Death of an Eminent Pioneer Men in the News W HEN,
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in 1904, in the early days of commercial motor road transport, the late Mr. Edmund Dangerfield, founder of Temple Press Ltd., was considering the introduction of a new journal to cater for this small, but growing, section of transport, he was faced with the .difficulty of finding a' suitable editor well versed in the subject.
Al this time there were few men capable of undertaking such_a difficult pioneering task. Fortunately, Mr. S. F. Edge introduced to Mr. Dangerfield a Lancashire transport enthusiast, Mr. E.
Shrapnell-Smith, and his appointment as editor followed rapidly. The decision to publish "The Commercial Motor" was announced in "The Motor" of January 31, 1905, and the first issue appeared on March 16, 1905.
A Firm Foundation
Mr. Edward Shrapnell ShrapnellSmith, C.B.E., F.C.S., Minst.T., whose death we announced last week, proved a most suitable and worthy editor under whose control the journal soon attained a pre-eminent position as the most powerful and virile champion of the industry which it represents. Although he gave up the editorship in 1917, to join the Ministry -of Munitions, the standard he set was followed by successive editors and as a result the journal has never failed to confirms to build successfully on the sound foundations laid by him.
Born on February 10, 1875, Mr. Shrapnell-Smith was educated at the Liverpool Royal Institution School and Liverpool University College. Few people knew that he had some success in chemical research in 1899.
He soon 'showed organizing powers and was responsible for arranging the Lancashire Heavy Motor Trials of 1898-1901, and in the last year founded the Road Carrying Co., Ltd., of which he was general manager. He was a judge at the Agricultural Hall motor show, opened on March 18, 1905.
C.M.U.A. Founder
lk helped in the formation of the Commercial Motor Users' Association, was honorary treasurer 1903-18, chairman 1918, and president 1920-29. He was also honorary secretary of "The Commercial Motor" Campaign Comforts Fund which helped greatly in supplying personal needs and recreational facilities for the personnel of the A.S.C. (M.T.) during the 1914-18 war.
Married in 1912, his wife, who survives him, was a daughter of Maj.-Gen. R. Temple Godman. In 1939 his elder son was killed on active flying service with the R.A.F. As a pioneer of road transport his experience proved invaluable, and he was appointed to numerous official and unofficial bodies concerned with the industry.
He also became a director of several companies, including the Car and A24
General and Motor Union Insurance, and was chairman of others. He was the senior director Of the East Kent Road Car Co., Ltd., and it was after speaking at a Canterbury dinner to its senior officials, that he -collapsed.
He did much valuable work as a member of the Transport [Appeal] Tribunal.
A prolific writer, he also read many papers before learned societies. He was honorary representative of the British Government at various international road congresses, and was proud of being a founder life member of the Royal Automobile Club.
By his death, the industry has lost a prominent link with its earliest days. He contributed much to the immense growth of commercial road transport from 3,000 vehicles in 1905, to over 1,000,000 in service to-day.
The acting president of the Transport [Appeal] Tribunal, Mr. N. L. Macaskie, Q.C., a comparative newcomer to the Tribunal, said, " no one could have been more helpful and kinder, with his wealth of knowledge, in helping me to discharge my duties."
" AIRPORT " WAITING ROOM
RESEMBLING those found at airports, an attractive waiting room has been opened at the Digbeth, Birmingham, garage of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd. The room has a snack bar for tea and light refreshments.