WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheel 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'—dohn Beattie Crosier.
Heavy Fuel Carburetters.
One of the most interesting -announcements made at the annual luncheon of the Commercial Motor Users Association last Wednesday was by the chairman to the effect that the Royal Automobile Club has agreed to promote, in the autumn or winter, an open competition for carburetters and devices adapted to use (a) power alcohol mixtures, and (b) paraffin arid other heavy hydrocarbons. Roughly. lit is intended to divide the competition under the following heads:—
LaDevicesor fittings requiring (a) petrol, (b) external heat for etarting.
2. Devices or gfittings not requiring such auxiliaries.
Such a competition will be of undoubted value to the whole of the commercial motor and motor transport industries.
The International Trade Fair.
The International Trade Fair, organized by the Town Council of Cologne, is to he held on September 20th, 1220, and thereafter in the spring and autumn of each year. The erbject of the fair is to encourage the importation of raw material into Germany from overseas, Masson, Seeley and Co., Ltd., 121, Victoria Street, Landon, S.W.1, have been invited by the Town Council to co-operate with them in the in.atter, and they in their turn will be aided by the Universal Exhibitions in getting together thoroughly representative exhibits from Great Britain.
As Cologne is at the moment the metropolis of British occupied territory in Germany, this. important exhibition should go far towards rivalling Leipzig, and as the section is being controlled entirely by a. British concern, it is hoped that better conditions will be Obtained than could be secured under German management at Leipzig.
Poland Tractor Trials.
An exhibition for agricultural. machinery will he held at Lemberg, Poland. between June • 1st . and 25th. TrTals for motor -plotigha and tractors will he held at the sametime in the
vicinity of Tarnopol. Full particulars can be obtained from Koinitet Wystawy Rohnieeej, Rue Chmielna, at Warsaw.
Clayton Report:
The nineteenth annual report of Clayton and Shuttlewerth, Ltd., of Lincoln, just iseared, shows a net profit for the year of 277,716, to which is added 229,281 brought forward from the previous -year, making a total profit of 2106,097,. less interim and final dividends on the 5 per cent, preference shares of 217,500, leaving a balance of 289,497, out of which the.directors have declared a dividend on the email-Lary shares at this rate of 8..per.cent. for the -year (subject to tax), amounting to 236,000, leaving 253,407 to be carried forward.
In the report the director* state that " the whole of the foreign debts and inestments affected by the war, and amounting to a gross sum of 2520,219i
c28 have been now provided for fully, and in consequence there,. will be no further charge on future profits an this account. It is anticipated that considerable sums may be realized ultimately from these foreign outstandings, but, having regard to the unsettled conditions abroad, it is deemed advisable to write off the whale amount."
The 1920 Tractor Trials.
The S.M.M. and T. have issued a list of the entrants for the tractor trials which are to be held during the first week in October under the auspiees of the R.A.S.E. ancL,the S.M.M. and T, but owing to its length and, to the fact that we are this weak pressed for space, we have decided to delay the inclusion of their names until the next issue.
New Clayton Company.
Clayton Motors, Ltd., were registered on April 8th a,s a private company, with a capital of 21,000,000 in .21 shares (450,000"original preferred") to take over as a going concern the branch businesses of Clayton and Shuttlewortli, Ltd., relating to the manufacture of steam wagons, forgings, drop fargings, etc. The first directors are: P. W. Robson, A. G. Foster, F. R. Lane, Cl. Robson, and C. P. Blacklock.
Thornycroft Dividends.
The directors of Jelin I. Thornyeroft and Co.; Ltd., have decided that the following interim dividends In respect of the half-year ending January 31st, shall be paid on or about the ,8th Of this month, less tax at as. in the pound :— 6 per cent citin.ulativis preference shares 3 percent. ; participating Preferred ordinary shares, 5d. per share; and ordinary shares 1s. per share. By the terms of the issue of the participating preferred ordinary ehare, they are entitled to dividend as from the date of payment of the instalments on the shares...
A Cable Ploughing; Inquiry.
A report has been received in the Department of Oversees, Trade from Ili*: Majesty's Trade Commissioner .at Bombay transanittinge a request from the Conservator of Forests, Naini Tal, United Provinces, to be placed, into carren.uniese (ion with l3ritish concerns, manufacturing steam agricultural traction engines for cable ploughing and cultivation, together with the necessary implements. It is proposed to break up considerable areas of heavy grass land in the United. Provinces preparatory to afforestation. For the present only One outfit is required, but it is stated that if the experiment proves successful' the, work will be very largely extended. Those manufacturers interested should communicate with the Conservator of ForeSts at the address given above.
We had intended, in this issue, to give a fully-illustrated amount of the road motor service of the Great Western Railway, but, owing to extreme pros-. sure of space, this has had to be deferred until ' next issue.
Trade With India.
In accordance with the practice. that has been established for his Majesty's overseas officers when in this country to visit various industrial areas in order that manufacturers and merchants .may have the opportunity of consulting them on any matters connected with their,. business or of obtaining information as to the possibilities of extending their overseas trade, it has been arranged for Mr. T. Trl. Ainscough, 0.B,E., his Majesty's Senior Trade Commissioner in India, to undertake a tour of certain areas.
Mr. Ainecough, who .has recently arrived in this countrty, will commence his tour in London on Monday, May 3rd. It is proposed that visits ehall be paid to other centres in the United Kingdom in due course. Mr. Ainecough will he pleased to meet manufacturers and. merchants who wish to consult him in regeed to steps to be taken for opening up trade with India, and who are desirous of obtaining advice and information as to the state of trade in that country.
Those concerns desirous of arranging a meeting with 'Mr. Ainscough should communicate without delay with the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen. Street, London, S.W.1.
New Transport Schemes.
Over 200 transport schemes for rural development have been prepared for the consideration of the Minister of Transport, hat very few are likely to materialize. Moat of the schemes have been .suggested by local authorities as being desirable to link up villages. The fact that most of them will remain schemes is suggested in a 'report of the Essex County Council, which suggested several light railways,, and, hearing nothing more, sent a deputation to the Transport. • Ministry. The deputation saw Sir Chas_ Bartolorne, who said that 200 schemes bad beenasubmitted (ffioetly by agricultural committees) to the Board of Agricultureand mentianed that only a small number of these.st‘Lemes could -be recommended for a Treasury grant. Schemes must first be supported by the Board of . Agriculture before being, recommended by the Transport Alinistry. for 's. grant
The Leech; and Wiatefield. Brewery Co. have•placed.a. repeat order for eiglkt Earner lorries.
• Owing to extreme pressure .on our space, we have unfortunately been compelled to bold over certain regular features of The Commercial gotor, in particular, '" Agtimotor Notes," .aml the page of comments by our contributor "The Inspector." " The chief marshal of the . recent C.M.U.A. Parade, Mr. A. -Whalesby Windsor, asks ut to acknowledge through our columns the' couilesy of ArmetrongSiddeley, Ltd., and also of Gagons, Ltd., whe respectively placed at his disposal for the period a Siddeley landaulet and a Citroen light car, both of which, he informe us, rendered yeoman service both before and during the Parade.
American Petroleum Industry.
Statistics of the petroleum industry in the United States, collected and compiled by the Bureau of Mines, show that at, the close of 1919 there were 292 refineries in operation with a daily capacity of 1,356,356 barrels of crude oil. Comparison with the years 1917 and 1918 shows 245 and 267 refineries respectively, with a daily capacity of 1,157,875 barrels and 1,226,175 barrels.
In 1919 Geological Survey reports production ofpetroleum as 377,719,000 barrels, whilst the Bureau of Foreign. and Domestic Commerce reports oil imports of 62,746,567 barrels, making a total of 430,465,567, or a daily average of 1,179,358 barrels. Comparison with daily capacity of refineries operating on December 31st, 1919, -indicates surplus capacity of 177,007 barrels per day. If all completed and building refineries as shown by the census of January 1st are operating in August, 1920, tho potential surplus capacity over the eupply of petroleum will be 614,707 barrels daily.
Petrol production in 1919 showed an increase of 10 per cent. over 1918 pro-.
• duction. Production of kerosene incrossed 28 per cent. Gas and fuel oil production increased 4 per cent.
Petrol stocks daring 1919 increased from 297,326,983 gallons to 446,793,431 gallons. Exports declined about 190,000,000 gallons during the year, while domestic consumption increased 309,000,000 gallons. Kerosene exports, on the other hand, showed an increase of 480,000,000 gallons, and home consumption declined 50,000,000 gallons.
Repairing Scored Cylinders.
The introduction by the New Welding Co., 26, Rosebcry Avenue, E.G., some weeks ago, of a new process for repairing scored cylinders attracted, as might have been expected, considerable interest. It is, therefore, gratifying to know that motor users have not been slow to avail themselves of this new resource. A record in a few weeks of thousands of cylinders successfully treated, without a single failure, or even partial failure, shows that the claims made for this process were amply justified. It has been sub lected to long and arduous practical tests, and there seems to be no question as to its technical soundness and its re liability in service. Its application is not by any means confined to motor vehicles. It has proved equally efficiient in large power units, whether internal combustion or steam, air compressors and pumping plants.
Fire-engine Wanted.
The Dalten-in-Furness U.D.C. are in the market for tenders for the oupply of a motor fire-engine complete with firstaid outfit and escape. Sealed tenders addressed to the Town Surveyor, Dalton-inFurness, must be received by April 22nd,
Chances in Chili.
The use of commercial vehicles is beginning to expand in Chili. During 1918 Chili imported 300 vans and lorries, in 1919 the figures reached norly 400. The 3-4 ton vehicles seem to be mostly in demand, and on this account British manufacturers should be able to secure a good portion of the market.
No 1920 Australian Show.
A message from Melbourne states that as a result of a conference between representatives of the Royal Automobile Club, motorcar importers and allied traders, it has been decided to postpone the holding of the motor exhibition in Melbourne until British post-war models are obtainable. It is considered that with a full representation of 13titish and Continental makes the show will have a far greater educational value than would each an exhibition this year.
Motorbus Terms.
At a conference between the Rotherham Corporation and representatives of the Rotherham Rural District Committee and the parish councils of Thur. croft, Laughton, and Dinnington, with regard to the running of motorbuses, the following arrangement -was agreed upon :— "The Corporation to be allowed to run, at its own risk, buses for a period of not more than one year, in consideration of the payment by the Corporation to the Rural District Council of the sum of £140 plus d. per bus mile."
Do You Want to Export to Canada ?
The Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, S.W., have received a letter from a company in British Columbia, asking to be put into touch with United Kingdom manufacturers of motor lorries and touring cars, with a view to importing these vehicles into Canada. They further state that, should the replies to this inquiry be satisfactory, the general manager of the company is prepared to make a trip to this country in order to make definite arrangements to import a large number of motor vehicles. The types of lorries required should be –of 14 tons, % tons, 3i tons, and 5 tons capacity.
Housing Leyland Employees.
Progress is being made by Leyland Motors, Ltd., in their efforts to relieve the housing situation in Leyland. This problem 'has proved to be one of considerable magnitude in view of the steadily-increasing number of the company's employees. The company has acquired an estate in the Leyland district covering an area of about 29 acres, upon which it is proposed to erect 273 houses with four hostels. Each of the latter will accommodate over 30 persons. This area is inclusive of a proposed shopping centre, school site, etc. Extensive plans are also in hand to promote recreation of all kinds.
The sites on the estate will be let by the firm on a ground rent to tenant-purchasers at a price which will bring in a return of 6 per cent, per annum an the outlay, the lease being a 500-year one. It, has been decided, however, that Ley land employees occupying these houses shall only pay a nominal rent of 5s. per .annum; that is to say, that the land will be leased practically free of cost to the company's employees. The construction of the 6teo1 and concrete houses is being pushed forward rapidly.
The accessory business of Messrs. Ripaults, which has been carried on at 64, Poland Street, W., has now been entirely transferred to the company's head office and works at 1, King's Read, St Pancras, N.W.
Liverpool Haulage.
The committee of the Liverpool Haulage Contractors' Association is actively engaged in preparing the rides and constitution of the new body, and is negotiating for affiliation to one of the national motor users' organizations. A general meeting is to be held shortly. Mr. F. A. Cawson, who took the initiative in the formation of the association, has been elected president, Mr. C. C. Morton vice-president, and Mr. J. Foley honorary treasurer, subject to the approval of the next general meeting.
In an interview with a representative of this journal Mr. Cawson stated that the committee of the association contends that no other association is able to fix haulage rates, because they have
not got the necessary data. •
'We are hoping," lie said, "to fix rates which will be satisfactory to every contractor. We have data bearing on all different points connected with the trade, and hope tosupply this to all members when they need it.
Asked his opinion on the new minimum rates for the Liverpool Motor Haulage Clearing House, Mr. Cawson stated that, taking them on the whole, be considered them very fair.
1921 Agricultural Trials.
With the full approval of the Lincoln, Geineborough, and Newark Employers' Association, the Lincoln City Council decided to invite. the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society to hold its 1921 show in Lincoln. Councillor W. Baker intimated that a cordial reply in the affirmative would be received.
Private-hire Motorbuses.
In view of the fact that their warshortened fleet is now regaining something like its pre-war strength, the L.G.O. Co. state that they are in a position to accept a limited number of orders for privite-hire motorbuses for parties visiting races, theatres, or the country around London. The motorbuses which may be chartered have the usual seating accommodation—for 34 all told. The LG.°. Co. hope to be able to cater for smaller parties by means of specially-appointed chars-abanes seating 28 persons, and early delivery of a number of these new vehicles will shortly be made.
The charges for the vehicles naturally depend to some extent upon the itinerary, and quotations for inclusive prices may be obtained by intending hirers on application to the Passenger Agent, Private-hire Department, Electric Railway House, Westminster, S.W. 1.
A Point Worth Knowing.
Motor and Steam Wagon Repairers, Ltd., of Bootle, succeeded in their contention before the Industrial Court that the application of their men in the National Amalgamated Union of Labour for increases were not provided for in the recent engineering trades award. The Court found that the prescribed rate for the class of men concerned. was that applicable to tradesmen's labourers in the engineering trades in the Liverpool district on November 11, 1918, plus an advance awarded by the Committee of Production.
The company concerned were not parties to the subsequent awards granting increases to the engineering trades. In consequence of this, and in view of no award having been extended under the Order of the Ministry of Labour, the Court decided there were no f!oub.stitutaci rates for the men.
Motorbuses for Northampton.
At a meeting of the Northampton Corporation .Tramways Committee the manager eubmitted quotations from various motor manufacturing concerns for the supply of motorbuses. The committee, however, was unable to come GO a, definite conclusion as to the number and type of vehicles required to meet the needs of the public in the outlying areas,and inasmuch as the Corporation has no power to run Motor-omnibuses, it was, however, decided to ask the corn mittee to Lake steps as speedily as pos sible to acquire the Parliamentary powers necessary.
Bus v. Tram Costs.
The running costs -of the Liverpool motorbuses are 2s. 3d. per mile, compared with is. 9d. for trains, the difference in spating capacity being 34 and 70 respectively. The buses are at present 'being run at a loss, taking all the services together. Several of the routes pay fairly well, one is profitable during the rush hours of the day, but not at other times, whilst another service, which does not pay at all, is on a further month's trial.
It had been proposed that the fares be revised and increased to 2d. per mile, with a minimum fare of 2d. but the general manager is to repori on the question of a general revision of fares. An express service of buses is now being run, with a, minimum fare of 2d., for long-distance passengers, as it had been found that short-distance passengers crowded them out. It has been suggested that -stopping places on motoromnibus routes be indicated by signposts, and where such routes follow the tramway route the stopping places be the same as those for the trams. •
According to the fortnightly returns of the Corporation, dated March 13th, the buses travelled 26,107 miles, carried 218,607 passengers, who paid £1,528. This works out at is. 2d.. per mile, compared with the tramways
is. 9d.
Insurance Rebate.
Most commercial vehicles nowadays carry as part of their standard equipment a fire extinguisher, and to those users who have not already equipped their vehicleswith such an accessory we would suggest that they do so without delay. The Pyrene fire. extinguisher is One of the most popular for this piapose, and its knell size makes it very . handy for use on most types of commercial vehicles.
The Excess Insurance Co., Ltd., 1, Royal Exchange, have. now issued g policy granting a 20 per .cent, rebate to all motor vehicles equipped with the Pyrene fire extinguisher. These policies are available through Lloyd's brokers.
Indian Transport.
The Indian 'Transport Co. has been floated at Bombay with a capital of 25 laklis for the purpose of replacing bullock transport in the environs of Bombay, by motor transport, and a start is to be made with 20 petrol lorries. The company intend to experiment also with electrically-driven lorries, and an expert is expected from America to supervise these trials. If the results of the experiments, so far as electric vehicles are concerned, are satisfactory, the company will develop this breach instead of increasing the number of petrol vehicles.
Farmers and Bus Traffic.
Mr. F. S. Cowles, of Westbury-onSevern, drew the attention of members at a recent meeting of the local branch of the Farmers Union to the greatly increased prospective rates for road maintenance occasioned by the extraordinary new heavy traffic on the main roads. Ho remarked that a few days previous the
Rristol Tramways Coe, Ltd., had established a system for carrying passengers and parcels between Gloucester and Cinderford, Dean Forest, some 20 miles each way, and Motorbuses were runniag from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
He pointed out that this increased traffic meant damage to the roads, and his own view of the matter was that the
vehicles should le taxed. It was resolved to send a letterto the local U.D.C. asking them tomake representation to the Highways Committee of the Gloucestershire C.C. in support of this view.
He, however, apparently overlooked the fact that benefits are unquestionably derived by each of the districts served by the organization of an efficient service of passenger and goods-carrying vehicles,
Model Motorbus Clauses.
A report of the Sheffield Corporation states that the Ministry of Transport has prepared model abuses, which, it suggests, should be inserted in Bills in which loeal-aethorities are applying for powers to run motor omnibuses on roads outside their own disthebs.
The principal provision in these clauses is that the local authority ehall pay to the road authority an annual contribution in respect of the use of the road at a sum to be agreed between the parties, or, failing agreement, settled by the Ministry of Transport, and that the local authority running the motor • omnibuses shall.alee in Proper cases Pay such a sum for the reconatruction of the road so as to fit them for motor omnibus traffic as may be agreed, or, failing agreement, may be settled by the Ministry of Transport.
Sir H. Maybary, representing the Ministry of Transport, has stated in one case that he thinks the charge for the use of the road should not exceed lad. per bus mile, and that for the eeeon= struction of the road a sum not exceeding £750 per mile should be paid. Under the Sheffield Corporation s existing powers the payment per bus mile is and in no ease has any contribution beets made towards thp cost of road con etruction. '
Sunday Char-a-bancs Services.
At the monthly meeting of the Bridlington R.D.C. a letter was read from a. ,company of motor char--banes proprietors-in Hull regretting that at a previous
meeting of the council it had been decided to restrict the running of motor char-a-bencs through the disVict of the council on Sundays. The operating company pointed out that Sunday was their best day, and that Sunday trips are very popular, and they asked that the decision of the council should be reconsidered. The unfairness of the decision appears to be reached by the fact that some proprietors are allowed to operate on Sundays, whilst the activities of others are restricted td week days Only. It appears' that the resolution passed a -week ago refusing to allow chars-a-baaes to run Out Sundays -cannot be rescinded for six months. The only course that applicants have in oases of this sort is to appeal to
the Ministry of Health. The council are imposing a charge of 2d. per mile on char-a-banes proprietors as well as restricting their operatiens.
id. per Mile for. Road Wear.
The Chertsey R.c. is demanding a payment of lel. per mile for the wear of-the roads from the British Automobile Traction 06., Ltda. which recently,instituted a service of buses from Windsor to Staines. Surrey County autherities are atso endeavouring to seeure id. per mile run on the main roads.
The International Motor Trucle Co. has declared a dividend of 100 per cent. on the common shares.
Local Proceedings.
Barrow-in-Farneas T.C. is to purchase a tower wagon chassis for £200.
Lancaster Tramways Committee is to order two new electric omnibuses.
Marylebone Council has purchased a vehicle for the electricity departnient for £370.
Manchester Corporation -Waterworks Committee has purchased a 4-ton Dainiler motor lorry.
A four-ton motor chassis is to be pure chased. by Scarborough Corporation Streets Su b-C ornanitte e.
The Watch Committee of Nottingham is recommending the purchase of a new motor fire-engine.
Belfast Guardians have accepted the tender of Chambers Motors, Ltd., Belfast, at £850 for a motor ambulance. Rotherham Corporation Tramways Committee has decided to increas6 fares on the petrol and trolley omaibuses. Wolverhampton Corpotation Tram Committee recommends the purchase of three 3k-ton Orwell electric vehicles. Consideration is being given to the purchase of a motor fire-engine at an estimated east of £1,650 by Fareham U.D.C.
Consideration is to be given by Rica (Mon.) U.D.C. for the provision of a fire-engine and accessories at a cost of £2,500.
:Manchester Corporation Watch Com, mittee has accepted the tender of Crossley Bros., Ltd., Manchester, for the supply. of a motor ambulance.
The purchase of a. motor fire-escape and motor lorry at e cost of £4,000 is recommended by Edinburgh Corporation Plane and Works Committee.
Walthametow. Council's High ways Committee recommends the purchase of three 5-ton," one Zs-ton, and one 1-ton second-hand motor lorries.
Northampton Tramways Committee has empowered the manager to purchase a second-hand chassis for the tower wagon at a cost of about £550. Manchester Corporation tlectric Committee racommends the acceptance of an offer by Electromobile (Leeds), Ltd., for the supply of a 15 cwt. electric van.
Anthority has been given to the Weak-% Committee by Tunbridge Wells T.G. for the purchase of a 34-ton endtipping mechanical steam tractors, at a cost of £1,350.
The Cleansing Committee of -Rotherham Corporation recommends acceptance of the tender Of Moesay and Co., Ltd., for the suppleof two Orwell electric vehicles at. £1",340 each.
The W-atch Committee of *Newcastleon-Tyne reaomniead the Corporation to purchase a petrol electric_ wagon, a petrol-electric lire-engine and. pump, etc., at, 0. total cost of £7,646.
A street-elearesing machine to cost £1,500 is to be purehesecl by Nine T.C. ; further, a. sub-committee has been appointed. to report on. the suggested purchase of twoemotoe vehicles for the Health Department., and a. new motor fire-engine.
leqiihies are to be held by the Ministry of Health as to (1) application by Exeter Corporation for sanction to borrow £7,154 far the purchase of three electric) vehicles, etc. and (2) application by Exmouth U.D.C. for sanction to borrow £1,400 for the purchase of a Foden steam wagon.