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 If runs."-John Beattie Crozier.
New M. of T. Returns.
Mr. Percy John Pybus, Liberal M.P. for Harwich, who landed from the Cunard liner " Mauretania " at Plymouth on Tuesday, September 8th, in the course of an interview, said that he ha A rushed home in order to take his place as a member of the new National Government, after, a stay of only two days in America. Mr. Pybus explained that two months ago he was appointed chairman of the Phoenix Assurance Co., Ltd., which had wide interests in America as well as in this country, and it was On the company's business that he crossed the Atlantic in the "Empress of Britain." Later an invitation came to him by wireless from Mr. Ramsay MacDonald to enter the Ministry, as Minister of Transport. Mr. Pybus said he naturally hesitated as to what was the best for him to do, as joining the Government involved his withdrawal from commercial interests. In the circumstances he determined to consult his two deputy chairmen, one of whom is Sir Thomas Royden. He had a talk with Sir Thomas on the telephone, and within half an hour he was in a position to say that both his colleagues agreed with him that it was his duty to enter the National Government, and lee at once cabled his acceptance of the Premier's offer. He had come back to this country at the first possible moment, and was going straight from the boat train on its arrival at Paddington to the Ministry of Transport and then to the House of Commons.
Latest Oil Engines Demonstrated.
In our, next issue we hope to deal at some length with the latest types of oil . engine which were exhibited by several of our most prominent manufacturers, on the occasion of the conference of the managers' section of the Municipal Tramways and Transport Association. The ,article will include details of the latest-type A.E.C.-Ricardo, Blackstone, Crossley, Leyland, Gardner, T.S. Motors and Thornycroft exhibits. In this issue we refer to the new lightweight Gardner engine. Important newcomers to this field are the makers of Leyland and Thornycroft vehicles. The article in question will be of great interest.
Plymouth Bus-station Controversy.
Plymouth Watch Committee is now considering an alternative site at the corner of Glanvill Street for the pur poses of a bus station. The site is already the property of the authority. Plans and estimates are being prepared and this scheme, together with the original scheme for a costly station, will then be considered.
Haulage Rates Agitation.
The year's sustained agitation on the part of the Swansea District Road Transport and Master Carters Associations against the acceptance of municipal haulage tenders at " uneconomic " rates, at the expense of the employees, has at last been successful.
s20 Hitherto the council's attitude to the representations of the associations, as well as those of the employees' unions, has been that the responsibility of the council ended with the stipulation in contracts of the "fair wages" clause.
The council's committee has now, however, agreed that in future, where proof is forthcoming that the contract conditions as to wages and hours are not observed, contracts shall be immediately terminated.
The Position at Luton.
The Eastern National Omnibus Co., Ltd., which has been negotiating for the purchase of the Luton tramway system, has informed the town council that it does not intend to proceed with the negotiations. It is prepared. however, to-consider becoming the transport undertaking for the town, so far as the council is concerned, on a basis to be negotiated.
Cases Under the Road Traffic Act.
From news which we have received from various parts of the country it appears.. that more summonses have been issued in respect of using vehicles with defective tyres, whilst prosecutions have taken place for failure to provide first-aid appliances on public-service vehicles. At Slough three bus drivers had to pay Costs in respect of summonses for smoking while on duty. These details are given as a warning to others.
New Gifford Depot for Midlands.
W. S. Yeates and Co., which has had its works at Hollowstone Garage, Nottingham, announces having removed, as from yesterday, to new premises, to be known as the Midland Gilford Depot, at Derby Road, Loughborough. The company handles the sale of Gilford vehicles in the midland area, and the new depot, at present covering 12,000 sq. ft., but eventually to extend over a further area of 22,000 sq. ft., will be devoted to Gilford sales and service. Full stocks of vehicles and spares -will be carried and there are complete overhaul facilities. Pooling Technical Knowledge.
Following upon the Publication of an editorial entitled "The Value of Pooling Technical Knowledge," which was published in our issue of September 8th, we have received notification from the Institution of Automobile Engineers that one of the primary objects of its newly formed Research and Standardization Committee will be the collection and distribution of knowledge on all classes of technical subjects. The first meeting took place on September 10th.
For many years the Institution has, through its papers and formal and informal meetings, served to disseminate -technical information, but the new development is one which will ensure manufacturers being able to save considerable surElS of money, by reason of the. fact that costly and redundant research work can be eliminated by taking full advantage of the ability to obtain the latest available information.
Six-wheeled A.E.C. Goods Model.
For many months the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., of Southall, has had under test examples of a new sixwheeled freight chassis, which is to be sold under the name of Mammoth Major. With an ordinary body it will have a carrying capacity of 12 tons and a frame which will permit the easy-mounting of a wide variety of bodies. The Major units employed follow familiar A.E.C. practice.
Traffic Filtration.
The town clerk of Burton-on-Trent reports receipt of a letter from the Ministry of Transport intimating that the Minister, after carefully considering all the factors, is of opinion that it is not in the interests of traffic as a whole that filtration should be allowed at road j unctions.
A Book on the Trolley-bus.
Mr. R. A. Bishop, who used to be publicity manager of Guy Motors, Ltd., and has now been appointed to a similar position with Armstrong-Saucer Commercial Vehicles, Ltd., has written an interesting book entitled "The Electric Trolley Bus" (Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd., 12s. 6d.). Little has been written in text-book form on this important subject, so that this work will prove useful to municipal officers and others who are finding it necessary to look into the possibilities of alternative forms of transport to take the place of tramway systems that are becoming
worn out. Every argument for and against the trackless trolley vehicle has been explored by the author, details of home and overseas systems of the past and present are given, operating costs of well-known systems are analysed and averaged, and fundamental features of trolley-bus design and of types of overhead equipment are explained. The concluding chapter deals with town-planning and political aspects of the city transport problem, as it will have to be faced in the future.
The Benevolent Fund Ball.
The motor ball and carnival in aid of the 'Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund, 'which will be held at Grosvenor House on October 21st, will, this year' be an even more important function than formerly, for it will, to a great extent, take the place of the annual. Show banquet, which has been dropped in view of the economic situation; but the ball will provide a useful opportunity for meeting socially many members of the trade.
It will be under the patronage of H.R.H. Prince Arthur of Connaught, and Sir George Deharrell, D.S.O., president of the ball, will be assisted by many people -well known in the motorlug world, including Lord AshfieId, P.C., Lord Wakefield,. C.B.E., LL.D., the Hon. Sir Arthur. Stanley, Sir Harold and Lady Bowden, Sir William Morris, Sir Herbert Austin and Sir Percival Perry.
Prizes amounting to nearly 1200 will be given for fancy costumes, and special prizes for original ideas relating to motoring. An " all-star " cabaret will be one of the features.
.Thontas Tilling Dividend.
It is satisfactory to report that the directors of Thomas Tilling, Ltd., announce an interim dividend of 2s. per share, subject to tax, in respect of the year ending December 31st next, payable on October 1st. A year ago the interim rate was similar, but since then the share capital has been increased to £791,025. Earlier this year the company acquired controlling interests in the National Omnibus and Transport Co, Ltd., and the United Counties Omnibus and Road Transport Co., Ltd.
Interesting I.A.E. Papers.
For the session 1931-1932, the Institution of Automobile Engineers is offering a wide variety of subjects. The new president, Mr. W. A. TookeY, takes as the subject of his presidential address " The Internal-combustion Engine and Its Performances." One of the outstanding events will be the reading of the paper on "High-speed Automobile Oil Engines" by Mr. C. B. Dicksee, of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., whilst a topical question—that of cylinder and piston wear—will be dealt with by Mr. E. C. Ottaway. Mr. L. H. Pomeroy, managing director of the Daimler Co., Ltd., will deal with transmission, whilst Major W. G. Wilson, who is a wellknown authority on opicyclic gearing, will deal with this matter.
This Week's Anti-dazzle Demonstration.
In connection with the International Illumination Congress, the Royal Automobile Club is organizing a demonstration of anti-dazzle devices at Midsmnmer Common, Cambridge, on September 17th. The event is due to start at 8.15 'p.m.
Public-transport Working at Birkenhead.
During the year ended March 31st, 1931, the tramways and motors department of the County Borough of Birkenhead received a total income of 178,620, whilst the operating expenses were 168,521. After deducting various expenses in connection with interest, sinking.fund, etc., the net profit is 11,114, as compared with.18,845 in the pre
vions year. The motorbus accounts show a gross surplus of 166,898, of which 131,000 is net profit. Of the last-named sum 129,000 goes to aid the borough fund in respect of rates. The net profit is some 16,000 greater than in the previous year. The motorbus reserve Mud now stands at 117,85.3, and the fleet includes 115 Leyland and two Daimler vehicles. Vehicle Registrations in Persia.
It is estimated that there are now some 400 buses and 4,900 goods-carrying vehicles registered in Persia. Many of these are confined to their garages for economic reasons. In both these categories there is a slight increase. It would appear that American chassis predominate in this market.
Ministry's Tribute to Manufacturers.
Dealing with refuse collection by local authorities the Ministry of Health refers to the marked improvements in methods of collection and disposal. In the past the type of vehicle commonly used for conveying refuse had many defects, notably a high loading line and, not infrequently no proper covering. Vehicles of this type still survive in many districts, although they are fast being replaced by those with a low loading line and haying a satisfactory cover, thus ensuring clean, quick operation. A word of commendation is due to the many enterprising manufacturers who have striven to produce vehicles which have enabled local authorities to achieve this excellent result.
Coach Parking at Eastbourne.
At the meeting of the watch committee of the Eastbourne Corporation, Mr. G. R. Moore attended on behalf of the local coachowners' association and asked that the order fixing coach stands should be amended ; it provides that no public-service vehicle shall stand on any of the appointed places on Sundays, except between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., between 2 p.m. and 8.30 p.m., and between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. The committee agreed to recommend the council to -amend the clause, fixing the hours at between 9.30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
A Ticket-printing Machine in Production.
We learn from " T.I.M." Ticket Issue Machines Ltd. 328, -Abbey House, Westminster, London, SAVA, that the T.I.M. ticket-issuing machine is now nearing commercial production, and that the first 100 instruments to be supplied under contract to the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., will be delivered during the present month, after which supplies will be available for ithe general trade. The maker has, for the past 10 years, been manufacturing Neopost postal franking machines.
The new instrument weighs less than 3 lb., and has a nine-holed finger dial similar to that used on1/4 automatic telephones. By this the fare value for the ticket is selected and all necessary details, including the stages from 1 to 99, the fare, class of ticket, number of
service, date and serial number, are printed on the ticket itself from a blank roll of paper held in a magazine and replaceable in less than half a minute.
On turning the handle a revolving drum prints and issues the ticket, which is so cut that it is left hanging by one corner and cannot blow away.
Separate counters are provided for registering the value of each ticket, record ing the total number of tickets issued and the number of return tickets. It is stated that this machine will be issued with a five-year warranty.
Passenger Transport at Huddersfield.
During the year ended March 31st, the balance from the Huddersfield Joint Omnibus Committee transferred to the net revenue account of the County Borough of Huddersfield was £9,027, and the net balance to the appropria tion account in respect of the motor
buses was £6,394. During the year 8,981,724 passengers were carried, and . the average miles per day per bus were 112, over a route mileage of 126.88. The average traffic revenue. per bus-Mile was 10.62d., and• the average working expenses 8.76d.
Glasgow Encourages Transport Education.
At a service-committee meeting of Glasgow Corporation it was decided that an honorarium of £25 be paid to an employee passing the examination for gra-, duateship of the Institute of Transport, and a similar amount on passing the examination for the associateahip. Wakefield Tramways • Abandonment.
Wakefield Corporation has decided to agree in principle to the proposal of the Yorkshire (West Riding) Electric Tramways Co., Ltd., to substitute buses for trams on the route from Sandal to Leeds. In connection with the company's proposal for the substitution of buses for the trams on the route between Mibithorpe and Leeds it was decided to interview the company with regard to stopping places, stages, etc. The city engineer was asked to interview the company regarding the reinstatement of roads involved by the abandonment of the tramways.
Bus-stop Principles.
At the meeting of the watch committee of the Eastbourne Corpbration the chief constable reported that the stopping and turning points of buses were often in main roads and, before turning, buses at times had to reverse. In some cases these operations were extremely dangerous, and at certain points the conductors had to keep watch and were provided with red flags for signalling. He made suggestions for overcoming such difficulties as follow : (1) No public-service vehicle shall stop within about 50 ft. of a busy junction or crossing. (2) No public-service vehicle shall stop on a bend. (3) No publicservice vehicle shall halt opposite a stopping place of other public-service vehicles proceeding in the opposite direction, except as and whendirected otherwise.
A Useful Sweeper for Garages.
Wherever there are large floor spaces to be kept clean the use of a hand broom is laborious and, in consequence, scarcely to be considered as up to modern standards of efficient operation. A useful appliance, sold by the Equipment and Engineering Co., Ltd., 2 and 3, Norfolk Strer.t, London, W.C.2, is known as the E. and E. Hand Sweeper. 'The 24-in. size costs £15, the 32-in. type £15 10s. and the 40-in. pattern £16.
It consists of a two-wheeled carriage, from one side of which the drive is taken to the inclined broom ; this sweeps the dust and dirt to one side. This machine will operate close up to a wall or similar vertical object. Reversing, and the consequent alteration of the brush angle for a return sweep, is effected by turning the handle over the machine. Ball bearings are provided to lighten the effort required and all mechanism is enclosed. .
Canadian Transport Inquiry to be Appointed ?
Although it has not yet been officially announced, it is reported that a Royal Commission will shortly be appointed to investigate the whole of the transportation situation in Canada.
It is understood that this body will have a broad scope, including the question of the overlapping of the two great railway systems, competition by road services, etc. This course was recommended in the recent session of Parliament by the railway committee of the House of Commons.
A Handy Vacuum Cleaner.
Amongst the vacuum-cleaning appliances offered to the public which are suitable for cleaning the interior of coaches and buses a handy new ontfit is the Baby Viking, marketed at £6 10s.
complete, by Viking Sales, Ltd., Harvester House, 37, Peter Street, Manchester.
It weighs 41 lb., measures 1 ft. 2 ins. by 7 ins. and is guaranteed for one year against mechanical and electrical defects. r.Fhq .motor is universally wound so that it __will operate on direct or alternating current of . any specified voltage. Fan ceoling is provided to eliminate the risk
overheating.
. Revised Studebaker Pierce-Arrow
Prices.
We are advised by Henlys, Ltd., that the Studebaker Pierce-Arrow models for 1932 will be of two types, as heretofore. The 2-tonner, with a wheelbase of 10 ft. 10 ins. will sell in chassis form at M5, whilst the 13-ft. 4-in. wheelbase type is listed at £298. The 21-ton model with a 12-ft. 4-in, wheelbase costs 1325, and the 13-ft. 4-in. Chassis i350. These prices represent alight increases.
All machines now have fully floating rear axles, twin-tyred rear wheels, chromium-plated radiators and heavy auxiliary 'isprings.
'Modifications to the Viceroy Chassis.
We are advised by Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., that the Viceroy passenger chassis has been modified so that its seating Capacity is now increased to 24. For this purpose, the wheelbitse has been lengthened and the track increased ; the outlines of the radiator have been altered so that they now resemble more closely that of the larger type of Morris-Commercial---the Dictator.
Swansea Responds to Commissioners' Request.
In consequence of the advice of the South Wales Traffic Commissioners that all public-service operators should be allowed equal rights on the streets and that bus servicesplying . td Swansea from outside should no longer have to use private garages, Swansea Watch Committee has now allocated termini on the highways to such operators.
Reduced Argentine Imports.
According to figures published recently by the Argentine Association of httnorters of Motor Vehicles and Accessories, the total imports of complete vehicles, chassis and tractors for the first half of 1031 showed a big decrease on the figures for 1930. Of the total imports, motorcars fell from 18,171 to 7,376, commercial chassis and vehicles from 8,381 to 2,870, and tractors from • 2,279 to 39. Of the total imports of commercial vehicles, 2,703 had the United States as their country of origin and 93 the United Kingdom.
Scope for the Use of More Agrimotors.
A report made by the farm economies branch of the Department of Agriculture, Cambridge University, giving an economic survey of agriculture in Hertfordshire, .advances the contention that if wages cannot be redneed to the level of output, then output must be increased to the level of wages. There is, it further states, considerable scope for increasing labour efficiency by the modernization of power and equipment Tractors could be employed much more widely than at present, but capital is scarce. The somewhat surprising assertion is made that reliable information on the economies of tractors is practically non-existent.
Inconvenient Licence Suspension.
At a .licensing committee meeting of Herne Bay Urban District Council it was decided to approach the Traffic Commissioners regarding the suspension of a road-service licence between Herne Bay and Recolver and to intimate that it is felt that the suspension will occasion inconvenience to the public.
New Office for Neale Brake Controls.
Owing to the progressive increase in the sales of the Neate patent adjustable trailer-brake control a new office has been opened at 44, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1, in the name of the Trailer -Appliance Company.
Warwickshire By-passes.
We learn that Warwickshire authorities are to construct two important by passes. One is at Coleshill, on road A446, between Leamington and Lichfield, commencing at the foot of Grimstock Hill and proceeding in a southerly direction over the river Cole and across the main Birmingham-Nuneaton road 500 yards west of Coleshill cross-roads, emerging about 1-.1 mile on the Stonebridge side of Coleshill cross-reads. The other scheme is at Knowle, beginDing at Pursell's Brook on the Solihull side of Knewle, proceeding in an easterly direction until joining the Red ditch-Knowle-Coventry main road over the canal bridge. Following the line of the existing road mid the district road known as Watery Lane, it will cross the Birmingham-Warwick main road on the Warwick side of the King's Arms Canal Bridge, joining the main road again near the junction,of Baker's Lane_
Personal Pars'
Mr. A. Peake-Tones, whose photograph is reproduced on this page, has had a varied career in the past 33 years of commercial activity. Commencing with an apprenticeship in journalism in 1898, he joined C. E. Fulford, Ltd., manufacturing chemists, of Leeds, in 1904, and was copy editor for advertising for three years. Next he became advertising manager to J. J. Allen, Ltd., of Bournemouth, and was responsible for instituting a mail-order business. In 1913 he became connected with the motor industry by taking up the posi tion of advertising, manager to the B. F. Goodrich Co., Ltd., London, and, later, assumed a similar position with the Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd. From 1916 to 1919 he was a first-class equipment officer in the R.F.C. and R.A.F., holding a substantive captaincy, and was mentioned in H.M. Honours List in January, 1919.
After demobilization he returned to the Avon concern as advertising and London manager. Be served on various councils and committees of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Motor Trade Association, etc., and was elected a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Trade in 1929. During 1922 and up to 1926 he organized the "Buy British Tyres" campaign—culminating in the inclusion of tyres in the McKenna schedule—and broadcast a talk on behalf of the tyre industry. In 1929 he became the first chairman of the Tyre Manufacturers' Conference. This year he has joined the headquarters sales executive of the British Goodrich Rubber Co., Ltd.
• Mr. EL V. Saunders, who was for many years on the outside sales staff .of Guy Motors, Ltd., has joined ArmstrongSaucer Commercial Vehicles, Ltd., as sales representative in the counties of Northumberland, Durham, Cumberland and Westmorland. He is a son of the late Mr. H. B. Saunders, who was well known in the motor trade.
• 'A Gravity-tipping Body.
An accompanying illustration depicts a Manchester lorry, the tipping body of which has been designed by Mr. Mallett, of Guernsey, Channel Islands. Tipping is effected 'by gravity, and it is understood that Willys Overland Crossley, Ltd., Heaton Chapel, Stockport, the chassis maker, is interested in the B24 arrangement. The body has been
raised well' above the' chassis, so as to provide for adequateground clearance when tipped.
Several vehicles of a similar type are being used in the Channel Islands, the
results, we understand, being most satisfactory. The lorry illustrated works in Alderney, and is employed on the transport of granite over a short distance between the harbour and a collection site.
. Signals Inoperative on Sunday.
The Ammanford U.D.C. has resolved to protest against the decision of the Carmarthenshire Chief Constable that the newly erected automatic traffic signals in the Ammanford district shall not be operated on Sundays.
• Trading in British Malaya.
From October 5th Mr. R. Boulter,C.M.G., H.M. Trade Commissioner at Singapore, will be in the United Kingdom, on a short visit, and will be available for the purpose of interviewing con-:
cerns interested in trade in British Malaya. Those desirous of meeting Mr. Beadier should apply to the Department of Overseas Trade, quoting reference 2861/1/31.
Transport Questions at Newcastle.
The question of Newcastle-uponTyne's traffic problem is to be considered fully by the central estates and markets committee and the question of motorbuses, waiting-rooms, shelters, seats, etc., in the Haymarket will be discussed.