WHEELS of INDUSTRY The wheels of wealth wiel be slowed
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by all difficulties of transport at whatevsr points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads suer which It rans."-John Beattie Crozier, R.H.A. Issues List of Approved Clearing Houses.
The Association recommends its members and other haulage contractors to support these clearing houses to the fullest possible extent, in order to maintain the conditions of sub-contracting traffic reached between the clearing houses and the Association.
Applications have been received from other clearing houses which will be considered at an early date, and a supplementary list will be issued in due course. Those clearing houses which have not yet sent in applications are advised to do so without delay.
M.B.C.S.A. Move to Reduce Accidents.
In order to combat the possibility of further legislation with the object of reducing the present disquieting number of road accidents, the Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association has set up a special sub-committee to deal with the subject, and to collaborate with other branches of the industry in this connection.
The sub-committee, the first meeting of which was held on Tuesday last, plans to produce a complete memorandum showing what might, in its opinion, be done to reduce the number of accidents and to indicate methods of further educating the public and drivers. Another meeting of the sub-committee is being held this week, and it is understood that other sections of the industry are in n20 terested in this new scheme of the M.H.C.S.A.
Incidentally, there is good reason to believe that the possibility of further legislation, if the industry itself does mit make Some move to reduce the number of accidents, is greater than is popularly imagined.
Many New Traffic Examiners.
Mr. E. G. Bristow, general secretary of the Commercial Motor Users' Association, recently pointed ont that 60 new traffic examiners will be appointed by the Ministry of Transport early in the New Year in connection with the regulations under the Road and Rail Traffic Act. There will he five examiners for each of the 12 traffic areas.
These men will have power to examine licences, insurance certificates, etc., and to check weights carried, the description of the goods and their destination. They may also ask the driver for his time sheet, giving details of his times of duty and periods of rest, etc.
Beardmore London Representative.
Mr. S. Tate, of Laffly Municipal and Commercial Motors, 26, Lonadale Read, London, N.W.6, advises us that he has been appointed as a special London representative for Beardmore Diesels, Ltd., 36, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1, and Dalmuir.
The Ministry of 'Transport has just issued a preliminary report on fatal road accidents which occurred during the six months ended June 30, 1933. It is available from MM. Stationery
Office, price 64. The information is based on reports supplied by the Commissioners of Police for the Metropolis and the City of London and by Chief Constables throughout the country. The Ministry emphasizes that caution is necessary in drawing conclusions front the tables now issued, as a fuller analysis, which will be published later, may disclose other important factors.
The total number of fatal accidents recorded in the Home Office returns during the six months from January to June, 1931, was 2,825; January to Jane, 1932, 2,969. The total number killed in these accidents is not available, but the number killed in road. accidents during the complete years 1930-1932 was 1930, 7,305 ; 1931, 6,691; 1932, 6,667, and 9 a.m., 12 and 1 p.m., the highest being between 5 and 6 p.m., with a further marked peak between 10 and 11 p.m. Fatigue after the day's work may have a bearing on the high figure between 5 and 6 p.m.
The persons killed during the first six months of 1933 numbered 8,061, but the returns deal with only 3,025. Of these, 1,581 were pedestrians, 514 motorcyclists, and 520 cyclists. Of the remainder, 64 were drivers of private cars, three of public-service vehicles, .23 of motor vans, lorries, etc., and 23 of horse-drawn vehicles.
Amongst tile pedestrians, deaths of the largest number (315) were caused through running into the roadway ; those killed through crossing behind, or in front of, stationary vehicles numbered 224, 69 stepped front a kerb or refuge, 66 were walking in the direction of traffic, and 18 walking against the traffic (this shows the advisability of facing oncoming traffic), 28 were pushing cycles or handcarts, 36 were play ing in the roadway, and 13 were holding on to vehicles.
Only in 265 of neatly 3,000 accidents analysed was excessive speed recorded as a contributory cause; this indicates the absurdity of any suggestion to reimpose speed limits. Inadequate front lighting was an element hi 32 accidents and dazzling headlights in 29.
Skidding, i.e., side-slipping, was a main or contributory cause of 127 aecidents, the side-slipping • of cyclists caused 40, whilst the slippery surface of the road is partly blamed for a further 60.
Our sympathy is offered to Sir John
Thornycreft, who, on Tuesday evening, was knocked down by a taxicab just outside his home on the Chelsea Embankment, the accident resulting in a broken leg and contusions to his head, etc. Wehope that he will have a speedy recovery.
Reduced Prices for Reos.
Reo Motors (Britain), Ltd., Beavor Lane, Hammersmith, London, W.6, announces price reductions for its range of 2-21-ton, 21-ton and 3-ton chassis. The models A and C 2-21-tonners, which have wheeibases of 11 ft. 4 ins. and 13 ft. 4 ins., now sell at £249 and £269 respectively. These chassis have the • 51 b.h.p. four-cylindered engine.
The TB, TD and TDX models, which are all 2/-tonners, incorporate the 68 b.h.p. Gold Crown six-cylindered engine, and they are listed at £259, £289 and £334 respectively. The wheelbase dimensions are as follow:—TB, 11 ft. 8 ins.; TD, 13 ft. 8 ins.; TDX, 15 ft. 10 ins.
There are two 3-tonners in the range, one, the 3D, having a 13-ft. 10-in. wheelbase and selling at £375, and the other, the 3DX, with a wheelbase of 16 ft., selling at £420. In each ease the 75 b.h.p. Gold Crown engine is employed.
&MOD Tickets for Mersey Tunnel.
The question has been raised as to the desirability of the issue of season tickets for vehicles that will use the Mersey Tunnel. Preston Chamber of Commerce has been in communication with the Liverpool Chamber on this matter, and has put forward the suggestion that trussed as well as baled hay should be permitted to be carried through the tunnel.
The transport committee of the Liverpool Chamber is writing to the tunnel authorities, asking for the same facilities as those which obtain on the present goods ferry boats to be extended to those using the tunnel.
Railway Traffic Improving.
Railway statistics for the calendar month of August and for the four weeks ended September 9, 1933, have recently been published by the Minister of Transport. They show that the total number of passenger journeys (excluding those taken by season-ticket holders) taken on all standard-gauge railways in Great Britain in August last was 110,974,084, an increase of 5.7 per cent. on the figure for August, 1932. The journeys taken by passengers at reduced fares increased by 7,688,578, but those at standard or ordinary fares fell by 1,706,602. The receipts from passengers (excluding season-ticket holders) showed an increase of £849,402. For the four weeks ended September 9, the coaching-train miles showed an increase of 1,074,771, compared with the four weeks ended September 10, 1932. The total tonnage of freight conveyed (excluding free-hauled traffic) was 18,974,903, an increase of 9.9 per cent. on the figure for the corresponding period in 1932. The freight-train receipts, at £6.131,844, showed an increase of 7 per cent., whilst the freighttrain miles run advanced by 3.5 per cent.
Associations' New Address.
Haulage contractors, coach and bus owners and others should note that on and after Monday, December 4, the address of the Amalgamated Horse and Motor Owners Association, of Manchester, and the Commercial Motor Users Association (South-east Lancashire area) will be 155, Cheetham Hill Road, Manchester 8. The telephone number (Blackfriars 7985) will remain unchanged.
Official Orders in October.
During October last, the only orders for commercial vehicles given out by Government Departments were for a mobile ophthalmic unit and a tractor, placed by the Crown Agents for the Colonies with Albion Motors, Ltd., and Tractors (London), Ltd.. respectively.
Personal Pars.
At a sitting of the Eastern Traffic Commissioners, last week, Sir Haviland Hiley, chairman, welcomed Mr. T. Glover, of Norwich, as a member of the panel of Commissioners.
Mr. H. W. Rocke, of the staff of Price, Waterhouse and Co., has been appointed assistant accountant to the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd. The company's chief accountant is Mr. T. D. Treasure.
The Lord Chancellor has appointed Mr. D. R. Thomas, K.C., to be the standing arbitrator to hear and determine any questions which may be referred to him under Sections 73-78 of the 14th schedule to the London Passenger Transport Act, 1933.
Mr. C. S. Dunbar, A.M.Inst.T., late of the Midland Red Commercial Services, has joined Messrs. Hurst and Payne, Hay Mills, Birmingham, in a directorial capacity, for special development work. Messrs. Hurst and Payne are big road-transport contractors, operating regular services between a number of important centres.
We reproduce on this page a portrait of Mr. A. Lampert, who has recently been appointed chief engineer to Armstrong-Saurer Commercial Vehicles, Ltd. Mr. Lampert's new duties will commence from to-day (December 4), and he is operating from the company's Scotswood works, Newcastle-on-Tyne: Mr. Lampert, who has achieved quite a reputation as a writer and lecturer, has, hitherto, been in charge of the company's service organization. He has been connected with the Saurer and Armstrong-Saurer concerns in this country ever since the introduction of the first Saurer vehicle in 1921. Before this he was associated with numerous pioneer trials and expeditions on behalf of the Saurer organization in India, China, the Sahara and other parts of the world.
Although his new duties take him to Newcastle, Mr. Lampert will, we understand, still be nominally responsible for Armstrong-Saurer service.
Oil-engine Repoli*.
A meeting of the Diesel Engine Users Association will take place on Wednesday, December 13, at 4 p.m., at Caxton Hall, Caxton Street, London, S.W.1, when an informal discussion will be held on the subject of repairs by welding to oil-engine parts.
David Brown Report.
The report of David Brown and Sons (Huddersfield), Ltd., for the year ended September 30, 1933, shows a net profit of £19,159, the amount available being £85,142 after adding the balance brought forward. After deducting a sum of 119,408, written off investments, and the dividends on the preference shares for the year, amounting to £14,975, plus income-tax of £43, there remains a slim of £50,716 to be.,carried forward,
A Emelt-on Wheel for Lorries.
An ingenious adaptation of the "knoek-on " method of securing detachable wheels has been patented by Mr. Fred W. Baker, of Oldswinford, Stourbridge. The hub of the wheel or the exterior of the brake drum is formed. as the inner portion of a conical dutch.
The wheel has a corresponding recess, and there are three notches formed in the wheel to engage. with suitable depressions in the surface of the clutch, *which are to register the wheel, or locate it. The single securing nut, in its latest./orrn, instead of having two projections' by which it is tightened, has three, experience having shown that this facilitates the tightening operation.
The wheel has been fitted to several popular types of chassis, and further particulars can be obtained from Joseph Sankey and Sons, Ltd., Hadleigh Castle Works, Wellington, Shropshire.
Guy's Improved Trading.
A much smaller trading loss is shown in the report of Guy Motors. Ltd., for the year ended June 30, 1933, when compared with the loss of the previous period, the amount being 19,364, as against £70,262 for the preceding 18 months. After providing for depreciation, etc., and applying £37,483 to special depreciation of stock, the net loss totals £69,839, which contrasts with a net loss of £260,503 for the previous period. The debit balance brought forward was £244,446, and this now becomes £314,285.
in the report mention is made of the fact that the past year was even more difficult than the prior trading period, and the indefinite position created by the Road and Rail Traffic Act is referred to. A reference is made to the success achieved by the company's new 2-ton and 2i-ton chassis.
The results of the recent Show are very gratifying, according to the report, and, apart from large contracts booked by agents, firm ordersiactually taken at the Show by the company constitute a record and represent an increase of 60 per cent. over the previous best Show (1927).
Improvement in U.S. Industry.
The American commercial-vehicle Industry has not fared so badly during the present year, as might have been expected, for in the first nine months, 272,000 lorries were sold, bringing the monthly average to 30,274, or almost 10,000 above the corresponding figure of 1932.
It is likely that 1933 will prove itself to be an exceptionally good year for light and medium-weight goods vehicles. This is due, says our New 222 York correspondent, to a movement of population from the centres of the large cities to more outlying distriets.
The loss of customers has made itself felt in the large departmental stores in the cities, and they are endeavouring to recapture their trade by creating better delivery facilities. Regular motor delivery services have been established, some running as far out of New York as 75 miles.
Another good customer for lorries has
been the U.S. Government. Goodsvehicle sales fell off somewhat during September, but remained still above the monthly average. 'Imports of lorries for that month were the highest recorded this year.
Tractors at the Smithfield Show.
At the forthcoming Smithfield Club Show, which takes place at the Royal Agricultural Hall, London, N., from December 4-8, several different makes of agricultural tractor will be on view, amongst the exhibitors of them being Associated Manufacturers Co. (London), Ltd.; Bristol Tractors, Ltd.; Ford Motor Co., Ltd.; International Harvester Co., of Great Britain, Ltd.; Marshall, Sons and Co., Ltd.; Petters, Ltd., and the Allis-Chalmers Manufac turing Co. In addition, Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., will be exhibiting mowers and George Mnnro, Ltd., examples of the Rototiller, whilst Ford vans and lorries for agricultural uses will also be displayed.
Hay's Wharf Profit.
The Proprietors of Hay's Wharf,Ltd., including allied and subsidiary companies, report a net profit of £225,516 for the year ended June 30The ordinary shareholders again receive a 10 per cent, dividend for the year, whilst £25,000 is added to the reserve, bringing it up to £375,000. The • amount carried forward is £87,234, as against 176,118 brought into the accounts.
An Inexpensive Vaporiser.
A vaporizer suitable for Morris 11.9 h.p. and 13.9 h.p. engines is now being marketed by T. M. Tillotson, North Valley Garage, Collie, Lancashire. Costing £6, it cap be employed for transport purposes or for stationary engines, and its installation involves little alteration to the power unit. The apparatus weighs 31 lb. and is sold complete with bolts, nuts, studs, packings and full instructions.
A New Six-wheeler Conversion.
A principle different from that employed in the past by this concern is embodied in the latest six-wheeler conversion produced by G. Scammell and Nephew, Ltd., Fashion Street, London, El, and suitable for Bedfords and Fordsons and certain other similar chassis. The attachment is known as the SST type. It increases the available body space of a Bedford long-wheelbase 2-tonner to 13 ft. 6 ins., and, it is stated, enables 4-5-ton loads to be carried.
The weight is taken by a pair of inverted semi-elliptic springs anchored at their centres to line which can pivot on a fixed cross-shaft, and pinned at their centres to lugs which can pivot and trailing axles. The last-named is enabled to resist braking torque by the employment of supplementary top spring leaves, the longest of -which are attached to brackets above the axles.
Theframe-longitudinal extensions overlap the original members by 2 ft 2 ins., and are arched over the trailing axle. A tubular cross-bracing stiffens the frame above the member on which the spring chairs pivot. This member is clamped below two forgedsteel mountings bolted to the under sides of the frame longitudieals, where they art of double thickness.
A baud lever and pedal apply brakes on all four bogie wheels.
International Report on Road and Rail Problem.
In our issue dated November 10 we referred to the international report on the road and rail transport problem, to be issued by experts appointed by the International Chamber of Commerce. The conference was held in Paris under the chairmanship of Professor Otto Most, and the representative of Great Britain on the committee was Brig.Gen. Sir Osborne Manes.
The preliminary report has just been issued, and it is based on a survey of the conditions of road and rail competition in 37 countries. It is made clear that a prominent aspect of the problem is the decline which has taken niece in all countries in railway traffic, although it is said that this is not due, as a general rule, to road competition alone. It is significant that the experts point out that, not only the price, but also the quality of transport by road motor, has resulted in it securing traffic.
It is mentioned that "the various methods of road and rail co-ordination to which they (the experts) have referred, cannot, of course, relieve the railways of the need for adapting their administration, operation and equipment to the most up-to-date developments of scientific progress, to the changing requirements of the public and to the evolution of economic conditions."
A further report on conditions in each of the countries surveyed, together with comparative statistics, will be Issued early in the New Year.
Taxation of Vehicles in Port Areas.
The transport committee of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce has addressed a communication to the Minister of Transport, asking him if he would meet members of that organization on the occasion of his visit to Liverpool, to discuss with them the taxation of heavy motor vehicles in the port area. The Minister has replied that the time at his disposal would not permit him to do so.
The committee now has under consideration making arrangements for a private discussion between representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, the United Trades Association, the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board and Liverpool Corporation, with a view to arranging a deputation to the Minister of Transport to urge an amendment whereby such vehicles in the port area should receive special consideration in the matter of taxation.
Thornycroft's Trading Results.
During the year ended July 31, 1923, John I. Thornyeroft and Co., Ltd., made a net loss of £101,122, as against a loss of £177,538 for the previous year. This loss is to be met by withdrawing £100,000 from the reserve. The sum to be carded forward is 13,447, as against £4,569 brought into the accounts.
In the report mention is made of the fact that the turnover during the year was less than in 1931-1932. There has been an increase in orders during the past few months, and at present the outlook is better than at this time last year.
R.H.A. Forms Wolverhampton Branch.
That the Road Haulage Association is becoming a really potent force was once again demonstrated at Wolverhampton, where a paper was read by Mr. J. Foley Eggington, secretary of the Birmingham Branch of the Association. Although the first meeting of its kind in Wolverhampton, over 50 hauliers were present, and it was decided to form a local branch (at Wolverhampton), a committee being chosen, with power to co-opt further members.
Mr. C. J. Hurst, of Messrs. Hurst and Payne (the well-known Birmingham haulage contractors) was in the chair. Mr. Laurence Gupwell gave a brief history of the Association, mentioning that "there are now well over 2,400 members, with 53 sitting committees.
For a clear and concise interpretation of the Road and Rail Traffic Bill, Mr. Foley Egginton's paper must be given full marks. All the members present, including the chairman, agreed that they had been considerably enlightened. A lively and interesting discussion followed.
The London Haulage Provident Institution Dinner.
The annual dinner and ball of the London Cartage and Haulage Contractors Provident Institution took place on Tuesday, the chairman being Mr. J. H. Turner' M.Inst.T. The guest of honour was Lt.-Col. C. M. Headlam, D.S.O., 0.B.E., M.P.
Col. Headlam said no one had been of greater assistance to the Ministry than the chairman, as his criticisms were always helpful. Alluding to the Road and Rail Traffic Act, he said the main object from the national point of view was the economic working of the two means for transport. It was needed to lift the industry from the morass into which it had fallen through uneconomic charges and want of control. He considered Part III the most important ; it deals with the formation of the Transport Advisory Council. There were many present who still believed in the horse, but if the owner of horsed vehicles wished to replace theta by motor vehicles, this would be favourably considered by the licensing authorities. He urged the importance of keeping operating records. It was not contemplated that they should contain more than any well-organized unit should keep, but they are evidence as to whether the conditions of a licence have been fulfilled ; their form will be determined by the Minister in consultation with the Advisory Connell.
Mr. Turner mentioned that no one eligible for assistance by the Provident Institution had beenrefused. Grants up to £50 per year have been made. Be congratulated the Minister on the manner in which the Bill was steered to the Statute Book.
Mr. Guy Fairclough proposed "The Guests," and this was replied to by Sir Walter Gilbey, Batt., and Sir Henry Jackson, M.P. "The Chairman" was proposed by Sir Henry Maybury, K.C.M.G., K.B.E.
; Sunbeam Sales.
We learn that Mr. Edward Genna is now in charge of the sales department of the Sunbeam Motor Car Co., Ltd.