WHEELS of INDUSTRY " The wheels of wealth will be
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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 Deputation to the Minister of Transport.
A deputation representing the Transport and General Workers' Union waited upon Mr. Herbert Morrison, the Minister of Transport, a few days ago and was introduced by Mr. Bevin. • • • The deputation urged the desirability of introducing more widely, and particularly in London, vestibule fronts on tramcars, so as to secure greater protection and comfort for the drivers. Mr. Morrison said that it had 'already been 'intimated that the Ministry had no objection to such vehicles being tried, but the decision rested with the tramway authorities, with whom he would communicate.
The deputation further stressed the importance of passing without delay a Road Traffic Bill, including, amongst other points, a reform of the Present system of licensing public passenger vehicles and the introduction of a system of compulsory insurance on the lines recommended by the Royal Commission on Transport. Mr. Morrison stated that he was giving his close attention to these matters and would give full consideration to the views which had been advanced by the union.
A Guide to Olympia.
The second Show Number of The Motor published to-day (Tuesday) constitutes a useful guide to Olympia. This is in concise form, arranged alphabetically, and makes much easier the task of spotting the interesting features of the Show. The second feature of the issue is a compendium of brief chassis details, with prices, of all cars, including all models on the British
market. This is invaluable at this time to those contemplating the pur chase of a car, and the issue, with many other interesting and informative articles, is one that should be kept for reference together with the complete Show-report number which will be issued next week.
Citroen's Augmented Range.
A striking newcomer to the popular 35-cwt. class is the six-cylinder Citroen chassis which will make its bow to the public at Olympia on November 7th. The 19.3 h.p. engine is substantially the same as that of the successful sixcylinder Citroen car, but the chassis, of • course, has been modified to withstand the additional burden and the rigours of commercial-vehicle service. The back axle has been strengthened 'and the frame is laid out to give an .adeciliate margin of safety for the pay-load of 35 cwt. Features of the specification are a four-speed ,gearbox and Bendix Puo-servo brakes. This model will be shown at Olympia in chassis form, also as a drop-side lorry and enclosed van.
Having a four-cylindered engine of 13-30 h.p, is another type which will be exhibited in the form of a farmer's four-seater ear which, by removing the rear-seat cushions, can be converted from a passenger machine to a useful C16 covered wagon. The back is hinged to form a tailboard to provide for the -carrying of long loads.
Other models in the range will be a provincial-type taxicab with two occasional seats and a folding head, on a long-wheelbase chassis.
The Citroen-Kegresse half-track vehicle is being retained and will be shown as a chassis, also with a platform body and as a four-seater. This model has a 13-30 h.p. four-cylindered engine with a detachable head.
1.11i111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111I:" E v November 7th Olympia will open open its doors to the E tens of thousands interested E.= in all spheres of activity of the commercial-motor industry. The F = exhibition is so vast that it is F. possible to overlook many of its most 77vital features if you are without -Z.the latest and best information =7 which can be obtained only from athe columns of " The Commercial Motor'. Make a note of the dates of our three special Show numbers —and order them now. The National Company and the Railways.
Some months ago it was announced that the interests of the National Omnibus and Transport Co., Ltd., in western and southern areas of the country bad been disposed of to new concerns in which the Great Western Railway and the Southern Railway companies respectively had joint control with the National organization.
Now is it reported that a provisional agreement on similar terms has just been entered into with the London and North Eastern Railway Co. and the London Midland and Scottish Railway Co. in respect of the National Company's remaining provincial areas.
Conferences at the Commercial Show.
In connection with the forthcoming commercial motor exhibition to be held at Olympia, the following provisional conferences have been arranged to take place :—November 8th, with the railway companies ; November 11th, with the Incorporated Association of Retail Distributors; November 120, with the Omnibus Owners' Association and the Tramways and Light Railways Association: November 13th, with the Commercial Motor Users Association ; November 14th, with the Municipal Tramways and Transport Association. Each coramences at 11 a.m.
Registration of Strachans (Acton).
Strachans (Acton) was registered as a private company on October 2nd, with a nominal capital of £60,000 in I. shares, to acquire the business of coachbuilders and engineers carried on at Wales Farm Road and Victoria Road, Acton, London, W., as well as that of timber merchants and sawmillers, carried on at 15, Earl's Court Road. Kensington, London, S.W., as Strachans. The directors are J. R. Strachan, Mrs. E. E. Strachan, H. J. Gray and T. H. Fraser.
No New Solid-tyred Buses for London.
It is stated that, as from the beginning of the New Year, Scotland Yard will refuse to licence new solid-tyred motorbuses for operation in London. Pneumatic-tyred buses have been in operation on the London streets for a comparatively short time, but now it would appear that the authorities are anxious that pneumatic tyres shall be more extensively employed, particularly as their use reduces noise and vibration.
Manchester's Bus Contracts.
Our issue dated October 1st contained a paragraph intimating that the Manchester Corporation was about to purchase 90 new buses from three important commercial-motor manufacturers. This was a tramways-committee recommendation, but when the matter came before the city council it declined to support the decision, and by a majority vote decided to divide the contract between Crossley Motors, Ltd., and Leyland Motors, Ltd.—both Lancashire concerns.