NEWS of the WEEK
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REMOVING INCONSISTENCIES IN R.H.2 WE understand that the trades unions W and road transport organizations are, together, considering certain anomalies which have arisen in the application of the Road Haulage Wages Order R.H.2.
Particular attention is being devoted to the operation of that clause which compels the payment of increased wages to a driver who works into an area rated higher than that in which his home depot is situated. It is hoped that it will be found possible to diminish some of the complications and inconsistencies to which that clause has given rise, especially in relation to the carriage of agricultural produce. In this connection it should be observed that its operation will have a serious effect on the wages to be paid in connection with the transport of sugar beet if its provisions be strictly applied.
A.R.O. Ratifies West Midland Merger TaNational Council of Associated d Operators has now formally blessed the union of its West Midland Area and the corresponding division of the Commercial Motor Users Association by ratifying the terms of the agreement. Full details were 'given in our issue dated March 30. It may be recalled that they provide for unified offices and staff, with Mr. G. F. Goodwin as secretary. A " cabinet," formed of members of both organizations, is to act in any matter of national importance, but otherwise the two organizations are to continue to function as hitherto.
Further Encouragement for Oil from Coal?
ACCORDING to a statement by the Secretary for Mines, in connection with the production of oil from coal, in 1937 and 1938, respectively, 116,800 tons and 140,900 tons of motor spirit were produc&I by hydrogenation, and 3,300 tons and 4,300 tons by lowtemperature carbonization.
The quantities of creosote and heavy oils produced by the latter process were 7,800 tons in 1937 and 10,00 tons in 1938. Much of this was hydrogenated.
Mr. Lloyd said also that no commit
tee had been appointed to report on hydrogenation, and because little progress had been made in peace time in developing low-temperature processes, in spite of preferential treatment, there was need to consider whether further measures should be adopted.
French Concern Wants Commercial-vehicle Agency
AMCON in France, which has
hitherto been representing an American maker of commercial vehicles, wishes to get into touch with British makers, with a view to the sales of their vehicles in France.' The particulars sent should include the price in French francs at the port of delivery.
The company in question is Societe Industrielle pour l'Aeronautique, 14. Rue Basly, Asnieres, France.
POST-WAR LARGE.SCALE ROAD CONSTRUCTION
IT has for some time been the opinion lin road-transport and other circles that one of the Government's schemes for preventing a post-war slump in the labour market would be to institute road construction and improvement on a big scale. The Ministry of Transport has confirmed this view, having announced this week that a big progranarte of road building would be started immediately the war ends. Many projects were approved before the war, and no doubt otherip will follow.
Dennis Interim Dividend
AN interim dividend, payable on May 18, of 33/ per cent, on the ordinary shares has been declared by Dennis Bros., Ltd., Guildford.
Albion's Profit in 1939
THE report of Albion Motors, Ltd., for 1939, shows a profit of £174,561, after making provision for depreciation and other charges and profit earned by subsidiary company. The reserve fund receives £60,000 and a dividend of 12-f per cent, per annum (less tax), which will absorb £62,175, is to be paid on the ordinary shares. The amount to be carried forward is £55,520, compared with £76,166 brought in.
Statutory Wage Scales: Present Position
Central Wages Board, at a 'T'HE cent meeting, confirmed the increases of 5s., 45. and Ss. per week to the statutory wage scales in Grade I. 2 and 3 areas as set out in R.H.2. The increases are to be regarded as wartime increases in those rates of wages. The addition of half those amounts to the wages of youths, in the corresponding grades, was also confirmed.
The proposal is now in the hands of the Minister, in accordance with the procedure laid down in The Road Haulage Wages Act, and it may be anticipated that he will shortly make a confirming Order. It is understood that no farther demands are to he made for modifications to come into force before October of this year. PREPARING FOR THE AFTER. THE-WAR POSITION
T"prospect that after the war the Government will have large quantities of vehicles and other transport equipment for disposal, was discussed by the Bradford Section of the Motor Agent's Association, last week. It was decided to ask the Yorkshire Divisional Committee to recommend the Association to take steps with a view to ensuring that after the war the motor trade will be able to purchase a fair share of these vehicles and other surplus goods in which it will be interested.
In the discussion, members recalled that after the last war the trade had a " raw deal " in respect of the disposal of surplus equipment by the Government. Although the present war might be far from its end, it was felt That the M.A.A. should take measures now with the object of preventing a recurrence of that position.
A..F.S_ Wants Higher Wages
lUEMBERS of the Auxiliary Fire .11f1 Service are petitioning Glasgow Corporation for an increase in wages. They are paid £2 18s. fkl. in accordance with the Home Office scale, but contend that advances are overdue. The Home Office has recently sanctioned increases for senior officers with responsible positions at the A.F.S. stations. The Home Office, however, has refused to pay extra to chief wardens and deputy chief wardens, who are being paid a flat rate of £3 a week, the same as other wardens.
No Further Diversion of Traffic ?
THROUGH its National Council, I Associated Road Operators has asked the national director, Mr. Roger W. Sewill, to take up with the Minister of Transport the question of diversion of traffic from road to rail. He is to suggest that there shall be no further diversions unless circumstances, which cannot now be foreseen, make it imperative. There is, it is claimed, reasonable ground for such a request, in view of the Minister's statement to the effect that stability has been reached in respect of the amount of fuel available for goods road transport.
As a further point in favour of this suggestion it is to be noted that the Transport Advisory Council's Committee is now sitting to consider the co-ordination of all forms of transport in wartime. It is therefore desirable, in the national interest, at least pending the outcome of the deliberations of the committee, to preserve the status 'qua.
Furniture Removal Rates Raised
THE Bradford section of the York' shire Furniture Removers' Association has made increases in its schedule of rates for local hopsehold and office removal in the Bradford district, in view of higher costs. Increases of 2s. per hour have raised the principal time rates to the following amounts:— Motor pantechnicon van (not exceeding 30 cwt. or 400 cubic ft. capacity), with two men, 9s. per hour; motor pantechnicon van (exceeding 30 cwt. or 400 cubic ft, capacity), with two men, Ils, per hour. "'he charge of 2s. per hour for each additional man in excess of two remains unchanged, as also does the minimum contract price
£3.
When the section recently considered the rates position it was decided not to make a change in the schedule of mileage rates for removals, other than those of a local character. It was remarked that the volume of this class of removals work by road was being reduced to a large extent by petrol rationing.
Used Fords for France
A FRENCH concern, Leroux Freres, t48, Rue Gaulthier de Rumilly, Amiens, France, wishes to purchase heaply in this country Fordson four or eight-cylinder lorries.
GROWING DISSATISFACTION WITH WAGES SITUATION
IN addition to the action of the I, employers' representatives in resigning from the Yorkshire Area Road Haulage Wages Board, three other Area Board employers' panels have refused to attend Area Board meetings in their respective areas because of dissatisfaction with events in connection with the recent application for an increase in 'wages. .
This was reported at a meeting of the Federation of Yorkshire Road Transport Employers, in Leeds, last week. It was also stated that the United Road Workers Association was understood to disapprove the short-circuiting of the procedure for wages negotiations, which is laid down in the Road Haulage Wages Act.
Personal Pars
MR. A. C. MORRISON has recently joined the Brush Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd., as chief research engineer. At the moment, he is largely concentrating his activities on the BrushKoela producer-gas plant. Although be disposed of his interest in the MorrisonElectric commercial vehicle some time ago, he did not sever his connection with that company until a short while before taking up his new post. Mr. Morrison was investigating producergas before the end of the 1914-18 war and is, therefore, well-equipped to put his hand to the wheel in the development of the Brush-Koda plant.
MR. M. CROSLAND. a Dewsbury solicitor, has been appointed secretary of the Heavy Woollen District Transport Association.
MR. A. J. GRAINGER has been appointed sales manager, engineering division, of British Timken, Ltd.: prior to which he was the company's London sales representative.
MR. T. W. JAUNCEY, who left the services of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., in December, 1928, to take up a position of sales representative with the Griffin Engineering Co., Ltd„ of Johannesburg, has now terminated his services with that company and has rejoined A.E.C. as its direct sales representative in South Africa.
MR. A. E. CARROLL has recently been appointed sales manager of Airwork Engine Service, Ltd., Heston Airport, Hounslow, London. He had previously acted on its staff as special representative. His association with the motor trade covers a period of some 28 years, the greater part of which has been spent amongst commercial-vehicle users.
MR. FREDERICK J. WOLFE, chairman of the Anglo-American Oil Co., Ltd., and a member of the Petroleum Board, announces his intention of retiring an account of ill-health. Born in Brantford, Ontario, Mr. Wolfe was for some years vice-president of the Imperial Oil Co. of Canada before coming to this country in 1931. He has been actively engaged in the oil business for 38 years, and has been responsible for some most important developments in the marketing and clistributinv of petrol and oil.
" CANTEEN-AMBULANCES " FOR THE SALVATION ARMY
LAST week, at Buckingham Palace, Their Majesties the King and Queen inspected four new mobile canteens, the first of a fleet of similar vehicles which are to be provided and operated by the Salvation Army for service with the British Expeditionary Force. General George L. Carpenter, the head of the Salvation Army in this country, explained the design and uses of the new vehicles.
The canteens, which have been supplied by the Ford Motor Co., Ltd., are of special interest, as they are designed to be used also as ambulances, if required. The spacious bodies are mounted on Thames 25-cwt. chassis, and two steel stretcher-carriers are fitted on the near side. When the vehicles are used as mobile canteens, the stretcher-carriers fold entirely out of the way, leaving the space clear for the serving staff. The remainder of the interior is devoted to stock bins, shelves and trays, stands for urns, a washingup sink, etc., whilst a counter is fitted at the rear of the vehicle. A storage tank for water is mounted over the driver's compartment. All the vehicles are equipped with radio.
Layrub Replacement Distributor WE are advised that the Laycock VV Engineering Co., Ltd., Victoria Works, Millhouses, Sheffield, has appointed Edmunds, Walker and Co., Ltd., 46, Foley Street, London, W.1, sole replacement distributor for the Layrub universal joint. Comprehensive stocks will be carried at each of the company's 18 branches located in the principal towns of Great Britain.
New Perils Facing the Industry?
WARNINGS of new perils that the road-transport industry is facing were given by Mr. E. F. Topham at last Saturday's dinner of the Amalgamated Horse and Motor Owners' Association and the C.M.U.A. (Southeast Lancashire Area), a function which was arranged in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the A.H. and M.O.A.
Another wave of impressment was a possibility arising out of recent developments, said Mr. Topham. Before the war ended the carrier, along with other traders, would be fighting for his existence. Vehicles had been impressed without anything like the true value being paid; owners had to accept what was offered, for if they fought they had to pay their own costs. He urged the absolute necessity of welding all associations into one at the earliest possible moment.
Mr. W. Patton (President of the A.H.
and and chairman of the C.M.U.A. South-east Lancashire Area) said that good men were entitled to a fair wage, and although they might not agree with all the present regulations, better rates should make better wages possible. Wages were vitally important, for road transport employed more labour than all the railways put together. Road transport, said Mr. Patton, was fortunate in its technical Press, which gave the industry outspoken leadership.
More A.R.O. Sub-area Meetings
THE annual meeting of the Eastern (Metropolitan) Sub-area of A.R.O. will be held on April 25 at " The Green Man," Plashet Grove, East Ham, London, E.6, at 7.30 p.m.
The annual meeting of the North London Sub-area (Metropolitan) will be held on April 29, at the Angel Hotel, Edmonton, at 7.30 p.m. At each of these meetings the yearly election of the sub-area sectional boards will take place, and the chairman of the Association, Lt.-Com. J. Havers, will address the meetings.
Wandsworth Bridge—Reopening in August
THE Minister of Transport 'said in Parliament last week that he expected the new Wandsworth Bridge would be opened in August. All the property necessary for widening the southern approach to 60 ft. had been acquired.
Experience with Gas Producers to be Discussed
AN informal discussion on operating experience with gas producers will be held when the internal-combustionengine group of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers meets at Storey's Gate, St. James's Park, London, on May 3.
WEIGHT REGULATIONS MODIFIED FOR GAS EQUIPMENT
CONCESSIONS concerning vehicle ...weights where coal gas or producer gas is utilized are contained in the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Provisional Regulations, 1940.
In the case of a trailer drawn by tractor, heavy motorcar or motorcar propelled by gas, the laden weight of the trailer and the drawing vehicle may, if pneumatics be fitted all round, equal but not exceed 23 tons. Similarly, the sum of the weights of all the wheels of a vehicle must not exceed, where there are four wheels, 12i tons ; more than four wheels but not more than six wheels, 20 tons ; more than six wheels, 23 tons ; and the weight transmitted by any two wheels in line transversely may uot exceed Si tons.
With semi-trailers, the limit is also Si tons where pneumatics are fitted, and the total weight of the articulated vehicle does not exceed 20 tons.
Similarly, with track-laying vehicles, vehicle and trailer together, laden, must not exceed 23 tons, and for the vehicle alone Si tons for any two wheels in line transversely where there are only two wheels ; and where there are more than two wheels 81 tons, whilst the sum of the weights transmitted by all i he wheels and tracks must not exceed 23 tons.
" Smalls " Carriers in the West fiEETINGS of members of the IV1National Conference of Express Carriers were recently held in Bristol and Plymouth, when Mr. C. S: Dunbar, national chairman, reviewed the activities of the Conference since the outbreak of war. Periodical meetings will be arranged at both places, and possibly at Exeter, and any " smalls" carrier in the Western Area who is interested in the work of the Conference is invited to communicate with the general secretary, Kelvin House, 5-7, Lower Belgrave Street, London, S.W.1.
Date of Glasgow's Transport Pageant
AUGUST 17 has been fixed as the date of the transport pageant to be held in Glasgow in aid of the City of Glasgow Central War Relief Fund. Road-transport employers' organizations and the men's unions are combining in the effort, and they hope to raise several thousand pounds. Part of the proceeds will be used for comforts for the Royal Army Service Corps.
EXTRA FUEL TO BE SUPPLIED FOR SUMMER COACHES
REPLYING to a question from Mr. Temple Morris, Capt. Wallace said, in the House of Commons last week, that, provided the present fuel position remained unchanged, additional liquid fuel would be available to operators of public service vehicles during the summer months to allow a reasonable proportion of their normal seasonal traffic.
Non-stop L.P.T.B. Buses?
ikQUESTION was asked in " The House " last week about bus drivers in London not stopping to pick up passengers although the veiiicles were not full. Mr. Silkin raised the matter. Capt. Wallace informed him in reply that London Transport had instructed all drivers that buses must be brought to rest at all " compulsory " stops, and, if passengers were waiting. at all " request " stops.
Well-tried Range of Trailer Fire-fighters
TRAILER fire pumps produced by 1. Coventry Climax Engines, Ltd., Friars, Road, Coventry, under the name of Codiva, have won the approval of fire authorities in many parts of the world, and this is not surprising when it is remembered that the company has specialized for 36 years in the construction of engines of all types. It builds trailer pumps, ranging from the 120-220 g.p.m. model to the 700 g.p.m. unit, that which we illustrate herewith being of intermediate size, rated at 500 g.p.m. Each machine has a four-cylindered, watercooled side-valve engine, with magneto ignition, and a single-stage centrifugal pump.
The trailers for the above types have ample hose accommodation and equipment boxes. They are pneumatic tyred and have combined overrun and hand-brake mechanism.
The company claims to be the first maker to produce trailer fire-fighters, incorporating the inter-water cooling system, exhaust ejector priming and the wheelbarrow type of chassis as used
in the smallest model. An idea of the efficiency of its products can be gauged from the fact that 6,000 trailer fireengines have been supplied to Home Office requirements.
Sugar-beet Crop and Haulage Requirements
IT seems that anticipations of a considerable increase in the sugar-beet crop this year are not likely to be realized. Work is behind, because of the inclemency of the weather during the winter, and, although it might be possible to make up for lost time by sowing now, the uncertainty about labour is preventing farmers from expanding the acreage under beet to the extent they might otherwise have done. In some districts the factory officials arc urging farmers to add to the area which they have contracted to sow.
At Bardney, it is expected that the acreage sown will be slightly less than that of last year, and that the supplies to the factory will come from a considerably larger number of growers, thus making for some increase in haulage requirements.
At the factory at Aliscott, the pump capacity has been increased, and it is anticipated that, as the result, the conditions of delivery into the factory by road will be improved, P.S.V. REGULATIONS ENCOURAGING ALTERNATIVE FUELS BY the Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness) (Amendment) Provisional Regulations, 1940, singledeckers, where adapted for the carriage of flexible gas containers not exceeding 150 lb. in weight and containing gas at not over 1 It). per sq. in., may be increased in height to 15 ft., if the increase above 10 ft. 6 ins, be due solely to the adaptation.
With four wheels, the maximum weight must not exceed 9 tons for a single-decker, or 11 tons for a doubledecker; where there are more than four wheels, the maximum must not exceed 13 tons. The weight transmitted by any two wheels in line transversely must not exceed 6f tons for a single-decker or 7f tons for a double-decker.
Where, however, gas containers are fitted, each of the above mentioned weights may be increased by 15 cwt.
The weight transmitted to the road surface must be taken as that with the vehicle fully equipped for service and laden with 140 lb. for each person, including driver and conductor, placed in the correct relative positions.
Converting Private Cars for
Ambulance Uses
QNE of those concerns which has played a valuable part in providing essential equipment for Home Defence purposes is Reading and Co., Ltd., London Road, Portsmouth. This concern has converted a large number of private cars for ambulance uses and its system is the subject of a patent. The method employed is to retain the forward portion, which forms the driver's cab, and to replace the rear section of the car body by a well-built stretcher compartment,
There is nothing suggestive of makeshift about the conversion, which is clearly the work of a concern which understands not only the art of straightforward bodybuilding, but also the problems of strength, finish, equipment and general construction associated with jobs adapted to meet special needs. Apart from its serviceability, the method is also economical.