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The Wheels of Industry.

17th September 1914
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

This journal, dealing as it does with the "Chariots of War," no less than with the "Wheels of Industry," is now of national importance. Its interests embrace impartially the transport wagon and the parcelear, the steam wagon and the ambulance.

The demand for three-tormers, subject to Government determination at a few weeks' notice, continues to expand. Impressment officers are still busy. The commercial buyer is well advised in ordering and accepting vehicles of lower load capacities than three tons.

We deal with the motor situation at the Front on pages 37 and 38. It is now definitely a case of " After the Germans." The topical features of the issue include the completion of a "CM." despatch from France (page 40), and our usual page of One hears" paragraphs. The attention of new readers is particularly directed to the lubrication chart on page 43. Motorbus interests will also, we hope, be assisted by the special article on page 51.

A.S.C. Officers.

We gave a list of some of the early appointments to the Army Service Corps, in our issue of the 20th August. The following is a list of others who have been given commissions during subsequent weeks, in the same corps, chiefly in connection with impressment and inspection duties : Messrs. E. G. Beaumont, T. B. Browne, P. C. Cannon, H. C. Clark, C. F. Cleaver, 3.. S: Critchley, A. E. Crowdy, F. W. K. Davies, C. J. Fox, A. E. Plant, G. Pollard, A. P. Rainforth, C. H. Reynolds C. Ridley, E. A. Rose, C. 1-1. E. Rush, F. G. SInarp, H. G. Sharp, B. W. Shilson, L. R. L. Squire F. Strickland, C. M. Smith, L. J. Smith, C. B. Waterlow, and J. E. Wilks.

Proposals and Purchases.

Rochester City Council is inquiring about motor-fire-engine costs.

Worcester City Council is inquiring about early delivery of a. motor watercart.

Pontypridd U.D.C. has applied to the L.G.B. for sanction to spend £1250 on a, motor fire-engine. Portsmouth Town Council intends to seek Parliamentary powers to run motorbuses in the borough.

Sheffield Corporation has ordered six more Hanford lorries, six more Daimler motorbuses, and two Straker-Squire ambulances with bodies by Chalmers.

Chiswick U.D11, per its surveyor, Mr. E. Willis, A.M.Inst.C.E., wishes to buy a three-ton petrol lorry, with detachable bodies. He will supply complete specification, with a, view to the receipt of tenders on or before the 30th inst.

Bradford Guardians are considering the purchase of a motor ambulance.

The Ilford U.D.C. will take expert advice on the motorization of its fire brigade.

Recent Registrations.

The Darby-Maskell Motor Plough Syndicate, Ltd. (£7500), with its olifice at 49, North Road, Lancaster. First directors : P. M. Mannix, G. H. Petty, A. Sewart, S. W. Money, and A. G. Turner.

J. A. Higgin and Co. Ltd, (23000), with its registered office at 19, Park Drive, Nelson, Lancs., to run and manufacture motor wagons and chars-à-banes. Private company.

The Arrol-Johnston Van.

In our recent notice of the ArrolJohnston range of commercial motors, we included the 50-cwt, lorry priced at 2485. This was as the information came to us from the makers. We are now informed that the load capacity of this model should be two tons instead of 50 cwt.

Sheffield Results.

We are pleased to see that the " all in" cost per omnibus-mile, for the Sheffield Corporation's Daimler vehicles, is 8.8d. After charging 2d. per mile for interest, sinking and renewals funds, there is a, profit balance of 1.4d. per mile run, as the average receipts have been 10.2d. We congratulate Mr. A. R. Fearnley upon the results.

We learn that Imperial Motor Industries, Ltd., has received an order from Belgium for 250 Tangye motor-lorry jacks: Activity at Weybridge.

Mr. Gordon Watney, with the rank of Major, has been given the command of a new supply column (Mechanical Transport) for the Home Counties division of the Territorial Force, and is now completing the column, at the South Lodge Motor Factory, Weybridge, with a view to joining the headquarters at Canterbury about three weeks hence. Mr. Harold Darby, chief engineer at the South Lodge Motor Works, Weybridge, has been commissioned a lieutenant.

The Inst. A.E.

The Institution of Automobile Engineers will proceed with the normal work of the session 19141915, beginning about the end of next month. This decision reflects the greatest credit upon the Council and officers of the Institution, having regard to the absence of a large number of its leading members on war duties. It is expected that several of the papers will deal with the special difficulties which have been imposed upon automobile engineers by the war, in regard to such matters as labour, finance, alteration of demand, and cessation of supplies from Europe. Full information can be obtained from the secretary, Mr. Basil H. Joy, 28, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. Coming From Canada.

Over 200 chauffeurs from Toronto have enlisted as mechanical transport drivers in the Army Service Corps in Toronto, a column of which is being formed in camp ready to go to the front with the first Canadian contingent. Among the trucks already shipped for the front from Toronto were, at the time of our correspondent's writing, four new five-ton Packards and several Russells.

A Traffic Yarn.

An amusing tale reaches us from Hanley. On a recent Saturday, a crowd of over. 60 people were strog_ gling to get into one of the motor omnibuses belonging to Greater Omnibus Services, Ltd. A placidlooking gentleman stood on the kerb with a pipe in his mouth watching them. When the bus was packed to suffocation, he stepped off the kerb and tried to get on, but was, of course, told by the conductor that the bus was full and he could not do so. "But you let the others get on," quoth he. " Yes," replied the conductor, "they rushed me and I could not help it." " Well," said the placid one, "turn 'era out and let's have another rush."

Daimler 40 h.p. Tractor.

Mr. John Evans, of Burton, near Lincoln, has given the following testimony to the Daimler Co., Ltd.,. of Coventry, under date the 3rd inst., in respect of that company's 40 h.p. agrimotor :—" Your tractor has ploughed 48 acres for me. Twelve acres of this was on low land—part sandy, part strong. The sandy land naturally went smoothly and well, but on the strong land, which was dry and hard work, the tractor made a level good job of it, with a six-furrow plough. Some 36 acres of seed land on the limestone cliff were also ploughed. This was dry and hard, and I did not want it ploughed more than 4 ins, deep, but, by running a 9-inch depth of furrow, it made good work of this.

"I have every reason to speak well of your tractor ; it helps work along quickly when the ground is dry, and cultivation does good. It is very useful for haulage, and I understand is also qualified to drive a threshing machine."

Halley's Extensions.

We have received photographs from Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd., showing part of the interior of the recent very considerable ex tensions to the Yoker works. We regret that, owing to the exceptional pressure on our space, we cannot find room for reproduction of these pictures, especially in view of the fact that the erection undoubtedly constitutes an extremely smart piece of work. The contract was let only 12 weeks before the building was completed. The addition covers over 70,000 sq. ft. Borough Polytechnic.

Petrol-motor classes are included in the .syllabus of the Borough Polytechnic Institute, Borough :Road, S.E., for the session beginning the 21st inst. Full particulars can be had on application to the secretary.

Culled from a Contemporary. "Germans generally now appreciate that it was the composition of the British Expeditionary Force, together with its efficient transport, which were chiefly responsible for their country's failure to smash France at once."—" Daily Telegraph."

How Not to Do It.

We quote. below a letter which we have received from a certain manufacturer of touring cars, which we consider reveals a not uncommon attitude of mind which is clearly antagonistic to the best interests of the commercial-motor industry. We refrain from revealing its source To the Editor THE COMMERCIAL Editor, Sir,—We think you may be interested to know that we are putting on the market two commercial vehicles which we believe will meet the public's wants now that so many horses have been commandeered by the War Office. The first is a sixcylinder, 20-28 hp. motor lorry or ambulance wagon. This vehicle runs on pneumatic tires 880 mm. by 120 mm., with Sankey detachable wheels and one spare wheel, and is useful for express delivery of goods or conveyance of wounded, as it runs at 50 miles per hour. . . ."

The Ferodo Works. _ Last week we called in upon the Herbert Frood Co., Ltd., at the factory at Chapel-en-le-Frith, and found Mr. Herbert Frood, the managing director there, busy as usual and optimistic as to the brake-lining situation. It has to be remembered, of course, that the motor department of this undertaking is, compared with other general mechanical branches; a small one, although large enough in itself to satisfy most people. We learned of very considerable Wax Department orders for Ferodo fabric, and, of course, the exceptional activity throughout the coinmercial-vehicle industry has been responsible for big demands for this excellent lining from all quarters. We were pleased to inspect the site of the new extensions which are being made in order to cope with this ever-increasing business, and we were shown evidence of remarkable advance in respect of brake linings generally, particulars of which, for obvious reasons, we are not at liberty at the present time to make public. We learned that the method of mounting Ferodo lining on corrugated sheet-metal baCkings, B32

which provision ensures rapid dissipation of generated heat, is now yielding uniformly excellent results, not only on the small brakes, such as those with which one is

familiar in connection with motorvehicle chassis of all kinds, but on the huge brakes which are part and parcel of colliery and other powerful hauling and lifting gear. £105 is the contribution of Commercial Cars, Ltd., Luton, to the Prince of Wales's Relief Fund.

Enfield London Agency.

The Enfield Autocar Co., Ltd., of Sparkbrook, Birmingham, is in a position to negotiate terms for the establishment of new agency arrangements for London and district, both for its ranges of cars and commercial vehicles.

Tylor Engines.

J. Tylor and Sons, Ltd., of Belle Isle, York Road, London, N., which company's engines are in such excellent repute for heavy motor work, has to be added to the list of members of the industry from whom the dependents of men on active service are drawing half wages, whilst the soldiers in question will be reinstated after the war. The Tylor shops are exceptionally busy just now.

America Ready.

British manufacturers of commercial motors, who have spent six years or more building up their businesses, have frequently heard rumours of intended American invasions. This popular and largelysuccessful move in the lighter sections of the industry will not so easily be extended to the heavy sections. The proper handling of an American-built commercial vehicle in the British home markets

requires unique capacity and qualifications on the part of those who undertake such exploitation. The best vehicle cannot win a place on merit alone, if methods are wrong. We have already been called in an advisory capacity with regard to the best steps to be taken, and we have been not a little interested to find that at least one of the big American houses whose chiefs so consulted us decided to act upon their own ideas of England. They will no doubt repent at leisure.

Commercial-motor trade in Great Britain can only be secured by welldefined methods of salesmanship, and in no circumstances by a campaign of less than three years. We do not believe that any newcomer will make money out of it in a shorter period, but here we except possibilities of surplus orders from Russia, some of which may go to Buffalo or other American cities.

"Shell" Spirit.

The distribution of Shelf spirit is undertaken in this country, for a term of years, by the British Petroleum Co., Ltd. Various attacks have been made in a section of the Press upon the British Petroleum Co., Ltd., by reason of the allegation that it is a German company. We are informed that the holding by a company with a German name and registration is not open to the construction which has been put upon it ; that shareholding, when analyzed, is stated to represent a largely-preponderant interest on the part of French,

Russian, Belgian, Dutch and British individuals. The assurances are given to us from sources which we regard as unimpeachable.

More Motor Mails.

The surveyor for the West Yorkshire District, G.P.O., Leeds, is asking tenders for a motor-mail service between Skipton and Bradford. The latest date for posting tenders is the 26th inst., and it is intended to let the contract for a period of three years. An average of 7 cwt., and a maximum of 10 cwt., is the load, and the van must have a eanaeity of 160 cubic ft., in addition to which a reserve van must be arranged.

Roman Roads.

It is interesting to read, in the course of an excellent article entitled "How We Got Our Roads " which appeared in a recent issue of "The Newcastle Journal," some particulars of the thoroughness of The Roman methods of roadroaking. The procedure is stated to have been the following :—" First, two parallel ditches were cut, marking the edges of the proposed roadway. On tho soil between the ditches there was laid a layer of rubblestones about 5 ins, deep, next a laver of concrete or stones mixed with lime and 15i ins, deep. over that another 10 ins, or so of 'nucleus '—fine pounded material mixed with lime, and finally the top or back, which was made of paving stones, 4 or 5 ins, thick, and cemented together." Troops in London.

Cases have occurred in which military officers have thought fit to commandeer public-service vehicles for moving troops about London when they have not been actually proceeding abroad to active service, Orders have now been given that this must cease immediately. All movements of parties across London must be made by the Underground Railway. To "Spike Your Guns."

We closed the competition, as announced in last week's issue (page 22), on the 12th inst.

C.A.V. Sets.

White enamelled letters referring to lamps and lighting sets are now supplied by C. A. Vandervell and Co., Warple Way, Acton Vale. These sets are provided free to those who would like to display them.

An Early Loss.

One of the first casualties to be notified in this country was Motor Transport Reservist H. A. Gaunt, of the Bull Inn, Prendergast, Haverfordwest, motor driver in the A.S.C., M.T. He died in hospital from wounds received in action.

. From "The Daily Telegraph" special Correspondent, 8th inst.

The aeroplane park of the ma-in body of English troops is a. wonderful sight, and the motor transport columns, which have carried supplies with marvellous and unerring regularity, are safe and intact.

Zeppelins of the Transport Columns.

For some weeks past the daily Press has given space to rumours that several troops of performing elephants have been commandeered for transport work, and up till last Friday we still read paragraphs suggesting that these heavy transport units were still alive and kicking. Lockhart's elephants seem to be the subject of most publicity in this respecti although there is a rival troop which is stated to have been commandeered from Shepherd's Bush. We understand that their fuel consumption in convoy is excessive, and that there is no likelihood of them being adopted in very large numbers in the place of modern mechanical transport.

Tramway Extensions While the Public is Inattentive.

There is a praiseworthy desire on the part of Bit ritishers at the present time to forget their more or less petty mutual differences, but there are amusing examples even in this most desirable tendency. In particular we note that Mr. Allison Smith, of Kensington Square, W., thinks that the opposition to the linking up of London's tramway dead ends should now be dropped, on account of the fact that the "labour involved would provide invaluable work for idle hands in the Metropolis." There is as little doubt about finding " invaluable work" as there is about the impracticability of this linking-up scheme as a whole. We do not think that Londoners are likely to approve a scheme further to disorganize our traffic at the present time, even although such endeavours would pro_ vide work for. those who need it.


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