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By "The Extractor."
An Extension.
-A new department, solely for commercial vehicle accessories, has been added to the already extensive premises of the East London Rubber Co., who have tackled the heavy vehicle side of the business in great earnestness. Mr. Llewellyn Jones showed me over the newly added departments and offices, over which latter rooms extreme good taste has been expended. This enterprising Great Eastern Street concern is excellently equipped for motor business.
Belgian Agencies Wanted.
Most British manufacturers are much interested in the rehabilitation of Belgium. There is, of course, a fine opening for business there. I know of some gentlemen of good standing, two are Belgians and one is English, with an honoured name, who are establishing agencies. They have already secured the representation of a farm tractor and a prominent ton lorry, but are open for a steam wagon, for a solid tyre agency and for accessories. They are opening a depot in Brussels and will appoint sub-agencies in all important districts. Any letters addressed to B.A., care of this office, will be forwarded.
A Fine Gathering. .
A few of the personages well known to our readers whom I observed among other notabilities at the C.M.U.A. luncheon at the -Savoy last week were Mr. W. H. Paull (Dunlop), Mr. W. H. Partridge (Smith, Parfrey and Co, Ltd.), Mr. J. C. Moth (Commercial Car Hirers, Ltd.), Mr. Albert Brown (Brown Bros., Ltd.), Mr. T. Pearce (Union Petroleum), Mr. W. H. Willcox, Mr. G. J. Shave (A.E.C.), Mr. Sidney Straker, and last, but not least, Mr. H. C. B. Underdown (Commer Cars).
A Gift for Calumniation.
The talk of a little gathering after lunch one day at the Motor Club turned on voluntary vituperation and how a losing barrister in a law case could starf off without any heat and calumniate the opposing counsel ; it seemed to many an unnatural thing to do, and Mr. Sutherland Piich made an interesting apropos contribution. "It's a gift, a pure gift. I was taking a holiday on the Norfolk Broads," said Pilch, " and we were trying to get our wherry into Wroxham. Unthinkingly we took some other boat's wind, upon which a volley of perhaps natural abuse assailed us from the deck of the other craft. It cocurred to one of us that here was a job for Bill, one of our party, who was an expert calumniator; .he• was below at the time and knew absolutely nothing
of what was happening. Bill! ' we explained, with a tired wave of the hand, 'these people have been rude to us,' whereupon Bill, without a trace of feeling, but with an effectiveness that was paralysing, reckoned up, right, left and centre, the occupants of the other craft, together with their ancestors and descendants, in the finest flow of invective ever heard and," as Pilch said, with a touch of pride, "never repeated himself once."
Sent For
A precious example of governmental ineptitude, the truth of which is well vouchea for, was retailed to me in Birmingham last week. London representatives of American, French and Italian houses are at their wits' end to obtain consent for cars to be imported, even if only a rationed allowance can be secured. Several were formally summoned one day last week to the Government Department to hear the decision. Great satisfaction was felt when they were B48
told that, after due consideration, it had been decided to allow one hundred per cent. of the 1915 deliveries to be imported into this country. One or two spokesmen were even profuse in their thanks. Then someone interested specially in commercial vehicles asked what was going to happen with regard to "trucks." "What on earth are truoka?" said the official, evidently much puzzled. An explanation of this American term was quickly forthcoming, with the remark that as the Government had now decided to admit cars it was supposed that trucks also would be allowed. "Cars!" said this priceless person, "I know nothing about cars, I thought you were representatives of the bootlace trade."
French Duties.
It is known generally that motor vehicles and the component parts of such, up to two and a half tons weight, are subject to a duty of 70 per cent. before being admitted into France these days. I learn, 'further, that vehicles over 21 tons weight are liable to a duty of 50 francs per 100 kilos, and bodies of lorries are subject to 12 francs per 100 kilos. When it is remembered that there are 1,000 kilos to the ton, it will be seen that the duty on a vehicle weighing four tons would work out between 170 and 180.
An Opportunity.
The recent commotion at the Motor Club, in connection with the future control and ownership, seems to have settled down, and Mr. Whitcomb's people are directing affairs. Numerous estimates for redecoration have been submitted, and as soon as the Club closes, on the eve of Easter, the work will be proceeded with, and there seems littledoubt the building will be transformed into a verydesirable rendezvous. Although the sporting instinct is uppermost, whenever motorists get together there is a general feeling that the professional betting fraternity and their tape machine are completely out of place. The new direction will doubtless seize the oppor• tunity which is at hand to scrutinize the members' roll, seeing that each membership expires automatically in May. The question of temporary housing of members has been left rather late ; other clubs have been approached, I understand, but the shortage of liquor and wine makes a problem of it. It is hoped, • however, by those in control, that accommodation. will be forthcoming, and will be announced before Easter.
011a Podrida.
Five. new Foden wagons, destined for Commercial Car Hirers, Ltd., were completely stuck in the mire and slush at Kempton Park recently, and had to be hauled out by Caterpillar tractors before delivery.— A first-rate non-spillable battery, which we have tested recently, is made by the Chloride Electrical.
Storage Co., Ltd.
Mr. J. H. Adams, of the Belsize, has had a sharp spell of illness, following a 'flu attack. He is now, I am glad to say, convalescent.
two of the Vandervell brothers, Frank and Percy, who have seen much active service during the last four years, have taken commodious premises at Notting Hill Gate for general motor business, including building of van bodies, and repair work generally, with. room to garage commercial vehicles. They are trad
ing as Vandys, 27a, Pembridge Villas, W. 11. The British Chuck and Piston Ring Co. Ltd., of Coventry, will henceforward be known as the British
Piston Ring Co., Ltd.