WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheel's of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
Bus Bills and Parliament.
Just before Christmas 90 private Bills were deposited in the Parliamentary
offices for consideration when the Houses re-assemble 011 Jallttray 22nd. A large number of the Bills relates to motorbuses and trolley vehicles.
The companies now working tramways, or, as they are sometimes styled, "light railways," at Chatham and Rochester, Cheltenham, Gosport and Fareham, Jarrow and South Shields, Leamington and Warwick, Mansfield, and Swinton and Tyneside are applying for power to abandon their tramways and to run motorbuses in substitution therefor, and, incidentally, to change their names by omitting all reference to "tramways."
The corporations of Blackburn, Chester, Haslingden and Smethwick, and the urban district councils of Oldbury and Pontypridd are seeking power to borrow in the aggregate a sum of over £98,500 for the provision of motorbuses.
The county council of Cornwall is responsible for a Bill which contains a clause making it an offence (penalty £5) for "fuelling a motor vehicle from a petrol pump while such vehicle is stand
ing in any, highway in the county." The some Bill also gives power to prohibit the erection of a garage within 100 yards from ally corner or bend in a highway in the county of Cornwall.
A "Ribble" Acquisition.
The "Old Bill" services at Skipton, which were instituted by Mr. W. Wisemall, of Broughton Road Garage, Skipton, have been taken over by the Ribble Motor Services, Ltd. The company has run two services into Skipton from Lancashire towns, but the taking over of the new services indicates an extension of activity in Yorkshire.The services which have' been taken over include those to Eastby and Ilmbsay, to Bolton Abbey, via Halton East, and the Broughton Road service in Skipton. There is a likelihood that the services into Wharfedale will be developed. It is the intention of the late proprietor of the " Old Bill " services to concentrate on the haulage business which has been carried on successfully during the past two or three years.
Keeping Passengers Warm.
Long-distance travel in cold weather demands more attention to the needs and comfort of the passenger than does the ordinary short journey by bus. Warmth is a necessity. Passengers must not be allowed to become chilled, however long they are seated. it is just a question of what form of equipment is advisable to provide this heating. One of the most useful types is that utilizing the waste heat from the exhaust gases and, in this connection, we may mention the Thermorad, which is both a heater of the whole vehicle and a foot warmer.
The heat is adjustable at will from zero to the maximum by means of an independent control fitted conveniently within the vehicle. A high-grade, onepiece aluminium casting is employed for the box and—a yen important point—
all joints are machined perfectly true and air-tight, so that not only are the parts interchangeable, but leakage is impossible, whilst it is claimed that engine efficiency is increased, as an extra outlet is provided for the exhaust gases.
The valve fittings are arranged in types suitable for utilizing either after the silencer or before it. The exhaust pipe does not have to be cut right through. ror the former type an oblong hole sufficient to clear the valve flap is all that is required, and for the latter a 1-in, diameter hole.
For large buses, such as 35-seaters, • four Thermorads can be arranged longitudinally in the gangway, transversely, or in any other convenient pOsition; the price with fittings varying frorn.£21 to £25. For 26-seater saloon coaches with three Thermorads, the price varies from £17 to £20, and for 20-seater coaches, with a dual set, from £12 to £15. The maker is A. W. Chapman, Ltd., Renelash Gardens, Hurling,ham, London, S.W.6.
The Junkers Engine in England. According to the German motor Press, an English syndicate has lately acquired a licence to construct the Junkers engine in Great Britain.
In a Line or Two.
Chester Corporation is to seek powers to run motorbuses.
Stoke-on-Trent Corporation has appointed a committee to consider the question of the purchase of bus services in the city.
Wallasey. and Birkenhead Corporations are in negotiation in regard to the establishment of additional joint motorbus services.
Morecambe Corporation is considering the advisability of arranging with the Lancaster Corporation for the interrunning of bus services.
The question of check clocks at certain bus stopping places throughout the Metropolitan Police area is at present under consideration by the Ministry of Transport.
The tramways committee of the Bolton Corporation has completed the negotiations with the Lancashire 'United Transport and Power Co., Ltd., regarding through inter-running of buses between Bolton and Eccles, via Walkden and Worsley.
A World Engineering Congress.
A conference of representatives of 23 institutions and societies was recently held at the Institution of Civil Engineers to consider the best means by. which British representation at the World Engineering Congress, to be held in Tokio, Japan, between October 29th and November 22nd next, could be organized. As a result, "The British Committee on the World Engineering Congress in Japan" was formed. This committee will be concerned with organizing a party of British engineers to attend the congress, as well as with securing a number of papers on engineering subjects for presentation at the congress.
Institutions which are co-operating with the committee include the Institute of Transport, the Institution of Automobile Engineers, the Institution of Electrical Engineers, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute of Fuel and the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Popularizing Wolverhampton's Buses.
An interesting map guide has just been published by the Wolverhampton Industrial Development Association for the Wolverhampton Corporation Transport Department with the object of encouraging the use of the municipal buses to view the attractions of the surrounding country. It shows how a number of places can be readied by bus and gives the starting point for each service, the route taken,. the fare charges, and the point at which the bus must be left in order to reach the venue which the traveller, has in mind.
Double-derkers for Cape Town.
Cape Town Corporation recently issued a temporary licence to Leybind Motors (S.A.), Ltd.' for permission to use a double-deck bus with a view to enabling experiments to be conducted as to the suitability of this type of vehicle for use in the town. The result of the trials has proved satisfactory, the vehicle inspector reporting the bus to be comfortable and steadyin operation. In view of the possibility of the double-deck bus becoming popular, owing to its large carrying capacity, provision is to be made in the regulations to enable such buses to be licensed by the corporation.
Features Held Over.
We have found it necessary to hold over a number of regular features of The Commercial Motor to accommodate the various, special articles which appear in this issue, but they will be resumed in the next issue.
Absent-minded Passengers.
Nearly half of the articles found in taximeter cabs and other public carriages are umbrellas and sticks. The Home Secretary has stated that the number of articles deposited with the Metropolitan Police during the 12 months ended November 30th, 1928, was 180,957, including 78,341 umbrellas and sticks. Petrol-pump Surveillance.
In connection with the new regulations concerning petrol-measuring instruments, the Middlesex County Council reports that at a conference called by the Board of Trade to consider the amended draft regulations, it was decided that petrol pumps should .he periodically inspected at leatA once in each year, with re-verification after any alterations. The regulations will come into effect on February 1st. It is estimated that the number of petrol pumps in Middlesex is between 1,250 and 1,500, and new pumps continue to be erected.
Loudon and Suburban Garages Report.
The report of London and Suburban Gar,ges, Ltd., for the period from August 11th, 1927, to October 31st, 1928, shows that the total assets of the company amount to 1128,146, and of this sum 1118,360 is represented by investments in subsidiary garage concerns. The gross income of the company in the period mentioned, arising almost entirely from investments in the subsidiary concerns, amounted to £18,006, this being reduced to £15,100 after making allowance for income tax, directors' fees and other charges. Two interim dividends have been paid and a final dividend of 3 per cent. is now to be paid. After these allotments and deducting a sum of £4,000, representing approximately 60 per cent, of the company's preliminary and formation expenses, there is a balance of £1,269 to be carried forward.
• L.C.C. Prefers British Setts.
It is announced by the London County Council that the order for the supply of the large quantity of granite setts required for use on the tramways during 1929 has been placed with a British firm. It is understood that the whole of the council's requirements' amounting to nearly 5,000 tons, will be met from British quarries.
Electric Vans for the G.P.O.
Experiments age being made with a fleet of seven Victor electric vans which are being supplied to the G.P.O. authorities by Wingrove and Rogers, Ltd., Old Swan, Liverpool. The vehicles, which are being built to the Post Office specification, are designed to carry a load of 15 cwt., in addition to the driver and a second man. The power is supplied by a medium-capacity battery, which is carried partly under the bonnet and partly at the rear, the
cells being mounted in trays capable of easy removal. The capacity of the battery is from 20 to 24 miles under ordinary London postal-service conditions and at a maximum speed of 18 -m.p.h.
The U.A.S. In Eastern Districts.
Mr. J. B. Skyrrae, who for the past 2+ years has been the eastern-district traffic superintendent for the United Automobile Services, Ltd., and who is leaving Norwich to take over the position of assistant general manager of the Belfast General Omnibus Co., was recently entertained to a complimentary dinner by the eastern district and Lincolnshire staffs of the company.
Mr. Skyrme, in acknowledging the toast proposing hi .s health and success, referred to the advances made by the company in the eastern district during the past 2i years. He said that in August, 1925, the company's buses covered 245,000 miles in this area, whereas in August last the number had risen to 484,000 miles. Taking a winter month, which was more important to the company because it represented its lowest ebb of operation, the increase was still more marked, for in November, 1925, the mileage operated in the district was 114,000. whereas in November last it was 291,000.
A South Shields to Leeds Service.
South Shields Watch -Committee has granted licences to Messrs. Overoads Motor Services, of Durham, in respect of a bus service between South Shields and Leeds, via " Sunderland, West Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Ripon and Harrogate.
A " Trent" Acquisition.
It is stated that the Trent Motor Traction Co., Ltd., which has comprehensive motorbus ramifications in the Midlands, has just taken over from Messrs. Gregson and Sons the motorbus service which they ran between Nottingham and Burton Joyce.
Inventors Busy in 1928.
It is estimated that at least 38,500 patent applications were filed at the Patent Offiel during the past year, this figure being approximately 2,000 higher than the record of 36,680 of a few years ago. Messrs. Hughes and Young, the patent agents of Warwick Court, Holborn, London, W.C., inform us that it is estiraated that the capital invested during the past year in inventions was over £35,000,000.
Bus Results at Salford.
The annual report of the general manager of the tramways department of the Salford Corporation has recently been issued for the year ended March 31st last. It shows that the income from the operation of the buses was £62,647, whilst the working expenditure in con nection with such vehicles amounted to £58,290, the balance of 14,357 being equivalent to an average of .926d. per bus-mile.
During the year the buses ran 027,409 miles and carried 8,019,045 passengers ; the average number of buses in use per day during the year was 22. We shall analyse the report more fully in a later issue.
Irish Free State Road-service Statistics.
Irish Free State road-transport figures for October show that, with the approach of winter, the number of passengers carried and of miles travelled by motorbuses is decreasing. This is not unexpected. In Dublin and suburbs, 2,291,174 passengers were carried during October., an increase on either of the two preceding months, but in no other district were the September figures maintained. In every class the gross, receipts showed a falling off, whilst only between Dublin and other points were as many miles travelled as in August and September. Services were operated by 138 companies or proprietors, 11 having gross receipts for the month of over £1,000.
Lancia Price Reductions.
Lancia (England), Ltd., Alperton, near Wembley, advises us that a.s from January let certain reductions have been made lathe prices of Lancia heavy vehicles, the changes having been brought about by economies effected by the establishment of a Lancia depot in England.
The third series Pentaiota chassis, with a I5-ft. 6-in. wheelbase, which, hitherto, has b6en -gold at £875, is now marketed at £825, whilst the 16-ft: Csin. wheelbase chassis of the same series has been reduced from £885 to £835. The sit-cylinder Omicron chassis is now marketed at £1,425, this being "a reduc
tion of 1250. • •
The company has just issued a folder entitled ." Railways and Road TransTort," which. really points to the need for reliability in all forms of locomotion in which 'passengers are carried over Iclng distances. The purpose of the folder is to stress the suitability of the Omicron chassis for long-distance seevice. A brief specification of the chassis is included.
Licence Refusals at Wakefield.
Wakefield Watch Committee has refused to grant the following applicaAlong for bus licences :—Mr. J. C. Jackson, for a service between Don-. caster and Leeds, via Wakefield ; Diamond Road Coaches, for a service between Newcastle and Sheffield, via Wakefield ; Gladwyn Parlour Car Service, Ltd., for vehicles to run between Nottingham and Newcastle ; Messrs. Corcoran Bros., for a service from Wakefield to York.
The Progress of a Glass Company.
A spirited speech regarding the policy of John M. Newton and Sons, Ltd.; was made recently by Mr. John Newton on the occasion of the annual dinner and social evening of this well-known. company, which was held at the Wharneliffe Rooms, Hotel Great Central. One of his remarks was : " We lead and it is our intention to continue as leaders."
The atmosphere of the gathering was that of a huge family party. We say huge, because there were over 600 persons present, these being drawn from
the headquarters and the many; branches of the house of Newton and its associated companies of Newtex and Titreo-Colloid, with a generous sprinkling of guests.
That this optimism is justified and that the precious experiences of 50 years of consistent work are the most reliable instruments for ensuring still greater successes was indicated by a reference to the activities of the Newtex Co. It was mentioned, that so great was the demand for Newtex safety glass that not only were the staff working at fullest pressure, but-that details for increasing the capacity of the plant to a very considerable extent were already under discussion by the board of directors.
Control of Roads in Ulster.
There is considerable opposition on the part of local bodies in the province of Ulster to the Northern Government's scheme to centralize the control of roads under its de-rating Bill.
Personal Pars.
We hear that Mr. M. S. Lornbardini, who has for several years occupied the position of general sales manager and secretary for Pirelli, Ltd., in this country, is returning to Italy at an early date to fill an important position at the headquarters of the Pirelli Parent Co. Mr. A. Sadler—his portrait appears on this page—who is well known in the tyre trade, and who was for several years with the Goodyear Co., is joining Pirelli, Ltd„ as sales manager, and will superintend the sales-expansion scheme of the company arising out of the new Pirelli factory which is now being erected at Burton-on-Trent. This factory, by the way, will commence production in the near future.
We recently intimated that Mr. R. Stuart Pilcher had been appointed manager of the tramways department of the Manchester Corporation, and to fill the post which he is vacating at Edinburgh, Mr. F. A. Pitzpayne, assistant manager of the tramways undertaking, has, we understand, been recommended for the position. Mr. Fitzpayne secured an appointment with the Leith Corporation 22 years ago and later became general manager of its tramways. Upon the amalgamation of Edinburgh and Leith he was appointed deputy manager of the passenger-transport undertaking.
A Bridge Restriction?
Reporting on Walton County Bridge, the Middlesex County Council states that it is now being used largely by heavy motor vehicles, and, in view of its age and structure, the county engineer considers that the bridge is unsuited for this class of motor traffic. It is suggested that measures should be taken with a view to securing the safety of the bridge, and that application should be made for an Order restricting its use to vehicles having a total weight of 5 tons or under.
Bolton's Opinion.
Bolton Watch Committee has expressed the opinion that, upon an application for a licence to ply for hire with a bus, the licensing authority should be empowered to impose a condition that the applicant will conform with the standard wages, hours and other conditions of employment applicable in the district.
New Irish Services.
Important new Irish bus services have been commenced between Waterford and Wexford, and between Wexford and Kilkenny. Daily services are maintained, and the firm responsible are the Countess Bus Co., Waterford. Municipal Purchases and Proposals.
Srockroar Corporation is inviting tenders for the supply of 12 single-den motorbuses.
BURY Corporation is inviting tenders for the supply of four double-deck motorbuses.
ILFORD Corporation has authorized the purchase of a motor mowing machine for the parks department Guittueonn Watch Committee is considering an offer by Dennis Bros., Ltd., to supply a light-type motor fire-engine.
Brs.s.ENHBAD Corporation has authorized the purchase of an International tractor for the sanitary department at a cost of £385.
NEWCASTLE Corporation has accepted the tender of Mr. C. G. Carr, at £1,905, for the erection of a bus station. at Marlborough Crescent.
MORECAMBE Corporation has decided' to make provision in the next estimates for the purchase of a motor ambulance for the health department.
The tramway committee of the BRADFORD Corporation has decided to purchase six double-deck trolley-buses and 11 single-deck trolley-buses.
GUILDFORD Corporation has asked sub-committee to consider the purchase of an additional and heavier motor vehicle for the electricity department.
BOURNEMOUTH Corporation has obtained sanction for a loan of f12,000 for the purchase of nine motorbuses, the sum to be repayable in eight years.
The tramways committee of the Bynx-EignEAD Corporation has accepted the tender of Henley's Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., for the supply of bus tyres for 12 months.
MORECAMBE Watch Committee has deferred the question of the purchase of a motor turntable fire-escape so that particulars can be obtained of such appliances in use in other towns.
MIDDLESEX COIIIIty Council recommends the purchase of three 14 h.p. Morris-Oxford travellers' broughams, for the use of the public control department, at a cost not exceeding £260 per vehicle.
Botrox Corporation is considering the purchase of a petrol road roller.
1Vlaigaumsrsa Corporation has accepted the tender of Messrs. F. 'Kenning and Sons for the supply of a Morris motorvan for the health department.
KENSINGTON Borough Council recommends acceptance of the tender , of Shelvoke and Drewry, Ltd., at £607 10s., for the supply of a dust van.
The tramways committee of the BOLTO1k7 Corporation has accepted the lender of Leyland Motors, Ltd., for the supply of five Titan double-deck motorbuses.
Sanrers at the Brussels Show.
We have been asked by Automobiles Industriels &Direr, of Brussels, to point out that the Saurer-Diesel was actually shown at the Brussels Motor Show. The .example staged was a polished chassis with a four-cylindered engine ; also the Sourer lorry equipped as a brewer's wagon had a four-cylindered engine and the type of chassis employed is known as the 5AD. Encouraging the Use of Tractors.
The Italian Ministry of National Economy has set aside the sum of 3,000,000 lire (approximately £32,500) to be used as a grant to agriculturists in southern and insular Italy towards
the cost of purchasing agricultural tractors of Italian manufacture. Awards under the grant are to be given to all farmers in the district who will make, or have made, purchases since Mardi 1st, 1928, and they are to he based on the proportion of 20 per cent. o the purchase price of the tractor as shown by the invoice, provided that the cost price for each type and variety is not in excess of a certain figure which has been fixed.
It is expected that this State assistance will not only result in increasing the Italian production of agricultural products, through the use of improved methods of farming, but will also give an impetus to the Italian tractor industry.'