THE SHOWMAN AND THE MOTOR VEHICLE,
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Modern Methods of the Amusement Caterer.
Pr 0-DAY WE SHOW: To-morrow .1 we travel T " This was the slogan of the old showman, which was intended to urge would-be patrons not to delay. To-day there, is scarcely so much insistence laid upon the travelling, possibly, because the modern showman is not so impressed with the difficulties of this portion of his labours, for he has not been slow in adapting the new transport conditions to his own business. Years ago the long strings of horses gave place to heavy tnactors for roundabouts and the bi ger "attractions" at fairs, fetes, -and ga s, but the smaller man with. the cocoanut " shies," the stalls and similar attractions, did not find that mechanical transport was economical until the advent, at comparatively reasonable prices, of motor vehicles and stearners. Always on the look-out for a bargain, the disposal of Army vehicles provided an opportunity' for the showman to meet his, wants. Since the war there has been an .almost complete change-over to motor vehicles by even the smaller amusement caterers, and a peep behind the scenes of u. country fair providesan interesting example of the manner in which the horse has been superseded.
An the North of England "tides" " wakes," fairs and annual holidays follow each ether in different districts all .through the summer, and as they come round there is invariably a, pleasure fair .set up. The traiisport of the attractions of one of these events is a feat in itself, but every man looks after his own plant, 'and with unfailing regularity everything is ready for exhibition or sale by the Friday evening. Then the roundabouts b'egin to whirl, the shies are prepared, and the curiosities ready to view. To
day the duties of preparation have been materially lightened by the adoption of rapid transport. Usually the camp is struck after the crowd has dispersed on Wednesday night. If the journey to be taken is a short one the work of removal is delayed until Thursday morning, and then the 'road is taken for perhaps a score or more miles.
Heavy tractors for hauling wagons and living vans are fitted with dynamos to provide electricity for driving and lighting, and to provide the music on big fixtures, but the smaller machines are used ,for haulage purposes only, light hieing provided by spirit flares, and the machine being allowed to remain idle during show time. Showmen's outfits provide instances of bodywork seen in no other department, of transport, and many of the vehicles are extremely interesting.
The four-wheeled drive F.W.D. machine is used by one north-country showman on account of its advantage in getting along on the soft ground, which is usually found on fair grounds after the surface has been broken up by
traffic. Steamers are largely favoured because steam raising does not possess the air of mystery of an internal-combustion engine, but petrol vehicles, down to the Ford, are all to be found. The living van is an important part of the-outfit, and is often a sumptuously -finished room with kitchen fire-range and elaborate fittings, the Van being part of the road train hauled by the big tractor. In other cases the outfit consists of one vehicle only, and here the parts of the stall are carried on the sides of the living van. Although it might not appeal to many people, there are many four and five ton steamers with living van bodies travelling about the country at the present time, and serving for the greater portion of the year as the travelling
home of the showman and his wife.
For quick transport from cue fair to another the petrol vehicle is unsurpassed because of its speed, and the motor showman has the -advantage over the man who still remains faithful to the horse and uses the railway for long journeys, because he can work into his programme many little extras., such as one-day fairs and similar events, which would not be worth travelling to otherwise. The showman's radius of action is increased by the use of mechanical transport., and he can•chooSe the fairs at which most, business
can he done, .While the possession of a trintor vehicle means that the owner of the outfit knows exactly where he can and cannot get in time. If he entrusts his goods to the railway he can never be certain that they will arrive at their destination .in time to be of use Also., rail transport is expensive.