WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheel of wealth will be slowed by all diOkulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
Karriers and Leylands Not to Run Coaches.
Rumours seem to have been spread lately to the effect that two prominent manufacturers—to wit, Karrier Motors, Ltd., and Leyland Motors, Ltd.—propose to commence the running of char
a-banes services. We have the assurance of the directors of both companies that the rumour is, as was naturally to be expected., entirely-incorrect.
In the case of Leyland Motors, Ltd., the error has probably arisen ow.ing to the rather confusing wording of a letter that was sent to the watch committee from the company's Manchester office asking that their standard singledeck Edinburgh-type of bus might be examined, with a view to a decision as to whether it might be sold to customers with the assurance that, as a type, it would qualify for licensing if submitted to the coinnuttee. • Karrier Motors, Ltd.,. in a letter to us, say that the business of their company is the manufacture of coinmercial vehicles, and it is not, and never has been, the intention of the directors to engage in competition with their customers who run goods and passenger services.
Automobile Research.
A most interesting paper entitled "A Suggested Programme for Automobile Research " was read last Wednesday before the Institution of Automobile Engineers by Mr. G. W. Watson, M.I.Mech.E.
It will be admitted by all in the industry that here is another vast field of which only the fringes have been explored. The paper was a resume of the chief subjects which require further elucidation, and, in fact, it formed a summary of the major difficulties with which the motor vehicle designer and builder have to contend.
The object of the paper was to obtain suggestions and criticisms which will be helpful in the work of the Association for Automobile Research founded by the We have not the space available to go through the entire programme, but it covered pradtically every point of importance and aimed at sifting the various points so that only those of real importance would remain. Unfortunately in the discussion which followed the paper, little was done except to add more subjects for investigation, although several speakers suggested that the various researches should be split up amongst those interested in particular branches; for instance, research into tyres and tyrewear could be conducted by the tyre manufacturers; steel research by the steel makers, etc. Owing to the length of the discussion several members who would otherwise have spoken had to be asked to send in their remarks in writing, and it is possible that some valuable hints may be found in these.
Effect of the Strike.
"What is the effect of the present industrial crisis upon the road transport industry?"
This question was put to an old-established firm of haulage contractors by a representative of this journal, who was informed that during the first few days of the 'dispute there was an unquestionable improvement in traffic, and it was thought that the long-looked-for revival had at last come.
Much urgsnt traffic was cleared when the Triple Alliance became involved in the miners' dispute, and, after that, it semed to taper down. The view was expressed that before there could be any settled improvement another period of depression would have to be encountered until industrial England recovered from the effects of these mischievous labour tactics. It is absurd to expect the haulage trade to be busy when factories, mills and workshops are either idle or only working short time. Another firm of haulage contractors told_ us that one big transport contract which they had held from a leading company had, in a given period, diminished to 25 per cent, of what it was before the war.
That the railways have not adversely affected road transport is evidenced by the fact that the goocle departments arc crying out for work.
Bradford and Railless Cars.
At a meeting of the Bradford Corporation Tramways Committee, it was stated that the Minister of Transport had intimated that, with reference to a new type of single-deck railless vehicle with one man in charge, no objection would be raised to the use of such type of vehicle.
Instructions were given for the preparation of an estimate of the cost of provision of necessary cars of this type. Tip general manager Was also authorized to obtain information as to working expenses of petrol motor omnibuses operated in other towns. The committee decided to ask the parliamentary committee th seek powers in the next Corporation Bill to enable the tramways committee to construct and operate double-deck top covered railless trolley vehicles of a four-wheel type weighing not less than 7 tons 10 cwt., and of a six-wheel type weighing not less than 9 tons 10 cwt., unla-den weight in both cases.
Tar-spraying of Roads.
Tar-spraying of the main roads is of considerable benefit to all users of motor vehicles as well as to the general public, who have a just cause for complaint when the passing of vehicles envelops them in clouds of dust, and it continuatioe and extension will be welcomed. Fortunately, the price of tar is between 2d. and 3d. per gallon below the figure at which it stood last year, and this will do much to encourage its use.
Lacre Sweepers. .
The London General Omnibus Co. have recently taken delivery of another Lacre L-type sweeper. These handy, little machines are being einplosed for sweeping in several of the company's extensive garages in the Metropolitan district. Although these efficient machines Were originally designed for street sweeping, they are proving of value for certain other classes of duty, one of these being instanced above. The Mersey Dock and Harbour Board are also notable users.
Strike Emergencies and Midland Transport.
Whilst it would be idle to suggest that difficulties occasioned by the strike have entailed more onerous responsibilities upon one district than another, there are, certain features in regard to East Midland emergency arrangements which have served, with excellent results in the public interest, to accentuate the value of the experience derived in connection with the last big railway trouble. Then, to a large extent, plans had to be hurriedly improvised but the present serious juncture found the administrative staffs in possession of ample data, enabling the work to he entered upon with a smoothness and celerity which were calculated to be of inestimable advantage to those living within the territory extending from. Northamptonshire to the Yorkshire borders.
With Nottingham, Leicester, and Derby as the main centre of operations, food supplies were adequately safeguarded under conditions the seriousness of which was greatly increased by the defection of ordinary transport workers. As links in the chain of Government, arrangements, the plans for maturing which the Nottingham and Leicester Chambers of Commerce have been mainly responsible, were also found to be invaluable adjuncts, facilitating the conveyance of goods to the main distributing centres, the value of water transport from the Hull and other ports being enhanced by supplementary road arrangem
Percy's Bulls.
We recall with considerable pleasure Mr. j. C. Percy's two earlier volumes entitled " Bulls—Ancient and Modern " and " Bulls and Blunders." We lent our copies to friends and now remember that they were never returned, so pro bably they are still circulating. Now Mr. Percy sends us " More Bulls and Blunders:" and we have found the book seriously interfering with our business most of the east week. What we like about this hook is that not only can one pick it up, read a few paragraphs and appreciate all the sensatione of the. much advertised tonics, but that there is a variety about the stories one would not have expected from the title. For there are included typical Irish tales, bits of repartee, points for speakers, tales about prominent people, yarns about youngsters, a host of stories for all occasions, and a chapter on Mr. Percy's American impressions. We have told Mr. Percy a few yarns ourselves on occasion, and expect a greatly enhanced popularity from wise selections drawn from his new book.
New Bridge for Mill.
Hull Corporation Bridges Committee has decided in favour of the construction of a new North Bridge at a cost of £295,000, and recommends the Corporation to seek -Parliamentary powers accordingly.
Compulsory Char-a-bancs Garaging.
Chester Town Council has adopted the recommendation of the Watch Committee that motor coaches should be loaded and unloaded in the public garage which the corporation is providing at the Little Roodee, or at other garages in the city, but not in the streets.
Letters protesting against the adoption of these regulations were received from the Chester Traders' Association and also from the Cheshire and North Wales Motor Char4-bancs Owners, but without any discussion the new regulations were adopted by the council.
A Paper on Waters.
An interesting iecture entitled " Waters, Their Classification, Properties and Treatment, with Practical emonstralion " was given recently at the Institute of Marine Engineers; Tower Bridge Road, Minories, E., before the Association of Engineer Surveyors (Boiler Inspectors) by Mr. H. S. Wills,F.C.S., M.P.S., chemist, to Boilerine, Ltd.
The lecture was very well received, and the demonstration was to show the means of preventing or of removing water deposits from motor vehicle cooling systems by the use of Boilerine radiator tablets.
A Garage Manager Available.
We know a man who is looking for a post as garage manager. He served his apprenticeship to mechanical and electrical engineering, served ten years in motor works, passing throiigh the stages of mechanic, foreman, and manager,. and for six years organized and controlled a large garage, which included an important constructional section. He has is thorough knowledge of salesmanship and Of book-keeping, and he does not require a very large salary. Letters addressed " S.J.M.," c.o. the Editor, will be forwarded to him.
Local Rates and Road • Upkeep.
At a recent meeting of the Worcestershire Chamber of Agriculture there was a discussion on the question of the incidence of local taxation as it affects agriculture.
• Mr. Paget Norbury said that rural councils should have a. proportion of the money from the new motor licences towards the upkeep of their roads. Apparently they were not going to benefit by it at all. Enormous sums were being taken, but practically nothing was being given back. In the area covered by the 14.1artley Rural District Council they had got a grant of exactly one mile of road. Apparently, they were giving a blank cheque to the Minister of Transport, and he dealt with it as he liked. He was afraid that a large part of the money would go to make good the huge loss on the railways. He thought that district authorities were entitled to a certain proportion, and the only way to get it was to bring the matter before the notice of some central body like that of the central chamber. He moved that the chamber was of the opinion that a definite proportion of the revenue derived from motor duties should be allotted to the rural district councils towards the upkeep of the roads maintained by those councils.
Mr. J. Davies, seconding, said that there were only 30 miles of classified roads in the whole.of the rural districts of the county, which meant that those councils would receive a sum which was not worth mentioning. There had been a very large increase in the number of public motor omnibus routes on the district roads.
A Striking Advertisement.
We desire to draw our readers' attention to the front cover of this week's issue of The Commercial Motor, and to ask them to note the way in which the advertisements appearing in that position are gradually developing away from plain black and white announcements and are becoming much more artistic. The Yorkshire Steam Wagon Co., Ltd., on their return to our advertisement pages have arranged for a particularly attractive, yet withal, simple setting in which we have, aa_ we are always prepared to do, co-operated. Restrictions for a long time hampered all efforts to go ahead, but now that they are removed our readers will probably agree with us that marked improvement is being shown in the direction indicated.
Overseas Trade.
According to The Netherlands Indies Review, the United States has evidently used the Netherlands East Indies during the war years as a dumping ground for "not quite satisfactory " lorries, These vehicles, it is not surprising to learn, have been unsatisfactory in running, and replacements which have been needed to take the place of fractured and damaged parts have been difficult to acquire.
This experience with American vehicles has led several of the municipalities, who are considering the establishment of motor minibus services for passengers, and motor lorry services for goods, to look to Europe for a vehicle which is likely to prove more efficient than those at present in use in the island. Four to five tonners are wanted with engines of not less than 60 h.p., brakes and lighting sets being details calling for very special attention.
If British prices are such that they will compete with Italian, German and Czecho-Slovakic figures, there should be no obstacle in the way of some of the large orders shortly to be given coming to this country.
Institute of Transport Meeting.
The sixth ordinary meeting of the Institute of Transport was held at the Institute of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, Westminster, London, S.W., on April 18th ("Yesterday), when Mr. Arthur Watson, C.B.E., general manager of the Lancashire and Yorkshire and London and North-Western Railways, read a paper entitled " Some Advantages of Control as Applied to Traffic on Railways."
Skefko Service:
Recognizing that great delay in overhaul and repair work is often occasioned through delay in the supply of replacements, the Skefko Ball Bearing Co., Ltd., of Luton, have now organized a garage supply department to overcome this difficulty so far as bearings are concerned. The company is now in a position to guarantee manufacturers and automobile engineers generally a supply by return of any type or size of S.K.F. bearing that is required. They have prepared a special postcard order form for the use of garage proprietors, etc., a supply of which will be forwaTrded to any member of the motor industry who may care to take advantage of the Skefka Co.'s service.
Oil in East Indies.
Though there is only one large mineral oil producing company in the Netherlands East Indies, there is, nevertheless, a constantly increasing demand for casings and tools for oil wells. Up to the present the United States has appropriated the largest share of these, but openings, we understand, are now being given for British quotations.
Body Prices Down.
Davidson (Trafford Park), Ltd., of Manchester, have signalized the completion of. their new factory by an all-round readjustment in the prices of their wellknown bodies. With a reduction in the costs of raw materials, and the advantage of the Methods of manufacture which they employ, they announce the following retail prices for their bodies as from April 9th : Delivery van (I ton), reduced from £120 to 290.
Lorry body (without sides), from 285 to 275.
Lorry body (with 14 in. sides), from 290 to £80.
Lorry body (with fixed sides aiad handoperated tipping gear), from £98 to £85.
Touring ear body de luxe, from £150 to £135.
Char-i-bancs (double-purpose body), present price 2245. Each of these prices is for delivery at works.
Standardized Ambulances.
The normal maintenance of the fleet of motor ambulances of the' Metropolitan Asylums Board requires that 13 new ambulances should be obtained within the next 12 months, and the Board has decided that the wisest course to follow is for these to be constructed at its ambulance station. Twelve are to be similar to those last built there, and one of an experimental lighter type. This will enable a standardization of type and should secure considerable economies in inaintenance, repairs and spare parts. The approximate cost of the 13 ambulances wilhbe £15,450.
New South African Fuel
A third South African fuel, " Penrol," is now making a bid for public recognition, says the (lapel Times. It is dcscribed as being mainly a combination of alcohol, dissolved acetylene, and other hydrocarbons, and in this respect appears to be a fuel of the aoetol type. It is claimed to have come through teats with complete satisfaction, covering some 5,000 miles' running, with lorries and motorcycles. It is said to exhibit great power on hills, with smooth engine performance and rapid acceleration. The mileage per gallon is given at 9 per cent. under that of petrol (which is characteristic of alcohol fuels), but it will be placed upon the market at a price which will more than compensate for this feature.
A distillation plant for the production of alcohol has already been erected in the Transvaal, and the fuel will be on the market in about six months' time.
Oriental Tube Co.
We learn that the Oriental Tube Co., Ltd., West Bromwich, Birmingham, England, has recently been acquired by the General Electric Co., Ltd., 67, Queen Victoria Street, Landon, E. 0.
Oriental tubes are known throughout. the world for their high standard of excellence, and this reputation will be fully maintained under the new control. The Oriental Tube Co. has gradually developed into one of the largest firms of steel tube manufacturers in Great Britain, Much of this success is due to the untiring energy and business an/amen of the retiring managing director, Mr. E. R. Dowler, who for upwards of 22 years has held that position. In vacating the directorship, Mr. Dowler carries with him the good wishes of all who have been associated with him during the long years of business connection.
Lipton's Transport.
In an article dealing with an interview with Mr. J. L. Clewes, the transport manager of Lipton, Ltd., which appeared in the issue of this journal for last week, we regret that, 0's leg to a clerical error, the amount saved per annum by the use of road transport was given as £120,000 instead of 220,000.
Taxi-hansoms for London.
Officials of Scotland Yard and the Ministry of Transport are now visiting the provinces in order to study the subject of sidecar taxis. When they have made their report it is possible that this type of vehicle will be licenced for London.
In Birmingham, where the sidecar taxi had its birth, they have a lynx-eyed police inspector who is an expert. in motorcycling matters, and owns a sidecar of hie own. On several occasions he has pointed out minute defects in the machines of which even the drivers were unaware. In one case the spokes were rubbing the chaincase, and in another there were two pin holes in the hood, both of which This motorcycling official spotted and ordered to be repaired forthwith.
There is a report in Birmingham that a certain body of taxi owners have written to the Watch Committee threatening to withdraw, their ,calis unless the sidecar taxis are removed. The sidecar taxi drivers who own and run their own machines view this with equanimity, for there is likely to be a growing demand for these machines. Owners report that people generally seem to spend more in sidecar rides than on the ordinary taxi, whilst they ,certainly go further and faster for the same sum.
Meanwhile the B.S.A. Canoelee combination, which is being run by the County Cycle and Motor Co., 307, Broad Street, Birmingham, has been greatly improved in a number of small details which have been brought, to light after the severe road trials of the last few months.
Trams and Traffic Regulation.
At a recent meeting of the Sheffield Corporation a resolution was passed to the effect that it is desirable that powers should be obtained on the lines of those possessed by other municipalities for regulating the traffic at stopping places on tram routes, and that the committees concerned be requested to take the necessary steps for securing such powers. The matter has been considered by the Watch Committee which had a report by the town clerk with reference to powers possessed by other municipalities. He expressed the opinion that there is not, at the present time, any reasonable prospect of the Sheffield Corporation obtaining similar powers, and pointed out that proceedings could be taken under the Motor Car Acts against any driver of a motor vehicle who drives to the danger of thepublic. In the circumstances, the committee 'came to the conclusion that it is not advisable at the present time to take steps to secure additional local powers as suggested; but it has asked the town clerk to bring the matter before the Association of Municipal Corporations.
For Benzole Users.
For thosewho use National benzole or a mixture of National benzole and petrol as fuel fortheir vehicles the practical. hints to users '.which have just been issued by the.Natiethal Benzole Co. 30, Grosvenor Gardene, . London, S.*, 1, should be found very useful. The company claim that, by careful carburetter adjustment, 20 per cent, more miles to the gallon can be ,obtained by using National benzole.
Qravel Tipping
We-publish on' this page two photographs 6f 'a'4 ton Leyland side-tipping wagon which is, at the present time, engaged on demonstration work throughout the country. The vehicle is shown in one picture loading 4 tons of gravel under a chute, whilst the second picture shows the convenient height of the tipping body, which, incidentally, is also a good picture of gravel in motion. It is an interesting fact to note that at a recent demonstration macadam had to be conveyed a distance of two to three miles and deposited on the road, and that it was found. that it took a horse and two men four days to do this work, whereas the Leyland wagon did exactly the same work an two hours. The machine is a reconditioned model.
An Annual Motor Revel.
The annual motor revel and carnival organized by the Howard de Walden Club, Ltd., is to be held at the Holborn Restaurant (King's Hall suite), on Fie.day, April 29th, Lt.-Col, Chas. Jarrott, O.R.F., being master Of the revel. lAT& notice that most of the leading traders in Great Portland Street are on the committee. Further particulars of this interesting function can be obtained from the hon. see.. revel and ball committee, Howard de Walden Club, Ltd., 16, Weymouth Street, W. 1. Tickets, includieg supper and continuous buffet, are 305. each.
Rymer's Report
The report of C. F. Rymer, '-Ltd., which has just been iksued for the 12 months ended DecemAer 31st, 1920, shows a profit for the year of £6,976. The company have, during the past year, continued to develop on e:progressive lines, and although 1920 Was a difficult year, they have, by reason of their varied departments, been able to maintain a good general average trading, even in the slack periods.
The accounts presented for 1920 are the best which hare been recorded since ' the company was established. It is interesting to learn from the report that the motor passenger department is being extensively developed. We have already referred to the fact that the company have' secured for the 1921 season a small though beautiful estate with 3 acres of garden and a sports ground at Llangollen for high-class catering : 250 persons can be seated at one meal, and when structural alterations are completed it is stated that 1,000 meals will be able to be served per day. An estate of 43 acres has been secured at Grasmere, which is ideally situated in the centre of the Lake District, • and will be used as headquarters• for coaches operating in this district. The company's coaches are again operating in Belgium this year. A dividend is to be paid on the ordinary shares for the year of 10 per cent. less tax, leaving a substantial amount to be carried ferward.
"Haulage Contractors" Without Vehicles.
A singular position has arisen at Birkenhead in regard to a.haulage contract for the removal of ashes from the Birkenhead ferries. It appears that the Ferriee Committee invited tenders, and amongst those received was one froth a firm who quoted' considerably less in priceehan that which had hitherto been paid. This tender was accepted. When the matter came before the Town Council the town clerk read a letter from the Birkenhead and District Road Transport Association protesting 'against the action of the committee "in accepting such a tender" from a firm without horses, vehicles, or meter vehicles, and-whose business is certainly not that of haulage conteactors.
It was explained that the.committee regarded the matter aea commercial proposition, and that was an end to it so far as it was concerned
A Show in Java.
Frdm September 19th to October 9th the second Netherlands East Indies Fair is to be held at Bandoeng, Java. It will be international in character, and combined with it there is to be a motor vehicle and tractor exhibition. It is stated that the Netherlands East Indies represents one of the most lucrative markets in the world, as it is by no means over-shipped or over-developed. All details regardmg the Fair and Exhibition may be obtained from the British Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands East Indies, 38, Dover Street, London, W.1.
An Induction Pipe Jacket.
To obtain the best all-round results when using present-day fuels, adequate heating of the induction charge is absolutely essential. The heated induction jacket, acket, which we illustrate herewith, can be used when fitting ClaudelHobson carburetters to existing or modified induction manifolds and, in addition to giving beneficial and economical results, it is a cheap and convenient fitting.
For water heating the jacket is fitted with fa. in. standard Ross Courtney unions, with which A in. copper piping can be used. When exhaust heating is employed the cover plates can be removed for cleaning purposes. This should be done periodically, as other
wise the jacket will become choked and thus lose its heating efficiency. To connect up the pipe to convey the exhaust gases to the jacket, the boss should be drilled out to in. to allow a in. outside diameter pipe to push straight in.
The jacket can be supplied in three sizes, particulars and prices of which will be sent on application to H. M. Hobson, Ltd., 29, Vauxhall Bridge Road, S.W. L
Local Proceedings.
A six-ton steam wagon. to cost. £1,200 is required by the Orsett. Chester Town Council has decided to purchase a motor fire-engine, at a cost of £1,650. Messrs. Braid Bros., of Bangor, are supplying the Carnarvon T.C. with a one-ton motor lorry for £308. A committee of the Peterborough Corporation is inquiring into the question of purchasing a motoffire-engine. East Ham Corporation Health Committee has recommended the purchase of three additional electric dust vans.
Eastbourne Watch Committee has reported in favour of the purchase of a motor tractor for drawing the steam fireengine. The io-irchase of a motor vehicle,for the eouv: price of school children is recommended by the Dundee Education Committee. The cost is put at £450.
A special committee of the Glasgow Corporation is making.inquiries into the trackless trolley system, and is to visit Leeds, Bradford, and York for this purpose. A tractor, two wagons, and a wan are to be purchased by the Moray County Council as a first instalment of the scheme for additional road machinery. The cost is put at .B3,500.
At a meeting of the Plymouth Corporation Works Committee, the town clerk reported that the Ministry of Transport had made a grant of £980 towards the purchase of two motor tipping wagons.