First Appeal Against Change of Base
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HEARING of thy first appeal against the grant of a change of base to a haulier opened in London on Tuesday. The appellant was the Hay's Wharf Cartage Co., Ltd. (owned by the British Transport Commission). The case concerned the Yorkshire Licensing Authority's decision to allow B. Booth, Ltd., East Morton, near Bingley, to operate from East Morton, instead of Burnley.
At the original hearing it was explained that B. Booth, Ltd., operates a general parcels service between Burnley and Leeds, which are about 30 miles apart. The change of base to East Morton enables both towns to be served within a radius of 25 miles.
The service has been operated from Burnley since 1919, but when . the present owners, Messrs. Trotter, purchased the business in 1946, the garage and offices were established in East Morton.
At the opening of the appeal hearing, counsel for Hay's Wharf Cartage Co., Ltd., said that his case would be that the service operated by the present owners of B. Booth, Ltd., since they aook over the business, did not relate itself to the old-established business. In his view, the applicant should have been dealt with as a newcomer. From evidence submitted at the original hearing, it was shown that during January. 1947. and September, 1948, no fewer than 22 new customers had been introduced.
It was not in accord with the evidence that Messrs. Trotter, the present owners, had been operating from East Morton since 1946. counsel continued.
In evidence, Mr. Trotter told Mr. Gleeson E. Robinson, chairman of the Tribunal, that the vehicle was moved to East Morton six weeks after he had agreed to purchase the business from Mr. Booth. It has been garaged in East Morton since that time.
Mr. Gleeson Robinson said he found it difficult to believe that Mr. Trotter had moved the vehicle from Burnley to East Morton before he had actually paid for his share in the business. According to the transcript, said Mr. Robinson, Mr. Trotter had not made full payment until "about December."
In reply to the chairman, Mr. Trotter agreed that he had garaged the vehicle at East Morton because he was driving it from September, 1946, and it was more convenient than to go to Burnley by bus every day to collect it.
Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Trotter why he applied in November, 1946, for a licence with a base in Burnley, when, in fact, there was no base in Burnley. Mr. Trotter replied that he had done so on his solicitor's advice. B.T.C. ACQUIRES SECOND TAM WORTH CONCERN
A CQU1SITION by the British Trans1-1port Commission of B.B. Transport (Tamworth), Ltd., was completed on December 31. The fleet of 14 vehicles has been transferred to G. A. Seal (B.T.C.), Ltd., Amington Road, Tamworth. B.B. Transport, Ltd., was acquired by voluntary agreement, involving a cash transaction of approximately £20,000.
It is understood that the managing director of B.B. Transport, Mr. Butler, has not accepted a post with the B.T.C.
BIG CHANCE FOR RIGHT MAN
ALARGE engineering undertaking covering a wide field in transport and engineering requires an export sales organizer. There will be excellent prospects and a salary commensurate with the post to a man, age not over 50, possessing the highest qualifications and extensive experience. Letters should be addressed "Sales Organizer," care of the Editor.
DANGER OF SALTED ROADS
HIGHWAY authorities have been warned by the Ministry of Transport of the damage caused to vehicles by the use of an excessive amount of salt in chemical mixtures employed for snow clearance.
Vehicles driven on surfaces that have been chemically treated should be thoroughly washed as soon as possible. Particular care should be devoted to the body panels and chassis frames, where corrosion often passes unnoticed. SHOULD CHEAP TRAVEL RE PROVIDED THROUGH RATES?
A12-MONTH increase in the age limit for children's and scholars' cheap (ravel facilities, to correspond with concessions afforded on the Manchester municipal undertaking, is being sought by Stockport Corporation.
In an application before the NorthWest Licensing Authority in Manchester, last week, the corporation proposed to grant half-fare travel for children up to the age of 15 years and provide cheap travel for scholars to and from school until they reached the age of 18.
It was stated that since Manchester Corporation's recent successful application for similar concessions, some school children using the jointly operated services paid half-rate in the Manchester area and then had to rebook at the full adult fare when the vehicles crossed the boundary into Stockport.
The North-Western Road Car Co., Ltd., opposed the application on the ground that, if granted, the concessions would cause children, and parents travelling with their children, to take advantage of the cheaper travel afforded by using the corporation vehicles. • In putting the company's case, Mr. W. Blackhirst suggested that if the corporation wished to grant the special facilities it could do so through the general rate.
Mr. F. Williamson, chairman of the Licensing Authority, said that the applicaton was important and he reserved his decision.
NO EXTRA COMPETITION WITH HAULIERS
THo pinion expressed in some quarters that the many extra Clicence vehicles are competitive with hauliers' services and other transport concerns, is not supported by investigations carried out by the road traffic section of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, states a report released this week.
Available statistics,. says the section's report, did not throw much light on competition between C-licensees and hauliers and the railways. On the one hand, registrations of new vehicles in the various weight categories were not subdivided according to their respective licences, whilst statistics of new licences issued to operators did not distinguish between the weights of the vehicles.
So far as comparisons could be made, however, it appeared that the majority of C-licence registrations in the first half of 1948 represented the lighter types of commercial vehicle, which would be employed chiefly on local delivery work. Moreover, because of the shortage of light vehicles, heavier machines (often exGovernment) had been purchased by traders. The committee formed the opinion that the degree of diversion of traffic to C licensees was far less than was felt in some quarters.
A30 WHAT PRIVATE ENTERPRISE MEANS
AFTER opening the new offices of the West Midland Area of the National Road Transport Federation, at RoadWay House, Sparkhill, Birmingham, last Friday, Sir Patrick Hannon, M.P., called for a more realistic appreciation by the public of the indispensable contribution that private enterprise was making to the welfare of thecommunity.
He declared that RoadWay House symbolized the vitality of private enterprise and he expressed his appreciation of the part played by the Road Haulage Association, Passenger Vehicle Operators' Association and Traders' Road Transport Association in the civic life of Birihineham. "STOP THE ROT" OF STATE CONTROL OF COACHING
APPEALING to employees and their friends for their help, Mr. A. D. Huckvale, managing director of the H. and H. Allied Companies, of Kenilworth, said, last week, that it was too late to prevent the British Transport Commission from acquiring the cornpanics' road-haulage interests, but a hard fight must be put up to prevent the nationalization of the coach business.
He was speaking to about 400 people at the companies' annual social gather ing. He said that if each of his hearers converted one person to belief in free enterprise, and if each of the converted persuaded another person, the rot could be stopped.
Mr. Huckvale explained that the group had been started by Mr. H. C. Hemmings and himself 17 years ago, with a capital of £50. Eventually they purchased the factory in which they had both worked as boys, and converted it into a garage and transport depot. In 1931 the turnover of the business was £1,500; in 1948 it had risen to more than £250,000.
He warned employees that they were likely to become red tape runners" for the B.T.C.
H. and H. Allied Companies comprise Commercial H. and H. Transport. Ltd., Kenilworth, Thomas Wise and Co., Ltd., Warwick, H. and H. Motorways, Ltd., Coventry, and J.H.C. Transport (1944), Ltd., Kingswinford.
TRICO TRADE SHOW IN LONDON
(3. A NEW YEAR trade exhibition was held on January 6 by TricoFolberth, Ltd., at the "Trico " Clubhouse, Brook Lane, Brentford.
Mr. P. N. Malian, managing director, said that the purpose of the show was to explain why, during the past three years, it had not been possible, until recently, to give better deliveries to the home trade. The reason was the tremendous export effort which had been made by the company. Now the company's percentage basis for export was over 75 per cent., and an increasing quantity would be devoted to the home market.
The company has three factories, two on the Great West Road, and a third in Hanwell. whilst a large, prefabricated American factory is being shipped for erection adjacent to the Brook Lane Works.
New products of the company are flashing-light turning indicators(still illegal in Britain). a vacuum-operated windscreen washer and a special wiper b lade for curved windscreens. GROUNDS FOR REFUSING LICENCE SECTION 72 (3) of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, does not give an exhaustive list of the matters which the Licensing Authorities are entitled to take into consideration when dealing with licence applications. For this reason they may refuse to grant a licence solely or mainly on the ground that an applicant is not a fit and proper person to be the holder of a road service licence.
This opinion was expressed by Mr. W. I. R. Fraser in the appeal by Mr. Thomas Cosgrove, Kincardine Street, Dundee, against the decision of the Scottish Licensing Authority, refusing him a licence to operate excursions and tours.
The evidence, said Mr. Fraser, showed that Mr. Cosgrove operated tours and excursions in 1947 on only two or three evenings during Dundee holiday week. and he could not be said to have tested the market. The Licensing Authority was justified in taking the view that Mr. Cosgrove had abandoned his service by selling his vehicles in August, 1947.
The Minister of Transport upheld the decision of the Licensing Authority in refusing the application.
EXTRA VESSEL ON LARNE FERRY A NOTHER vessel, s.s. "Empire PA Gaelic" (4,291 tons), was placed in service on the Preston-Larne vehicle ferry on January 6. It provides the necessary additional sailings to Northern Ireland to accommodate the increased volume of laden vehicles and trailers now using the service.
During the past two years, more than 22,000 vehicles have been shipped on the ferry Regular services are being operated from Tilbury to Hamburg via Antwerp, as well as from Preston to Lame. Special voyages have also been made with double-deck buses.
The services are operated by the Continental Line. managed by Frank Bustard and Sons, Ltd.
£57,000,000 FOR L.T.E.
IN the 52 weeks to December 26 (the 'first full year of nationalization) the aggregate traffic receipts of the London Transport Executive totalled £57,306,000. Buses and coaches contributed £31,486,000, and trolleybuses and trams £11,213,000. For the corresponding period of 1947 receipts were £52.669,000, which included £28,799,000 from the buses and coaches, and £10,507,000 from the trolleybuses and trams.
Comparison of the results for 1948 and 1947 is affected by increases in fares.
"AUTOMOBILES" PLANS FOR REST OF SESSION
PLANS of the Automobile Division of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for the second half of the 1948-49 session are as follows:—
February 8: The Influence of Valve-port Design on the Volumetric Efficiency of the Compression-ignition Engine," by C. B. Dicksee, M.I.Mech.E. February 11: dinner-dance. February 25: "Crankshaft Damping," by Dr. P. I)raminsky. March 8: "Sulphur in Diesel Fuels," by J. J. Broeze and A. Wilson. April 12: "The Fatigue Strength of Cast Crankshafts," by R. I. Love, Wh.Sc., and H. R. Mills, Ph.D.. B.Sc., A.M.I.Mech.E.
These meetings will be held at Storey's Gate, St. James's Park, London, S.W.I. at 6 p.m TWENTY-FIVE YEARS TO WAIT
AT the present rate of supply, it will take over a quarter of a century to replace the .old vehicles at present on the road," said Sir George Kenning, chairman and managing director of Kennings, Ltd., at the company's annual general meeting.
"Nevertheless," he added, "large numbers of applicants for new motor:ars and commercial vehicles have hypnotized themselves into the belief that there are ample supplies for everyone."
NEW WILMOT BREEDON COMPANY FORMED ANEW private company, Wilmot Breedon (Holdings), Ltd., has been registered. Although the present capital is only £100, it is expected to be increased to some £1,500,000. The company is to acquire all or any of the real and personal property and assets of Accessory Developments, Ltd., a holding company.
The directors of the new concern arc: Mr. Carl L. Breedon (a director of Wilmot Breeden, Ltd.), Mr. John P. Wilmot (a director of Accessory Developments, Ltd.), Mr. Lionel F. Herbert (a director of Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd.), Mr. Hubert Meredith (a director of Philip Hill and Partners, Ltd.), and Mr. David L. Breedon (a director of Wayne-Kerr Laboratories. Ltd.)
NATIONALIZATION IS CURBING DEVELOPMENT
KTATIONALIZATION has already curbed development in road transport to an extent that could not be measured, but was undoubtedly substantial. This assessment of the present position of the industry was made by Mr A. J Dale, speaking at a meeting of the Midlands Section of the Institute of Transport.
Many road operators. he said, were apathetic towards the future of road transport and were looking forward to retirement or to taking up other lines of business after their haulage interests had been acquired.
Mr: Dale said that the secretariat of the British Transport Commission was drawn almost without exception from railway personnel, and there did not appear to be any member with firsthand experience of road haulage.
This was probably caused by the difficulty of 'obtaining road .transport executives with the necessary experience of organization on a large scale, but it would be regrettable if the activities of the Commission tended to neglect the point of view of road transport on that account.
The Railway Executive, which was able to take over its duties from the main line railway companies with little or no interference in day-to-day working, had a flying start over the Road Transport Executive which had a formidable task in taking over thousands of individual operators.
SEVENTEEN RESPONDENTS • TO ONE APPEAL THREE appeals, in one of which there I will be 17 respondents, will be heard by the Appeal Tribunal at Halifax' • House. Strand. London. W.C.2. next week.
On January 18, the appeal of S. Ilarfpot and Sons, Ltd. against a decision of the South Ltd., Deputy Licensing Authority will be heard. Another appeal—this time by the Railway Executive—against the South Wales Douty Licensing Authority's, decision will be heard on the following day.' Seventeen respondents. headed by the Railway Executive, will oppose the appeal of N. P. Crellin against a decision
, of the North-Western Licensing Authority, which: is to be heard an . January 20.
• AMBER PERIOD TOO SHORT?
DISMISSING. a summons against a Bradford Corporation .bus driver.
• who Was accused of failing to conform with traffic lights at a road junction, the city's Stipendiary Magistrate (Dr.
• F. J. 0 Coddington) stated on January • 6: "In quite a number of cases the length of time during which the amber light is on is quite insufficient."
He suggested that the length of the amber-light period should be checked at all cross roads.
VALUE OF STATISTICS
NEXT Tuesday (January 18), at 6.30 p.m., Mr. C. Courtney Cramp will speak on "Statistics as an Aid to Transport Management," at a meeting of the Industrial Transport; Association's London branch, at the Royal Society of Arts. London, W.C.2.
A32
RAILWAYS "TURN ABOUT" IN EXCURSION CASE
E1XCURSIONS which were run by a ***Nottingham operator in 1948, in agreement with the Railway Executive, were the subject of an objection by the Executive when the operator sought to run similar services in 1949.
The operator, Mr_ A. Skill, St. Peter's Street, Nottingham, wished to run excursions to various places outside Nottingham, including excursions to race meetings at Pontefract, Manchester, Chester and Worcester. During 1948, when the service was operated by agreement with the Executive. 1,287 passengers travelled by road.
A bookmaker, on behalf of the applicant, explained that the road service was more convenient, because it went right through to the course. The bookmaker's luggage, he explained, was very heavy.
The applicant was granted permission to operate the service with the same number of vehicles as in 1948.
RAILWAYS COME FIRST
LIVERPOOL coach proprietors were refused. permission by the Northwest Licensing Authority to run excursions to Nottingham for last Saturday's F.'s, cup-tie there.
They were told that, whilst there was no objection to conveyance being provided for organized parties, licences for single-seat bookings would not be allowed, because of the special railway travel facilities arranged for the match,.
HIGHER PAY FOR BODY MAKERS
AN agreement has been reached between the National Union of Vehicle Builders and the Amalgamated Society of Woodcutting Machinists for an increase of Id. an hour in the minimum basic pay rate, and Id. per hour on the war bonus. In England, craftsmen will receive an inclusive weekly wage of £6 Is., and in Scotland
E6 4s_ 8d. Labourers will be paid £5 2s. 8d. a week, instead of £4 19s.
"SEE HOW THEY RUN"
UNDER the auspices of the Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund, the Carlton Dramatic Society will present " See How They Run" at King George's Hall, Great Russell Street, London, W.C.1, on January 29 and 31. Mrs. Doris Clark, 230, Lauderdale Mansions, London, W.9, can supply tickets at prices ranging from 2s. 6d. to 10s. each.
YORKSHIRE M.A.A. LEADERS ELECTED
YORKSHIRE branches of the Motor Agents' Association have eleeted officers as follows:—
York and Malton: Chairman, Mr. W. H. Darley; vice-chairman, Mr. H. E. Barker; honorary assistant secretary, Mr. I. T. Gray.
Bradford: Chairman, Mr. A. Brayshaw; vice-chairman, Mr. J. H. Parkinson; honorary assistant secretary, Mr. R. Lindley.
Sheffield: Chairman, Mr. J. E. Pearson; deputy chairman, Mr. J. R. S. Bell; honorary assistant secretary, Miss K. M. Ronksley.
Scarborough: Chairman, Mr. C. Ward: vice-chairman, Mr. E. V. Appleton; honorary assistant secretary, Mr. G. Hinchliffe.
Hull: Chairman, Mr. George Clark: vice-chairman, Mr. B. Powell; honorary assistant secretary, Miss B. Barrick.
Skipton: Chairman, Mr. J. Wiseman; vice-chairman, Mr. E. Brown; honorary assistant secretary, Mr. A. C. Coe.
TELL R.A.C. ABOUT BAD ROADS A S a result of representations by the ft RoyalAutomobile Club to highway authorities, 227 eases of urgently required road improvements received attention last year. The R.A.C. invites ,road-users to report instances in which improvements to roads are needed_
FORD OIL RECOMMENDATIONS E Ford Motor Co., Ltd., now THE the use . of SAE 20 lubricants during the winter in its commercial-vehicle engines, and SAE 90 extreme-pressure oil in gearboxes and rear axles. For summer use, SAE 30 oils are recommended for engines and SAE 90 for gearboxes and rear axles.
OBITUARY
WE regret to announce the death of VT Ma. GEORGE HORATIO BIBBINGS, who was up to two years ago touring propagandist for the Road Haulage Association. He was 83.
IN A LINE OR TWO Since the war ended. Birmingham
Corporation has ordered 1,145 new•buses; 320 have been delivered.
The Minister of Supply visited the Guildford works of Dennis Bros., Ltd., on Tuesday and met the joint production council.
To accelerate the maintenance of buses, Liverpool Passenger Transport Committee has asked a sub-committee to consider inviting contractors to repair a portion of the fleet_ Luton Corporation has approved in principle a proposal of Vauxhall Motors, Ltd., to extend its works at Luton on land east of Eaton Green Road and north of Kimpton Road. SMITH v. L.T.E.: APPEAL HEARING SOON
EARLY hearing is expected of an appeal by Mr. W. H. Smith, of Buntingford, Herts, against the refusal of Mr. Justice vaisey.in the Chancery Division on July I. to grant an injunction to restrain the London Transport Executive from running on the route from Hitchin to Weston, which has been served by Mr. Smith for many
years. • Mr. Valentine Holmes, K.C., has been briefed to appear for Mr. Smith. The case is of vital importance.
INQUIRIES ON MONOPOLIES COMMISSION to investigate rls matters referred to it by the Board of Trade, tinder the Monopolies and Restrictive Practices (Inquiry and Control) Act, 1948, has been set up. Sir Archibald Carter, K.C.B., K.C.1.E.. is chairman. For the time being the Commission's address is I.M.I Board of Trade, Millbank, London, SAVA.
CLEANSING ADMINISTRATION TRAFFIC administration, as applied I to a municipal cleansing department, will be discussed by Mr. H. C. Lighten, A.M.Inst.T., M.R.San.I., at a meeting of the Merseyside centre of the Institute of Traffic Administration, at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool, at 7.30 p.m. on January 17.
LTA. MANCHESTER PLANS
APROGRAMME of monthly lectures has been arranged by the Industrial Transport Association's Manchester branch for the remainder of the 1948-49 season. Subjects include:— January 21, " Transport from the Manufacturer's Viewpoint "; March 18, "Damage and Loss in Transit "; May 20, "'Smalls' by Road Transport."
1,000 COACHES FOR U.S.A. I N November General Motors trucks and coach division began the delivery of 900 express coaches for the city of New York, and 100 for Chicago. The former carry 51 passengers and the latter 55. They are claimed to be the largest single-deckers yet built for city transport.