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Learn the Hard Way
WHEN Mr. S. A. Jacobs, vice-chairman of the " Western Area of the Road Haulage Association, left school at the age of 17, he thought he was to enter his father's haulage business. He had grown up with it, the work fascinated him and he was already accepted by the drivers as "the young guvnor," so that it seemed to him natural that he should join the company.
His mother, however, had other ideas. She was determined that he should not earn his living the easy way. "That was probably the wisest 'thing she ever did," says Mr. Jacobs.
He was placed as an office boy—" the lowest form of human life "—in a shipping company, with whom he remained for 16 years. He says that it was the finest experience he could ever have had and he is still benefiting by it.
Mr. Jacob's advice to hauliers (and their wives) is: "Don't bring your sons straight into your business. Make them buy their experience outside and learn the hard way."
Husky Journey for a Hillman
nN Good Friday, Mr. F. J. Thwaites, an Australian racing driver and well-known author, set out on an 1L000-mile journey to Sydney in a Hillman Husky.
This robust little vehicle is a dual-purpose model in which the rear seats fold down and leave an uninterrupted platform for a 5-cwt. load. Its maximum speed is over 65 m.p.h. and, despite ample pulling
13.2 power and good acceleration, the rate of fuel consumption in normal service is claimed to be 40 m.p.g.
In addition, however, the vehicle will tow a 3-cwt. trailer, because of the certain need for adequate supplies of water and fuel. Mr. Thwaites is accompanied for the whole journey by his wife, who is a broadcaster and fashion expert, and his younger son, aged 11.
The route will take them through 20 countries, including Yugoslavia, Turkey, Syria, Pakistan, India and Ceylon, over roads climbing to more than 8,000 ft and across deserts, not the least trying of which will be the Australian Nullabore Plain, this alone will involve 2,000 miles of rough travel.
Bonderizing by Spray Process
r'OR years Bonderizing has been known as a
method of phosphating steel which is noted for its corrosion resistance and paint-bonding qualities, but normally its use required special plant. Now its utility and scope have been extended by a new process known as Spray Gun Bonderizing, in which a special solution can be applied at room temperature by means of an ordinary paint gun.
It is intended for use on sheet steel of good quality, also for the small-scale production of components too large or too awkwardly shaped to be treated in the orthodox plants.
The solution is supplied in 75-1b. carboys or 200-16. barrels at 2s. 6d. per lb. ex works by the Pyrene Co., Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex.
New Look for Old Concern
nNE of the oldest and best known motor businesses
in West London is that of Patrnore's Motors, Ltd., 246 King St., London, W.6. Founded in 1890 by the late Mr. William Patmore, the company achieved a wide reputation as vehicle breakers and suppliers of a most extensive range of spares.
in more recent years, they have established themselves also as engine rebuilders. Sales of accessories have multiplied sixfold since the war, and the 24-hour breakdown service is often used.
Now, the company is being given a new look. They have gained the Dodge dealership for Hammersmith, Chiswick and Harlesden, and their premises are being rebuilt and newly equipped so that the full sales, spares and service facilities associated with such a franchise can be offered. This programme is being financed from reserves, and it is intended to have a modern showroom, workshop and spares store within the next few years.
In the meantime, space is being cleared by getting rid of, as scrap, the accumulation of spares of many years. But a piece of equipment unlikely to be retired for a time is a British Bergougnan solid-tyre press, antiquated but efficient. Formerly the property of the London Transport Chiswick works, the press can exert up to 500 p.s.i., and is frequently used for the benefit of customers, mainly machinery carriers. in different parts of the country.
Oranges by Comet
much does it cost to carry oranges on a " Leyland Comet compared with other types of vehicle? This problem is of importance in Spain, where an operator has to prove his value to the country as an exporter before he can obtain the necessary currency to import the types of vehicle he needs.
In the south of the country, where oranges, onions and tomatoes are grown, a large number of Comets is used by small operators to carry goods to Valencia and other Mediterranean ports. During the past few weeks, orders for a further 120 have been received from Spain.