EWS of the WEEK
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SCOTS GROCERS URGE HOURS VARIATION.
'The necessity of some modification of the regulations relating to drivers of tradesmen's vehicles has been manifeSt for some time," stated a report of the Parliamentary committee to a special council meeting of the Scottish Federation of Grocers and Provision Merchants Association held in Edinburgh, last week.
The committee added that it would shortly be preparing a series of amendments designed to alleviate some of the difficulties experienced by tradesmen in connection with these regulations.
In conjunction with other organizations, application is being made for a special order for a variation of the hours of drivers, designed to meet the exigencies of many distributive-trade businesses employing motor vehicles.
Travelling Research Fellowships.
A useful contribution to techniial education has been made by RollsRoyce, Ltd., the directors of which recently decided to found, in memory of Sir Henry Royce, travelling research
fellowships. These will not exceed £450 per annum each, are tenable for one year, and will be offered annually to any graduate of a British University, holder of the Higher National Certificate, or other qualification regarded as equivalent by the directors.
The holders are required to pursue an advanced study of research at home, in the Dominions, United States or other foreign countries, at a university, technical college or works, and to be concerned with the construction, design, materials or methods • of production of motor vehicles, including applications to aircraft and modern engineering.
Candidates must be British subjects, B22
at least 21 years old, and those not already members of the company may be required to spend a minimum of one year in the Rolls-Royce works before taking up their fellowships.
Rail Rates Up: Traffic Down?
There is the possibility that the 5-per-cent. increase in rail rates which comes into operation on October 1 may have the effect of transferring much of the newspaper transport business to the roads. The position is being considered by the various newspaper managements, which have already made representations on the subject.
Client Overloads: Hauliers Fined.
The fact that tiles which a client loaded on to their vehicle were thicker than they should have been, and, therefore, weighed considerably more, resulted in a prosecution against a firm of hauliers at Huddersfield West Riding Police Court, last week.
Mr. S. E. Pitts, solicitor to A.R.O. Yorkshire Area, for the defence, said the client admitted that the tiles were thicker than they should have been. He (Mr. Pitts) submitted that the Appeal Court's ruling, in the case of Prosser v. Richards, to the effect that if a driver accepted a load the owner of the vehicle must be responsible for it, should not apply in this case, as an error or default by the persons loading the vehicle had, in the absence of the owners, caused the latter to be deceived.
Overruling this submission, the bench imposed a fine of £5 upon the haulage firm for permitting the overloading of the vehicle. The driver was fined £1.
MANCHESTER PARADES ITS CLEANSING FLEET.
A striking picture was presented last Saturday afternoon, when all the motor vehicles of Manchester Cleansing Department were assembled at the headquarters for the benefit of visitors from neighbouring authorities, who take Manchester as an example of all that is best in such matters.
Altogether, 118 motors were drawn up, particularly fine being the line of 62 refuse collectors.
This fleet of motor vehicles has grown from one motor bought in 1920 and the change-over from horse-drawn dust carts has been effected not only without the dismissal of a workman, but with a substantial saving to the ratepayers.
Computed on the basis, of expenditure up to 1931, the actual economy is about £73,000 per annum, notwithstanding that 71 miles of streets and over 17,000 houses have been added to the city.
Eleventh Annual Motor Ball.
The 11th annual Motor Ball, under the patronage of T.R.H. The Duke and Duchess of Kent, will be held at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London, W.1, on Tuesday, October 19, from 9.30 p.m. to 3.30 a.m. It is in aid of the Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund. Tickets, at one guinea, will include supper, and can be obtained from the secretary, Mr. A. H. Dawson, 204-6, Great Portland Street London, W.1,
There will be a competition in which the first prize will be a Hillman Minx presented by Messrs. W. E. and R. C. Rootes. BUSY WINTER PROGRAMME AHEAD FOR S.T.R.
Association secretaries who require the services of S.T.R., The Commercial Motor costs expert and lecturer, should make early arrac gements for addresses on costing and the computation of fair charges.
On October 6 he will talk to the Luton Sub-area of A.R.O. On November 2, members of the National Association of Furniture Warehousemen and Removers will hear S.T.R. speak in London, whilst on the following day he will address the East London Hauliers Association.
In February be will make a tour of Devon and Cornwall, visiting Exeter on the 14th, Plymouth on the 15th, St, Austell on the 16th, and Camborne on the 17th. On March 19, S.T.R. is scheduled to speak to members of Norwich Traffic Club.
W.D. Orders 250 Guys.
Guy Motors, Ltd., has received further important contracts from the NNar Department for approximately 250 vehicles. These will be fourwheelers constructed from standard units of the Wolf 2-3-tanner and the Otter 4i-54-tonner.
The fact that these are repeat orders is a proof of the satisfaction which Guy vehicles have given under exacting conditions Storekeepers Rewarded.
On September 6, members of the Merit Club, organized by the Ford Motor Co., Ltd., were entertained at the Trocadero Restaurant. This club is composed entirely of employees of Ford dealers in charge of parts and accessories stores, and membership depends solely upon the efficiency of the storekeeper in his everyday work. Gold watches were presented by the company to four members who had attained the highest measure of efficiency in their areas.
I.A.E. Defines Driver's Area of Vision.
A contribution to road safety is constituted by a new I.A.E. Data Sheet, No, 195, which defines a minimum standard for the road area that should be within the vision of the driver of a motor vehicle when he is normally seated. We understand that this has been approved by the Ministry of Transport and the S.M.M. and T., 38, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1, from which society, copies are obtainable.
The standard defines geometrically and with precision the boundaries of the invisible area, but, in simple language, states roughly as follows:— From a viewpoint 2 ft. 8 ins, above the seat, the driver should be able to see (I) a line, such as a kerb, 10 ft. away on his right and 20 ft. away on his left; (2) a line, such as a pedestrian crossing, 50 ft. ahead, and (3) everything outside an arc of 25-ft. radius from him, except in the area contained in a triangle which has its apex on the imaginary pedestrian crossing, 3 ft. 7 ft. to the lefts of the point straight in front of him, and its sides meeting the imaginary kerbs, where the arc cuts them. Limits are also fixed for the blind spots caused by windscreen pillars, etc.
Commercial Show Exhibitors.
The following addition and deletion should be made to the list of exhibitors in the vehicle section at the Commercial Motor 'Exhibition :—Addition : Stand 47, Truck and Tractor Appliance Co. (Manchester), Ltd.; deletion : Stand 36, Multiwhcelers (Commercial Vehicles), Ltd.
C.A.V.-Bosch, Ltd., has published a brochure on compensated-voltagecontrol dynamos, of which it manufactures many types suitable for any class of vehicle engine. TYRE DEFECTIVE, BUT NOT DANGEROUS?
An interesting point was raised by the defence in a defective-tyre prosecution at Otley (Yorkshire) Police Court, last Friday.
It was submitted that the tyre in question was defective by reason of the fact that a bolt on a mudguard had scored a mark on the whole circumference of the tyre. On the other hand it was pointed out by Mr. S. E. Pitts, solicitor to A.R.O. Yorkshire Area, for the defence, that the tyre was one of two affixed to a twin rear wheel.
On this class of vehicle, said Mr. Pitts, 32 by 6 tyres could be fitted on twin or single wheels, but in this case the tyres were well oversize. It was submitted that had the defective tyre burst, the safety of the vehicle on the road would not have been endangered.
The summonses against the owner and driver of the vehicle wei e dismissed on payment of costs.
Watch For Positions Vacant.
Many of the positions available in the commercial-vehicle industry are advertised under the heading, " Situations Vacant," in the small-advertisement columns of this journal. For instance. this week there are paragraphs referring to salesmen required for Sussex and Oxfordshire by a leading commercialvehicle manufacturer.
Plans for Road-transport Education.
Mr. W. T. Richards, traffic manager, Huddersfield Corporation passenger transport department, will be one of the lecturers for the transport classes t Huddersfield Technical College during the winter session. The subject of his lectures will be "Road Transport Operation."
Mr. R. S. Ashworth will deal with " The Law of Inland Carriage," and Mr. J. W. Frame will give instruction on statistics. In this, the third, session of the classes, students will be pre. pared for the " final " for the Royal Society of Arts exammation in road transport.
The Use of a Farm Tractor Brings a Vine.
A farmer was recently convicted of using an agricultural tractor on the road without third-party insurance; licence, and front and rear identification marks, also of employing a driver not licensed for this class of machine. Actually, the tractor was driven only on the highway from one field to another, but the owner had to pay a fine and costs.
The National Farmers' Union has, consequently, advised its county branches of the necessity of claiming for exemption from excise duty for vehicles used on public roads for not more than six miles in any calendar week. It points out that, even if this be granted, registration marks must be carried and the driver must hold the necessary licence; the machine must also be insured against third-party risks.
PERSONAL PARS.
Ma. HUGH. CAMERON has retired after 45 years service as manager of the transport department of Glasgow Eastern Co-operative Society.
MR. C. YATES LLOYD has asked us to say that he is no longer connected with Fingland's Hite Cars. Ltd., Rusholme, Manchester, and Fingland's Bookings and Coach Stations, Ltd., 56, Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester.
We much regret to learn that Ma. NORMAN A. Haltom, general manager (sales) of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., has again had to enter a
nursing home for an operation. He hopes to return to Southall by the middle of October, to take up his many important duties in connection with his work as chairman of the commercial vehicle committee of the S.M.M. and T., and vice-chairman of the exhibition committee.
MR. R. R. SEYMOUR, managing director of G. Brady and Co., Ltd., the well-known company manufacturing revolving shutters, etc., left last week for a business trip to Canada and the
United States. The purpose is to renew contact with the company's factory at Montreal, after which he proposes to extend the trip to America, with a view to extending the business by opening a factory in the United States.
Quite recently a new factory was opened at Park Royal, London, all production work for the southern area being transferred to this from the old works at Willesden.
MR. R. M. Coi.s has been appointed sales manager of Metropolitan-CammellWeymann Motor Bodies, Ltd. He was educated at Alleyn's School, Dulwich, and the Northampton Engineering Polytechnic, London. In 1925 and the following year he was engaged in the inspection and engineering department of the British Electrical Federation on statistical work concerning the operation of the passenger-transport undertakings associated with the Federation.
The year 1927 was spent in the A.E.C. and A.D.C. works. He then became inspecting engineer to the Federation until 1931, since when he has been assistant chief engineer in the inspection and engineering department of the Federation.
New Road from London Docks?
Mr. J. F. E. Pye, chairman of A.R.O. Metropolitan Area, is seeking from members their views on the desirability or otherwise of a new Lea Valley Road, stretching from Connaught Road Bridge, Canning Town, to the North Orbital Road in the Hoddesdon neighbourhood.
The highway would lie through Plaistow, Stratford, Leyton, Walthamstow, Chingford (where it would intersect the North Circular Road) and pass B24 on the east side of Waltham Abbey, Mr. Pye is endeavouring to find out the volume of traffic which would be likely to use this line of communication from the docks.
I.M.E. Programme.
In the programme of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers for the 1937-38 session, the chief items of interest at the general,. meetings, so far as our industry is concerned, are October 13-I5, general discussion on
lubrication and lubricants; October 15, annual dinner; October 22, presidential address by Sir John E. Thornycroft, K.B.E.; January 21, "Machine Tool Tests and Alignments," by Professor Dr.-Ing. G. Schlesinger. Papers at other meetings may be announced later.
Germany Builds Largest Road Bridge.
What will be the largest motor road bridge in Germany is now nearing completion at Limburg. It will be 1,500 ft. long and nearly 200 ft. high. It consists of 13 arches, each nearly 90 ft. across.
Shipping Guide For Hauliers.
The following is the number of ships arriving at the London docks, wharves and jetties named, from September 1725 inclusive : —DOCKS: King George V, 6; Royal Albert, 8; Royal Victoria, 6; Surrey Commercial, 9; West India. 4; South West India, 5; Tilbury, 9; Tilbury Stage, 3; Millwall, 7; London, I. WHARVES! Hay's, 6; Middleton's, 1; Butler's, 2. Tilbury Jetty, I. Regents Canal, I.
Important Carriers' Businesses Required.
The paragraph published last week referring to public_ carriers who wish to sell their businesses has resulted in a number of applications, but mostly from small concerns. Others with a larger number of vehicles are required. Letters should be addressed, as previously, ' Transport Sales," care of the Editor. A REMINDER ON LIGHTING.
Vehicle users are reminded that as from October 3, 1937, electric lamps facing the front and with bulbs not exceeding 7 watts must be fitted with frosted glass or similar material. Those exceeding this power must be arranged to dip downwards, or downwards and to the left, or be controlled by some device which permits the lamp to emit a beam which is deflected downwards, or one may be extinguished and the other deflected.
This proviso extends to acetylene lamps as from October 2, 1938. Every bulb must also have its wattage plainly marked on the glass or metal cap.
A useful little memorandum on the subject is published by H.M. Stationery Office at Id.
" One Man's Meat . . ."
The action of an applicant in objecting to an application by another operator, on the ground that transport facilities would be in excess of requirements, was described to the Northern Scotland Licensing Authority as making a burlesque of the proceedings. Mr. John Cruickshank, a Newburgh haulier, applied for a B licence for an additional 2i-ton vehicle to carry livestock and agricultural goods, and objected to a similar application by Messrs. Mitchell and Rae, also of Newburgh. Both applications were refused.
L.N.E.R. Opposes " On Principle" After 17 Years.
In connection with an application by Messrs. Waltons for a renewal 'of a B licence in respect of a vehicle at Catterick Camp, the L.N.E. Railway Co. opposed the renewal "on principle " so far as it related to the carrying of coal and furniture above a radius of 10 miles.
Although Messrs. Waltons had been operating B-licence vehicles at Catterick Camp for 17 years, the railway company had not thought fit to offer any opposition before. However, the renewal was granted, subject to the two parties coming to an agreement.
What is Excessive Smoke?
In a recent Yorkshire police-court prosecution in which it was alleged that an excessive amount of smoke had been emitted from the exhaust of a lorry's oil engine, the question was raised by the defence as to the basis on which magistrates could decide whether smoke which they had never seen was excessive or not.
Mr. S. E. Pitts, solicitor to A.R.O. Yorkshire Area, who defended. emphasized the peculiar difficulty which such cases present from the judicial standpoint, in that they involve a matter of degree. There was a danger, he submitted, that in reaching their decisions, magistrates might be influenced by expressions ot opinion. Finding the case proved, the bench imposed a fine of £2 on the owners. The case against the driver was dismissed on payment of costs. GERMAN ROADS DELEGATION: FINAL TOUCHES.
As previously announced, a party of over 200 members of Parliament, municipal authorities and others, are to visit Germany this month under the designation Of the German Roads Delegation (1937).
In connection with this, we understand that Sir Stenson Cooke, on behalf of the A.A., is giving a cocktail party at the Great Eastern Hotel, at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 24, the day of departure. This will provide an opportunity for the members to sort themselves out, as it were, prior to boarding the special train which is due to leave Liverpool Street at 8.33 p.m.
The arrival of the delegation will be broadcast throughout Germany from the State transmitter.
Safety Glass for P.S.Y. Work.
An appeal for the greater employment of safety glass in public service vehicles was made last week by Mr. Graham Cunningham, chairman and managing director, at the annual general meeting of the Triplex Safety Glass Co., Ltd.
He pointed out that the law requires little more than protection for the driver, by making safety glass com. pulsory in windscreens. Actually, it is also required for any external window facing the front, but not for the other windows. He referred to the abundance of dangerous ordinary glass on this class of vehicle.
Single-deck Buses Wanted in South Africa.
The General Stores Department of Durban City Corporation is calling for tenders, to be presented in Durban by October 29, for the supply of two sixcylinder oil-engined forward-control four-wheeled single-deck buses, each to seat 39 persons, exclusive of driver.
Further details can be obtained on application to the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1. Reference number T.Y.19523/ 37 should be quoted.
I.M.T. Examination in November.
The 24th examination of the Institute of the Motor Trade will be held in London and provincial centres at 10 a.m. on November 26. The council is offering gold, silver and bronze medals for the three candidates securing the highest number of marks in its examinations in April and November. Candidates must notify their intention to attend not later than November 5, on the official form, accompanied by the prescribed fee.
Must Meal-times be Recorded?
When a lorry driver was prosecuted at Otley (Yorkshire) Police Court, last Friday, for failing to enter a mealtime on his record sheet, it transpired that when he had the meal he had not been driving for a continuous period of 5i hours.
Mr. S. E. Pitts, solicitor to A.R.O. Yorkshire Area and for the defence,
MUNICIPAL PURCHASES AND PROPOSALS.
Chanctonbury Rural District Council Is to buy a cesspit emptier.
Nortewien Urban District Council requires a lorry costing g270.
Enniskillen Urban District. Council is to purchase a lorry costing £200.
Carlisle Corporation has authorized the electrical engineer to purehase a lorry.
Poole Town Council proposes to buy a lireengine and appliances costing e1.760. Stalybridge Corporation is considering the purchase of a 30-cwt. lorry for the gas dept. Ramsbottom Urban District Council is to seek sanction to borrow 4560 for the Purchase of is refuse collector.
Rochdale Corporation is in the market for a 21,4-ton petrol-driven lorry; tenders have to be ilefivered by September 25.
Hastings Corporation recommends acceptance of the tender of J. Hollingsworth, Ltu., for the supply of a gordson library van.
Merthyr Corporation is buying three 36-seater and one 20-seater buses from Messrs. D. J. Davies, of Wheatsheal Garage, Merthyr Tydfil. Bishop Auckland Urban District Connell LI!, to apply for permission to borrpw £658 for the purchase of a road roller and &254 for a tipping lorry.
Sunderland Town Council is recommended to boy a tower wagon costing £632, a petrolengined van at £229 and three small electrics costing altogether £896.
Liverpool Corporation requires six 4-5-ton rear-loading refuse collectors, with a body capacity of at least 14 cubic yds. Tenders must be delivered to the town clerk by September 23. Isle of Wight Rural District Council requires a fire-engine, complete with first-aid equipment and a 25-30-ft. ladder. Tenders have to be delivered to 30, Pyle Street, Newport, by September 21.
I.A.E. OPENS NEW SESSION IN NORTH WEST.
The north-western centre of the Institution of Automobile Engineers will open its new session with a meeting at the Engineers Club, Manchester, on October 6, when the president of the Institution, Major-General S. Capel Peck, C.B., D.S.O., will give his presidential address.
The usual series of general meetings will be held during the session, except that two meetings will be held at Preston, one at Liverpool and the
remainder at Manchester. The subjects of the papers include: "The In, fluence of Law on Design," "Light Alloys in Modern Design," "Independent Suspension" and "Carburation."
Mr. H. F. Applegate, of G. W. Smith, Ltd., has been elected chairman for the session, and Mr. S. Markland, of Leyland Motors, Ltd., vice-chairman. The honorary secretary, Mr. J. R. Cross, of Scarnmell Lorries, Ltd., has been re-appointed.
Fodens' New Darlington Depot.
Fodens, Ltd., has opened a northern service depot at 319, North Road, Darlington, where a staff of mechanics capable of handling every class of repair has been installed. A comprehensive stock of spare parts will be held to meet every requirement.
The depot will be in the charge of Mr. H. Wood, who has had a long, and varied experience with the company, and possesses a wide knowledge of all classes of commercial vehicle.