WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheels 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 Crozier.
A Show This Year ?
With regard to the question of the holding of a Commercial Motor Exhibition next autumn, we understand that in the committees of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders preliminary consideration has already been given to the matter and members have been asked to express their views upon it, The Motorcar Exhibition is to be held a fortnight earlier than has hitherto been the case—namely, from October 16th to October 25th.
The Edinburgh-Glasgow Road.
The subject of the construction of a new road from Edinburgh to Glasgow was discussed at a recent meeting of the Edinburgh Town Council, when it was stated that arrangements had been made for the appointment of a skilled staff in connection with this work.
The agreerrient between the Ministry of Transport and the principal local authorities concerned in the project has not yet been adjusted, although the scheme in its broad outlines has been agreed upon. The county road authorities are being approached so that they can take over the road and maintain it, in proper condition. It was stated that the work in connection with the scheme may be commenced in about three months' time.
An Express Parcels Service.
As from the commencement of the year, Messrs. Hall, Lewis and Co., the well-known motor vehicle owners and wagon -builders, of Cardiff, have established an express delivery service for the transport by road of parcels intended for traders and inhabitants of outlying villages and towns in South Wales, and the service is to operate over a radius of 70 miles from the company's headquarters. It appears that local tradespeople have urged the necessity for such a scheme, and the company with commendable enterprise have set themselves out to consider the possibility of inaugurating a permanent service.
The scheme for the moment is of an experimental nature, but, it is expected that the faCilities will prove of inestimable benefit to traders in Cardiff itself and the surrounding districts, who will accordingly seek to extend the;r continued patronage to it.
Edinburgh and Bus Seasons.
Mr. Pilcher, tramways manager of the Edinburgh Town Council, recently recommended a• six months' experiment of an extension of the season-ticket system which is in use on some of the bus and tram services which feed the outlying parts of the city. It was stated, in opposition to the suggestion, that season tickets were detrimental to tramway development, and that the proposal was made for seasons because on some of the routes a certain amount of competition had to be faced. After further discussion the proposal was rejected.
A Guy Appointment.
Mr. W. H. Keys, who has just entered upon his 25th year in the motor trade, has joined Guy Motors, Ltd., and is taking charge of the sales in London and district. He has spent the past eight years with J. L Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., • and holds a very good record in that in the last 12 months of his service he sold upwards of 170 motor vehicles, including 15 buses for London. He was one of the engineers who were sent to the Ministry of Munitions, during the war, serving for two years examining and testing motor vehicles ranging from h.p. Douglas motorcycles to 13-ton tractors of the Clayton type, and including petrol and steam vehicles, Something like 12,000 vehicles passed through his hands during the period to which we , 'have referred.
Bus Opposition in Devon.
At a meeting of the Clevedon Urban District Council it was reportedthat the Greyhound Motor Co. had applied far licences to run buses between Clevedon and Bristol. The application was supported by several members of the council, who thought that the inauguration of the service by this company would, as a result of competition, enforce lower fares. Other members' however, pointed to the fact that the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., had met the requirements of the town by a very fair service, and that they had promised a reduction in fares.
'The application is again to be considered to-morrow (Wednesday).
A Suggested Mile of Test Road.
In America test roads north, south and west in that country of varying climatic conditions have been laid down, in order to discover working facts upon which the construction of American roads can be based.
The facts arising out of these tests are well known to English highway engi-neers, but as they are applicable to American climatic conditions and not to ours, there has been put forward an interesting suggestion by our contemporary, " Roads and Road Construction," viz., a proposal for laying down a mile of test road in this country. It would be made up of selected materials in section, so that a committee formed to run this scheme would be able to select eight types of foundation and eight types of surface finish from specifications submitted to them by engineers, road constructors and technicians in various parts of the country.
It is suggested that, this road should be tested to destruction by the continuous running of loaded motor lorries under the supervision of the committee or their representatives. A few weeks, it is claimed, would produce a mass of evidence from which could be formulated at least three specifications that would comply with the requirements of construction for three classes of roads 'within the latitude and longitude of these islands.
£330,000 for Bus Taxation.
One day last week a cheque was drawn by the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., for .C314,205, payable to the Landon County Council authorities in respect of motorbus licences issued for the current year. This cheque, together with one for a smaller amount, which was paid on January 1st, makes the total contribution of the company in connection with taxation £330,205. The contribution of the L.G.O. Co. is the Largest individual payment to be made and constitutes a record.
Paris Passenger Transport Losses.
With reference to our statement in last week's issue concerning the deficit on the public passenger transport of Paris, our correspondent, in dealing with this matter, made one or two slips. The figures apply to the bus, tram and steamboat systems of Paris, and the actual net loss on the working for the ye_ar 1923 was 52,000,000 francs, not
56,036,124 francs as stated. The estimate of the loss for 1924 is 74,000,000 francs, ' subject to the effect upon the revenue of the increase in the fares by 5 centimes and of the extra summer traffic of visitors to the Olympic Games.
Limiting the Weight of Buses.
The Gower Rural District Council has resolved to approach the South Wales Transport Co., Swansea on what was considered to be a point of importance in the matter of road wear and tear, having regard to the bad state of most of the Gower roads. A letter was received at the Jamiary meeting of the council from Messrs. Johns and Williams, bus proprietors, of Gorseinon, in which it was stated that whereas that company, in order to preserve the roads, had agreed to run buses, on the GowertonPenclawydd route, of a weight not exceeding 2 tons 3 cwt., they noted that the South Wales Transport Co. were running buses of 5 ton 16 cwt. weight The company made it clear that the
limitation of weight should be general if it was desirable to impose it at all.
Further, Messrs. Johns and Williams considered a 20-seater bus of sufficient capacity to deal with ordinary weekday traffic requirements on the Penclawydd route.
The council, as stated, decided to interview the t.ransport.conipany on the matter.
A Road to Avoid: The Penartb Urban District Council Avoiding Road Works-in South Wales. has given formal notice that it intends to proceed immediately with the resurfacing of Windsor Road, from Cogan Hill to Stanwell Road and Plymouth Road. The council therefore requests drivers to proceed on the journey Penarth-Cardiff, or vice versa, via Redlands Road, whenever possible. , An Address Wanted.
We shall be glad if " W.H.B.," of Charlton, who contributed a letter to our page devoted to drivers and mechanics in our issue for December 11th, will get into touch with us. Communications to his original address have been returned.
Blackpool's Bus Enterprise.
Charges that the Blackpool Corpora.tiou, which is now inviting tenders for three new motor omnibuses, was lacking in enterprise were made at the January meeting of the town council, when Councillor Rice complained of the policy of the tramways committee. It had been far behind the enterprise of private peopk_ He hoped that that policy was going to bealtered, and instead of asking for three buses, a bolder policy should be pursued, and said that he could imagine nothing that would help the development of the tram more than a proper system of bus services.
Councillor F. Boothroycl replied that the committee had considered, and were considering, the whole question of bus services throughout the borough. Two years ago the tramways manager went into the whole question of services as required by the council, and he issued a report. The council turned it down. It was denied that there had been any laxity or lack of foresight as to the bus needs of the borough, and stress was laid on the need for considering the question of roads and their suitability for such traffic.
This Year's Tractor Trials.
It is the intention of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders to hold a series of tractor trials at Hounslow in September next.
A Casting Gilt From Coan's.
We have to thank Mr. R. W. Conn for a handsome aluminium cigar case which we have received. The workmanship of this gift is in every respect in keeping with the productions which emanate from the Goswell Road foundry. The reproduction of a por‘rait of
the Prince of Wales is particularly good and pays a tribute to the artist's skill and also to the craftsmanship associated with the modern process of sand-casting.
A New Yorkshire Service.
On the first day of the year the Barnsley and District Traction Co., Ltd., inaugurated a new passenger vehicle service • in the Holinfirth district, thus bringing the town into convenient touch with Barnsley. A few years ago the only means of travel to Holmfirth was by the railway; but at the present time there are many competitive bus services passing along the main road between Holmfirth and Huddersfield. There is considerable traffic on this route, and the service of the 13arnaley and District Traction Co., Ltd. which will run via Shepley, Denby. Vale, High Iloyland, Darton, and Staincross, will assist to meet the requirements of the Holmfirth residents.
An Efficient fire-fighting Unit.
We reproduce on this page an illustration of a Stanley-Ford fire-engine which has just been delivered by Leyland Motors, Ltd., to the fire-brigade authorities of Dumbarton, In a recent test this machine accomplished a road journey of 220 miles, which was followed by a continuous pumping, performance iof 2i hours, with a lift of water of 24 it., the entire programme being carried out without a hitch.
Light fire-engines of this pattern will carry eight to ten men, including the driver, in addition to a light ladder of the type shown in the picture, 1,000 ft, of hose, and all the necessary couplings. The turbine pump is of a type which has been specially designed for use on firefighting equipment of this etas's, and it is situated amidships, where it is immune from damage by collision. The pump is capable of delivering an output of 200 gallons of water per minute; and it is driven by enclosed gearing from the engine flywheel, a simple fricton clutch ,being used to effect engagement.
The chassis on which the•body is fitted_ is a Ford one-tonner, the chief alterations from standard being special engine cooling and oiling arrangements. It should be mentioned that Leyland Motors, Ltd., Leyland, are thesole concessionnaires, for the Stanley-Ford fire-engine, which is being accorded a popular welcome in many parts of the country.
No Lights for Cattle.
In reply to representations by the York Watch Committee concerning the carrying of lights by drovers of cattle at. night, the Minister of Transport states that, whilst he fully recognizes the desirability of lights being carried with animals drivenupon roads at night, he does not consider that, at the present time, it would be practicable to give effect to such a proposal.
A Neglected Area.'
The Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley and Dukinfield Tramways and Electricity Board has recently had .under consideration the question of the provision of passenger-carrying services in the Lo.ngdendale Valley, which embraces the villa.ges of Ma-Worn, Hollingworth and Tintwistle. Hitherto there have been. no _passenger-vehicle services of any description linking up these centres, and in a Bill recently before Parliament the Board sought powers to run buses or construct tramways to provide passenger-travelling facilities. In the meantime; a Sheffield firm have made application for licences to ran buses between Tintwistle and Hyde, and -'the matter has been referred to a subcommittee for further consideration_ Until such time as the Board is able to secure the powers which it seeks, it certainly seems that private enterprise might be given an opportunity of meeting the requirements of the inhabitants in the districts concerned. ,
Scottish Motor Traction Report. The report of the directors of the Scottish Motor Traction Co., Ltd., for the year ended September 30th, shows that the balance standing to the eredit of the revenue account, after including _ a sum brougbt forward from last year amounting to £6,604, is £35,779. , A dividend of 10. per cent., free of tax, for the year is to be paid, after which £10,899 will be carried forward, this sum being subject to corporation profits.
Mention is made of the fact that during the past year many new bus routes have been opened up, and that an increasing .number of vehicles have been put into constant service. During the year a site was acquired in a central position in Bathgate in order to construct a garage to house a number of buses, and this is now nearing completion.
The result of the year's trading is considered satisfactory, and the fact that 'the company are placing orders for further vehicles is indicative of the progress which is being made.
A Good Start for 1924.
The Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., of Southport, have opened the new year in a very auspicous manner, and by securing an. order for 24 30-cwt. Vuleans, which are to be used 'by Joseph Lyons and Co., Ltd., of London, the well-known caterers, they must surely look forward to the future with considerable optimism. Messrs. Lyons,already operate a large fleet .of Vulcan vehicles, which they have had in constant service for a number of years and no better testimonial of the satisfaction which these vehicles have given could be required than the repeat order which has just been placed.
New G.W.R. Services.
The Great Western Railway Co. have inaugurated three new road motor services in Cornwall, as follows :—(1) Austell, St_ Blazey, Tywardreath and Fowey; (2) St. Austell and Mevagissey; (3) St. Austell, Grampound and Truro. The company have also decided to run the Davey Station and Ffaytor Rocks service in Devonshire, hitherto a summer one, all the year round.
Motor Trains in France.
The Department of Isere has just placed orders for five more petrol-driven motor trains for use on the light railways of the district. Two of these will be Saurers, and the other three Berliets. Very many country districts in France are served by what are styled " tramways," although in point of fact they are in nearly all cases genuine light rail. ways, having stations and all the usual railway equipment. The trains are now drawn by venerable steam locomotives, -which are from 30 to 40 years of age. These are now giving way to the petroldriven machine.•
L.G.O.C. Plans for Wembley Exhibition.
The London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., are proceeding with certain plans in order to cope with the anticipated traffic in connection with the opening of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in the spring. The plans of the company are said to be based on the necessity for dealing with 50,000 passengers per day, and it is stated that a 13115 station, similar to that installed in the courtyard of Victoria Station, is to be constructed for the convenience ol waiting passengers. It will, of course, be much larger than that at the London railway terminus, and will, moreover, be roofed in.
Allen-Liversidge Report.
The report of Allen-Liversidge, Ltd., = for the year ended October 31st last shows, after making allowance for repairs, maintenance, depreciation, interest on debenture stock and other expenses, a net profit of 4,41,365 has been made. Add to this sum 44,721 brought forward from the previous year, and also a sum 3 of 47,150 (being excess-profit duty overreserved in previous years), a total sum of 453,236 remains. Of this amount, the balance of discount and commission on the debenture stock issue made in February, 1922, absorbs 44,000, 41,500 is reserved for the equalization of future taxation, 41,150 is carried to the general reserve, and 413,850 reserved again-St the patents and development .account. Deducting these sums, a balance of 432,736 remains.
An interim dividend of 5 per cent., amounting to 411,207, has been paid, and, as mentioned in our last issue, a final dividend is to be paid at the rate of 7i per cent., which will absorb 416,810 and leave 44,719 to be carried forward.
Lorries Likely to be Taxed in Tasmania.
An attempt is being made to get the Government of Tasmania to pass a law enforcing the taxation of motor lorries and steam wagons plying for hire in the island. The scheme will probably take the line of giving municipalities the power to levy a tax on lorries, and possibly also on petrol. It is not thought that those interested -will demur to any considerable extent if the whole of the funds raised in this manner are devoted towards road maintenance.
The Birmingham-Wolverhampton Road.
The construction of a new road from Birmingham to Wolverhampton formed the subject of a somewhat attenuated discussion on the occasion of a recent meet lug of the Dudley Town Council, when it was stated that the council had decided to adhere to its recent resolution limiting the borough's contribution in connection with the scheme to 420,080.
It was stated that the Ministry of Transport had agreed to contribute 60 per cent, of the actual cost, but that in the event of the total expenditure exceeding 4573,750, 40 per cent, of such cost should be found by 'the other contributing authorities in the ratio of their original contributions.
West Hartlepool Replacing Tramways. Since deciding upon the use of trolleybuses in place of tramcars, over the Foggy Furze route, the track of which was in a bad state, the West Hartlepool Corporation has lost no time in performing the change-over process. The tramways have now been completely removed and the overhead gear renovated, and everything is in readiness for instituting the new services -before the end of the month. Test runs have already taken place, and general satisfaction is expressed at the comfortable and efficient facilities which the new buses provide.
Short Measure Petrol Pumps.
The General Purposes Committee of the West Riding County Council reports that an examination has been made of all the petrol pumps erected in the county, and, of 177 pumps, 44 gave short measure. The committee recommends that representations be made to the Board of Trade urging the necessity of legislation to make all measuring instruments subject to verification, as in the case of weighing instruments. Meanwhile the county council has decided *that petrol pumps shall not be stamped by the inspector of weights and sues-sores.
New Road for Welsh Coalfield Areas.
The opening ceremony in connection with the new road through the Dulais Valley, Neath, and running from Aberdulais to Ciynant, was recently performed by Sir Henry P. Maybury, Director-General of Roads, for the Ministry of Transport. The new road has been constructed by the Neath Rural District Council, and it serves a wide area which is rich in anthracite coal. The length of the new road is four miles, its width being 30 ft., and it has been constructed to replace a highway which had been in existence ever a hundred years and which pos sessea many dangerous curves and gradients. The cost of the work was 470,288, and 50 per cent. of this sum has been borne by the Ministry of . Transport.
A Super.elevated Road.
A feature which is somewhat novel, so far as roads in this country are concerned, is embodied in a section of the reconstructed road which leads from Barton Bridge to Trafford Park, and which was recently -epened by the Barton-upon-Ir well P.D. C.
The road follows very closely the construction used an racing tracks, which, as many will know, are banked, sometimes acutely, on the outside of bends. This class of construction, known as super-elevation, is used. to some extent in France and America, and to a small extent in some parts af this country. The object of road construction along these lines is, of course, to enable a vehicle to round a curve without an appreciable reduction in speed. The bends on the Barton road can be negotiated with safety by motor lorries travelling at about 14 m.p.h.
West Riding Roads.
Important road improvements are contemplated in the West Riding area of Yorkshire. A new arterial road across the Aire Valley is proposed, and this will connect the Shipley and Bramley main road on the West, side of the valley with the Kirkstall, Otley and Shipley main mad on the opposite side. The two roads run into Leeds, but the new road will be useful iii that it will enable vehicles coming from the direction of Bradford and travelling to Otley and Harrogate to avoid the need for posing through the city.
Higher up the valley it is hoped that within a very short time a start will be made in improving Stock Bridge, Keigliley, the point at which the heaviest traffic was recorded during the traffic census taken in the West Riding 18 months ago. The Keighley Town Council is taking active steps to open up a road running in the bottom of the Aire Valley from Stockbridge to Kildwick, a distance of seven miles, in order to relieve the towns and villages en route of through traffic. The valley road would be of great value to traffic from the West Riding to East Lancashire and the Lake District.
Two other important schemes for which grants have been made by the county council include the resurfacing of the roadway on a concrete foundation from the tramway terminus at Hehden Bridge to Brierley, for which the grant is 313,620 ; and the widening of the road between Highgate and Goldthorpe on the Doncaster and &altersbrook road, for which the grant is £14,000.
Sheffield Road and Bridge Schemes. Many road-making, road-widening and bridge-building schemes will be put in hand in Sheffield and the surrounding districts during the present year. Many relief Works are at present under way which it is estimated will cost close on £200,000, and about 750 men are engaged in the work. New road and bridge schemes are estimated to cost approximately £306,000, and as operations are commenced many men at present unemployed will be absorbed. The scheme of most, importance is, perhaps, the widening of the Worksop road which, it is estimated, will cost £85,000. Many roads which at present • D24 have awkward twists and turns will be straightened, and bridges which are not &ufficiently strong to carry modern-day traffic will be strengthened.
Seeking Cheap Tickets.
In a communication to the Llanguicke Council, the managing director of the South Wales Transport Co., Swansea, states that, whereas the company cannot grant Saturday (market day) tickets at
reduced rates on the routes in the Swansea valley, they are prepared to consider the issue of workmen's concession tickets, and will receive the council's representatives in conference on the subject. A deputation is to wait on the company.
New R.A.C. Office at Cardiff.
Commodious and well-situated offices will he opened by the Royal Automobile Club, at Atlantic House, St. Mary Street, Cardiff, in a week or • 60. A reading-room will be provided for the use of associate members, and the local manager will be Mr. J. Thompson Willows, Who is well known throughout South Wales as the hon. secretary of the South Wales Automobile Club, which office he has held for 20 years.
Nottingham Haulage Work.
Further important developments continue to mark. the operations of the Motor Haulage Section of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce, the members of which are working in close harmony with the transport department of the city's chief mercantile organization. Results of an eminently practical character, to the great advantage of local manufacturers and traders, have attended the admirably co-ordinated scheme which has been evolved through the &amber's enterprise. A new scale of standard charges for local work has been recently brought into operation, and by arrangement with the chamber's insurance company, the haulage contractor's liability is now covered by the payment of an additional premium on the chamber's policy, the amount a sir& additional premium being paid by the various haulage contractors. The committee has appointed .Mr. L. Alderman, of Pickfords, Ltd., to be the section's delegate to the National Road Transport Employers' Federation, and, having regard to the consistently keen interest which Mr. Alderman has manifested in the work it is felt, that no more fitting choice could have been made.
Considerable regret has been manifested as to the recent death of Mr. A. J. Savage, who was the first chairman of this department of the chamber.
History of the Omnibus.
The London General Omnibus Co., Ltd. have recently prepared a lecture which deals with the history and operation of the omnibus in London from its introduction in 1828 to the present day. The story tells in a very convincing manner the early attempts to produce an efficient mechanical vehicle and of the gradual development of bus routes as the population increased.
Every phase and aspect of the omnibus industry is dealt with, and many informative statistics relating to such interesting facts as petrol consumption, number of passengers carried, bus-miles run, etc., are referred to. Close upon 100 lantern slides have been made to accompany the lecture, which is expected to equal in popularity the companion lecture issued a short time ago dealing with the development of London's underground system.
Local Proceedings.
Highbridge Urban District Council is considering the provision of a motor fire-engine.
The Lampeter Council, on the advice of its surveyor, is to consider the purchase of a steam-roller.
Folkestone Corporation Highways Committee reports the purchase of a De Dion-Bouton motor lorry.
Edinburgh Corporation has prepared a scheme for the centralization of its mechanical road transport.
Southgate Urban District Council has purchased a reconditioned Sunbeam motor ambulance chassis at a cost of £235.
York City Council Tramways Committee is considering the question of the purchase of two additional petrol-driven omnibuses.
The City of EdieThargh invites tenders for the supply of a 1-ton lorry with fixed sides and detachable top. Tenders have to be delivered not later than January 16th.
Braintree Urban District Council has decided to ascertain the cost of an arrangement by which a motor could be available for hauling the fire-engine to outbreaks outside the town.
Asked by the Hove Watch Committee to provide covers for the outside seats of motorbuses, Tilling, Ltd., have replied that they have not yet been able to find a cover which is of any real use.
The Oldham Tramways Committee • has instructed the general manager (Mr. W. Chamberlain) to consider the question of suitable routes on which the oneman-operated motorbus could be tried in Oldham.
Kendal Corporation has received its new motor ambulance, and accepted the tender of Messrs. Craghill and Co. to provide driver, petrol and oil at 2s. 10d. for town journeys, and 6d. per mile for country journeys. Neath Town Council is considering the provision of a motor ambulance, East, Suffolk County Council has purchased a Ford chassis for ambulance uses.
Blackburn Corporation has decided to purchase a 30-cwt. motor lorry for the gas department.
Burton-on-Trent Corporal on has purchased a one-ton Chevrolet motor delivery van for the gas department.
Eastbourne Corporation has asked its motorbus sub-committee to report concerning the number of additional motorbuses likely to be required this year.
Burton-on Trent Corporation has made the following purchases for the highways department--Lacre tipping wagon, £650; Vulcan tipping wagon, £557 les. ; and Overland light van, £198. • Great Yarmouth Town Council invites tenders for the supply c,f a 1-ton Ford lorry with endetippgng body designed for ithe-collection of 'house refuse, and a 3-ton petrol lorry with end-tipping body for the same purpose. Tenders have to he delivered net later than January 18th.,
Taunton Town Council has adopted a recommendation involving' the expenditure of £1,820 on new fire brigade equipment, the principal item of which is £1,480 for a motor fire-engine. The expenditure will 1-4 shared by the corporation and the rural council in view of the fact that the brigade will serve both the borough and the rural district.
Growlers on the Decline.
A notable feature in connection with the annual inspection of licensed vehicles by the Swansea Watch Committee, which was held on New Year's Day, was that, whilst over 100 motor omnibuses were examined, the parade of the old growler-type of vehicle numbered only four—the lowest number on record in the borough.1
Provincial Tramways Report.
The balance-sheet and revenue account of the Provincial Tramways Co. Ltd., for the year ended September 30th last shows that the net revenue received from the local companies during the period was £11,398, as compared with. £20,583 during the previous year. Add to this sum the amount brought forward from last year, i.e., £3,001, transfer fees, interest and income tax deducted from dividend warrants amounting in all to £3,433, and the total becomes £17,832.
From this amount must. be deducted administration expenses arnounting,Jo £2,951, interest to the debenture holders for the year representing a sum 'of £8,750, £2,500 set aside for income-tax and other item -s amounting in all to £14,227. After -deducting this *amount, a balance of £3,545 remains.
• • The continued serious unemployment in the district in' which the services of the company 'are located and the unsettled state of trade generally, which have seriously 'affected theirearnings, are given as reasons for the inability of the directors to declare a dividend.
M.T. Drivers' Reunion Dinner. .
The National Motor Drivers' Association informs us that some ex-R.A.S.C. M.T. drivers are arranging a reunion dinner to take place on Saturday, February 9th, at 6.30 p.m. Every effort is being made to render the evening an enjoyable one, and a musical programme is being arranged. Any ex-member of the corpe who is interested can secure full particulars from Mr. Joseph W. Dunn, one of the vice-presidents of the Association, at 1, St. Thomas Crescent, Newcastle-on-Tyne. The dinner is to be held at Tylley's Restaurant, Blackett Street, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and the tickets are priced at 6s. each. ,
Blackburn Corporation has decided to purchase a one-ton motor wagon for the highways department.