WHEELS of INDUSTRY The wheels of wealth will be slowed
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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,
REPLY TO DEPUTATION ON WEAK BRIDGES.
The deputation in relation to weak bfidges (which is referred to elsewhere. in this issue) was received at the Ministry of Transport this week by Sir Henry IL Piggott, C.B., C.B:E., deputy secretary of the Ministry.
Sir Henry Piggott replied to the effect that the Minister had stated in a recent letter that he could not contemplate any prolonged delay in bringing Section 30 of the Act into operation. The question whether a bridge could safely carry a particular load or not was one of fact, and the Minister could not accept the responsibility of withholding from bridge authorities the powers which Parliament. had decided should be conferred upon them.
There was only one satisfactory solution, i.e., the reconstruction or strengthening of all weak bridges on important roads. Representatives of road-transport interests could be of the greatest assistance in co-operating with local authorities in the preparation of fists of weak bridges in the order of priority for strengthening. Last Friday the Minister stated that he anticipated being able to offer a grant from the Road Fund of 75 per cent, for any suitable scheme for dealing with weak bridges.
Effort to Secure Reduction in Petrol Tax.
It is understood that consideration is being given by road-transport interests to the question of seeking a reduction in the petrol tax by making representations to the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
Although he was speaking as an individual, Mr. W. E. Gilbey, of Wakefield, chairman of the North-eastern Division of the Commercial Motor Users Association, made an interesting reference to the matter at a recent meeting 'of the divisional committee.
Coal Merchants Link with C.M.U.A.
The Yorkshire Federation of Coal Merchants Associations has decided to becorrie affiliated to the Commercial Motor Users Association. This course was unanimously agreed upon at a meeting of the Federation, attended by more than 100 members, at Leeds, last Tuesday, when an address was given by the organizer to the North-eastern Division of theC.M.U.A.
" The Commercial Motor" at the B.I.F.
In connection with the British Industries Fair, which takes place from February 19-March 2..„ The Commercial Motor and its associated journals will be included in the exhibit of the
B16 Periodical, Trade Press, and Weekly Newspaper Proprietors Association, on stand No. G34, in the general and sales services section at Olympia, London, and stand B915 at the Birmingham section of the Fair. Copies of the various journals, and all information concerning them, will be obtainable from the clerks in charge on the stands. R.H.A. NORTHERN AREA'S SUCCESSFUL DINNER.
The first annual dinner of the Northern Regional Area of the Road Haulage Association was held in Newcastle-on-Tyne on February 10, and proved to be a great success, about 170 people attending. Amongst the guests were the Lord Mayor of Newcastle, Lt.Col. C. Ileadlam, D.S.O., M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Mr. W. McKeag, M.P., Mr. . C. M. Campbell, clerk to the Northern Traffic Commissioners, and Mr. W. Donaldson Wright, Assoc.Inst.T., vicechairman of the R.H.A. Mr. W. W. Walton, M.Inst.T., chairman •of the Northern Area, presided.
Mr. Walton, in proposing the toast of "The City and Corporation of Newcastle," said that Newcastle was a pioneer city in road transport. The Lord Mayor, in responding, referred to the decision of the Ministry of Transport to grant 75 per cent in respect of the cost of reconstructing bridges, and expressed the hope that this amount would be available for the freeing of toll bridges, which was a peculiar problem to the Newcastle and Tyneside districts.
Col. Headlarn, in responding to the toast of the Ministry of Transport, proposed by Capt. Jones, briefly analysed the provisions of the Act, and succeeded in gaining the confidence of the hauliers. A NEW TORQUE CONVERTER.
A new hydraulic torque converter, the invention of Mr. Ewart Guinness, of Gable Cottage, Goldthorn Hill, Pennfields, Wolverhampton, is at present undergoing extensive tests in the Midlands, and is understood to be attracting interest from manufacturers.
Although a full description cannot yet be published, it can be said that the Guinness torque converter is of the type in which a variable-output pump forces oil to an hydraulic motor. The circuit is closed and the whole unit is self-contained, whilst both the major components referred to have a positive action without the use of reciprocating parts.
When Steamers May Be Forbidden.
• With reference to the decision of the Mersey Tunnel Joint Committee to modify the original proposal to exclude steam vehicles from the tunnel, it has now been made clear that steamers will he excluded if they fail to comply with the Construction and Use Regulations.
East Scottish Hauliers Unite.
Over 120 goods-vehicle operators attended a meeting at Dundee, when it was decided to form a district asso ciation. A minority favoured affiliation with a national body. Mr. D. A. Mortimer, solicitor, 31, Murraygate, Dundee, was appointed secretary, and a committee representative of hauliers in Dundee, Angus, Perthshire_ and North Fife was formed.
Carr's New Garage-equipment Section.
James W. Carr and Co., Ltd., 27, Budge Row, London, E.C.4, the wellknown dealer in machinery, tools, etc., has established a new department to deal exclusively with equipment for the motor trade. Garage equipment has for some years been handled by this company, and, in regard particularly to the I.C.I. degreasing plant, the concern has several times been referred to in this paper.
The business done with the motor trade has now developed to such an extent that the new department has become necessary. All the most modern labour-saving devices are being handled. The department will be under the personal control of Mr. Jack Carr.
A Handy New Fire Unit. A new application of the well-known Lister
Auto-Truck, manufactured by R. A. Lister and Co., Ltd., Dursley, Glos, is proving of interest to municipal authorities and those responsible for fire protection in works, warehouses, etc. This is known as the Auto-Truck Fire Unit, and an illustration on this page shows one of the various types of elevating-plat
form truck that might be adapted to carry a fire-cart stillage.
The equipment of the fire:cart includes four 1-qt. C.T.C. extinguishers, six 2-gallon chemical extinguishers, six 60-ft. lengths of standard fire hose, nozzle, stand pipe and key. The full equipment supplied with the Auto::
Truck Fire Unit would, in the ordinary way, form a load for five men. The manteuvrability of the machine is a feature of importance when tackling fires in confined spaces. Models are available with twin or single-cylindered air-cooled engines.
Makes Popular in Ulster.
According to figures contained in the report of the Ministry of Home Affairs for Northern. Ireland, published on February 8, the most popular commercial vehicle on sale in 1933 was the Ford, of whith make 314 machines were purchased out of a total of 923 commercial motors for the Province. The number of MorrisCommercials was 184, whilst Bedfords, coming third on the list, numbered 144. PERSONAL PARS.
We understand that, as from March 1, Mr. Kemp, of the Mandalay Motor Co., Ltd., Will take up the position of chief designer with Albion Motors, Ltd.
Mr. A. P. Fox has joined the board of directors of Scammell Lorries, Ltd. For many years he has been closely associated with the Lord Cowdray group of companies in Mexico and South America.
The transport committee of Rotherham Corporation has granted permission to Mr. T. P. Sykes, M.Inst.T., the transport manager, to act as inspecting engineer of material purchased in England by the Cape (South Africa) Tramways Co.
The appointment of Mr. Jr L. Gunn, transport manager to Aberdeen Corporation, as transport manager at Nottingham, has been confirmed by Nottingham City Council. His resignation from the post at Aberdeen will take effect on March 3.
We understand that Mr. J. Austin Baker is shortly vacating his position as general manager of South Shields Corporation's transport department. Until a successor is appointed Mr. H. Saint, chief clerk in the transport department, will act as manager.
For 22 years, Mr. W. E. Gilbey, who, as reported elsewhere in this issue, has been elected chairman of the northeastern division of the Commercial Motor Users Association, has been a director of Gilbey and Sons. Ltd., a well-known concern of haulage contractors, furniture removers and coal merchants, of Wakefield. He has represented Yorkshire on the National Council of the C.M.U.A. for the past eight years. Another trade organization in which Mr. Gilbey is actively interested is the Furniture Warehousemen and Re movers Association, being an active member of the Leeds centre.
I.F.S. Imports Still Low. Three complete ccmrnercial vehicles were imported into the Irish Free State during December last, the total for 1983 being 99 vehicles of a declared value of £19,094, as compared with 573 'units and £112,867 respectively in the preceding 12 months. An increasing number of corn: mercial chassis is being imported, but in the returns these are included with car chassis, all
SMOKELESS FUELS FOR STEAM WAGONS?
On February 7. Lieut.-Col. C. M. Headla,m, D.S.O., M.P. Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, received a deputation from the National Smoke Abatement Society, the members of which urged the desirability of prescribing the use of only smokeless coals on steam-driven road vehicles.
Bus Bodywork Design.
At a meeting of the Wolverhampton centre of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, to be held at the Victoria Hotel, Wolverhampton, on Tuesday, February 20, at 7.90 p.m., Mr. A. J. Romer, of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Co,, Ltd., will read a paper entitled 'The Design of Bodywork for Public Service Vehicles."
Oil-engine Research in Germany.
The Deutsche Gesellschaft fiir die Entwickelung von Schwer und ROhol Motoren is the name of a new association which has been organized in Augsburg, Germany, with the object of conducting further research work in connection with oil engines.
Prof. Loscke, of the Munich Technical High School, has been appointed head of the new association, the controlling committee of which comprises representatives of the Bosch and M.A.N. companies, and the German lignite mining industry.
A Wolverhampton Repairs Specialist.
"The Master Touch in Automobile Repairs" is the title of a booklet issued by G. H. Turner and Co., Salop Street, Wolverhampton. It gives a good idea of the class ot motor-vehicle repair work undertaken by the company, and clearly shows that it is well equipped to make complete overhauls of engines and units and to undertake allied tasks. Furthermore, the company specializes in cylinder lining, gear cutting, chemical degreasing, casehardening, remetalling,and many other processes calling for expert knowledge and sound equipment. A copy of the booklet may be obtained from the company at the address we have given.
New C.M.U.A. Officials in North-East.
Mr. G. E. Gilbey, of Wakefield, was elected chairman of the north-eastern division of the Commercial Motor Users Association, at the annual meeting in Leeds, on February 8. He has succeeded Mr. James France, who, after occupying the position for eight years, has relinquished it on his appointment as president of the national council of the C.M.U.A. Mr. J, Wallis, of Birstall, was elected to succeed Mr. Gilbey in the vice-chairmanship.
Reference was made by the new chairman and others to Mr. France's valuable service to the C.M.U.A. During his chairmanship the membership has become the largest of any division in the country, and he has done outstanding work on the national council.
Mr. Gilbey and the new vice-chairman, Mr. Wallis, are both actively associated with the Furniture Warehousemen and Removers Association, Mr. Wallis being chairman of the Leeds centre.
Progress, both financially and in membership, was indicated by the annual report and accounts submitted•to the meeting.
Shutters for Motor-vehicle Bodies.
G. Brady and Co., New Islington Works, Ancoats, Manchester, has recentlY issued two catalogues, one dealing with van shutters and the other with shutters, lifts and hoists.
The former publication serves to give a good idea of the wide range of usefulness of the company's shutters, and shows that they have been adapted to all types of motor vehicle. Furthermore, they have an application in connection with aeroplanes.
In the other catalogue modern roller-shutter design is dealt with, chiefly for equipping garages.
Multiwheelers Office Address.
Following our announcement on January 19 of the formation of Multiwheelers (Commercial Vehicles), Ltd, with a depot at 666-678, Garratt Lane, London, S.W.17, we are now advised that the offices have been moved to the premises previously occupied at 3, Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.1, SIGNS OF A REVIVAL OF THE ELECTRIC?
Mr. C. II. Lake, the electrical engineer of Nottingham, reports that electric vehicles are gaining ground in that district, several "night charging" plants at a low tariff having been coupled up to the local electric power system during the past year. One large concern in the city is reported to have ordered six electric vehicles for trial and, if these be successful, a fleet of 100 vehicles may be changed over to electric transport.
A.E.C. Tippers in Demand.
Within the past six weeks the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., has secured contracts for the supply of no fewer than 54 tipping vehicles, the latest buyer of machines of this type being the Surrey Sand and Gravel Co., Ltd., Thorpe, Surrey, which has indented for nine Matador chassis with end-tipping bodies.
A Handbook of Motor Specifications.
Entitled "Motor Specifications and Prices," 1934 edition, a useful handbook has just been published by Stone and Cox, Ltd., Africa House, Kingsway, London, W.C.2. Available in two forms, the full and abridged editions, the work costs 12s, ad. and 7s. Cd. respectively.
Particulars of all commercial-motor and private-car chassis that have been on the market since about 1922 are given, including tractors, fire pumps and motorcycles. The particulars appear to be comprehensive and accurate.
T.S.M.s Selling in South Wales.
Messrs. Jeffreys Garages, Swansea, continue to report satisfactory businesa in connection with the sale of T.S.M. vehicles. They have recently obtained a fourth repeat order from the Blue Bird Services, Skewen, for a 32-seater coach, another for a double-decker, and a six-cylinder coach from the Vanguard Motor Co-, Swansea, and a third for a double-deck bus from Messrs. John's Motor Transport, of Grovesend, in addition to orders for several 4-ton and 6ton lorries from operators in Llendebio and Carmarthen.
Cambridge and Ely Area R A new branch of the Road Haulage Association was recently formed in the Cambridge and Ely Area, with Mr. H. A. Newport, of Fordharn, as chairman, and Mr. Perkins of Ely, as secretary. Two general meetings have been held, and the response to a call for new members has proved gratifying.
A rates committee is already at work to fix basic minimum rates for various classes of load. This is important work in an area which has been rather notorious for rate-cutting.
A general meeting is to be held in Cambridge on Monday next for the purpose of publishing these rates to members and obtaining their agreement to them. At this meeting. " S.T.R.," the cost expert of The Commercial Motor, will give a lecture on the futility of rate-cutting.
NEW COMPREHENSIVE ENGINETESTING EQUIPMENT.
Maintenance and repair engineers should find certain items of enginetesting equipment, which have recently been introduced by E. P. Barrus, Ltd., 35-37, Upper Thames Street, London, E.C.4, of considerable value in the rapid location of a number of the mechanical and electrical troubles in vehicle engines.
The most comprehensive instrument is described as the Motoscope, and is a Stromberg product. It incorporates an electrical tester and a Vacameter. With it no fewer than 21 separate investigations can be carried out. These include tests of the sparking plugs, distributor, coil, high-tension leads, contact-breaker and magneto, on the one hand, and, on the other, of the carburetter, valves, valve springs, timing, cylinder-head joint, silencer, fuel pump and vacuum tank. The apparatus is listed at 45 5s.
Besides the Motoscope, a compression tester (32s. 6c1.) and a fuel-pump tester (50s.) are other useful new Stromberg items.
Scottish Association Forms Local Committee.
A meeting was held, last week, in Stranraer, under the auspices of the Scottish Carriers and Haulage Contractors Association, when a district committee was formed. The meeting was addressed by Mr. E. N. Blackjack, of Dumfries, the area secretary.
Northern Ireland Government Seeks Tenders.
The Government of Northern Ireland invites tenders for the supply of motor vehicles and ("rivers in the Belfast district, during the year ending March 31, 1935. Forms may be obtained from the Ministry of Finance (Room 116), May Street, Belfast, and tenders have to be delivered by February 23, ' A Garage-equipment Display.
During the week commencing February 19 the garage-equipment showroom of Brown Brothers, Ltd., at Holywell Lane, off Great Eastern Street, London, E.C.2, will, be opened to all members of the motor trade for the examination of modern garage and workshop equipment and for witnessing demonstrations. The display will include a service station in operation.
Hauliers' Keenness to Support R.H.A.
A few days ago a meeting was held by the Appleby branch of the Road Haulage Association, when Mr. Donaldson Wright, vice-chairman of the Association, and Mr. M. C. Vickers addressed those present. Mr. Kellett, chairman of the Appleby branch, said that he had paid a round of visits in West Cumberland with the object of inducing hauliers to attend this meeting, and he was pleased to see that some hauliers from those districts were present and had travelled 80 miles to attend. Mr. Donaldson Wright gave an address on the Road and Rail Traffic Act.