The G.O.M.
Page 49
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Bird's Eye View By The Hawk
SEVERAL years ago I was reminiscing' over dinner with Mr. George Smart, who at that time was Bristol district manager of British Road Services. We were talking of the old days when be was a private-enterprise haulier, and the conversation turned to that grand old man of transport journalism, Mr. H. Scott Hall—S.T.R. of The Commercial
-Motor--and to his famous pre-war lectures on the costing of commercial vehicles.
"I think Scott Hall has done more for the road haulage industry than any other individual," said Mr. Smart. I can imagine no more appropriate or sincere tribute to pay to Mr. Scott Hall on his retirement.
One-job Man
NnOST of the well-known municipal passenger transport 0'1 managers have moved around a good deal before reaching their present positions of eminence. Mr. Arthur Witcomb Smith, 0.B.E., M.I.Mech.E., M.Inst.T., general manager at 'West Bromwich, is an exception to this rule. He joined the corporation on June 7, 1914, and has remained with them, apart from war service, throughout his career. He will be 65 years of age in September this year and is then retiring.
Apart from serving as general manager and engineer to the transport undertaking since July, 1920, he was civilian ambulance officer to the council from 1930 until 1948, and civil defence ambulance officer during the war. An appreciation of his services is to be engrossed on vellum and presented to him by the council.
Sparrows and Team Spirit
N4ETICULOUS cleanliness and efficiency are found in all IVI the departments of the Rolls-Royce Oil Engine Division. Walking round the works during the lunch break last week, I was particularly interested by the spotless condition of the engine test house, where the operatives sit behind a long glass screen in a separate compartment.
But the management obviously believe that some spots must be allowed in the cause of friendliness, and when I saw a number of sparrows sharing the men's sandwiches I was reminded that Rolls-Royce pride themselves on the team spirit of the company. Incidentally, I was told that the sparrows are not in the feast bothered by the noise of the engines and that many are known to the men by their pet names.
Any Takers ?
A PPARENTLY the publicity and attractions committee
of Southport Corporation are next year to invite private enterprise to run the famous bus service along the beach. It is operated with special four-wheel-drive vehicles, which are now nearing the end of their useful life. For this year the transport committee are to run the service and pay the publicity and attractions committee 10 per cent. of the net profits.
It will be interesting to see whether anyone is willing to take on a special service involving a heavy capital outlay for a short period each year.
Benefits of "30" A COLLEAGUE who frequently travels the Al road noted rt last week that, with the increase in the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles, traffic congestion on the Little North Lane was much reduced. Vehicles were travelling faster and at a more uniform speed, and there were no queues behind chugging lorries. Only the level crossings caused delays. On the other hand, operation at the new limit has not been universally adopted.
Pre-view
GATHER that a new 41-seat coach with an underfloor I version of a well-known oil engine is likely to be announced next month. Three have already been delivered to a northern operator.