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Personal Pars

ALDERMAN E. G. ROWLINSON has been reappointed chairman of the Sheffield Corporation, L.M.S.R. and L.N.E.R. Joint Omnibus Committee.

MR. C. R. TArram, general manager of the passenger-transport department of Bradford Corporation, Was re-elected

as Yorkshire representative to the Council of the Municipal Passenger Transport Association at a meeting of the Yorkshire Area, last week, in Bradford.

COUNCILLOR S. M. GOVE, of Dundee, was appointed president of the Scottish Passenger Transport Association at its annual conference held last week at Pitlochry, whilst MR. ALFRED SMITH, of Aberdeen, was elected vice-president for the ensuing year.

MR. W. HICKMAN, who was general manager, has, we are advised, now left Brush Coachwork, Ltd., of Loughborough. MR. L. G. REM, general manager of the Brush Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd., has been appointed to the Board of the Brash Coachwork concern, MR. I IA RR Y HINCIILIFFE, director of public cleansing at Bradford, and hon. district adviser for Yorkshire to the Controller of Salvage, was elected chairman of the north-eastern centre of

the Institute of Public Cleansing at the centre's recent annual meeting in Leeds. In that office he succeeds Mr. Burrell, director of public cleansing at Halifax.

MR. ROLAND BARRY has been appointed chief bus engineer of the Daimler Co., Ltd., working under Mr. C. M. Simpson, the company's chief engineer, in succession to Ma. CLuiss, who has joined Crossley Motors, Ltd. Mr. Barry has been with the Daimler concern for 28 years and has been chief of the drawing office for moil than six years.

MR. C. F. CALVERT, formerly with Oswald Tillotson, Ltd., has joined the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., to represent the company's interests in an area embracing, for the most part, the counties of Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland. For the present, his activities will be centred at his private address at 27, Baslow Grove, Toiler Lane, Bradford. Since 1930, he has been closely associated with the sales of A.E.C. vehicles in the Yorkshire area.

Mr. Calvert joined Oswald Tillotson, Ltd., at Burnley, in 1919, and rose progressively to become manager of the company's branch in Bradford, when this was oPened in 1923.

MR. J. S. NrcHou, M.Inst.T., formerly chief executive officer of McNamara and Co., Ltd., has been appointed a director of that company, but will retain his present official title. As is well known, the company is one of the oldest in the transport industry, the original undertaking having been founded in 1837, and the present concern received many congratulations upon attaining its centenary. Amongst its many ramifications, it owns and controls Allied Transports, Ltd. The chairman, SIR • MAXWELL HICKS, C.B.E., was our guest of honour at the luncheon given to important representatives of haulage businesses on April 29, 1930, which really marked the foundation of Associated Road Operators. Mr. Nicholl has been very active in road-transport circles, and has been a member of several official committees dealing with its policy.

FILM CARRIERS' BID TO SAVE MILEAGE TT was decided by the Manchester /branch of Associated Film Carriers, on Friday of last week, to convene a special meeting to consider the practicability of reorganizing journeys in order to effect a reduction in aggregate mileage. Information is to be furnished to the District Transport Officer of the extent of casual operations, the names • of those operators willing to transfer to a film-transport emergency group, and the names of those operators who wish to remain in the present general transport group.

The Association hopes to achieve success in the elimination of casual operations, that is the carrying of films by owners of private cars and in C-licensed vehicles in districts where there are film-transport services.

Odd Wages Situation at Liverpool . An interesting situation has arisen at Liverpool concerning the local wage regulating machinery. IIitherto, the C.M.U.A. and the A.R.O. have been parties to the negotiations conducted by the Liverpool and District Conference of Road Transport Employers with the Liverpool Carters' and Motormen's Union. Since the issue of the national wages awards, both associations are now acting on the recommendations of their respective headquarters not to be parties to any local agreements which go beyond the scope of the national awards.

As the two associations are still members of the transport employers' negotiating body (the Liverpool and District Conference), the hope seems to be implied that it will be possible to frame a local agreement within the framework of the national award.

Danger of Depleting the Industry of Trained Mechanics rtA RESOLUTION which expressed alarm at the tendency to divert essential labour from the motor trade to other industries, was passed by the newly formed Motor Trade Section of the Leeds Chamber of Commerce, at its recent inaugural meeting.

This point, in the resolution, had particular reference to the recent broadcast which appealed to garage mechanics to volunteer for work in the manufacture of aeroplanes. Amplifying it to a correspondent, Mr. A. L. Hudson (secretary of the Yorkshire Division of the Motor Agents' Association, and of its Leeds Section) pointed out that arrangements have been made through the M.A.A. for all damaged Army motor vehicles from home stations and overseas to be repaired in members' workshops.

" If the repair shops are going to be denuded of their men, on top of staff depletions through enlistments in H.M. Forces," said Mr. Hudson, " there is going to be some difficulty in tackling this repair work. The opinion is rather widely held that many skilled engineers are being drafted into the infantry, and that as an alternative a comb-out could usefully be made to bring such men back for work in aeroplane factories and other phases of armament work, as an alternative to taking mechanics from garages."

Presiding at the inaugural meeting, Sir Granville Gibson, M.P., president of the Chamber, explained how the new Motor Trade Section would operate. Under present conditions, he said, it was a case on the one hand of helping a severely afflicted industry to survive its immediate difficulties, and on the other hand of seeking to ensure that the contribution which motor traders made in the present national emergency was of advantage to the country and also equitable to themselves.

Mr. William Adams was elected chairman of the Section.

No Unattended Vehicles in Edinburgh

FOLLOWING a recommendation by the chief constable, Edinburgh magistrates have decided that no unattended motor vehicles will be allowed on Edinburgh streets between the hours of sunset and sunrise. The new rule is being enforced immediately and vigorously.

SPECIAL TUITION FOR PRO DUCER•GAS DRIVERS SUGGESTED

THE Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, Mr. Montague, replying to a question asked in Parliament, this week, by Mr. Ellis Smith, as to why drivers were not being specially trained so that the best results could be obtained from the use of producer gas, said that facilities already existed which he had no reason to believe were inadequate for the training of drivers of vehicles driven by producer gas.

Early Closing for Filling Stations?

A SCHEME of earlier closing for Pipublic garages and filling stations in Leeds and district, with the object of reducing overhead charges, has been recommended to its members by the Leeds Section of the Motor Agents' Association, which is also to ask•other Sections of the M.A.A. 's Yorkshire Division to follow suit.

The Leeds scheme divides the year into two periods. From March 25 to September 30 members are recommended to close not later than 9 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and 5 p.m. on Sundays. , From October 1 to March 24 the recommendation is not later than 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and I p.m. on Sundays. In fact, many M.A.A. members in Leeds are already closing earlier than the suggested times.

The scheme does not apply, of course, to garages giving all-night service, but their number is very small.

Tractor Concession That Does Not Help Enough

FARMERS in the county of Angus are criticizing the concession granted users of farm tractors, who, paying a 5s. rate of licence duty, are permitted to haul agricultural loads between their farms and the nearest railway stations. Farmers may also use the tractor for hauling their own produce and farm requisites by road from one part of their farm to another, but not to another farmer.

Angus County Executive of the National Farmers' Union and the Chamber of Agriculture of Scotland contend that, in many districts, this concession is of little use. Examples are cited to support their contention. The farmer may use his tractor to carry goods to the railway station. Across the road from the station there may he a store from which the farmer takes his supplies. Should he carry a load of potatoes by tractor to the station he is not allowed to bring back a load from the store, which may be only a few yards from the station.

The Angus County Executive has, therefore, decided to request the council of management of the Union and the Chamber to press for a further concession to enable farmers to haul agricultural loads between not only their farms and the nearest railway station, but to such places as stores and docks.

An endeavour is also to be made to secure a further concession to enable farmers to haul by tractor agricultural produce which, formerly, they were in the habit of carrying by horse and cart. A FOOD GRID FOR BRITAIN: TRANSPORT GROUPING REMAINS

T was announced on Monday by Lord 1Woolton, the Minister of Food, that an extensive scheme for the adequate distribution of food throughout the country has been developed since 1939, and is already partially in operation.

The arrangement is to split the country into 800 self-contained areas, almost constituting little states, each of which will have its own depot holding stocks of essential foodstuffs, o hich will ensure adequate supplies for a period of three or four weeks. These centres will indent on buffer depots. Retailers will not be affected, as all food will be supplied through them. In addition, concentrated emergency rations will be available for any people evacuated from one locality to another.

One of the objects of the scheme is to free means for transport, so far as possible, for the conveyance of troops and other military operations, so that short hauls will be the order of the day.

The buffer depots will be equivalent to the present docks. Thus there will be minimum stocks of food in the flow ports. Consequently, enemy action would not have any great effect on supplies, Distribution will be carried out on normal lines, so far as possible, through the Ministry of Transport grouping system. Wherever possible, existing depots are being used and expanded. This comprehensive scheme, which has been devised by Mr. Frederick Smith, Director of Transport for the Ministry of Food, affects only food for human consumption. Other arrangements have been made for dealing with rattle feed and the carriage of livestock.

"Safety First " Medals for Railway Road-vehicle Drivers' A TOTAL of 94 L.N.E.R. motor I-% drivers and carters employed at the High Street Goods Station, Glasgow, were presented, on May 24, with Safety First " medals and diplomas in recognition of having driven their vehicles without mishap during 1939. Of the total 19 men received silver medals, which are granted to those who

have gained the diploma for five consecutive years.

Mr. J. Waller, goods agent at the station, made the presentations, and referred to the exceedingly difficult conditions under which the drivers had to operate their vehicles during the winter months.

At the railway parcels office at Queen Street Station, Glasgow, Mr. J. Bennett, parcels agent, presented one silver medal and 15 diplomas to members of the staff operating the motor vehicles from the station.

• Servicing Vehicles of the Home Forces

AN important statement concerning vital work which can, if required, be performed by the motor industry, has been issued by Mr, W. E. Rootes, President of the S.M.M. and T. in con

junction with the President of the M.A.A.

This is to the effect that the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Forces has asked him to warn the motor industry's repair shops and garages that, in the event of hostilities within Great Britain, their fullest co-operation and services would be required immediately in the matter of servicing and maintaining on the roads vehicles of H.M. Forces.

Especially would the personnel render invaluable aid by rernaining at their posts so long as there is need for their services in any district.

Export Figures for April

IN April last, the value of the exports of new commercial vehicles totalled £147,106, that of tractors (not agricultural types) being E3,011. Commercial chassis exported had a value in this month of £106,380.

Lloyd Boards Returns to Town

AS from to-day, June I, the staff of Lloyd Boards, Ltd., which has been carrying on at Sittinghourne since the beginning of the war, has returned to Shell-Mex House, Strand, London, W.C.2,

THORNYCROFT CINEMA VANS ON A. NATIONAL SERVICE

[WE publish on this page a picture of W one of a fleet of 15 Thornycroft cinema vans owned by British Films, Ltd., which is in use, at the present time, by the National Savings Committee, to give outdoor demonstrations in England. and Wales. From these vans films emphasizing the need to " Save for Victory" and "Lend to Defend the Right to be Free." are being shown.

Each van is 19 ft. long, extends to 23 ft. when opened up for display purposes and weighs, with its equipment, about 3i tons. Each van is based on a forward-control long-wheelbase chassis, and the streamlined body has showcases along each side for housing display posters, etc. The films are shown from a screen at. the rear and, before each display, the top section at the back of the body is raised by winch gearing inside the body. This top portion rises until it assumes a horizontal position and, together with its side flaps, forms an adequate shadow-box for daylight work. A loud-speaker is also provided on top of the rear extension.

The power supply for the generator is obtained from the vehicle engine through the gearbox power take-off, from which the drive is taken to a 75-volt dynamo which supplies current for the equipment.

Nine of these Thornycroft vans have more than 11 years' service to their credit and have averaged about 50,000 miles each. Additionally, in providing power for the projector, each engine has run the equivalent of another 80.000a total of more than 1,000,000 miles for the whole fleet.

The vehicle shown in an accompanying picture is one of the latest Nippy 3-tanners, four of which have recently been commissioned for service by British Films, Ltd.

Problem of Learner-driver's Supervisor

AS a result of charges brought against the holder of a provisional licence and his companion, the defending solicitor raised a novel point. At the hearings of the case a van driver, who held a provisional licence, was summoned for not being accompanied by a competent driver. The man accompanying the driver was charged with aiding and abetting. It was stated that the driver's companion said to the police constable, " I have not had a licence for over three years." The defence was that, by virtue of having held a licence, the companion could be said to be a competent driver, and that the regulations had, therefore, been carried out.

At Pontlottyn Police Court, on May 24, the stipendiary magistrate gave his deferred decision. He said that the interpretation of the regulations was not at all clear, and that it was with some hesitation he had come to the conclusion that the supervisor, with a holder of a provisional licence, must have a current licence. In this case the supervisor did not hold a current licence. Fines of 2s. 6d, each were imposed. PRODUCTION OF SUNCOLE SUSPENDED .

VROM Suncole (Nottingham), Ltd., Bestwood, Nottingham, comes the news that the production of Suncole motor fuel has been suspended owing to unavoidable circumstances. The action taken is not due to production problems.

If users who may be inconvenienced by the suspension care to represent their position to the Ministry of Transport, either directly or through their trade associations, steps may possibly be taken to remedy the position.

' Bristol Haulage Rates Up AT a meeting of Bristol and district road-transport contractors, it was agreed to advance rates by a further 10 per cent., as from June 1. The higher rates have been brought about by increased maintenance charges and the cost of spare parts and the difficulty of obtaining them, which have resulted in vehicles being laid up while overhead charges continue. Wages and other items of expense have also advanced and the restriction of fuel supplies prevents the normal employment of the vehicles.

Henley's 1939 Results

THE directors of W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd., are recommending the payment of a final dividend of 10 per cent. (less income tax) on the ordinary stock, making. with the interim dividend, 15 per cent. for the year ended December 31, 1939. A cash bonus of 5 per cent. (less tax) is also to be paid.

The net profit for the year amounted to £343,853, compared with £374,042 in 1938. A sum of £100,000 is transferred to the reserve account, and an amount of £384,331 is carried forward, compared with £411,894 brought in.

Ford's Export Drive

AN indication of the progress being made in the drive to increase British motor exports is given by the results obtained in seven important markets by the Ford Motor Co., Ltd. In the first four months of the present year, the overseas sales of products manufactured at the company's works at Dagenham showed the following increases, as compared with the corresponding period of 1939:—Australia, 248 per cent.; India, 148 per cent.; Portugal, 139 per cent.; Uruguay, 55 per cent.; West Indies, 44 per cent.; Argentine, 18.5 per cent.; South Africa, 9 per cent.

British Timken Acquires Control of Fischer Bearings

WJE learn that British Timken, Ltd., VV has acquired the controlling interest in Fischer Bearings Co., Ltd., of Wolverhampton. This step will affect production of key components for aircraft, vehicles and machine-tool construction.

Fischer Bearings Co., Ltd., began production in Great Britain in 1936, and it employs a large number of workers in the production of all sizes of ball bearing, The British Timken con

cern claims to be the largest tapered roller-bearing maker in the Empire and is a large manufacturer of parallel roller and ball bearings. The company commenced ball-bearing manufacture six years ago, and the new development will greatly strengthen its manufacturing and technical resources in this field. It is understood that the manufacture of ball bearings is to be concentrated at Wolverhampton.

Mr. Michael Dewar, chairman of British Timken, Ltd., has assumed the chairmanship of Fischer Bearings Co., Ltd.

No Driving-licence-renewal Reminders

TO relieve local authorities of the expenditure of labour, paper and postage involved in issuing drivinglicence reminders, Sir John Reith announces that, in view of the present paramount need for economy, he sees no justifiable alternative to reverting to the position, in this connection, which obtained before 1937. and , that he is advising .local authorities accordingly.

WORKS FOR ROAD SAFETY HELD OVER

THE Minister of Transport was taken to task last week by Mr. Thorne, M.P., on the matter of the erection of iron railings on the Kingston By-pass. To five specific questions Sir John Reith replied as follows:— Orders had been placed, before the war, for the erection, in the interests of public safety, of 7,500 yards of railings to prevent pedestrians from crossing the dual carriageway, except at specified points. It was, however, agreed that this work should not now proceed, and the present operations consisted of only finishing off the small section in hand. After this nothing further would be done. The total cost Of the work, when completed, had been estimated at approximately £4,000, of which one-third would be for labour on the site.

Superseded Wages Agreement

ITIE learn that Liverpool Cart and rif Motor Owners' Association and the ancillary users' associations jointly are engaged in discussions with the Liverpool Carters and Motormen's Union on the subject of a new wages and conditions agreement for motormen, now that the existing agreement, signed by the Liverpool and District Conference of Road Transport Employers, has been superseded by recent wages regulating instruments. Liverpool Cart and Motor Owners' Association has put forward a programme.

A.R.°. Members Become Councillors

BOTH th8 chairman and vice-chairman of St. Germans Rural District -Council are members of Associated Road Operators. At a recent meeting of the council, Mr. F. Rogers, of Fred Rogers, Ltd., St. Dominic, was elected chairman, and Mr. K. G. Foster, of

Treluggan, Cornwall (Granite) Quarries, Ltd., Landrake, Saltash, was elected vice-chairman. It will be recalled that Mr. Foster was, until this year, chairman of the Devon and Cornwall Area (A.R.O.) Committee.