WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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wneels of wealth avill be slowed by all difficulties of transport. at whatever poiuts arising. as a carriage es by
the roughness of the. roads over whic4 "=John Beattie Crozier.
Clayton Wagons Trading.
The second annual report and balance sheet of Clayton Wagons, Ltd., Lincolu, which has just been issued for the past year, states that the engineering dispute crippled output for four months and involved a loss of 225,000.
The profit on trading for the year was 28,909, to which should be added a credit balance of 212,985, making 221,894. Against this it a sum of 239,725 for the writing down of stock values. In consequence, the directors found it impossible to pay dividends.
A Drop in Petrol Prices ?
A meeting convened by the Commercial Motor Users Association was held a few days ago at Rotherham. The hon. secretary of the local branch, Mr. Walter W. Wakelam, said that the Association had 18,000 members, who owned 67,000 vehicles, the capital value represented being 24,500,000. He made the inter.. esting announcement that steps had been taken to secure a reduction in the price of petrol, which it is hoped will come into force in October.
A Notable Transport Record.
What is, perhaps, a record for quick transport was accomplished a few days ago. A. Bootle firm of bakers and confectioners, James Blackledge and Sons, Ltd., had a handsome stand at the Bakers' and Confectioners' Exhibition in London, and, in order that their exhibits might have the saving grace of freshness, they organized a service which was something more than a mere " stunt."
The problem was that confectionery for the exhibition had to be on the stands before 12 noon. One morning a 'Ford lorry loaded with pasties left the Buotle bakeries at 7.50 a.m., and three hours later the load was tastefully displayed at the exhibition 220 miles away.
How was it done? The transport of the load began and ended with tho speedy light van. After leaving the
bakery, the load was transhipped at the Aintree aerodrome on to a De Havilland aeroplane, which soared off at 8,12 a.m. for the Metropolis. A motorvan awaited its arrival at Hendon, London, where the load was again transferred, and the exhibits were transported to the Royal Agricultural Hall, there to be staged.
The transport operation was completed at 10.50 a.m.
Messrs. Blackledge and Sons have a fine fleet of vans, consisting of Fords, Albions, G.M.C.s-14 in all, in addition to art Atkinson steamer and a Halley two-ton van, Proposed Closing of North Devon Roads.
The question of motor coach and bus traffic in North Devon come under discussion at a recent meeting of the. Barnstaple Rural Council, when the decision to ask for the closing to char-a-barre.s traffic of the roads from Martini-10e Common to Woody Bay Station, and from l3ratliford to Oare Down, through Prixford and Guineaford, was confirmed.
Hampshire Roads.
The road from Kingsworthy, through Winchester, to Chandlers Ford, is under reconstruction. In order that this reconstruction may proceed promptly, and with the minimum of inconvenience and delay to road traffic, and danger to tho roadroen, Mr. W. J. Taylor, the County Surveyor of Hampshire, suggests that motor users should whenever possible avoid this road, which runs between Kingsworthy and Winchester on the north, and between Winchester and Chandlers Ford on the south.
Other and good routes are available; which are indicated by a map just prepared by the Automobile Association.
The work involves putting in new foundations and kerbs. On Otterbourne Hill, near St. Cross, the steepest part of the gradient is being cut down one-half width at a time.
A Laudable Association.
We. had the .pleasure of attending a recent luncheon given by the European Committee of the Rice Leaders of the World Association at the Carlton Hotel. The chairman of the committee, Mr. R. G. Slatlze, head of the S. F. Bowser and Co.'s -British organization, had arranged the gathering with the object of introducing Mr. Elwood E. Rice, the founder and president of the association. Mr. Rice spoke very interestingly of the aims and intentions of the association, which has evidently made considerable headway since its inception 10
years ago. Briefly, the objects of the Rice Leaders of the World Association are to foster and encourage business relationship throughout the world. Its forir watchwords are: Strength, Honour, Quality, and Service. • The name and address of the makers of the Wright petrol lock, which were omitted from a recent reference to this useful device, are Messrs. R. W. Wright, 114-115, Southampton Row, London; W.C.1.
Welsh Road Schemes.
The surveyor to the western division of Carmarthenshire has reported to the county council roads committee that he has ascertained that the Ministry of Transport would favourably consider a comprehensive scheme of read improvements to be carried out during the next. few years with , a view to improving arterial communications.
The Ministry would probably make a 50 per cent. ,grant towards the cost, and the council could raise a loan, repayable in ten years or so, for its part of the cost, It was decided fully to consider the proposals at the next meeting.
Stamford's Dangerous Thoroughfares.
Drivers of eommeecial vehicles have serious cause for complaint regarding the dangers of blind corners encountered when driving along the tortuous streets of Stamford, one of the oldest of Lincolnshire towns. It was declared at the last meeting of the council that it was almost impossible to find another place of Stamford's size with so many blind corners and death-traps. Accidents have been numerous, and it was einpha
sized that the present undesirable state of affairs should not be allowed to continue.
The suggestion was favourably received by the council in regard to approaching the Ministry of Transport to allocate a portion of the 211,000,004 received from vehicle taxation, for the improvement of. such dangerous corners in Stamford, the proposal for convening a conference of local authorities to deal with the subject generally being also supported.
Another Bus Station.
The 13ridgend Urban District Conneil is shortly to hold a special meeting to consider .the question of motor traffic. The council's deliberations will not be confined to questions of road upkeep, but will deal with the increase of bus companies in its administrative area and the housing of vehicles.
Tho council has in the past proved self a progressive body, and claims responsibility for the institution of th.e first motorbus station in Great Britain. A by-law was passed last year allowing six months to motorbus companies to pro.
vide covered stand accommodation for vehicles; and as .a result the South Wales Commercial Motor Co. built at Bridgend the first bus station—not merely a covered stand—to which attention was called in Tire Commercial Motor in a May issue.
In other respects, more particularly pertaining to the motor trader, the council has shown an appreciation of motor problems, and the special meeting should prove of interest.
A IO-cwt. Electric.
The Eiectrocar Co., ni New York City, who are manufacturers of new types of taxicabs --and motorbuses, expect to start prodnation on a commercial scale early in October. The company are, also planning to produce a 10-cwt. c.hassis, which may be placed en the market early next year.
Newport.Fares,
Notice of motion to reduce the 4d. additional minimum fare for passengers carried to points within the borough area, in privately owned buses, insisted upon at present by the Newport Corporation with a view to protecting municipal undertakings, has been given. The resolution aims at making the excess fare 28. as from October 1st, and would, if carried, be to the advantage of bus owners. The motion aims Also at reducing tram fares by 2,5 per cent.
Dominion Tyres for Fords.
The United States Rubber Co., Ltd., have announced substantial reductions in the prices of their 30-in. by 3,-in. chain and Nobby Tread pneumatic tyre covers for Fords. In the ease of the non-skid chain tread tyre, the reduction is prac' tiredly 20 per cent., the list price being now 23 10s. The Nobby Tread cover, 30 ins, by 3 ins., is now down to 24 3s. tiirr.
The Hobson Manufacturing Co., Ltd., 29, Vauxhall Bridge Road, London,. S.W., advise us that the price of Hobstn sparking plugs has been reduced from 5s. to 4s. 6d. each.. A catalogue which enables the right type of plug to be chosen Will be sent upon application. The company's shackle bolts and explosion whistle have also been lowered in mice. Newcastle Bus Results.
Mr. Ernest Hatton; engineer and general manager of the Newcastle Corporation Transport and Electricity Committee, in his annual report for the year ended March 31st, points out that the department had been working under very difficult conditions during the 12 months, owing to the stoppage in the minitig in. duetry,. an let-mai/Ow brought about by their own workers on the reversion from a 44-hour to 'a 48-hour week, and
'other causes. He considers that considerable revision of wages is neeeesary to place the undertaking on a satisfactory 'basis.
The figures on the motor omnibus side of the undertaking indicate' that the public are increasing their patronage of. the various services of buses which are operated as feeders to the outlying train termini, for, whereas in. the previous year the total number of passengers earned ' was 1,821,077 and the receipts 220,025 for the 241,623 miles run. the figures for 1921-22 show substantial increases in all these direetionse the number of passengers carried being 2,078,637, the receipts 232,366, and the miles Covered 457,408.
The bus services operated are Worleton and Westerhope to Stalyford tram terminus; Newcastle and Ponteland, Seaton Sluice and West Moor tram stage; and Scotswood tram terminus to Ryton, Prudhoe, Draneliend, and Stockefield.
It is interesting to note that, in an endeavour to assist in reducing the cost of living in the North of England, where workers' wages have in all industries suffered severe " cute," the Newe castle undertaking has recently brought into operation revised scales of fares, effecting substantial decreases in charges, in most cases the reductions being in the vicinity of Ld. per mile. On the Scotswood to Stocksfield route; for instance, the full single-journey fare is now is. id., as against is. 3d. before the revision, the cuts being greater in some of the other journeys.
• The 'latest development of Barimar, Ltd.. 10, Poland Street, Oxford Street, Loudon, W. 1, and branches, is the repair of magnetos, accumulators; ball eta roller bearfugs and speedometers. Owing to the _size of thig deportment the company are able to give quick deliveries.
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Carmarthen Road Upkeep.
At a meeting of the Carmarthenshire Main Roads Committee the question of the increased cost of road upkeep was raised. Pointing out that last year the county spent in road maintenance £130,225, or nearly twice, as much as in the previous year, a member suggested that some of the increase could be attributed tole penny wise and pound foolish policy in the niatter of staff employment. if additional members were taken on the surveyor's staff outside supervision could be better maintained, with a more than compensating reduction in the cost of road work. It was decided to go fully into road costs at a special meeting.
The Pace Through Totton
The Motorcar Committee of the Hampshire County Council reports that the regulations at, present in force imposing a speed limit for motors of 10 miles an hour through Totton will expire on October 23rd next, previous to the date, of the next quarterly meeting of the committee, unless renewed by the Ministry of Transport on the application of the county council. The committee has made inquiries and been furnished with particulars from the police, and, after due consideration, has come to the conclusion that the continuation of the regulation is desirable in the interests of the public safety.
The Motorbus in Stirlingsnire.
In few districts in Great Britain has the motorbus Made such wonderful headway as in the county of Stirling. Within a few months of its introduction it completely ousted the Bridge of Allan and Stirling tramway system and made a serious encroachment on the local traffic of the railway. • The motorbus service has recently been considerably extended, and scarcely a village 'between the Forth River and Canspsie Glen is now beyond its ready ambit. The principal route is, however, that stretching from Bridge of Allan on the north to Linlithgow on the south,
our
which a ten-minute service is maintained every week-day and a half-hour • service on Sundays.
The distance covered is about 21 miles, and among the populous centres touched are Stirling, Bannockburn, Plean, Larbert, Falkirk and Polmont.
At Linlithgow a eourbection is formed with Edinburgh buses, and the whole B22 of the read from Bridge of Allan to the Scottish capital-33miles or so—can be traversed with ease and comfort in less than two hours. The fares compare favourably with the railway rates, the advantage being appreciably on the side of the motorbuses.
Pictures that Tell their Own Story.
The two illustrations which we reproduce on this page tell their own story. They are sidelights on the huge invasion of Preston during Guild Week. On one day nearly_ 1,000,000 visitors came into Preston and the facilities, both transport and catering, of the town were severely taxed. At many of the open spaces in the town there were stationed motor confectionery vehicles, from which customers could purchase toothsome delica cies, mineral waters, etc. It will be noticed that the saloon depicted has a folding display counter, and an elevated serving_counter, whilst at the rear of the right-hand side of the van, on a top shelf, space is reserved for the storage of receptacles containing liquid refreshment.
The other picture shows an incident immediately after one of the processions —a rush for the motor omnibus of the Ribble Motor Services, Ltd. Five of them are here seen besieged by a crowd anxious to " get home."
South Shields Bus Losses.
The annual report of the South Shields Corporation Tramways Committee_, which operates a number of motor omnibus services, shows that during the past financial year there was a deficiency of £2,131 on the buses.
The Economy of the Motor.
The efficiency of the -motor vehicle, from a health point of view, in preference to horse transport for scavenging work, was emphasized at a meeting of the Hetton Urban District Council during the discussion of a report from the Sanitary Committee, which included comparative figures for the performance of the work hy both classes of transport. After carefully going into the question, the meeting resolved that, in view of that very important factor alone, the employment of mechanical transport. was considerably cheaper than the old system,'
Traffic in Hampshire.
An Inspector of the Ministry of Transport has held a local inquiry into the application of the Hampshire County Council for the prohibition of motor coaches and similar heavy traffic on certain roads in the Christchurch, Fordingbridge, New Forest and Ringwood rural districts. The clerk of •the council attended to support the application, being assisted by the county surveyor and by the clerks and surveyors of the several district councils affected. Evidence was given by members of the county and district councils and other residents. The application was opposed by the Automobile Association and Motor TJnion, the Commercial Motor Users Association, the National Traction Engine Owners' and Users' Association, and the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade. The decision of the Ministry of Transport on the application has not yet been notified.
The Lyrning,ton Rural District Council has now applied for the restriction of similar traffic on 36 roads in that rural district. The county council has
decided to defer the consideration of this application until the result of ite Application referred to _above is made known, and in the meantime the rural district council has been asked to furnish the various particulars required by the Ministry of Transport..
Rail-less Vehicles for Hartlepool.
Since arriving at a decision to replace the existing tramway system over the Froggy Furze route by rail-less trolley ve-hides, the West Hartlepool Town Council has lost little time in making adequate preparations for effecting the substitution by the newer mode of passenger transport. In this respect the project was advanced a step farther at the last meeting of the authority, when the tender of Railless, Ltd., of London, was accepted for four single motorbuses, fitted with 36-seater saloon bodies, at is cost of £1,612 10s. each.
Another interesting feature is that. it is now proposed to extend the new railless route beyond the terminus formerly agreed upon, and to take the service to the " Travellers' Rest."
Melchoir. Armstrong and Dessau. (London), Ltd., advise us that they have reduced the British list price of the Model 9 30-cwt. Stewart chassis to £395.
Blackwater Bridge.
The bridge which crosses the River Blackwater on the Aldershot and London main road has for a long time been very dangerous. It is at an awkward bend in the road, and the danger was increased by the erection, on the Hampshire side, of a building belonging to the Aldershot Gas, Water, and District Lighting Co., which obstructed the line of sight. After much negotiation an arrangement was made by which the cost of the improvement should be borne equally between the county councils of Hampshire and Surrey, on the understanding that the urban district councils of Farnborough, in Hampshire, and Frimley, in Surrey, bore the cost of providing the land necessary for the improvement..
The arrangement for the joint undertaking was come to early in 1914, but the work had necessarily to be, deferred owing to the outbreak of war. The work has now been completed at a total cost of £4,219, towards which the Ministry of Transport will grant one-third ; the balance will be shared equally by the two county councils.
Apportioning Bus Traffic.
The regulation of motorbus traffic, plying in their respective areas, is quite one of the, most important problems confronting a number of local authorities in the North of England at the present time. , It is reassuring to notice that in the majority of cases the different. councils have either already evolved, or are now actively engaged in evolving, rules to govern this ever-increasing traffic, in a manner calculated not only to safeguard pedestrians, but also to provide recognized stands for the vehicles and generally to enforce regulations which make both for safety and the equitable distribution of vehicles, so that each proprietor is able to obtain a fair margin of the available business, In this connection the Houghton-leSpring Urban District Council is now busily engaged in framing by-laws for this traffic, and is obtaining copies of similar regulations from the Sunderland and South Shields Corporations, together with a copy of the model by-laws . as drawn up by the Ministry of Transport.
. Bus Owners Fight Council and Win.
A notable instance of the value to bus owners of an organization for the protection of their trade rights and interests has been afforded at Barry (Glam.).
By energetic co-operative action the members of the Barry Bus Owners' Association have succeeded in getting the Barry U.D.C. to reverse its decision to prohibit Sunday services. This was achieved not only by the Association's decision to carry on the services despite the council's edict, but by ably directing the strong public feeling in favour of the Sunday buses into the most effective channel. Local social and club organizations were induced to make formal protest to the council, and the bus owners arranged a ratepayers' petition which was signed by over 600 people at Barry Island alone.
The Barry Council recently considered a letter from the Bus Owners' Association giving reasons for the decision of their members to run Sunday services, which, coupled with strong public pro
tests against the council's action, has induced it to grant six-day licences without the stipulation against Sunday running, this point, it being contended, being one for the Ministry of Transport to settle.
Commercial Cycles for Post Office Use.
The Enfield Cycle Co., of Redditch, have recently supplied the Post Office
with a fleet of 8 h.p. sidecar delivery vans, each capable of carrying a. load of about 4 cwt. The vans have been tested over a considerable distance and found to be capable of being operated at a total cost of 2gd. per mile, which compares favourably with any figures that are obtainable with a light car or Ford. The Post Office commercial cycles are painted vermilion and provided with a lid in front and double door behind, the dimensions of the box being : length, 4 ft. 9. ins. ; depth, 3 ft. 3 ins. ; and width, 2 ft. 91 ins. The capacity of the box is approximately 31 cubic feet.
The motorcycle follows standard Enfield practice in that an 8 h.p. twin aircooled engine, two-speed gear and chain drive are used. It is now intended to develop this model as a trade delivery van, the price of which is to be £115, exclusive of lamps, horn and speedometer.
Straker-Squire Trading.
At the annual general meeting of Straker-Squire, Ltd., held a few days ago, Mr. Sidney Straker said that the accounts presented dealt with a period of five months' trading, from July 29th last year, when the reorganization of the capital was confirmed by the Court and the company re-took possession of their assets, to December 31st. The balance sheet showed a reduction in
stock from £352,832 at March, 1920, to .£228,266, in the bank loan from £165,000 to £78,624, and in sundry creditors from £150,538 to £31,895 and the comparatively small loss of £15,812.
Use of Tractors in India.
As a result of recent tractor experiments in the United Provinces, India, it is stated that the total cost of breaking 92 acres of land was R5.1,413-10-6, while the estimated value of the produce was Rs.1,576. The land selected, however, was difficult to cultivate, and it is thought that with more experience the cost could have been greatly reduced.
Forty-nine electric lorries and passenger cars, valued at 59,044 dollars, were exported from the United States during June.
Fire-fighting in Shanghai.
The 1921-22 report of the Shanghai Municipal Council states that the two 500-gallon Leyland motor pumps which arrived during July and August, were fitted with 55-ft. escapes and placed in commission immediately. In connection with these two machines it is of interest to mention that the first machine was unpacked, tested, fitted with an escape and placed in commission with the Hong. hew division within 4 hrs. of the commencement of opening the case. An even better record was made with the second machine, for, in addition to the above process, it had been placed in commission at Sinza and was en route to a fire in 3 hrs. 55 mins.
These two machines have added consideeably to the pumping plant of the clepartment.
Three light fast Fiat chassis were purchased at the end of the•year, and an order placed for three 300-gallon pumps, to be of special design and locally made. The intention is that these machines, which will be much faster than the heavier pumps, will arrive at a fire immediately after the light tenders, and be in a position to augment the pressure from the hydrant, thus saviug the delay of uncoupling which now takes place in the absence of fast pumps, A 600-gallon high-pressure reciprocating pump for special work was ordered from Messrs. Merry weather and Sons.
Additional motor equipment is required, according to the report, especie ally pumps, as Yangtszepoo is without an efficient second pump. Further machines are also required for the Bubbling Well and Soochow Creek Stations.
A Kentish Coast Road.
Dover Corporation has decided to complete the road along the faze of the cliffs between the castle and St. Margaret's Bay, at a cost of £43,000, subject to a grant being obtained, in order to provide work for local unemployed.
A Chance to Do .Good.
No fewer than 27,000,000 Flanders poppies are to be distriluated for sale throughout the country between now and Armistice Day, November 11th. The object, of course, is to benefit Earl Haig's Fund for Disabled Soldiers. The British Legion would be glad if motorists, and all connected with mechanical road transport, woulde co-operate to facilitate distribution. In many cases vehicles which are driven to London return to the provinces unladen, and it is thought that:owners of these might indicate their willingness to take supplies of poppies to the various mayors. Those who can help in this way are desired to communicate with the British Legion, 1, Regent Street, W.
In connection with the anneal Electrical mid Industrial Exposition to he held in New York from October 7th to October 14th, one of the features of the event will be an electric motor vehicle parade. • .
Local Proceedings.
The Barnet Isolation Hospital Committee has decided to purchase a motor ambulance, Burton-on-Trent Corporation has decided. to purchase a 24-in, cut Dennis motor lawn-mower from Bineileys, Ltd-,
The Edgware and Little Stanmore Lighting Committee has appointed a committee to negotiate for the purchase of a. motor fire-engine for the district.
The Ongar Rural Council has passed resolation protesting against thepro. visions of the Heavy Motorcar Amendment Order (1922), which permits heavier motor vehicles to treed over the highways at increased .speed.
Sir Beethem Whitehead has authorized the setting back of a hedge and bank adjoining the ChrietchurchLymington and Lyndhurst main road near Efford Mill, Hampshire, to enable the road to be widened and to improve the line of . sight to and from Efford Bridge.
Walsall Corporation Tramways Committee has given instructions for the Broad Lane motor service to be discontinued for the present, except on Saturday afternoons and on any special .occasion the manager thinks desirable, and he is to report when he thinks the cir: cumstances will justify the resumption of a daily service.