; and case hardening, and is undoubtedly the most accurate and comprehensive booklet yet issued by any steel makers, The booklet also contains a facsimile of the concern's steel tempering chart which was reproduced from samples of heattreated tool steels' and is said to be the must. accurate chart yet printed. Tables are also included giving the critical points of steel, also normalizing, annealing, and hardening temperatures. The gauge comparisons and metric equivalents are also very comprehensive. The concern have had considerable experience in the production and heat-treatment of steels, and the hints included in the booklet. are based on their extensive experience. It is intended to circulate widely the booklet, atvl the concern intimate that they will be pleased to send a copy to any firm interested in the matters with which it deals,
Frost Fractures. •
Barimar, Ltd., 10, Poland Street, Oxford Street, W. 1, inform, us that they have, in view of the recent spell of exceptionally cold weather, made special arrangements for the immediate treatment of frost, fractures by their scientific welding methods, in ender that owners' vehicles may be off tho road far the minimum of time, thus avoiding undue inconvenience.
Canadian Trade.
The following were among the 'in'quince relating to Canadian trade received retently 'at the office of the High Conuniesiorter for Canada, 19, Victoria Street, S.W. 1.
, A Calgary firm are in the market for high-grade motor-vehicle accessories, inchiding ball bearings, mechanics' and garage tools, jacks, and sparking plugs, 'Whilst another Canadian company deeire to find a market in the United Kingdom for a number of second-hand automobiles ranging in prim from 200 to 2,000 dollars, and are desirous of getting into touch with dealers open to handle them.
Industrial Welfare Society.
The first annual report of the Industrial Welfare Society has just been issued. The accounts for the first year of working ,to June 30th are very eatiafactory. It is remarkable that, starting the last financial-year without members and with only £119 cash at the bank, enough revenue should have been secured by tlee first year's working to cover an expenditure of £4,023, excepting only the debit balance of £1,244, which has been carried into the accounts for next year.
As most of our readies probably know, the Ineleitrial Welfare Society exists for the purpose of focussing and developing the many activities, industrial, educational, arid recreational, indicated by the word " welfare." The Society are able to lend considerable help to employers of labour.
Personal Pars.
Mr, G. J. Shaw, the L.G.O.C.'s manager for maintenance, reached home from his visit to the States just in time for Christmas. He was a. passenger on the " Imperater," taken over by the Cunard
• Co. after its transfer to ownership in this country as an outcome of the Peace Treaty. His voyage was more than usually interesting, and his six or seven weeks' stay in America, if not exactly enlightening, mast, at least, have broadened his views and given him things to think about. He has been good enough to give a member of the staff an interview, which we hope to publish in the next issue of The Commercial Motor. It would have appeared in this issue had all the material for illustration been available.
Lient.-Col. D. J. Smith, M.B.E.who read his paper on suction gas producers before the members of the Institution ef Automobile Engineers at the "Meeha,nicals " on Wednesday, is a real enthusiast. He is a gas and steam engineer and proved a pillar of strength in the Home Mechanical Transport Depot daring the war, his work securing him wePdeserved and even rapid Promotion and an honour which we venture to-urge is not to be despised. Starting, as he did, with no traditions to hamper him, but with a very clear idea of what be wanted to do in order to devise an apparatus which should enable him to supply producer gas to the engine of a motor vehicle from the plant carried on the vehicle, he was able to make a clear breakaway from Suction-gas pro-. ducer practice. The various features of his design did not commend themselves to the speakers at the T.A.E. meeting, who had had 25'r more years' experience in producer design and manufacture, and he was plainly told that he could save himself all his trouble. as his apparatus would not work, But as speaker after speaker told of the good results that had been. attained some of the listeners were inclined to be sceptical of the arguments of those with such terribly lone experience. Dr. Ormandy was irresistibly reminded of the old countryman who, on being shown. a. giraffe, maintained his -attitude of deep conviction that there was no such animal
Motor Imports.
As,with the rest of the Board of Trade returns of particular interest to' the, meter industay, it is not possible to separate the number of commercial vehicles imparted from the private motorcars. The imports, after deducting the re-experts, for the past year showed a large increase in numbers of the cheaper vehicles as compared with the previous two years. The figures are as follow :-1917 5,349 cars and chassis, valued at 23,310,043; 1918 : 3,296 vehicles, valued at 22,205,484; 1.919 : 6,180 vehicles, valued at 21,933,163. The motor vehicle parts imported showed a material increase in value thus :-1917, £2,293,948; 1918, £2,530,667; 1919, .23,100,941. So, also, did tyres and tubes, the values in the three .years under review being :-1917, 21,161,989; 1918, £602,645; 1919, 22,053,423. Our total motor imports for the year reached the value of 27,203,572, not counting .2145,464 worth of motor cycles and parts. .
The Turret Lathe.
We have receiVed a most interesting and instructive publication entitled "The Turret Lathe and Its Work," from Alfred' Fferbert, Ltd., Coventry. The booklet is of particular value to. practical men, as it shows the various classes of work which are being profitably handled by turret
lathe methods. •
The features of the modern turret lathe are versatility, high productivity and accuracy, and practically all lathe Work within certain limitations of diameter and length can be performed on this type of machine. That it is accurate is proved by the fact that such parts as magneto contact breaker cases as well as other
magneto parts, can be accurately machined. It is well known that the tolerances of magneto work are very fine.
That it is not a case of f‘ do what I say, not what I do" is proved by the fact that Alfred ilerlcert, Ltd., use turret lathes of their own manufacture in ma'ehining their own material, and their productions have always been noted for accuracy and ease of' replacement. A copy of this booklet will be sent post free to anyone interested in the eceneraical production of turret lathe -work.
Trial of Palm and Fuel Oil Tractors for the Belgian Congo:
An interesting series of .trials of motor tractors burning palm oil or other vegetable_ oils grown in Africa will be organized in Belgium next spring by the • Belgian Colonial Office, Department of Agriculture. Belgian and foreign tractors will be eligible for the tfials. Two awards of 15,000 and 10,000 francs respectively will he made to the two best tractors burnmg fuel oil or some similar grade of heavy petroleum residues.
The tractors must be abla to give a total pull of 1,000 kilos.. on thedrawbar at a speed of .2 m.p.h.. Preference will be given to tractors weighing not more than 3,500 kilos., suitable for the rough roads of Central Africa,... . The trials will be held near Brussels, probably next April, and will last 6 to 10 'days.. The .traitors will be tried on belt.deiVing, and hauling of transpert. wagons (up to abeut 30 miles
a day). . Particulars of these trials are to be obtained, at the Agricultural Department of the Ministry of Colonies, 7, rue Theresienne,BruSsele, Belgium.
. Fuel importations.
Our importation of motor spirit in the year 1919 reached approximately the same figure as in 1918, although it has been priced at a much lower figure. The importations for the past three years are' as as foliew :-1917, 135,903,802 gallons;
1918, 192,554,683 e-allons; 1919, 193,681892 gallons. The diffel.ence in value in the past two years is indicated the figures that follow 4-1918, £18,368,414; 1919, 215,169,771. The quantity of paraffin imported last year teas 1431000,000 gallons, practically the same figure as.in 1918. •
"The Times" Atlas.
The world has had to be remapped, and all old atlases are in a large measure obsolete. One of the most promising efforts to fill the void thus created is The Times Survey Atlas of the World, which has been prepared under the personal direction of the super map maker, Dr. J. G, Bartholomew. For many years now we have held the Bartholomew contour maps to be unequalled for accuracy and utility. For the first time' the principle of contour colouring has been applied to an atlas, which is being published by The Times in 37 fortnightly parts at, 2s. 61 each, the first. partappearing on Friday last. The atlas will consist of 112 entirely new plates of large size (23 ins. by 18 ins.) prepared with hinged tabs for a loose-leaf binding cases system— quite a novel application. The whole work is o.good as to be exceptional.• Bournemouth Licensing Committee is.'
still refusing to grant; more licences for motor chars-a-bancs, contending, that sufficient have already been licensed for 1920.
Motor Exports.
The information concerning the imort and: export trade in ingtor vehicles, heir parts, tyres, and accessories, circuited by the Board of Trade, is not Huth-. lently sub-divided to be of material use those who are solely or mainly in'nested in the development of the coinmrcial vehicle industry. Chassis arc reaped in one category covering the usiness and private vehicle, whilst all aotor vehicles, complete with bodies, re grouped under the heading of motorare. The figures, however, are worth Tatchi it g as showing the general trend f the industry.
In the year 1919, 1,515 motorcars and 76 chasms were exported, the 2,191 ehides having a declared value of 1,524096. The comparable figures for he previous two years are :-1917— ,223 vehicles of a, total value of 11,117,014j 1918-2,958 vehicles, value 2,075,391, Our export trade, therefore, hows a decline on each of those years. he value of the motor vehicle parts and f rubber tyres and tubes, however, hows a substantial advance. The figures
re as follow —Rubbere tyres-1917, !1,108,636; 1918, £1,163,623; 1919, 2,421,906. Motor vehicle parts:— 917, £688,874; 1918, £418,829; 1919; .31,075,075. Our total export trade for eat year was therefore a little over five rjilboiis strieling (£5;023,080).
Chloride Accumulators.
Now that acciunulators are used to' uch a great .extent, both in electric • chides and for lighting . and starting ■ urposes in petrol vehicles, great interest s being taken in their production, and aakers are on the kook out for really eliable and efficient types. One of the most successful makes of ccumulators on the market is that proiuced by the Chloride Electrical Storage Ltd., Clifton Junction, Manchester. 711-; company. manufacture two types, he Exide and the Clifton, the former is
very high-class accumulator suitable ir use in driving electric vehicles of all escriptions. The cells are assembled in so-volt units, and use is made of pecially-treated wood separators by ,hich all risk of short circuits between ie plates is prevented. The boxes are
celluloid, and they are made up into 'zee suitable for all purposes. An un?illable pattern of the Exide ateumuJeir is also produced.
The Clifton accumulator is designed to feet the demand for an inexpensive vet ioroughly reliable accumulator 'for mition and lighting purposes. It is of .milar construction to the Exide type. rid is also assembled in individual twocat units.
More Extensions.
;The annual dinner of that enterprisig concern, Commercial Car Hirers, was held at Beale's Restaurant, rollapway. A telegram expressing regret t noteatteridance was received from the nairman of the company, Mr. H. C. B. Inderdown. Another director, Brigadierleneral Huleatt, very efficiently filled se 'chair. In speaking to the employees e made a great hit with the drivers by xplaiiiing that, he was once an engine river himself, having learnt when a cuing officer in the Engineers to drive a totor tractor. Mr. J. C. Moth, the lanagieg director, spoke earnestly to the len of their opportunities and went on ) say amid enthusiasm that extensions were being rapidly pushed forward for a new factory near the Hendon Flying . Ground, and it was expected that their staff would be quadrupled. Major Verey and Mr. J. A. Jackson (The Commercial Motor) responded for a comprehensive. host of visitors. Interspersed with the speeches was al excellent musical progra,mme.
Do Your Own Repairs.
The repairing of a commercial vehicle is a 'somewhat more diffictilt task than that -of a light ear. However, there is no reason why a man with average intelligence should not be able to carry out a considerable number of the minor repairs which are sometimes necessary in vehicles used for commercial purposes. Considerable difficulty is now being experienced in sonic quarters in carrying out the large numbers of overhauls and repairs which have resulted as an aftermath of the war, and if a vehicle is in dock for some small fault there is no reason why that fault should not be repaired by the owner or the driver.
A book which will assist him to a great -extent in this " Motor Repair Work," issued by Temple Press Ltd., 7-15. Rose bery Avenue, E.C.1, published atis. 9d. net, or 1s. 11d. post free. The present edition is the third, which proves how popular and useful this book has become.
The Grantham branch of the Lincolnshire Farmers Union is complaining about the too liberal application of tar. to the surface of roads of the county.
The French Government have authorized for the time being the export of mineral ores, whilst the Belgian Government have annoiniced that it is making the greatesteffort to despatch to France the lasgeet possible supplies of coat The use of high-quality steels is admittedly one of the vital factorsaffecting modern commercial-vehicle design. Mulford and Elliott (Sheffield), Ltd., are manufacturers of all types of highclass steels suitable for emplovhient in the construction of chassis. They issue a, most. -comprehensive catalogue in which are included many useful tables of weights, conversions, etc.
• Local Proceedings. •
Swansea Corporation has purchased a25 h.p. Lacre petrol lorry far the-parks department.
A steam wagon Tor the general works department is to be purchased by Batley Corporation.
. Consideration is being given to the purchase et a motor lorry by Castle Donington R.D.C.
A motor andeilance, at a, cost of £600, is to be purchased for the P-ontypool and District. Hospital.
Hall Corporation Water and Gas Committee have authorized the engineer to purchase a motor vehicle for haulage purposes.
Willesden U.D.C. has accepted the tender of W. Walkeedine, Ltd., at £4,814; for the erection of a garage at Acton Lane.
Halifax Corporation has. placed an order with the Lacre Motor .Co., Ltd., for the supply of a motor sweeper at a cost of£578. • The question of purchasing a tractor for hauling road material has been re forced to the Finance Committee by Hereford R.D.C.
An inquiry is to be held into an application by Llantrisa,nt and Llantwit Vardre R.D.C. far sanction to a loan for the purchase of a motor lorry.
Halifax Corporation has asked the Cleansing Superintendent to obtain particulars of the various types, prices, ete., of a two or three ton motor wagon.
Halifax Corporation Cleansing Committee recommends the purchase from the YorkshireCommercial Motor Co., Ltd. of a nnitor gully cleanser at a cost of £1,386.
Ilkeston borough surveyor has been asked to prep-are a comparative statement of the current cost Of the use and upkeep of steam and horse traction respectively.
The following tenders have been accepted by Sleaford R.D.C. :—Foster and Co., Lincoln, motor tractor, £1,147 10s. ; wagons, £200 each; Avering and Porter, Ltd., Rochester, tractor £1,149 10s. td., and -wagons £187 Be. respectively.