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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

1st December 1925
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all diffleulties of transport at whatever points arising. as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it rums."—John Beattie Crozier.

Sir John E. Thornycroft, K.B.E.

The special portrait supplement included in this issue depicts Sir John E.

Thornycroft, K.B.E., M.I.Mech.E., M.I.A.E., M.Inst.T., managing director of Messrs. John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., the well-known shipbuilders and motor vehicle manufacturers, of London, Southampton, Basingstoke and Reading. He is the elder son of Sir John I. Thornycroft, LL.D., F.R.S., and thus, from his very early days, has grown up in an engineering atmosphere. Be was educated at St. Paul's School and the Central Technical College, where he took the engineering course and obtained the diploma (A.C.G.I.), and subsequently passed through his father's works at Chiswick.

Sir John E. Thornycroft and his firm have been interested in road traction since the inception of the industry, 'first in connection with steam wagons and later with motor vehicles. The earliest vehicles with which Sir John E. Thornyeroft was concerned were built at Chiswick, but later the steady increase in the demand for the company's products led to the development of their Basingstoke works, which are now recognized as one of the most up-to-date motor vehicle manufacturing centres in the country.

Sir John E. Thornycroft has been a familiarfigure at all the leading competitive trials in which his firill has gained such consistent successes. He has studied the problem of road transport closely in all its various aspects, and will be remembered as the author of several interesting papers on transport questions, having been awarded the gold medal of the Institute of Transport for his paper on " Road Vehicles for Goods and Passenger Services" in 1922.

Hanford Lorries: Makers Cease Manufacture.

It has been well known by many engaged in the industry that J. and E. Hall, Ltd., of Dartford, contemplated ceasing to produce motor vehicles, and in the company's report for the year ended July 31st last, which has just been issued, it is stated that, after prolonged and careful consideration, the company have decided to discontinue production in this direction, although provision has been made for users of Hallford vehicles to obtain spare parts.

The profit of the company for the year ended July 31st last was £50,164, and this sum is increased by 113,997 brought forward from the previous year. After paying a final dividend of 5 per cent, on the ordinary shares (making 74. per cent, for the year), a sum of £13,161 remains to be carried forward.

Birkenhead's Bus Bill. Cheshire County Council has considered a letter from the town clerk of Birkenhead in regard to the proposed promotion of a Bill by the corporation to empower it to run further services of motor omnibuses. The Birkenhead authorities hoped that the county council would not consider it necessary to 020

oppose such a Bill, which it was Proposed to frame on the lines of the model clauses providing for general powers of running within a radius of live miles of the borough, subject to the consent of the Ministry of Transport,„ after inquiry, if necessary.

The county council decided first to consider the terms of the Bill before coming to a decision.

Road Telephone Service.

The Royal Automobile Club is proposing to erect signs on all main roads indicating the whereabouts of the nearest public telephone, this plan being intended to assist road users who may have .become stranded. The signs will be affixed to telegraph poles, with the consent of the General Post Office authorities, and will indicate the position of the office or box where a telephone is available.

A Beardmore Van for The King. We are informed that a 15-cwt. Beardmore van has recently been supplied to the order of H.M. The King.

The Halley Subsidy Model.

Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd., Yoker, Glasgow, have been advised by the War Office that the Halley 30-cwt. type W lorry has been accepted as being eligible for enrolment under the subsidy scheme of the War Department.

Inspection of Petrol Pumps.

The President of the Board of Trade, Sir P. Cunliffe-Lister, in redemption of his recent promise to 'introduce legislation which would bring petrol pumps within the full scope of the existing Weights and Measures Act, 1904, formally presented a Bill for this purpose on Wednesday last. Provision is made for regulations to secure the initial inspection of the pumps and periodical supervision.

The Bill was read a first time and will shortly be printed and circulated under the name of Weights and Measures (Amendment) Bill. It is unlikely that further progress will be made with the measure this session-.

The Benevolent Fund Appeal.

In our last issue we intimated that £1,301 had been collected up to November 12th in response to the appeal of Sir Harold Bowden, the president of the Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund. We now learn that eight days later this total had reached the gratifying sum of 14,439. It is expected that the next announcement concerning the Fund will be made at the banquet to be held at the Connaught Rooms. London, on December lat.

Thornycroft Dividends.

The accounts of John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., for the year ended July 21st last have now been made up, and the directors propose to recommend the payment of a 3 per cent, dividend on the preference shares (making 0 per cent. for the year) and a 5 per cent. dividend on the participating preferred ordinary shares. A sum of 149,246 is to be carried forward.

Karriers in Demand.

Karrier Motors, Ltd., Karrier Works, Huddersfield, have received a considerable number of orders recently for various types of Karrier vehicle from municipal authorities and private concerns. Amongst the former are the Chesterfield Corporation, which has ordered six 20-seater CL-type buses ; the Newport Corporation, which has ordered five 30-seater JHS-type buses; and the Salford Corporation, which is buying two 2-ton vehicles, one being an ordinary lorry and the dther a tipping wagon, Amongst private users the name of Messrs. Timpsons, of Catford, London, who already run a number of Kanter motor coaches, can be mentioned, this company having ordered eight KL-type chassis, whilst British Motors, Ltd., of Sydney, are buying four JH-type chassis, and the Kippax Motor Co., Ltd., of Kippax, near Leeds, two 23-seater CLtype buses.

Trolley-buses for Nottingham.

Experience of present arrangements upon tramway routes on which single lines, with loops, are alone possible, owing to the inadequate width of existing roads, has led the responsible committee of the Nottingham Corporation to decide upon the adoption of trolleybuses for areas in the western and southern portions of the city. In regard to one of these—the Nottinghim Road section—it has been determined to proceed with the work of conversion at an early date, and, to facilitate matters, an order has now been placed by the committee for ten Tailless cars.

B.A.T. Traffic Receipts.

The traffic receipts on the vehicles owned by the various companies comprising the British Automobile Traction Co.'s group for the four weeks ended November 6th amounted to £155,824, a figure which shows an increase of 131,964 over that for the corresponding period of 1924. The total traffic receipts for the first 44 weeks cg the present year have amounted to £2,014,269, which is £406,815 up on the figure for the corresponding period of 1924.

Buses Beating the Trams.

Complaints of revenue lost to the corporation tramways,. due to motorbus enterprise, were made at the November meeting of the Wigan Watch Committee, arising from applications by • proprietors of vehicles for three new licences.

Alderman Pletcher said the effect of a dozen or so buses running along the Standish tramways route to outdistricts on Fridays and Saturdays had been that that tramway service had lost £1,354 in one year. It could not be accounted for in any other way. Of that sum, £600 was accounted for by longdistance passengers, showing that the buses were picking them up on the tram route and thus carrying people who were already provided for by Act of Parliament. Over £40,000 of Wigan ratepayers' money has been spent on tramway services.

The town clerk informed the committee of the matters which should weigh with it in arriving at a decision, the chief of whish, he said, was whether or not the routes in question were already adequately provided with passenger transport facilities, either by

the corporation or any private individual.

It was eventually, decided to adjourn the consideration of the three applications until later this month.

A Box-van for a Tramways Department.

The illustrations which appear on this page depict an interesting type of vehicle which Leyland Motors, Ltd., Leyland, Lancashire, have just supplied to the Tramways Department of the Bolton Corporation. The coMplete vehicle consists of a special boxvan body mounted on an example of the company's Al chassis. The interior equipment includes a complete electric welding plant, bench, tool racks, table, and falling seats for attendants. Tool lockers are disposed along the running boards, whilst provision is made inside for lockers to accommodate gas cylinders.

As one of our pictures, shows, the rear door is hinged at the top and supported by steel struts to form a canopy, and special canvas aide doors are used to enclose the space below it. The driver's compartment is completely enclosed and has drop windows on each side. The vehicle is provided with a special towing bar for emergency use.

A New Trailer Lamp.

For some time past J. and R. Oldfield, Ltd., Refulgent Lamp Works, Warwick Street, Birmingham, have been experimenting with a lamp for the illumination of the number plate of a trailer, and the cornpagy have now introduced a model which is likely to fill a long-felt want in this respect Trailer lamps, as a general rule, work under arduous conditions and have to withstand severe road shocks, and, as a consequence, are often jolted out.

In the Dependence trailer lamp the makers claim to have overcame these.

difficulties. Some of the features of the new lamp include a specialized system of ventilation and flame protection, angle side-lights whereby the beam is thrown on to and not across the number plate, and a patent spring bracket which assists in the absorption of vibration.

British Steamers in CzechoSlovakia.

It is reported from Prague that the use of British steam wagons and tractors is becoming very extensive in Central Europe. Some 60 Sentinel vehicles are said recently to have been imported into Czecho-Slovakia, whilst large numbers have also been supplied to Yugo-Slavia. Tyres for Traction Engines,

In connection with representations by the County Councils Association as to the damage to roads by heavy traction-engine traffic, the Ministry of Transport states that it is awaiting an opportunity to introduce new legislation relating to road vehicles generally, but it cannot say when such an opportunity is likely to arise. In the meantime it has received an assurance from the -Traction Engine Owners' Association and from the Showmen's Guild that it is hoped the traction engines owned by members of those associations will be fitted with rubber tyres before April 1st, 1926.

Buses and Trams in Worcestershire.

Whilst Worcester City authorities Are seeking powers, in Parliament, to abandon tramways and substitute trolley vehicles and omnibuses therefor, the Kidderminster and Stourport Electric Tramway Co., in the same county, are seeking powers in the same Parliamentary Session to reconstruct existing tracks in the urban district of Stourport and the rural district of Kidderminster and powers to run omnibuses on certain routes.

Durham Licences.

Durham County Council reports that during the quarter ended September 30th 13,124 licences to the value of £19,410 were issued at the local taxation office under the Roads Act, 1920, and fees for duplicate licences, arrears of duty, etc., amounting to £78, were taken, making a total of £19,488. This is an increase of £1,348 over the amount received in the corresponding quarter of last year. ,

American Tractor Exports.

The number of wheeled tractors exported from the United States last September was 4,538, valued at $2,630,260. This represents a 300 per cent, increase over the corresponding month of 1924. Canada took 995 machines ; France, 947; Italy, 868; and Argentina, 370. Russia imported no tractors from America during last September, whereas it took 3,789 in August Licences for Horse Brakes Refused.

The Pontypool (Mon.) Urban District Council has declined to grant licences to ply for hire in respect of horse-drawn brakes. The horsed vehicle proprietors have decided to appeal to the Ministry of Transport on the decision, and a good deal of interest is centred in the case consequent on the action of the council in restricting licences to ply for hire to motor vehicles only.

Roads Closed for Repairs.

The attention of road users is drawn to several road works which are being undertaken. The south approach to Morpeth on the Great North Road is closed. Traffic going north from Newcastle should turn right three-quarters of a mile north of Stannington and proceed via Morpeth Station. Care is also necessary between Morpeth and Ainwick, where extensive work is in progress. A new bridge is under construction at Felton. Users who have occasion to travel on the Teignmouth-Dawlish road, which was recently reopened, should note that the road is again closed owing to a further subsidence. An alter

native route is available via Kennford and Telegraph Hill. Road users in this part of the country should also note that extensive repairs are in progress on the Newton Abbot-Torquay road, the surface of which is in a bad condition.

Refuse Collection by Vulcan Tipper.

The Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., Crossens, have just delivered the 30-cwt. tipping wagon, which is illustrated on this page, to the Swinton and Pendlebury Urban District Council, by which it is to be used for refuse-collection work. The body is fitted with a hand-screw tipping gear, and it will be noted that the top portions of the sides are hinged, this feature allowing the body to be loaded by a man of normal height standing on the ground and without recourse to the type of ladder which is often used. This feature is clearly demonstrated by our picture.

The body is provided with a semi-circular cover which is divided along the top, and that portion of the cover on the side where loading operations are taking place can be slid below the other half.

Karrier's 1926 Models.

Karrier Motors, Ltd., Karrier Works, Huddersfield, have just issued a range of specifications for their 1926 models, and those who are in possession of the company's catalogue should secure copies a them in order that their information may be brought up to date. The specifications give abridged details of the whole range of Earner models, and also contain numerous line and half-tone illustrations.

SKF Roller Bearings.

In dealing with the exhibit of the Skefko Ball Bearing Co., Ltd., Luton, in our report issue of the Coffimercial Vehicle Show at Olympia, we should have stated that the SKI' bearings, which are particularly suitable for heavy hub applications, are of the company's Self-aligning, double-row, roller-bearing pattern, and not as stated. A Tap for Oil Drums,

Many of those users who store their own supplies of oil will be interested in the Mobiloil drum tap, which is marketed by the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., Caxton House, London, &W.1. Drums of Mobiloil of 5-gallon and 10-gallon capacity are now fitted with a bush with a fin, gas thread, and, whilst any suitable tap may be used, providing it has the correct thread, it is recommended that this particular fitting should be employed becaur it ensures the maximum oil flow under all conditions. We are told that the internal bore is quite free from mould sand, and, moreover, the tap can be locked, and thus interference with the contents of the drum is avoided.

Hawkers and Street Congestion.

Bristol Watch Committee reports that it considers it essential for the management and control of street traffic that powers should be obtained to licence street hawkers. Similar powers have been sought in Bills pro moted by other authorities, but have been refused on tie ground that general legislation dealing with the matter will probably be introduced. As the committee has no information as to when this legislation is likely to be introduced it recommends that an attempt should be made to obtain the power required in the present Bill.

The First Transatlantic Motor Passenger Liner. The first high-speed Transatlantic oilengined liner, the Gripsholm," has just been completed. An interesting and fully illustrated description of this motor vessel, which is equipped with twin-screw machinery of 13,500 s.h.p., aPPeais in the December number of The Motor Ship, published to-day. This issue is the Annual Review Number and contains a complete résumé of the progress which has been made during 1925, with details and illustrations of typical ships. The Shipping, Engineering and Machinery Exhibition at Olympia also receives attention, and all illustrated description of exhibits relating to oil-engined, vessels is included. A Chandler's Shop on Wheels.

We reproduce on this page an illustration of a special Ford vehicle, the body of which was built by Messrs. J. H. Jenning,, of Sandbach, to the requirements of a general dealer who hawks his wares from door to door. In many respects the vehicle is a shop on wheels, and the body is constructed to accommodate the many articles of which a chandler's shop is composed.

There are two capacious tanks for oil at the front, and these are fixed quite apart from the body, so that contamination of the contents of the body proper by the oil is avoided. Two large filling pipes are fixed to the outside of the tanks, and these simplify filling and prevent waste. Taps are fitted to the bottom of the tanks for drawing off the oil.

The side of the body is divided in the centre and hinged top and bottom, and the bottom half can be used as a counter if required. Steel luggage rails are fitted round a portioi of the roof of the van so that bulky articles can be carried at this point. The van has been in daily use for several weeks pasts and the owner has found the service it gives to be a great improvement over that given by a horse van.

Garage Building in Germany.

According to reports the great development which has recently taken place in motor traffic in Germany has led to immense activity in the building of garages. Companies for the building and maintenance of —garages are now springing up like mushrooms. In October alone, according to official figures, 64 companies were founded for these purposes, a larger number than in any other section. In the same month 462 garage buildings were registered at the public surveying offices, this being a record figure.

A Large-capacity Removals Van.

Those concerns which undertake furniture removals work often find it essential to employ vehicles of medium capacity but with large loading space, and a vehicle which is typical of many employed on this class of business is shown in an illustration on this page, which depicts a Thornycroft chassis carrying

a special body built by Messrs. Sanderson, of Grand Stand Road, Newcastleon-Tyne. The body scheme was conceived by Mr. McDonald, works manager to Messrs. Binns, who are large furniture removers in Sunderland, and have several vehicles in which this type of body is employed with successful re

suits. They claim that, built in this manner, a vehicle has a capacity which is almost equal to that of a much larger type of vehicle without any of the manceuvring disadvantages of the latter. The capacity of the body is 1,100 cu. ft.

A Booklet on Welding Repairs.

%rimer, Ltd., 14-18, Lamb's Conduit Street, London, W.C.1, have just issued a little booklet entitled "Send to Barimar," which gives details of the company's various processes for the repair of motor vehicle parts. The booklet contains details and illustrations of a number of representative repairs which have been exeeuted by the company, and these serve to show that all classes of component can be dealt with by the company's special welding process. A copy of the booklet can be obtained from the company at the address given above.

Approaches to the Docks,

Earl Russell, vice-president of the Roads Improvement Association, has given notice of his intention to raise in the House of Lords the question of the improvement of Victoria Dock Road and of the bridges and approaches leading to Silvertown. There are few improvements more urgently needed, for the delays which regularly occur in this area inflict considerable inconvenience on many transport users whose work carries them to and from the docks.

Bus Powers for Tramway Authorities.

The Pontypridd, Mountain Ash and Aberdare Urban District Councils are urging the Municipal Tramways Association to expedite its Bill to secure powers for all local authorities owning tramways to run motorbuses. This action has been decided upon by the three councils in view of a proposal, arising from the Mountain Ash authority, that the councils should combine to promote a bus service through the three areas, which adjoin one another. The councils feel that, the separate promotion of Bills to run buses by the Mountain Ash and Pontypridd authorities would be an extremely costly proceeding, and will not be necessary if the Association's Bill be not subjected to much further delay in promotion and presentation.

Diesel-engined Lorries.

It is stated that the Benz Motor Works are placing a two-cylinder f ourcycle lorry and tractor engine, based on the Diesel principle, on the market. This engine works at a constant pressure cycle with a compression of 450 lb. to the square inch. The fuel is sprayed into the combustion chamber and ignited by the heat of the compressed air. The engine develops 30 h.p. at 800 r..m.

Grit-sprinkling of Roads.

The Llanelly Roads Committee has agreed to the proposal of the deputysurveyor to sprinkle grit on certain of the roads to give security to horses. For this purpose it has been decided to buy an automatic grit sprinkler adapted for trailing behind one of the council's motor lorries or water carts. The cost is• estimated at about £100.

Local Proceedings.

Surrey County Council has purchased a 5-6-ton Dennis lorry at a cost of £875.

Newcastle Corporation has decided to run motorbus services to Hexham, Chopwell and Greenside.

Hull Corporation reports a net loss of £1,178 on the bus services for the past municipal half, year.

Leads Corporation has decided to purchase a Ford.son tractor from Messrs. Tate, of Leeds, at a cost of £144 15s.

Newcastle Corporation is seeking Parliamentary powers for the purchase of the Tyneside Tramways and Tramroads Co.

The health committee of the &ahem Harbour Urban District Council recommends the purchase of a Buick motor ambulance.

Durham County Council is considering the possibility of securing revenue from advertisements on the covers of driving licences.

The Mach,vnlleth Urban District Council is to approach the rural district council in the matter of the joint purchase of a motor fire-engine to serve the district.

Durham County Council has accepted the tender of G. Spencer Moulton and Co., Ltd., for the supply of 24 solid rubber tyres for steam and petrol wagons at £191 14s. 5d.

Hull corporation has asked the tramways manager to report on the advisability of purchasing covered-in topdeck motorbuses and also upon the question of covering in the present topdeck buses.

Surrey County Council has refused an application from the Esher and the Dittons Urban District Council asking the county council to make application to the Ministry of Transport for an Order to prohibit or restrict the use of motor omnibuses upon certain highways within its district. Wombwell Urban District Council 1i considering the provision of a motor ambulance.

The parochial committee of Mangotsfield has decided to purchase a motor lorry for the collection of refuse at a cost of £252.

The fire-brigade committee of the Hanwell Urban District Council recommends that steps be taken to provide a motor fire-engine for the district.

The fire-brigade committee of the Willesden Urban District Council recommends the purchase of a motor firepump at a cost not exceeding £1,500.

The highways committee of the Westminster City Council recommends acceptance of the tender of the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., at no() for the supply of 20 non-skid tyres of various sizes,

Hutchinson's New Depot

Messrs. Hutchinson, 110-125, Whit. field Street, London, W.1, who manufacture a range of tyres for all types of motor vehicle, advise us that they have just opened new offices and stores at 65, 'Water Street, Manchester, where

large stocks of all their products will be held. Mr. Claud M. L. Davidson is in charge of the new depot, which will serve to meet the requirements of users in Lancashire, Cheshire and North Wales.

Rhondda Wants a Pire-engine.

The Rhondda Urban District Council invites tenders for the supply of a light motor fire-engine, complete with fireescape. Detailed specifications and tenders should be sent to Mr. E. Taylor, Surveyor, Council , Offices, Pentre (Rhondda), from whom any information on the subject may be obtained.


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