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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

14th July 1925, Page 4
14th July 1925
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever Points arising, as a carriage is Sy the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.

Disowning the Flat.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has just issued a memo randum which has been prepared in relation to the development of flats in solid rubber tyres.

The condition known as "fiats," which sometimes develops in solid tyres, more eepeccially in those fitted on front wheels, is a troublesome one to tyre users and manufacturers alike, and on this account the matter has for many years engaged the serious attention of the technical staffs of all solid tyre manufacturers.

The results of the work having been collated, it is shown that there is com plete unanimity amongst the makers that the condition is produced by something outside the tyres themselves.

The memorandum continues by stating that the method by which modern solid tyres are manufactured is such that there is scarcely any possibility of variation in consistency as between one part of a tyre and another.

In order to test the matter fully, tyres produced under specially careful supervision have been fitted to wheels the tyres of which have previously flatted. Subsequently these special tyres have rapidly developed the condi tion. Again, tyres which had done considerable service without developing fiats were removed from their wheels and fitted to vehicles on which their pre vious tyres had flatted. These tyres also immediately commenced to show the same symptoms.

Flats are produced in many ways, frequently owing to skidding of a wheel with the brakes locked, as the result of eccentric brake drums, the slicing effect of upstanding tramline edges, etc., and once a fiat hag been produced a cumula tive effect sets in and the flats are sometimes continued right round the peri phery of the tyre. Another prolific cause is the wheels being out of balance.

As a result of these investigations, the commercial vehicle tyre committee of the Society has intimated to all concerned that they cannot accept any responsibility for claims on this account, this decision dating from August, 1925.

Successful Trading by AlienLiyersidge, Ltd.

Very satisfactory results have been shown for the year by Allen-Liversidge, Ltd., and are contained in the balancesheet dated April 30th. After charging repairs, maintenance, depreciation, interest on debentures and other expenses, the trading, as shown by the profitand-loss account, has resulted in a net profit of 146,816, to which must be added a sum of 14,954 brought forward from last year and £2,450 profit resulting from the premium on the issue of ordinary shares last year, less expenses of issue, giving a total of epproxirnately £54,220, against which has been charged £5,000 to the general reserve and £5,000 against patents, development and goodwill account, leaving a balance of approximately £44,220.

Thu directors consequently recomB20

mend that a final dividend of 7 per cent. (less tax) be paid, making 12-i per cent. for the year. This, together with the preference dividend, leaves £5,173 to be carried forward.

It is of interest to note that the whole of the S per cent, debenture stack has been redeemed. •

.Allen-Liversidge (Australia), Ltd., has declared a dividend of 10 per cent. and a bonus of 21. per cent. for the year ended December 31st last.

A German Four-wheel-drive Tractor.

The Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft of Marienfelde, Berlin, has recently introduced a petrol motor tractor which embodies a number of novel and interesting features. The vehicle is adapted not only to carry a load of 3 tons, but to haul three 4-ton trailers, it being thus capable of dealing with a total load of 15 tons. The motive power is supplied by a four-cylinder engine rated at 100 h.p. at 1,200 r.p.m. No fewer than eight forward and two reverse speeds are available, these being obtained by a standard gearbox in conjunction with an additional countershaft.

The Progress of the Automobile Association.

Amongst the members of the "A.A.," as it is popularly known, are a great many commercial-vehicle owners, and these will be interested to learn that this—the youngest organization of motor users of all descriptions in the country—is now, by virtue of its individual membership of 250,000, the largest motoring body in the world, and ifs road petrol service, developed from less than one dozen cyclist patrols working along the Brighton-London road in 1905, is to-day patrolling over 20,000 miles of British roads.

National Benzole Price Raised.

Owing to the depression in the iron ttud steel industries, there has been a serious curtailment of the production of National Benzoic, and this is further accentuated by the possibilities of the extension of difficulties in the mining industry. The combination of circumstances and the increased cost of manufacture have necessiteted an immediate advance in the price of National Benzole of 2d. per gallop. The price of National Benzoic Mixture will not be altered immediately, but the benzoic content will be slightly reduced.

French Springing Trials.

THE French springing trials, known as the Circuit des Routes Payees, has become One of the most important

Continental motoring events of the year and the meeting now lasts for a week.

This year, for the first time, a commerdal vehicle section is included in the programme.

The Circuit des Routes Payees takes place from September 13th to 20th, and Thursday, September 17th, is reserved for the commercial vehicle trials. Six categories have been arranged, the vehicles being divided according to the loads carried :—lst category, useful load 500 kilos; 2nd, 1,000 • kilos; 3rd, 1,500 kilos; 4th, 2,000 kilos; 5th, 3,000 kilos.; 6th, unlimited class carrying over 3.000 kilos.

The trials will be run in three stages. The first stage is one of 40 kiloms., dure ing which the vehicles will be weighed.

The second stage is one of 30 kiloms. During this stage starting trials will be held, the vehicles having to start up and get away on a stiff gradient. In the afternoon a stage of 50 kiloms. will be, run, ending up with an exhibition of the competing vehicles at Roubaix, in which town the event starts and fiaishes: Cars will proceed in three groupg during the trials, the first group coin

prising 1 and 2 categories, the second 3 and 4 and the third 5 and 6. A group will have to maintain an average speed of 25 k.p.h., B group 20 k.p.h. and CI group 15 k.p.h. throughout each of the stages.

The groups will run in convoy forma tion with an official car at the head and tail of the line in each group. In the

case of a lorry falling out of its group, for any reason while on the road a penalty of one point will be imposed for each two minutes' absence. Should the lorry be able to overtake the convoy again, it will pass the rear official car and then take up the last position in the line of competing vehicles.

In view of the fact that the LilleRoubaix district where the trials take place is one of the most important commercial centres of France, the event should have considerable value from the point of view of publicity. The roads in this district are notoriously bad, being mostly vile old pave, and be trials, although simple enough on paper, will probably be fairly severe. British

entries will be welcomed by the organizers, the Automobile Club du Nord de la France, and it is to be hoped that some British manufacturers will consider it worth while to compete. THU entry fee is very low, 100 francs per vehicle only. Full-particulars and entry forms may be obtained from M. Leon Manaud, 2 Cite Berg.k.e, Paris. The list closes on August 25th.

Col. Arthur Hacking, D.S.O., M.O., the secretary of the S.M.M. and T., leaves this week for America, where he will visit a number of the leading manufacturers and the officials of the American motor trade organizations.

Extending Birmingham's Railless Services.

Railless double-deck trolley-buses, whichehave been operating in Birmingham for several years, have proved so successful that the City Corporation has decided to extend the service, and has placed a repeat order with RaiHess, Ltd., of London and Rochester, for three double-deck cars, which will be of the new low-floor type, each seating 51 passengers.

It may be of interest to mention also that ears of this type are under construction for Ashton-under-Lyne, Oldham, West Hartlepool and Southend-onSea.

Strengthening the Board of an Oil Company.

The board of directors of Frank Row and Co., Ltd., Trogon Wharf, 77-83, High Street, Stratford, London, E.15, the manufacturers of the ',a/ell-known Trogon brands of motor oils, has been considerably strengthened by the addition of Mr. William Prince, who, until recently, was managing director of the Texas Oil Co., Ltd., of America. Mr. Prince will bring his many and varied activities to bear in promoting the welfare of the company, who are already making great progress in the lubricating oil industry. The board now consists of the above-mentioned gentlemen, together with Messrs. R. Loxley How and H. M. Reesman.

Berliet Extensions in France.

Automobiles M. Bullet, of Lyons, whose London offices are at 40, Sackville Street, W., have just opened three new branches in France, at Rheims, Caen and Dijon. The first has in its territory districts which only a few years ago would hardly have been considered healthy or suitable for business purposes, i.e., the Marne, Soissons and Chilteau Thierry.

That potential business warrants the opening of these branches is striking teMtmony to the rapid recovery of Northern France.

Hiring the Highway.

A point of considerable general interest to motor transport and char-abanes owners was raised at a meeting of the Plymouth Corporation last week. It took the form of a question to the chairman of the Watch Committee as to the amount of money paid as rental or acknowledgment by the Devon Motor Transport Co. for their almost exclusive use of the torrof St. Andrew's Street and St. Andrew's Cross as a bus station, and a request that, failing Payment of any such rental, the advisability of making such a charge be taken into consideration in view of the great value the position was to the company. In reply the chairman of the Watch Committee said that no power was possessed by the authority to It a public highway in the manner suggested.

Railway Road Transport.

The increasing activity amongst the railways in this country in the matter of read transport is clearly indicated by a large order for motor vehicles which has recently been placed by the L011(1011, Midland and Scottish Railway with the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., Scotstotm, Glasgow, W.1.

This order is for 35 Mark 111, 32 h.p. overtype chassis of the shortwheelbase type, for ease in manceuvring in narrow and restricted areas. Several of the railway companies now embodied in the L.M. and S. have for many years used fleets of Albion vehicles, and there is little doubt that the service rendered by these is largely responsible for this important order.

Motorbus Services in Belgium.

The Belgian Government has just granted a concession to the Societe Nationale des Chemins de Per Vieinaux for the establishment of motorbus services between Etterbeck and Overyssehe and between Spa and 1Vialmedy. The company work the Belgian light railway system, but, to meet modern competition, some time ago secured powers to operate motorbuses. The State is finding part of the capital necessary for the new services.

The Melbourne Show.

It is stated that the International Motor Show held in Melbourne has proved a great success, some 85,000 visitors paying ior admission to the fine display of motor vehicles and other exhibits. The sale of motors exceeded all anticipations, and it is estimated that the examples offered totalled over £1.000,000 in value.

New Goodyear Prices.

We have received from the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd., Chelsea Wharf, Lots •Road, London, 8.W.10, their revised retail price list, dated June 28th, relating to ordinary and giant pneumatic covers and tubes. All readers interested are recommended. to apply to the company for a copy at the above address.

We know of a man, age 28, who has had considerable experience as an assistant to a transport manager and has undergone good training, and desires an appointment. He is a man of good education and is well acquainted with costing questions, can conduct correspondence and supervise an office and a drawing office.

We shall be glad to put anyone interested in touch with him. Letters should be addressed to " C.I.F.," c/0 The Editor of this journal.

Transporting a Large Suite of Offices.

. Motor vehicles are often called upon to accomplish feats of strength which are far beyond the limits of road capacity set by the makers, but it is seldom that a complete suite of offices is removed intact, as shown in the illustration which we publish of this remarkable example of transport work.

The task was performed by a Leyland in the service of a well-known Preston carrier, Mr. C. Miller, and the load was moved from Preston Dock to the new site for the offices. The removal commenced one morning at 6.30, and the. offices were fixed in their new position on brick foundations by 5.30 p.m. the same day, ready for the staff to commence work on the following morning.

The dimensions of the offices were:40 ft. 3 ins. by 16 ft. by 12 ft. The load had to be carried over some very uneven ground and backed with the trailer 50 yds. between stacks of timber. Another Leyland wagon, which followed, carried a hoist, and by means of this the load was lifted on to and off the outfit.

One-way Streets.

At a meeting of the Northampton Watch Committee Mr. H. Hankinson, the town clerk, reported that he had communicated with the Ministry of Transport with regard to one-way traffic, and the Ministry suggested that the corporation should consider whether (and to what extent) the object in view could be furthered by means of an application for an Order under Section 7 (4) of the Roads Act, 1920, prohibit ing or restricting the driving of any specified class of vehicles on specified highways. The letter from the Ministry had been submitted to the chief constable, who reported that he would issue a leaflet on the subject of one-way traffic for circulation amongst drivers.

Bus Traffic Receipts.

A large growth in the traffic receipts of the British Automobile Traction Co. is shown by their figures for the four weeks ended June 19th last. The total was 1219,946, an increase over the corresponding period in 1024 of 155,830, and giving a total for the first 24 weeks of 1925 of £880,868, an increase over the corresponding period of 1924 of £201,528.

How the Bus Benefits Rural Districts.

At the Conference of the Rural District Councils Association, held in London recently, a resolution was moved urging that the councils should have greater powers in the control of heavy traffic on unclassified roads, and that the proceeds on motor licencea should be utilized for the maintenance of existing roads rather than for new arterial and by-pass roads, for which funds should be provided by the Exehequer.

Speaking on the question of altering the tax on heavy road vehicles and buses, one delegate said that has traffic had completely altered conditions in rural districts. It had put more life into the people, and he would be very sorry to see these vehicles taxed to a greater extent than they are at present. The good people and the strong petaple come from the country, he declared, and buses had made the cost of living very much less, and it was not so difficult to act people to leave the towns now that these vehicles were running.

Unemploymentin Motor Trades.

From a set of official statistics it appears that in the trades dealing with the construction and repair of motor vehicles, cycles and aircraft the number of unemployed fell from 13,760 in May, 1924, to 11,929 in May, 1925. being equivalent to a drop of 1.2 per cent. In railway carriage, wagon and tramcar building the number of unemployed increased in the twelve „months from 2,196 to 2,542, being a percentage increase of 2.6.

Thornycrofts Successful in Canada.

As a sequel to the visit of a special Thornyeroft representative to Canada some two years ago the makers supplied the T. Eaton Co. with their first Thornyeroft. So successful was this that repeat orders rapidly followed, and the company are now running 18 machines of this make at their Toronto, Winnipeg and Montreal branches. One of these vehicles we illustrate.

The success of this British vehicle is 1322 particularly interesting, as hitherto the company had operated American vehicles exclusively.

The. subsidiary Thornycroft concern, Thornycroft (Canada), Ltd., is now established in the Dominion with service depots operating in the interests of Canadian users of Thornycroft vehicles. It is certainly evidence of encouraging progress in a territory "next door" to our principal competitor.

Tests for Drivers.

Dover Watch Cornmittee has appointed a sub-committee to consider what steps should be taken with regard to the imposition of tests before driving licences are issued in respect of motorbuses and hackney carriages.

A New Southern Service.

The continued extension of the use of the motorbus is well shown by the starting recently of a new Sonthdown motorbus service between Haywards Heath and Turners Hill, there being at the latter place a connection with the East Surrey line of buses to Crawley and East Grinstead. The journey on the new service is one of 40 minutes' duration.

The Life of Modern Brake Lining.

The growth in the employment of the public-service motor vehicle has given a wonderful opportnnity for carrying out mileage tests of various components.

In this connection we learn with interest that in a Guy vehicle utilized for public-service work in Stoke-on-Trent the foot brake has never been relined, although the vehicle has covered' over 48,000 miles to date, and is still doing 300 miles a week.

Rapid Road Building.

A road, 70 ft. long and 18 ft. wide, has just been excavated and rebuilt at Greenhithe; Kent, in the remarkably short time of 53 hours. Within that period a 7-in, layer of reinforced concrete, made of Lightning cement, was put down, and, when opened for traffic on the fourth day after the work was begun, the road was already able to bear the heaviest classes of traffic. Post Office Motor Vans to Be British.

An interesting piece of information is furnished by the Postmaster-General regarding the motor vans owned by the Post Offiee. They number 928, of which 120 are wholly of British manufacture and 14 Canadian. The remaining 794 vans are supplied by the Ford Motor Co. (England), Ltd, The Postmaster-General adds that he is informed that over 90 per cent. of the labour and material employed in the manufacture of these vans is British.

In view of this fact it is of interest to note that certain sections of the daily Press have stated that one of the ways in which Mr. Baldwin's "Buy British Goods" campaign will be put into operation is by the Post Office being requested to buy British-made motor vans in future instead of the American vehicles which it uses in large numbers at present I

Obviating Belt Troubles.

Some months ago we drew attention ta an interesting type of transmission belt known as Cork's Spring Clip. It is of the V type, made as a chain, and is claimed to be non-alipping and nonstretching. The belt actually consists of a standard cycle chain or detachablelink chain with spring clips, into which are inserted compressed-leather pads tapered to 28 degrees. A special clip wrench is used for removing the spring clips from the chain when necessary.

Since our first comments on this belt it has been fitted to over 60 different makes of motor vehicle, apparently with every satisfaction, and, in some cases, mileages of 23,000 have been reached with practically no signs of wear and without the need for adjustment.

The makers are Cork's Spring Clip Chain Belt Co., Upton Road, Bexley Heath, Kent.

Bus Seasons.

At a meeting of the Ellesmere Port and Whitby (Ches.) TJ.D.C. Mrs. Councillor Bond drew attention to the fares which are being charged on the local service of buses, and suggested that the time had arrived when representations should be made to the Crosville Motor Co., Ltd., with the view to their issuing weekly, monthly or other contract tickets, as quite a large number of people regularly travel on the motor omnibuses to and from their work in the district. Moreover, she understood that in another district in Wirral the company named had inaugurated a system of contracting.

The clerk was instructed to make representations to the Ora-vine'Motor Co., Ltd., in accordance with the above

suggestion. .

A Brochure on Concrete Roads.'

We have received from the British Portland Cement Association, Ltd., 20, Dartmouth Street, LtintIon, S.W.1, an interesting _brochure on the subject of concrete roads. It deals with the matter in a most comprehensive manner and should be read by all those who have at heart the efficient construction of our highways. It gives the results of many tests showing that concrete roads are free from dust, provide a good grip for the hoof or tyre, and do not wear slippery; they also have a big influence in the reduction of petrol consumption:

A Concrete Road for Chester.

The Royal Show at Chester caused a tremendous traffic in heavy agricultural machines, some of them weighing more than 30 tons. To cope with this, a concrete road was rapidly laid between the Show ground and Saltney railway siding, and over this has passed, without producing any signs of wear, practically the entire traffic of the Show.

This road will ultimately form part of the city council's important scheme to relieve the acute traffic congestibn of Chester. The Nan includes the construction, outside the city, of a by-pass concrete road, some 10 miles long, which will enable through traffic from Liverpool, Manchester and Wrexham to avoid the narrow Chester streets. which themselves cannot possibly be widened without demolishing beautiful and historic buildings of priceless value to the archmologist.

Morecombe •Bus Applications.

At a meeting of the Morecambe Watch Committee the Lancaster and District Tramways Co., Ltd., and Fahys, Ltd., sought licences to run a service of buses from the Park Hotel to Lancaster, but before coming to a decision the committee decided to inspect the suggested termini and the proposed route.

A Modern Example of Coach Design.

The Snorer chassis lends itself admirably for use as a motor coach. It is quiet in running, has exceptional braking powers, including the patented engine brake, which has proved most successful, and, particularly when equipped with pneumatic tyres, is almost as comfortable as a private car.

A London user of motor coaches put one of Saurer make into service last year, and has now taken delivery of a second with a de luxe pattern body built by the Chelsea Carriage Works and giving accommodation for 20 passengers, weather protection being afforded by collapsible windows and a folding hood. At the rear of the body is a large space for luggage, as the vehicle will be used mainly for long-. distance touring work. The chassis is the Saurer type 2 A.D., and has a special long wheelbase and an engine of 40 h.p.

Huddersfield Buys a Karrier Single-decker.

A recent Karrier delivery to the Corporation of Huddersfield is illustrated on this page. It is a K.L. type 30 seater on a 15-ft. wheelbase chassis with. worm drive, and a door is provided at each end. It will be observed from the side view that tilte loading line is very low, thus facilitating the speedy entrance and exit of passengers.

The machine is of the driver-by-engine type, the cab being enclosed.

Ribble Co. Refused Licences, Bolton Watch Committee has refused to grant licences to the Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., for services to Blackburn via Bradshaw, Egerton and Darsven ; to Burnley via Bradshaw, Waives, Holcombe Brook, Rarnsbottom and Rawtenstall ; to Belmont via Astley Bridge ; to Radcliffe Via Little Lever ; and to Edgworth via Bradshaw and

Local Proceedings.

Dover Corporation Tramways Committee is ascertaining from bus proprietors in the district the terms on which they would be prepared to run a motorbus in conjunction with the tramway between George Street and the Lord Warden Hotel for an experimental period at a fare of one halfpenny. •

Hastings Corporation has called for a report as to the provision of a public motor-.parking place.

York Corporation Highways Committee recommends the purchase of a Lacre motor road-sweeper at a cost of 1525.

Southport Corporation Tramways Committee is inviting quotations for two 30-seater single-deck motorbuses.

The L.C.C. has decided to invite selected firms to quote for the supply of a motor tender for the ambulance service.

Burton-on-Trent Corporation proposes the erection of a motorbus garage in Horniblow Street, at an estimated cost of £3,000.

Eastbourne Corporation Motor Bus Committee has decided to obtain illustrated catalogues of new motor omnibuses for consideration.

Glasgow Corporation Garage Committee recommends the purchase of a small motor omnibus for the use of various committees when on visitations.

Salford Corporation motorbuses made a profit last year of £1,124, and are reported, by the Tramways Committee, to be rendering a service which is very much appreciated.

Dover Corporation Tramways Committee has asked the Tramways manager to submit estimates with regard to the cost of providing either a railless or motorbus service between New Bridge and the Marine Station.

Hull' Watch Committee has asked the corporation to seek Parliamentary powers to enable the corporation to divert traffic in certain congested streets, or to direct that in certain streets traffic shall proceed in one direction only where such regulation is necessary in the interests of public safety.


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