WHEELS of INDUSTRY
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"The wheels 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 Crosier.
The London P.T. Bill.
It is considered in many quarters that the London Passenger -Transport Bill will not be revived. Negotiations which have been carried on since the National Government took office have shown that there is little hope of agreement. There is some prospect, however, that a new Bill will be introduced later by the Government, but, presumably, it will be on. quite different lines from the one at present under discussion.
Bodyworks Superintendent Required.
A bodyworks superintendent with a very comprehensive knowledge of the construction of all kinds of passengervehicle bodywork is required by an iniportant and progressive concern. Only those with the highest-class experience and references need communicate. Salary is no object. The basic amount will be generous, and to this will be added a share in the profits. Letters addressed to "Superintendent," do the Editor, will be forwarded.
More Motor Licences in London.
During the five weeks ended January 20th last 48,313 motor licences were issued over the counter at the County Hall, London, and 88,444 were sent by post, as compared with 46,015 and 84,843 respectively in the previous year. Post offices were responsible for renewing 23,764 licences.
The revenue from licences issued by the council amounted to £2,391,323, as against £2,451,154 in 1931. In addition, the duty received at the post offices amounted to £199,093, making a total for London of £2,590,416. As compared with the figures for last year, the number of licences issued by the council increased by nearly 6,000, but the amount collected showed a decrease of £60,000.
The difference is mainly due to the increase in the number of pneumatictyred goods and hackney vehicles, the licence duty for which was reduced by 20 per cent., and to quarterly, instead of yearly, licences being taken out.
Running Track-laying Vehicles on the Road.
Number 50 of Statutory Rules and Orders, 1932, and known as The Motor Vehicles (Authorization of Special Types) Order, No. 2, 1932, authorizes the use on roads of track-laying motor vehicles and similar trailers, notwithstanding that such vehicles and trailers do not in all respects Comply with the requirements of the Motor Vehicles '(Construction and Use) Regulations, 1931 (b), or of any regulations which may hereafter be made in place of those regulations-, provided (i) such vehicles or trailers are so used solely for the purpose of (a) demonstration, or (b) enabling them to proceed to the nearest suitable railway station for conveyance to a port for shipment, or to proceed to a port for shipment from a place in the immediate vicinity of that port where suitable railway facilities are not available ; (ii) such vehicles or trailers
B20 be not used for the carriage of any burden for hire or reward ; and (iii) before any such vehicle or trailer be so used the consent of every highway authority or every person responsible for the maintenance and repair of any such road is in each case obtained in writing.
Nothing in the Order shall be taken to deprive any highway authority or other person of any right to recover any extraordinary expenses which may be incurred in respect of such road.
Thomas Tilling's Trading
The report of Thomas Tilling, Ltd.,, for the year 1931 shows a net profit of /324,865, after providing for debenture stock and other interest, which compares with £272,788 for 1930. The dividend on the preference shares absorbed £16,500, whilst it is proposed to pay a final dividend of 10 per cent. on the ordinary shares, making a total for the year of 20 per cent. (less tax). it is proposed to allocate £125,000 to the general reserve fund, raising that fund to £714,495. The sum to be carried forward is £120,455, as against £95,295 brought into the accounts.
Manchester to Run Trolley-buses?
Manchester Corporation's Parliamentary committee is recommended to seek powers to run trolley-buses in case the need arises for operating them on certain routes.
In preference to spending £11,000 on renewing the train track, it has been decided to substitute buses for trams on the Audenshaw Road route. It is stated by Mr. Stuart Pilcher, general manager of the transport undertaking, that, since Manchester Corporation has converted certain of its tramway routes to bus working, these services have shown a profit of £36,000, as compared with a loss of £13,000 previously.
Simms Motor 'Units in Canada.
A subsidiary company with full Canadian status has been formed in Toronto to manufacture and sell magnetos and batteries bearing the name Shams. This step has been taken by Mr. F. R. Simms, head of the London firm of Simms Motor Units, Ltd.
Mr. Simms was one of the pioneers of the industry in Britain. He took part in the famous London-to-Brighton ride which followed the abolition of the red flag and the 4 m.p.la limit in 1896.
Simms motor units are not new to Canada, as the British _company has for some time been represented there and a factory is already in operatioe, but this will now be extended.
First Official Visit to New CoachStation.
The first official party to visit the new coach station, at Victoria, of London Coastal Coaches, Ltd., consisted of some 40 members of The Omnibus Society. The party was informed that the parking site provides accommodation for some 80 vehicles, whilst it has in• spection pits and three 3,000-gallon petrol tanks. The ground floor of the building is occupied by shops, boeltine hall, left-luggage rooms, etc., whilst other passenger facilities include a buffet on the first floor and a restaurant above.
The Omnibus Society announces that the meeting originally fixed for March 4th will take place on March 11th, at, the Institute of Marine Engineers, Minories, London, E.C.3, when a paper will be read on the subject of "The Organization of a Provincial Omnibus Company."
Changes in Postal Transport.
In the course of the next year or so the Manchester Post Office will, it is stated, replace the existing contract delivery and collection system by one under which the authority will employ its own vans. The innovation will, it is claimed, make for important economics and will enable postal employees to perform duties which could not be undertaken by contracting concerns' workers. A site has been secured for the erection of a large garage.
The death has occurred of Mr. John James, the founder of the well-known South Wales bus firm of Messrs. James and Sons, Ammanford. Mr. James was one of the founder-members of the South Wales Bus Proprietors Association, and for some time was an official of that organization.
Walter Lorries to be Made in Canada.
The Walter Motor Truck Co., of Long Island City, New York, has formed a Canadian subsidiary which will occupy premises at New Toronto. It will undertake the manufacture of Walter " snow-fighters " and motor lorries hitherto imported from U.S.A.
£11,000 Towards Reinstating Roads.
It is stated that the Mansfield District Traction Co. is prepared to pay £11,000 (about 3s. per yd.) towards the cost of reinstating the roads in the borough of Mansfield and adjoining urban districts after the company's tram tracks have been removed. The highways committee of Notts County Council is in favour of accepting that offer.
Haulage Charges for Municipal Work.
The highways committee of Croydon Corporation recommends acceptance of the following tenders for the daily hire of motor vehicles :—Vedast and Co., Ltd., 5-ton three-way-tipping lorries, £2 5s.; and the Croydon Motor Transport Co., 5-ton three-way-tipping motors, 12 Os.; 5-ton end-tippers, £2 3s.; and 30-cwt. three-way tippets, 36s.
Soviet Motor Plans Forging Ahead.
It is announced from Moscow that large new works for the production of ball hearings for motor vehicles and tractors are approaching completion at Leninskaya Sloboda, ,near that city. Several groups of young Russians are reported to have been sent to Italy for training in setting up and operating machines for making ball bearings.
Lanes. Transport Trailing in 1931.
The report of' the Lancashire 'United Transport and Power Co., Ltd., for the year 1931 shows a gross profit on the combined undertaking of £111,677, as compared with £96,447 in 1930. The total receipts 'amounted to £288,299, as against £289,229 a year earlier. After deducting working expenses, interest and sinking-fund charges on first mortgage debenture stock, and providing .£39,882 for depreciation of motor vehicles, ete., there remains a balance out of which it is recommended that interest at 5 per cent. should be paid on the second mortgage debenture stock for 1931, and that the £28,724 then remaining should be carried to the depreciation account.
The directors now consider it desirable to write off against the amount standing to the credit of the depreciation account the balance of preliminary expenses, etc., totalling £113,429.
Birmingham Buying Trolley-buses.
The tramways and omnibus committee of Birmingham Corporation decided, a few days ago, to purchase five new trolley-buses for service on the Nechells route. The type selected is the A.E.C.English Electric six-wheeled 663T chassis, which has a wheelbase of 16 ft. 6 ins, and is equipped with 65 h.p. English Electric trolley-Ibus motors._ Buses Turn Loss into Profit.
Faced with a deficit of 14,743 on passenger transport in the current municipal year, Middlesbrough Corporation estimates a surplus of £3,070 on the bus system next year, following the introduction of buses in place of trams on the Middlesbrough-Stockton through route.
Restrictions on Loading Not Favoured.
Watford Corporation is recommended not to pursue the proposal to restrict the delivery of goods in certain streets, but local trade associations are being asked to assist in obtaining the early delivery of goods to reduce traffic congestion. Compensation for Fillingstation Owner.
Having been called upon by Oxford County Council to remove a petrol-filling station from the Benson by-pass, Mr. C. F. Young has claimed £618 in compensation for losses alleged to have been occasioned by the council's action.
Under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928, any person who occupied a petrol station which was established before the by-laws came into force and who was required to remove it, is entitled to compensation. As, however, in Mr. Young's case there is said to be some doubt whether the premises were " established " within the meaning of the Act, the county council's highways committee recommends, without admitting liability, an offer to pay £250.
Paris Street Accidents Declining.
Those who have recollections of traffic conditions in Paris will be surprised to learn that the number of fatal street accidents in the French capital and its suburbs during 1931 was over 100 less than in 1930, the actual figures being 499 and 603 respectively. Actually, there has been a decline for the past two years, for the figure for 1929 was 639. It is suggested that the diminution in the number of accidents is due to the rigorous system of regulated crossings for pedestrians.
French taxicab drivers have earned a bad name for themselves, but, nevertheless, it is stated that they were responsible for only 46 deaths out of the total of street, accidents in 1931.
A Wide Range of Pistons.
Inalium Pistons, Ltd., 170, Great Portland Street, London, W.1, has just issued a revised catalogue giving a wealth of information concerning its ex tensive range of pistons. Practically every make of vehicle, British or foreign, is catered for, and the method of arranging the information enables it to be obtained at a glance. Prices of replacement bearings for various makes of motor, as well as of Wellworthy piston rings, which the company stocks, are also given.
German Exports Much Higher.
Despite the world trade depression, the past year witnessed a notable increase in the overseas demand for German commercial vehicles. During the 11 months ended November last, 3,004 vans and lorries valued at 1960,850 were exported from Germany, as contrasted with 1,766 and £714,050 respectively in the corresponding period of 1930. On the other hand, the imports of foreign commercial vehicles declined from 321 (£93,200) to 96 (144,350).
Oil Storage on ITp-to-date Lines.
An efficient system of bulk storage of oil has recently been designed and installed by C. C. Wakefield and Co., Ltd., at the Stanton Ironworks, in Nottingham. The system permits of quick handling without incurring waste, and ensures that the oil is kept perfectly clean.
The installation consists of batteries of storage tanks, having, capacities ranging from 100 gallons to 300 gallons, with self measuring pumps to draw off. supplies. To fill the tanks, the oil barrels are hoisted on pulleys to an overhead conveyor, by means of which they 822 are delivered to their respective tanks for emptying. So soon as a supply of oil has been ,drawn off, a pipe swings into position directly beneath the mouth of the pump so as to catch the drips and drain them back into the tank.
To facilitate quick handling in cold weather, each tank is centrally steamheated, a valve being incorporated to prevent the oil from becoming too hot.
Fleet Parcelcars on a Fortnight's Tour.
On Monday of last week a convoy of 13 Fleet parcelcars was dispatched from Kingston by Mr. Kaye Don, the demonstration being intended to occupy alortnight. It is a joint event arranged by Fleet Motors, Ltd., 11. Taylor and Co., Ltd., Godfrey& Ltd., Lovetts, Ltd., F. H..BrackPool and Co., and Fosters (Highbury), Ltd., all concerns, with the exception of the first-named (which is, of course, the manufacturer) being distributors.
The convoy will tour the areas covered by these agents, and it is anticipated that a considerable amount of interest will be aroused. Vehicles of various sizes and patterns are taking part in the demonstration. We described the Fleet three-wheeler on November 17th, 1931, and a report detailing its road performance appeared in our issue dated January 5th.
Useful Information on Cylinder Wear. We have received two useful pamphlets from Hepworth and Grandage, Ltd., of St. John's Works, East Bowling, Bradford. One contains information for the cylinder regrinder and the engine assembler, whilst the other details a number of remedies for excessive oil consumption. Both publications are well worth perusal and copies can be obtained on application to the above Concern. Seventy-five Per Cent. of Flower Growers Sign Petition.
The petition to which reference was made in last week's issue has been signed by over 75 per cent, of the flower growers in the Scilly Islands and has been sent to the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary, the Minister of Agriculture and the member of Parliament for the division, Mr. Runciman, President of the Board of Trade, as well as to the Minister of Transport. An appeal is made for a special speed dispensation in respect of road vehicles carrying flowers and other perishable goods.
The growers state that they "have complete confidence that the transport company concerned is not only of material benefit" to them, "but can ful fil the promising start which has been made, if freed from petty interference." The concern in question is the London and Southern Counties Transport Co., Ltd., of Reigate.
Big Slump in Canadian Exports.
During the 11 months ended November last Canada exported 4,434 vans, lorries, buses and chassis valued at £349,437. The comparable figures for 1930 are 14,258 and £1,094,370, and for 1929 are 34,997 and £2,818,420. Thus, in two years, the Canadian exports show a drop of 30,563 in number and £2,468,983 in value.
Seeking Improved Traffic Control.
Representatives of the Home Office, the Ministry of Transport and the Commissioner of Police have been invited to meet officials of the Westminster municipality to consider the subject of instituting new methods of traffic control in the interests of national economy and police efficiency.
English Electric Profits.
The trading profit for 1931 of the English Electric Co., Ltd., including dividends receivable from Winans and Robinson, Ltd., is £209,394, which'compares with £2,857 for the previous year. After charging debenture and other interest and allocating £50,000 to depreciation, as well as deducting £31,187 for expenditure incurred in removing and re-installing plant, etc., there is a net profit of £34,086, the debit balance of £31,612 brought forward thus being converted into a credit balance of £2,474.
L.M.S. Seeks Co-ordination.
The London, Midland and Scottish Railway Co. has approached Morecambe Corporation with a view to arraying a scheme to enable the Lancaster and Morecambe transport service to be coordinated with the rail service at the promenade station. The watch committee has, however, deemed it advisable not to pursue. the matter until the corporation's application to the Traffic Commissioners for permission to run services outside the borough has been determined.
The Mansion House Association.
The 51st annual general meeting of the Mansion House Association on Transport waslield recently under the chairmanship of Mr. W. H. Gaunt, 0.B.E., M.Inst.T., who was unanimously re-elected President and was congratulated upon the valuable services which he had rendered to the Association. Mr. R. E. Morley was reelected chairman of committees, and Messrs. W. Oldham and E. A. ander were re-elected hon. secretary and hon. treasurer respectively.
The chairman made a brief review of the work accomplished during 1931. Special consideration was given to the activities of the Association for this year, particularly its observations on the Final Report of the Royal Commission on Transport, and to the recent Memorandum of the Main Line Railway Companies. A special committee was appointed to watch and take any necessary action on behalf of members generally. .
Amongst many other important questions which were discussed was the contemplated regulations concerning bridges and falling under Section 25 of the Road Traffic Act.
Buyers of A.E.C.-English Electric Trolley-buses.
Two contracts have recently been placed for A.E.C.-English Electric trolley-buses. The first, from Southend Corporation, is for two four-wheeled models, having a wheelbase of 15 ft. 6 ins. The bodies and electrical equipment will be built by the English Electric Co., Ltd. ; the latter will comprise an 80 h.p. motor with. standard control and rheostatic and air braking.
An important feature of this type of vehicle is the low overall height With front tyres of 40-in, diameter and rear tyres of 88-in, diameter, the height from the ground to the roof is 13 ft. 1 in. The body chosen for these vehicles is a double-saloon 48-seater with an enclosed rear platform.
The second contract has been received from the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Traction Co. and is for 10 single-deck four-wheeled vehicles. In this ease the bodies are to seat 32 passengers and the equipment will comprise a 60 h.p. motor and rheostatic and vacuum braking.
Motors Displace Horses on Parcels Work.
The parcels-cartage system of the London and North-Eastern Railway Co., at Nottingham, has now been completely mechanized, a fleet of 1-ton, 30 cwt., 2-ton and 4-ton vehicles having disPlaced the stud of horses. By the use of the new vehicles it will be possible to cover a much wider area, and outlying districts, such as Daybreak, 1Voodthorpe, Basford and 13n1weil, will now be provided with a service as efficient as that enjoyed by the city.
An interesting sidelight on this development is that the company no collects and delivers goods within the city, whereas, under the old scheme, only goods intended for rail transport were accepted.
Death of London Trader.
Mr. J. A. Woodhams, managing director of The Park Motor Co., Ltd., Wells Street, London, S.W.1, recently died after a brief illness. Mr. Woodhams did much pioneer work in connection with mobile radio receivers and transmitters.
Metal Tested at B.I.F.
On the Shell-Mex and B.P. stand at the British Industries Fair, samples of metal can be dealt with, under factory conditions, while one waits. Here there are about a dozen metallurgical furnaces working and heated by fuel oil, these having been lent by several big British engineering concerns.
• Publicity Man Available.
We know of a publicity and salespromotion man with considerable experience of the commercial-vehicle side who will be available shortly. Letters should be addressed to "Promotion," c/o , the Editor.
Personal Pars.
Mr. E. Gaccon, of Cardiff, has been apppinted chairman of the Western Centre (South Wales and West of England) of the Institution of Automobile Engineers.
Alderman A. Mattison, of Middlesbrough, has been appointed Assistant Traffic Commissioner for the Northern Area, in succession to Mr. W. Wallace, who has retired.
We regret to learn that Mr. E. C. Davidson, the chief designer of Leyland Motors, Ltd., has been severely injured in a motor accident. We are sure that Mr. Davidson's many friends in the industry wilt join us in wishing him a speedy recovery.
On February 20th, Mr. H. ClaytonWright, of the Laycock Engineering Co., Victoria Works, Millhouses, Sheffield, left Liverpool en route for America. The object of the trip is to secure cooperation, in the United States, for the manufacture in this country of motorvehicle components, garage equipment and other products which may lend themselves to production in the wellequipped Laycock factory.
Schools for Commercial-vehicle Drivers.
We are receiving requests for particulars of schools in various parts of the country at which the driving of commercial vehicles is taught in a fully satisfactory manner. We shall be glad to hate information from which a list can be compiled, together with particulars of the fees charged.
British Jacks Required.
A request has reached us for a British-made jack with a nominal capacity of 5 tons, a closed height of under 12 ins., a lift of 8 ins., and, as expressed by the inquirer, a range of lifts from 21 ins. to 271 ins. All working parts should be steel drop forgings. Information regarding this matter should be addressed. to "Jack," care of the Editor.
Tool Equipment Required in Kenya.
We have received from Whitton and Co., Lamu, Kenya Protectorate, a request that British makers of garage tools, appliances and equipment should send them copies of their latest price lists. The company is particularly interested in cylinder hones and reamers, ,valve cutters and re-seaters, bearing pullers and bush removers. It should be noted, however, that no electric power is at present available-.
Pressure Feeders for Lubricants in Demand.
An inquiry is to hand for low-pressure compressors for volume lubrication with heavy oil or light grease, after the style of the American Alemite type, which has a capacity of 28 lb. The compressor must be of British manufacture and its shape is immaterial. It would be essentially a container carrying on its cover a hand-operated pump which could deliver at a pressure up to 500 lb. per sq. in. The type to which we have actually referred supplies I} oz. at each stroke of the handle. Answers should be addressed to "Compressor," care of the Editor.
The C.M.U.A. Luncheon.
Amongst the principal guests at the annual luncheon of the Commercial Motor Users Association, which is to be held on March 9th at the Savoy Hotel, will be ILE. the French Ambassador, the Home Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Sir Herbert Samuel, G.C.B., G.B.E.,
and the Minister of Transport, Mr. P. J. Pybus, C.B.E., M.P. The chair will be occupied by Major-General S. S. Long, C.B., President of the Association.
A Useful Feeler Gauge.
Herbert Terry and Sons, Ltd., has just added to its many special lines a most compact and useful feeler gauge with five blades ranging from .003 in. to .020 in. It is what may he called a waistcoat gauge and costs only is.
A Powerful Press for Many Purposes.
The "Aycock Engineering Co., of Millhouses, Sheffield, has sent us a pamphlet describing the L.S.D. 60-ton hydraulic press. This tool consists of four presses in a unit; comprising a 3-ton rack-andpinion press, an 8-ton screw press and two hydraulic rams of respectively 25ton and 60-ton capacity.
The L.S.D. press should, therefore, meet all the requirements of a modern garage or repair depot. It occupies a floor space of 3 ft. by 4 ft. 9 ins, and costs 175 with a set of useful tools and fittings. The same concern is also responsible for a frictionless ball-race runner suitable for sliding doors.