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A friend of mine suggests that the petrol-electric chassis in the service of Thomas Tilling, Limited, in the design and construction of which Messrs. P. Frost Smith, Stevens, and J. and E. Hall, Limited, were jointly concerned, and of which an illustrated description was given in our issue of the i6th January, should be called the " Helixer," as significant of worm driving and everlasting fife. Another inventive genius suggests " Hal/cyan " as giving an idea of peace and quietness, as vell as a clue to the constructor.
I had a talk with Mr. Downing, of Alldays and Onions, Ltd., Birmingham, last week and was much interested by a sight of the vehicles being prepared for the Olympia show. I venture to predict that this firm will step right into the commercial vehicle business, because it seems to be proceeding on right lines. It has recently fitted up the " Sheffield Daily Telegraph " with ten delivery vans, and I saw some of these when in Sheffield within the last fortnight evidently " making good," as they say on the "other side." Alldays and Onions, Ltd., has had wonderful success with its pleasure vehicles in hill climbs and this would seem to indicate that, for the hilly districts of Yorkshire and Wales, it should have the right article in delivery vans.
Mr. E. NV. Goslett, the manager for Berna motors, tells me that ..hey are progressing satisfactorily in this coun
try and that he is just going over to Switzerland again to confer with his people at the factory, interchange of visits in the case of foreign-made motors is very essential, because the requirements of English users are so varied, and so different to those of Continental users. The Berna make will be at the Manchester show and will be worth inspecting. This gentleman, like many confreres, has previously been engaged in electric traction, and for some years was with the Bournemouth Tramways. Berna Motors, Ltd., is at present running under the wgis of Hudson's Consolidated, Ltd., a powerful financial group, but a scheme has been matured for considerable enlargement, with control of the Swiss works. The results of Mr. Goslett's labours are eminently satisfactory; during the very dull period of the past six months, orders have been received in increasing numbers, and principally from breweries and laundries the large number of Berna motors in this country would surprise those not well informed. With a fine exhibit at Olympia in March, and increased advertisement arrangements, Mr. Goslett is justified in anticipating a prominent position for his company's products, in 1908, and we shall expect to see a position and fame secured for the name of " Berna " in this country at no distant date.
At the Manchester (Belle Vue) show, Fodens, Ltd., will exhibit a new 3-ton wagon shod with Shrewsbury and ChaIliner solid tires, twin tires being fitted to the driving wheels. The object of the fitting of rubber tires is to allow the wagon to be driven at the increased rates of speed then permissible.
From Russia comes an enquiry for 8 chassis capable of carrying 3 tons maximum weight at a speed of 15 to zo miles per hour and suitable for occasional gradients of i in 8. A specimen will be wanted for two weeks or one month's trial and for the latter period a sum of .4;8o will be paid. I shall be glad to pass on to the proper quarter any offers that may reach ine from firms willing to send aver a chassis.
I am very glad that the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is dealing seriously with the question of free trials of commercial vehicles by various trading concerns. This has become a business scandal ; several firms have made their names notorious through what is known now as the " milking ' of the prominent, petrolwagon builders. I can say no more than that a scheme is being formulated by which wagon manufacturers will agree upon definite lines on which free trials shall be arranged, with very prescribed limits, and we may expect a public pronouncement to be made very shortly—and quite time, too l On Tuesday the 11th inst. a success ful smoking concert was held in con nection with the Manchester (St. James Hall) show and that effervescent per
sonage, Mr. Albert Brown,, of Brown Brothers Ltd., occupied the chair. Thus, Manchester traders had an opportunity of becoming better acquainted with one of the personalities of the motor business—better known in London and Birmingham, perhaps, 'than in Manchester, although the firm of Brown Bros. has its own business -houses in each, and all, of these towns, and in Paris as well. But further as to Mr. Albert Brown. Is it a heap of work in connection with a trade benevolent society?—Right! Find a busy man to do it—Albert Brown Is it obscure work on a committee for the betterment of business methods, or is it a chairman you want for a club's annual dinner, or do you want a. trophy for a club competition—Albert Brown' does all these things ungrudgingly and is a well-liked man wherever he goes.
Drummond lathes for motor work are quickly establishing themselves. I saw in Yorkshire recently, at Hopkinson's, Huddersfield, a g-inch lathe being used for cylinders, and I hear that it is entirely satisfactory. This type of lathe is very adaptable and manufacturers will do well to look at it at Olympia—if not before.
William and Thomas Robson, Limited, the well-known van and wagon builders, of 6o, Farring-don has taken up the London agency for the " Lotis " delivery vans. These vans are manufactured by Sturmey Motors, Limited, of Coventry, and all examples of the chassis sold by Robson, Limited, will be fitted with bodies built by the latter firm.
More newcomers to the Commercial Motor Show at Olympia and some very important ones, too. I am glad to see this awakening interest; everything points to a progressive and successful exhibition. The new arrivals are given alphabetically :—Clifts Engineering, Portslade, Sussex; Christopher Dodson, Ltd., 45, Horseferry Road, Westminster; John Fowler and Co. (Leeds), Ltd., Leeds; Humber, Ltd., Beeston, Notts.; Motor Schools, Ltd., 10-12, Heddon Street, Regent Street, W.; Pneumatic Syndicate, Ltd., 82, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W.; Phoenix Motor Co., Oakfield Road, Altrincham, Cheshire ; W. and T. Robson, Ltd., 6o, Farringdon Road, E.C.; Smith's Flexible Hub, Ltd., 20, Capthall Avenue, E.C.; Underwriter Fire Extinguisher Co., 30, Fleet Street, E.C.
It is always interesting to chronicle the movements of men who have been identified with the early days of motorbus services, and it gives me pleasure to record the successful application of the service of Messrs. 11. P. Brakenridge and G. Bullock. The former will be best known from his connection with the Road Car Company, and later with the Arrol-Johnston manufacturers.: he is now managing (and most successfully) the hiring department of Daimlers, Ltd., and running at present over 20 powerful and splendidly-appointed cars. He will receive shortly an additional 3o, and it says much for his tact and ability that he is able to utilise these luxurious vehicles to their fullest extent. Mr. Bullock has had considerable experience of public services, mainly with the Arrow and Vanguard companies: he is now reaping the reward of earlier efforts in his appointment with Argylls (London), Ltd., for whom he is developing an extensive business in motorcabs. His experience in the detail work of running and maintenance is of great assistance to his firm's clientele, w. hose knowledge of the subject does not always extend to the above-mentioned essentials.
" THE EXTRACTOR."