Roads Limit Fleet Replacements
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" THE only reason why the roads of this country are so bad is that no Government is strong enough to make the Treasury disgorge enough money to the highway authorities to put this country's road system into proper and safe order," said Mr. Raymond Birch, chairman, at the luncheon held last Friday in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Yorkshire Traction Co., Ltd.
Mr. Birch declared that the company would be prepared in two to three years' time to replace some of the older singledeckers in the fleet, even though their useful life was not ended, by underfloorengined lightweight 44-seat singledeckers. The roads in the West Riding, however, were getting into a "shocking condition" and were too bad for lightweight vehicles. Before fleet replacement could be undertaken, something would have to be done about them.
Another speaker, Major F. S.
Eastwood, Yorkshire Licensing Authority, referred to the question of higher charges. Further requests for increased fares would have to be considered, he declared, and " the sooner people got down to the necessity of increased fares, the better."
Road transport bore greater burdens, and operators made improvements for many years without applying for increased charges. When they did apply, people in other industries were taken completely by surprise. It seemed strange, he said, that people whose wages had gone up by 300 per cent. should object when fares rose by 20 per cent.
UNION REJECTS STANDING BAN
LONDON bus workers who recently Le called for a ban on standing passengers on vehicles in the central area have been told by the Transport and General Workers' Union that they cannot expect support for the ban from the Union.
An alternative proposal put forward is that standing should be banned after 10.30 p.m. At present, five standing passengers are permitted between 10.30 p.m. and midnight.
A GEARED SOCKET WRENCH
A SOCKET wrench designed to PI multiply the torque effort applied by the user has been patented by Mr. R. R. Rudman, 15, Castle View, Leeds, 7. The increased leverage is obtained through a chain of spur gears built into the wrench
The tool is intended to take 1-in.square-drive sockets covering 1-in. to Whitworth nuts. The device can also be employed as a speed wrench.
PRICE-FIXING ALLEGED
PRICE-FIXING in the tyre trade is alleged in a report sent to the Monopolies Commission by Birmingham Transport Department. Seven tenders recently received for the supply of tyres for three years were identical
NEED FOR TECHNOLOGISTS
THEneed for technologists with sound technical knowledge, backed by training in the application of that knowledge and in management, was stressed by Sir Reginald Rootes, last week, when he spoke at the inaugural dinner in Coventry of the Rootes Group Pupils and Apprentices Old Boys Association. "We shall endeavour to develop as many technologists of this type as we possibly can," he said.
There would be a development of pupil and apprenticeship training, he said. "It is our belief that the policy Of continued theoretical and practical training is one of the greatest importance. So far as we are concerned, we shall encourage it in every way."
The Group had 362 pupils and apprentices and some 30 special trainees who came largely from overseas for an 18-month course. With the growth of industry and of overseas assembly plants, the Association would acquire a more international character, declared Sir Reginald.
"USE HOME INDUSTRY" MATIONALIZED transport under takings in India should use locally built vehicles to the greatest possible extent, it was decided at a conference of representatives of State transport organizations in New Delhi. It was suggested that manufacturers should plan to make oil engines suitable for public service vehicles.
BRADFORD PRICE CUT
PRICES of Bradford vehicles have been reduced by Jowett Cars, Ltd., Idle, Yorks. From last Monday, prices, with purchase tax, of typical models, are:—Van in primer, £449 7s.; lorry painted, £449 '7s,; four-light van in primer, £584 16s. 8d.; de luxe utility, £662 12s. 3d.
Ashton under Lyne Transport Department recentlycelebrated 50, years of operation.