AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

19th June 1928, Page 46
19th June 1928
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roaghnesa

of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crosier.

Karrier Profits for 1927.

The annual general meeting of Karrier Motors, Ltd., was held at Huddersfield last week. Mr. H. F. Clayton, the chairman, who presided, said that the net profit for the year 1927 was, roughly, £9,500, and, although it was not so good as "thé. profit for the previous year, owing to causes that were well understood, the demand for the company's products continued to. improve, and the directors expected to show a rather better profit for the

current year. . • With regard to the reorganitation of the capital of the company, he said the directors were prepared to support a scheme which Would reduce the ordinary shares to 5s. each, and the preference eharee to 12s. 6cl. each (with a fixed preferential eividend of 10 per cent., all arrears of dividend to be cancelled, and the first payment of dividend not to take place until August, 1929).

Mr. R. F. Clayton, in his speech, referred to the growing popularity of the six-wheeled chassis, both for goods and passenger traneport, and dealt with the number of orders which the company was receiving for this type.

Qualified Sales Manager Available.

We know of a man with an excellent technical education and with considerable experience in the workshops and, Inter, on the sales side of more than one of the leading commercial-vehicle concerns in this country. He is seeking a responsible post in connection with the sales side, feeling himself entirely capable of management and control, and having a. very complete knowledge of, and acquaintance with, the chief selling agents. Letters addressed "W.N.Y.," can of the Editor of this journal, will be forwarded to him.

Buying a Fleet of Buses.

_ His Majesty's Consul at Bogote re ports that a company has recently been formed in Medellin, the capital city of the Department of Antioquia, Colombia, to exploit the transport possibilities of the department by the operation of an up-to-date service of reotorbuses. The company intends to spend, without delay, a sum of 150,000 pesos on the

• purchase of a fleet of buses. British makers can obtain further particulara on application to the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1. reference A.X. 6,412 being quoted.

Another French Lorry and Bus Trial.

The rules and regulations have lately been issued in regard to the reliability trial of motor lorries and buses which is to take place in Northern France from September 18th to 20th next under the patronage of the Automobile Club du Nord de la France. Classes will be provided for 10-cwt., 1-ton, le-ton, 2ton, 3-ton and 5-ton (and over) lorrid as well as for passenger transport vehicles. Each class will be divided into two divisions (1) those using petrol and. (2) those using other fuels.

The first day's run will be from Lille to Calais (119 miles), the second from n20 Calais to Cambrai (137 miles) and the third from Cambrai back to Lille (lib

miles). From the 10-cwt., 1-ton, 1eton and 2-ton vehicles an average speed of 22 mph, is required ; from 3-tonnere 15e m.p.h.; from lorries carrying ovee 3 tens 121 m.p.h. ; whilst passengee vehicles will be required to maintain an average speed of 311 m.p.h.

Entries at 500 francs eer vehicle must be sent before August 24th next to M. Leon Matiaud, 3, Cite Bergere, Paris, from whom full particulars of the cornPetition can be nbtained.

The Chancellor andTaxation.

• A. deputation from the motoring bodies waited on the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Tuesday last to discuss the question of taxation of all types of commercial and private motor veheeles. The probable outcome will be an extension of the rebate for old vehicles to embrace those five years old or more.

Iris]) Speed Limit for Buses Increased.

The Irish Free State Minister for Local Government and Public Health has made an Order modifying the provision in the Heavy Motor Car (Ire

land) Order, 1905, by which motorbuses were restricted to -a speed of 12 m.p.h. The new Order permits motorbus which is not a double-decker and which has all its wheels fitted with pneumatic tyres to travel at 20 m.p.h.

In the ease of a double-deck bus fitted with pneumatic tyres the • speed limit has been raised from 12 m.p.h. to 15 m.p.h. The same Order makes a further concession with regard to the fitting of anti-mud-splashing devices to. buses and lorries, and in future pneumatic-tyred vehicles will not require to be fitted with these devices. '

Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies's Results.

The report , and • balance-sheet of Ransomes, Sims and eefferies, Ltd., for the year ended March 31st last shows a balance of profit of £19,835, aed brought in from the previous-accounts is a sum of £54,487. The dividend on the preference . shard to the end of 1927 absorbs £11,000, and the directors propose that of the available balance a sum of 112,500 be applied to a dividend on the ordinary shares at the rate of 2e. per cent, per annum, leaving to be carried forward to the next accounts £52,822.

Hall, Lewis Prospectus.

The prospectus of Hall, Lewis and Co., Ltd., was published last week, not, however for the purpose of securing capital, but for information only. It showed a share capital of £1,500,000, of which £400,000 was in 7e per cent. cumulative preference shares, and the remainder in ordinary shares, of which 800,000 were issued, or about to be issued. The capital was increased in May to the amount stated by the creation of 500,000 additional ordinary shares, and of these shares 200,000 are being subscribed for by Mr. D. G. Ralf and Mr. S. H. Lewis, two directors, of the company.

Road Transport and New Issues.

The growing importance of mechanical road transport seems to be thoroughly appreciated by company promoters. The Bolivia Trading Corporation, Ltd., which announced a new issue on June 11th, might be quoted as a case in point.

In its abridged prospectus it states that Eastern Bolivia is considered to be one of the richest undeveloped parts' of South America. Hitherto this region haft been cut off and isolated through want of proper transport facilities.

A new river port, known as Ceiba, is. being built, whilst roads are now being constructed which, when completed, will permit of the transport of goods overland through the whole of the year over a large area. Trading centres are to be established, and the company intends to equip a fleet of motorvans to develop trade between and around these points.

An international Road Traffic Inquiry.

The highway transport committee of the International Chamber of Commerce has adopted the motion intro-dueed by Mr. Andre Citroen for a world-wide inquiry into the taxation of highway traffic. The motion covers matters dealing with burdens imposed upon • motor vehicles, the amount spent on highway construction and maintenance before and After the introduction of motors and systems of highway eonstruction,

The inquiry will be conducted simultaneously in 24 leading countries, and it is hoped that the report to be presented to the Council of the International Chamber and to the Amsterdam Congress. next year may lead to greater uniformity in road policies,

South Wales Bus Developments.

Important service .developments throughout Glamorgan and Monmouthshire are projected by the Rhondda Tramways Co., Ltd., which has submitted aereications for licences to the various local authorities concerned. It already runs many services from the Rhonddas, Pontypridd and Cardiff, and it is now proposed to establish services from Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff, from _Aberdare to Cardiff, from PontypriddNantgarw-Caerphilly to Newport (Mon.) and from ,Pontypridd, via Nelson and Ystradmynach to Newbride.

• In the event of the licences being granted a number of new vehicles will be added -to the company's bus fleet.

A Kentish Company's Progress.

The annual report of the Maidstone and District Motor Services' Ltd., for the year ended March 31st last shows that an increased profit was made as compared with the previous year, the actual net surplus being f50,66 as against £46,023. A final dividend of 10 per cent., making 15 per cent. for the year, is to be paid on the increased capital, this being the same as in the Previous year, whilst £10,000 is being allocated to the reserve fund. After these disbursements have been made £15,443 will remain to be carried fcrward, as against £12,277 brought in. During the year the fleet was augmented.

A. Retford Company's Appeal Fails.

A few weeks ago the Ministry of Transport held an inquiry at Retford into the appeal of Haxby, Tealey and Co., proprietors of the Ne Plus Ultra buses, which run between Gainsborough and Sheffield, passing through Retford and Worksop. The company appealed against the decision of the Retford Corporation in deciding not to renew two existing licences and in refusing to grant three new licences on the ground that the• company had failed to comply with the conditions imposed. The Ministry announces that, after careful consideration of all the facts, it _has decided not to make an Order on the licensing authority.

For Electioneering Work.

Stewart and Ardern, Ltd., 371, Euston Road, London, N.W.1, has recently supplied the special Morris-Commercial van which is shown in an accompanying illustration. It is a onetonner, and is intended for work in connection with electioneering campaigns, for which reason it is equipped with wireless apparatus, including two powerful Brown loud-speakers.

The van is painted in the conspicuous colours of the Union Jack, and when formally handed over to the Prime Minister in The Palace Yard, Westminster, attracted considerable attention.

A Midland Bus Absorption.

We learn that the Birmingham and Midland Omnibus Co., Ltd., which operates the Midland " Red" motor services, has just completed negotiations whereby it has absorbed the Regent Bus Co., the buses of which have, since 1921, run from Crresley to Burton. There has been keen rivalry between the two concerns for many months past.

A Thornycroft Veteran.

Mr. C. H. Newman, a well-known member of the vehicle &ales staff of John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., in London, has recently completed 50 years' service with the company.

A New Samples Brougham.

The 14-45 h.p. Bean Hadfield car chassis is now available with a commer cial traveller's brougham body. The first to be built for this purpose has a carrying capacity of 10 cwt.-12 cwt. of samples, and it is shown in an accompanying illustration. The shelves, which are reached by a wide door at the back and at the near side, hold 40 cases, each of which meaS'ures 28 ins. by 14i ins. by 6 ins. Any case can be taken out without disturbing the others and there is also spare room behind the cases for returns.

The seats for driver and passenger are completely enclosed by a single-piece windscreen and windows which can be lowered ; the side pillars are slender so as not to obscure the view. Concealed behind the back cushions in the driver's seat is a recess in which personal luggage can be accommodated.

Freedom's High Price.

Isle of Wight County Highways Committee has considered a communication from the Freshwater Parish Council and obtained certain information as to the cost of freeing all the toll bridges and roads in the island. After full and careful consideration of the matter it finds that it cannot recommend the council to take any action in the matter at present in view of the large expenditure which would be involved in connection with the scheme.

Rotherham's Six-wheeled Trolley-buses.

The tramways manager of the Rotherham Corporation has reported that a new six-wheeled trolley-bus would be delivered shortly and it was essential that orders should be placed so soon as possible for the remaining three chassis which would be required to operate on the Mexborough and Swiu ton route. It was recommended that subject to satisfactory tests, the chairman and vicechairman, together with the tramways manager, be authori2ed to accept tenders and place orders for the vehicles in question.

Warrington's Successful Buses.

Warrington Corporation accounts for the year ended March 31st last show the net profits on the operation of the motorbuses to be £5,777. The cost of petrol was 1.6761 per bus-mile (as against 3.056d. in 1926-27), this reduction being mainly due to the fall in price. It will not be possible, however, to maintain this low figure during the present year, as the tax of 4d. per gallon which was recently imposed represents an increased cost of £745 on the quantity purchased during the past year. The total expenses per bus-mile averaged 11.705d. The result of the year's working is considered to be very satisfactory and it is again recorded that the undertaking is again entirely free from loan debt.

New Dennis Fire Appliance Creating Interest.

In connection with the proposal of the Glasgow Watch Committee to purchase two new fire-engines, the chairman reported as to a new type of Dennis appliance which was on exhibition at Portsmouth in connection with the conference of the National Fire Brigades Association; it was described in our issue dated June 5th. The committee recommended that Councillors James• MacDougall and Walker, along with the fire-master, be authoii7.ed to inspect The new machine at the works of the maker at Guildford.

Bus Progress in the Isle of Man.

The annual meeting of the Manxland Bus Services, Ltd., was recently held at Douglas. ,The report of the company for the period from May 16th, 1927, to March 31st last shows that net traffic receipts and other revenue amounted to £16,814. After deducting administration and general expenses and writing off £6,894 for depreciation, there remains a balance of £2,810, £1,979 of which will be absorbed by the payment of a dividend at the rate of 7i per cent. per annum, leaving £837 to be carried forward.

During the period under review garages have been purchased at Douglas, Ramsey and Peel, whilst a bus station is to be erected at Port Erin.

Manxland Bus Services, Ltd., is now firmly established in the Isle of Man, and its services have been well received by the population. During the 45/i weeks that the services have been run over a million passengers have been carried. During his review of the company's operations the chairman men-. tioned that it had practically decided to offer 200.000 1s. shares to Manx residents so that they might participate in any profit made by the concern.

American Tractor Exports Growing.

The export trade in American tractors continues to grow at a rapid rate. The latest returns just to hand relate to the three months ended with March last, during which period no fewer than 15,671 wheel-type machines valued • at £2,059,325 were exported from the United States, as compared. with 11,901 machines of this type (£1,330,624) in the corresponding three months of 1927. Similarly, the exports of American track-laying tractors advanced from 398 (f140,519) to 704 (f 245,800).

An Acid Tanker.

The special tank wagon which is illustrated on this page has recently been supplied to a well-known chemical concern. It consists of a Dennis chassis carrying an 800-gallon cylindrical tank, which has been specially built by Thompson Bros. (Bilston),

Ltd., Bradley Works, 13ilston, Staffs, for conveying acid.

Thetank is 4 ft. 3 ins, in diameter and 10 ft. 7 ins. long, and in its intetior the ebonite lining is extended to form a protecting apron around the manhole _at the front end. The contents of • the :tank are discharged by means of an air compressor driven by the ' engine, and complete drainage is ensgred by a sump .which is welded to the bottom of the tank. All connections on the tank and the tank itself are welded throughout. , The tank is built for a working pressure of .30 lb. per sq. in., and it is attached to the chassis through the medium of hardwood bolsters.

Making Room for Motor Traffic.

In a scheme drawn up by the Dublin City Commissioners it is proposed to permit only the use of two sets of tramlines on O'Connell Bridge, where, at present, there are four sets. The proposal is of considerable interest to bus owners, as O'Connell Bridge is the centre for practically all the services radiating from Dublin, and the congestion caused by the trains has always presented a very serious traffic problem. If the new scheme be adopted the space available on the bridge for motor traffic will be increased to 74 ft.

Leyland Employees to Invade London.

On June 23rd a large number of the employees of Leyland Motors, Ltd., at Leyland, will be visiting London for their second annual works outing. Over 2,000 employees are to be conveyed by four special trains from various towns in Lancashire direct to Kingston-on-Thames, where they will embark on river steamers to complete the journey to Westminster. The river journey has been introduced so that members of the party can have an opportunity for seeing many places of interest. Last year they were conveyed on a sightseeing expedition in motorbuses.

Part-time Buses Not Wanted.

At a meeting of the urban district council of Chester-le-Street—which is one of the busiest centres of motorbus traffic in the County of Durham--itnportant steps were taken to bring to an end existing bus-licensing anomalies. The council agreed, for the future, to refuse licences to owners who only worked routes at the week-end. It was further decided not to renew licences for any machine after june 30th unless its owner had insured against third-party risks.

It was stated that some of the council's employees are acting as condoctors in the evenings and at weekends on part-time buses, and the highways committee's attention is to _ be called to this matter.

Glasgow's Effort to Secure Licence Exemption.

The town clerk of Glasgow has reported to the corporation cleansing -committee that he renewed the application to the Ministry of Transport for the exemption from the payment of licensing duty in respect of the motor-sweeping machines and the refuse-collecting. vehicles owned by the cleansing department. The Ministry replied that exemption of locat authorities' vehicles from such duty would be in conflict with the principle on .which the duty is levied. The committee has asked the superintendent to communicate with other local authorities interested with a view to making a joint application to the Ministry of Transport.

A Leyland Fleet for Bradford.

As intimated under our feature. "Municipal Purchases and Proposals," the tramways committee of the Bradford Corporation is buying 15 Leyland 51-seater, double-deck buses, 10 to be purchased at a cost of 117,207, for which a loan will be sought, whilst the other five will be, purchased out of revenue at a cost of £1,720 each. It is also buying several 36-seater trolleybuses, as it contemplates changing over from tramways to trolley-vehicles on a -number of routes.

It is proposed to abandon the Greengates tramway route which will haVe to be relaid within the next few years, the Scheme being hastened by the fact that certain portions of the track will have to be dealt with immediately owing to road widening. It is su gested that the Allerton and Thacklc routes shall be converted to the railless system powers being sought in a Provisional Order now before Parliament.

More Buses for Colchester.

The question of the town's transport system again came under notice at a recent meeting of the Colchester Town _Council, when consideration was given to further bus tenders which had been received and to the provision of 4lseater buses. The annual report relat • ing to the tramways was alSo presented and was shown to reveal a loss of 1811. So far as the bus tenders are concerned, it was arranged to accept the quotation of Dennis Bros., Ltd., for two E-type chassis at £922 each, and

that of Messrs. Strachan and Brown for two bodies, with front and rear, entrances, at £447 each. A summary of quotations for the larger type of vehicle was presented, but consideration of the purchase of this type was deferred to a future meeting.

Irish Free State Imports.

During April last 51 commercial motor vehicles valued at £14,890 were imported into the Irish Free State, bringing up the total for the first four months of the year to 185 vehicles.

Leeds Passenger Transport Profits. , At a meeting of the tramways committee of the Leeds Corporation a statement of income and expenditure in connection with the tramways undertaking for the year ended March 31st last was presented, showing a surplus of £66,647.

Efficiency in Exhaust Silencing.

The modern petrol engine, with its comparatively high compression and efficient valve arrangement, gives an exhaust which is somewhat difficult to silence. To be really effective, the silencer must not only live up to its name, but must avoid back pressure to the greatest possible degree. In fact, with some designs, it is quite possible to utilize the kinetic energy of the exhaust gases to give such a reduction of pressure in the exhaust pipe that it will be below that of the atmosphere.

Such a result is claimed for the Pubswell patented silencer for all classes of motor vehicle. This device is manufactured by Utilities (Grimsby), Ltd., Cromwell Works, Cromwell Road, Grimsby, and it may be mentioned that the high-efficiency type of engine employed on Scammell vehicles is fitted with it as standard.

The interior consists of a combination

of tubes and cones. There are no moving parts to get out of order, all seams are welded to obviate rattle, and a further advantage is that the device Is self-cleaning and cannot become choked. It is also /11$140 interchangeable with existing silencers. The price of the device suitable for fitting to a heavy commercial vehicle is £4 10s.

S team Wagons and Trailers Wanted. His Majesty's Trade Commissioner at Johannesburg reports that the local town council is inviting tenders for the supply of steam wagons and trailers, and tenders must reach Johannesburg

not later than June 23rd. British manufacturers can obtain further _particulars on applying to the Department of Overseas Trade 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, quoting reference AX6404.

South Wales Bus Absorptions.

The Swansea and Gower bus services of the Bishopton and Murton Motors, Co., Ltd., have, we are informed, been acquired by the South Wales Trans port Co., Ltd., Swansea. The latter company is to build a garage at Pontardawe to house 20 buses used on the Valley services.

Another service acquisition made by the South Wales Transport Co., Ltd., is the taking over of the Pontardavse and Gwann-eae-Gurwen services of Messrs. J. W. Davies.

Interesting Trailer Deliveries.

We publish on this page pictures of three trailers which have recently been supplied by Carrimore Six-Wheelers, Ltd., High Street, North Finchley, London, N.I2. The first is a special 15cwt. trailer built to the order of Messrs. Ferranti for the purpose of carrying portable testing equipment in India. A teak floor is fitted to the steel frame, and it will be seen that roll-up covers are provided at the sides and ends to protect the equipment from dust. The trailer is e to travel at speeds up to 20 m.p.h, and is shod with N.A.P. cushion tyres.

In the second picture one of a fleet of 12 trailers built for the Rhodesian Railways is shown. The wheel equipment on these, units is identical with that of the Thornycroft rigid sixwheeler.

Thirty trailers of the type shown in the third picture are heitig built for the South African Railways. In this case solid-tyre equipment is employed.

Coventry's Bus Needs.

In view of the growth of the city of Coventry, the traiMport committee of the local council has found it necessary to make provision for an extension of the municipal bus services. At the present time the fleet consists of 25 vehicles, but these are said to be insufficient to meet the city's needs. Several new buses have recently been ordered and one of them lately underwent satisfactory tests.

The existing services are to be augmented immediately by five new 26seater buses of the low-loading type, B24 whilst four double-deelters and a sixwheeler are on order. Furthermore, three more vehicles of the low-loading type may shortly be purchased, so that, at an early date, the Coventry municipal authorities will be operating a fleet of close upon 40 machines.

Latvia Motor Import Duties.

Under a new Order which came into operation in Latvia recently the duties on motor vehicles with .seats for more than eight persons, as well as on lorries of all descriptions, ambulances, fire-engines, etc., are fixed at 8 lets per horsepower under the preferential, and 12 late per horse-power under the general tariff. At the present rate of exchange £1 = 25.22 late. The duty on chassis of vehicles of the above classes is 5 hits per horse-power preferential, and 7/ lats general.

Transference of Stepney Tyres, Ltd. Stepney Tyres, Ltd. (formerly Stepney Spare Wheel Co., Ltd.), has now completed the transference of its head quarters from Llanelly (Carm.), to Walthamstow, London. In future, the provincial business of the company will be transacted from Walthamstow, except for the South and West Wales regions, for which Llanelly will remain the t ompany's distributing centre.

Carlisle Agrees, with Reservations.

Carlisle Watch Committee has granted an application from Messrs. Jamieson Brothers, of 5, Whitecrook Street, Clydebank, Glasgow, for permission to have a bus licensed to ply for hire in Carlisle sh as to allow passengers to be picked up on their Liverpool and Glasgow service. The licence was granted, subject to the condition that there shall be no plying for hire between Carlisle and Gretna and Carlisle and Pen rith.

Roof Lamps of Many Patterns.

D. H. Bonnella and. Son, Ltd. 46-48, Osnaburgh Street, London, N.W.1, has just issued a catalogue dealing with a range of commercial motor accessories. Considerable space is given to details of many types of roof lamp for use in motorbuses and motor coaches, some of these being of a highly ornamental type suitable for use on luxury vehicles.

Derby's Buses Please.

Derby Corporation intends to extend its motorbus activities so soon as increased accommodation is available for housing the vehicles, and it is expected that in a few months' time several more buses will be ordered. A fleet of a dozen vehicles is at present in service, and another six machines, including several double-deckers, will be delivered shortly, when they will be placed in service on routes serving the Clarence Road and Overdale Road districts. The present buses are being well patronized and at an early date a trial will be made with new routes.

Manchester Grants Licences.

Manchester Watch Committee has granted the following licences for bus services : North Western Road Car Co., Ltd.— Lower Mosley Street to Blackpool, Southport, Chester, North Wales, Metlock. Buxton, Rudyard, Pickmore, etc.

Lewis Crenshaw, Ltd., Blackburn-Great Marlborough Street to Blackburn.

John Hirst and Co., RippondenRochdale Canal Wharf to Halifax.

Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., Preston —Lower Mosley Street to Blackpool, Blackburn and Ambleside.

West Yorkshire Road Car Co., Ltd.— Lower Mosley Street to Keighley.

Northern General Transport Co., Ltd. —Lower Mosley Street to Newcastle-on Lowland Motorways, La, Glasgow. —From bus station in the city to Glasgow, To Insert Screws and Nuts in Awkward Places. The Lewis Spring Co., Ltd. Resilient Works, Redditeh, has produced a handy little tool in the Get There combined screw and nut holder. The device, which is patented, is intended to assist the engineer in inserting small screws and nuts into awkward places. It is constructed of strong metal, a pivot arm being provided, which is fitted with jaws at each end to take the screws and nuts of various sizes. It sells at the low retail price of 6d., and should prove a useful addition to the repairer's tool kit.


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