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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

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."—John Beattie Crosier.

Petrol Prices—The Great Danger.

Road transport is dangerously menaced by the threat of an early increase—by as mach as 7d. or 8d. per gallon—in the price of petrol. The reasons alleged are the exhaustion of the stocks of Governsrient-owned petrol, the release of which has served to keep prices at their present level since May hest, and the rise in tank steamer freights broueht•about by the demand for bottoms caused

by French and Italian calls for fuel oil to take the place of coal. It is arguable whether 35s. to 40s. per ton would not be quite a profitable rate of freight between the United StatesJand Gulf ports and this country, but we are informed that rates as high as £11 2s, 6d. have recently been paid. These rates will readily be paid (and equivalent rates credited . to the vessel a owned by the petrol dealing groups) so long as the user can be persuaded to pay, a high price for his fuel, but, 'thee feeling throughout the transport industry is that motor fuel stands at too high a figure already—so high, in fact, that, even with the increase in railway freight rates, it is difficult to compete with the railways in certain classes of traffic which should be profitable to road transport.

WATCH FEBRUARY 3rd on that datethe petrol companies are free from restrictions on increase of price.

We are convinced that it ie useless looking to the petrol distributing companies for consideration their theory is

• that the price of petrol is what it will fetch. Users must throw all their weight into the argument to show that, so far as the commercial motor vehicle movement is concerned, petrol can "fetch" no more than it does at present. It is high time, too, for the Government to take the action warranted by the maritime resources of this nation. Fuel for the transport of passengers, food stuffs, raw materials, and manufactured and semi-manufactured goods is one of the Vital needs of the country, and a sufficient supply should be ensured by Government action. By the expedient of reducing freight to the reasonable figure suggested, nearly 7d, per gallon in the landed cost could be saved.

We look to users, manufacturers, and dealers to waken into action on this vital matter, because the threatened increase • is in all probability only a step in the direction of motor fuel at Si. a gallon recently spoken of as possible.

Scientific and Industrial • Research.

The Lord President of the Council has approved the appointment of Colonel Sir Frederic Nathan, K.B.E., late R.A., to be Power Alcohol Investigation Officer under the Fuel Research Board of the department of Scientific and Industrial Research.

Sir Frederic Nathan, who before the war was Superintendent of the Royal Gunpowder Factory at Waltham Abbey and later Works Manager of Messrs. Nobel's Explosives Factory. Ardoer, was 016 the officer in control of alcohol under the Ministry of Munitions during the war, and chairman of the production sectiop of the Inter-departmental Committee referred to. He has been entrusted with the survey of the present position, and with making proposals to the Board for such experiment and research as may from time to time appear to be necessary. Professor -Pierce Purcell, who was Secretary of the Irish Peat Inquiry Committee, has also been appointed to act as Peat Investigation' Officer under the Fuel Research Board.

Scottish Motor Show.

The Scottish Motor Show, which is being held in the Kelvin Hall, Glasgow, will -be opened on Friday, January 23rd, and will include a large commercialvehicle section. Kelvin Hall is situated midway between the centre of Glasgow and Scotstoun, and lies close by the trans route to the latter suburb.

Advance in Price.

The Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. Ltd., have found themselves corn

eied to adviince the priceof their 30 cwt. commercial chassis from £625 to

675. This is due chiefly to the more costly methods which the company has been forced to adopt to maintain even a restricted output during the present industrial strife, and owing to the Government award of increased wages to the engineers and allied trades.

United States Vehicle Production.

The total production of motor vehicles in the United States for the year 1919, including both passenger and commercial chassis, reached 1,891,929, representing a valuation in dollars of 1,801,594,581). Tais figure establishes a record in the American automobile industry. Passenger-vehicle production was slightly less than in 1917, totalling 1,586,787, as against 1,740,792. The production of commercial chassis, however, advanced from the previous high record of 227,500 in 1918 to 305,142 in 1919.

Motor vehicles xported during 1919 aggregated 110,000,000 dollars in value.

London Agricultural Showrooms.

We are able to state that the last large site in Aldwych, Londea, facing the island site of the Bush Co. and Australia /101368, has been secured for British industry, the offer which was made by Agricultural and General Engineers, Ltd., having, been accepted by the L.C.C. This important site has a frontage in A:klwych of abut 213 ft., and an approximate area of 30,000 ft. The board of directors of Agricultural and General Engineers, Ltd., with which company ens associated the well-known concerns of Aveling and Porter, Ltd., Barforcl and Perkins, Ltd.,. E. H. Bentall and Co., Ltd., Bla,cketene, Ltd., Richard Garrett and Sans, Tad., J. and L. Howard, Ltd., have decided to erect commodious offices and showrooms on this site.

London Taxicab Fares to be Higher ?

The Ministry of Transport states that deputations from the London and Y,revincial Union of Licensed Vehicle Workers, the Owner-Drivers branch of that union, and the Motor Cab OwnerDrivers Association attended a, meeting of the Advisory Committee on London traffic held at the Ministry of Transport one day lastweek in order to place their views before the commit-tee in regard to a suggested increase in taxicab fares.

The two latter associations were of opinion that, under present conditions a-nd prices, a rise of 50 per cent, on the pre-war tariff Was necessary, but the London and Provincial Union of Licensed Vehicle Workers, who represent between 5,000 and 6,000 journeymen, actually driving cabs, were of the opinion that no increase of fares was necessary, although they thought that the journeymen drivers' rate of pay should be increased to meet the increaee in cost of living. In the course of the discussion, during which , the various associations put forward reasons in support of their respective attitudes in the matter, the two OwnerDriver .Associations offered to submit' accounts for inspection.,

Leeds Transport Dinner.

The seeortd annual dinner of the Leeds and County Motor Transport Association was presicled over by Mr. A. Briggs, managing director of Clayton and Co. (Huddersfield), Ltd. Mr. Evans, in proposing the toast of "the As,eociatien," appealed for co-operation and co-ordination in order to secure a reduction of empty running, asserting that in an organised system of motor haulage lay the only logical and practical solution of

existing difficulties. Mr. Page (chairman of tho Association), replying, said that, the Association had been successful in bringing 'men together to exchange opinions, and in the elimination of petty rivalry and the jealousies of small separated businesses. Mr. Masser referred to the obligations of heavy motor traffic to avoid obstructing lighter traffic. Charea-banc drivers, said he, are the .greatest offenders. Councillor Young, of Dewsbury, speaking as a visitor, told of the enterprise of his town in the establishment of a motor exchange, and suggested co-operation with Leeds. A high compliment was paid to the chairman of. the evening. Mr. Briggs' in his reply, urging the Association to take its own action on Mr. Masser's point in order to avoid repressive legislation on the subject.

Albion Lorry Renovations.

Nearly 6,000 Albion lorries were manufactured for the Army up to the Armistice. Many of tthKe vehicles, and, incidentally, the best of-them, are being repurchased by the .Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd. These vehicles are completely stripped and thoroughly overhauled, beinglhen sold with a full guarantee for a period of six months. The price averages between 1350 and BOW, and included in this figure is painting, Fining, and vain-Fishing to the purchaser's requirements.

Middlesex Transport.

The Parliamentary agents' to the County Council of Middlesex have deposited a Bill for the next -session a Parliament to empower that Council to raise £1,000,000 by the issue of County Stock. The money raised by this issue is to be expended upon the construction of a tramway along High Road, Kilburn, and in providing " omnibus Service*, within the County of Middlesex and elsewhere within the Metropolitan police district," • The Council asktfor powers to work the ...proposed tramway themselves, and to .charge a maximum passenger fare of 2d. per mile, which, after every. third year, may be revised by the Ministry of Transport upon representation being made by, among others, " 20 rat 'payers."

Levies on Lorries.

In addition to placing a mileage charge nu motor omnibuses, the county authorities of lrsex, Norfolk, East Suffolk and West Suffolk are urging that the whole question of heavy mechanical traffic on roads should be considered by theMinistry of Transport with a. view to enSuring that a charge Fhou kl be made to cover the -real road cost. The authorities of these . counties recently decided to charge 3.d. per carieile in respect of bus services.

Clearing Office for Enemy Debts.

The Clearing Office for enemy debts provided for in the Treaty of Peace with Germany has now been established, and Mr. Egerton Spenser Grey, Senior Official Receiver in Bankruptcy, has been appointed Controller. All communications should be addressed to The Controller of the Clearing House, Cornwall House, Stamford Stct, S.E. 1. At the request of the President of the Board of Trade the following gentlemen %elle have consented to serve in an honorary capacity will act as a committee to advise the Controller in the operation of the Clearing Office :—Sir Wflhiam Blender, C..B.E. (Chairman), Mr. George Watson, •Mr. 0. ' R.. A. Simpkio, C.B.E. (Public Trustee), Mr. H. A. Payne, C.B. (Board of Trade).

Particuar branches of industry and coeunerce are being invited to nominate representatives to confer with the -Contro!ier on technical questions..

West Perthshire Roads.

Until two years ago motor vehicles were 'banned from the Trossachs road, and when the restriction was removed it. .

was made a condition that only carsweighing less than

• two tons should be allowed to • use the roads. At a .recent meeting of the West Perthshire District Committee a . letter was submitted from the Trossachs Hotel Co., to the effect that they proposed to substitute motor coaches for their horse coaches for conveying railway passengers from Callander Station to Loch Katrine, but that they could not get coaches • of a less • weielit than 2 tons 15 cwt, on. laden. They accordingly asked the District Committee to take steps to have the order by the Secretary' for Scotland altered, so as to increase the weight of motor. vehicles allowed to run on the Trossachs road. This application is being made. Mr. W. L. Gibson, road surveyor, reported that it was his desire to reconstruct the remaining 1:5 miles of roads in the Killin district during 1920-1921, which work was held up by the war, and a remit was made to the Road Maintenance Committee to consider the matter.

• Simms for Scotland.

Simms Motor Units, Ltd., inform us that they have opened a branch establishment for Scotland at 1,195, Argyll Street, Glasgow. Mr. J. K. Ovenstone has been appointed manager. A full range of magnetos, spare parts, and other accessories fur which the company are noted will be kept in stock, while a fully equipped repair shop will be at the disposal of the company's Scottish clientele.

Keep to the Kerb..

The Advisory Committee on London Traffic is asking local authorities in kkiet London to display notices in roads leading to the docks requesting slow moving traffic to keep to the kerb.

Export Duties on Mexican Oil.

By a Presidential decree the export duties on oil from Mexico have been , fixed as follow : crude oil 10 per cent. per ton; refined petrol and paraffin 3 per cent, per ton; unrefined ditto 6 per ceot. per ton.

Personal Pars.

Lieut.-Col. T.. M. Hutchinson, whose photograph we reprod.uoe, is becoming a well-known figure at the various trials, ghee% institution meetings., etc., connected with the motor trade During the war•notonuch of -him was seen in.England, but thoee3lho were =netted with the-mechanical transport in France fully realized what an important position he held.He was Chief Inspector of mechanical transport in France and had a large staff of inspectors under his command. Every M.T. vehicle •in France came under his supervision, as regards mechanical condition. No overhauled lorry or car was allowed to leave the repair shops until one of his staff had finally approved it. To Lieut.-Colonel Mitchinson the Army owes much of the success of the MT., and there are few, if any, other men who know so much about the good or bad points of all types of petrol and steam vehicles.

We understand that the board of directors of Clayton and Co. (Hudders

field), Ltd., has been remodelled. Mr. H. F. Clayton, Senior, is chairman; Mr. Reginald Clayton, vice-chairman.; Mr. Briggs, managing director, and Mr. Cecil Lamb (late sales manager) and Mr. George Jepson (late works manager), directors.

The barony conferred on the Right Hon. Sir Albert IL Stanley is gazetted by the style and title of Baron Aslitield, of Southwell, in the county of Nottingham.

Restriction of Licences.

Worthing Corporation Licensing Committee has had a petition from 14 owner drivers and 17 drivers of licensed motor hackney carriages expressing alarm at the number of new licences being granted and stating that even with the present numbers of licensed vehicles the drivers would find it hard to get a living during the winter. The Clerk subinitted figures to show that the actual number of carriage licences had not increased, though there were now 59, motorcars licensed, as compared with 57 last year and. 47 in 1916 and 1917.

The committee decided to inform the petitioners that it was not satisfied that the number of licences was more than sufficient to meet the requirements of the public, but that attention was being given to the question of restricting the grant of licences to persons resident' in the borough for a specified time.

Mirrors for Motors.

The Highways Committee of the Gloucestershire County Council recommend a by-law requiring that a mirror should be provided on the off side of all locomotives and fourwheeled motor vehicles to enable drivers to observe approaching traffic.

The Chloride Electric Storage Go Ltd are considerably extending their works at Clifton Junction, near Manchester, in order to cope with the demand for Bride starting and lighting batteries and Ironclad-Exicie batteries for electric vehicles and industrial trucks.

Care of the Chassis.

The cost of lorry transportation can be greatly reduced by teaching drivers and owners how to drive and maintain their motor vehicles, This fact has been proved by the instruction schools carried on by the Packard Motor Car Co. 'These schools, which are conducted by Packard distributors throughout America, have turned out several thousand graduates, with the result that both the .men and their lorries have been giving far more efficient service. There are no enrolment fees for the instruction courses. The hours are arranged so as not to interfere with the ordinary daily routine of the drivers, and there are no tiresome lessons or studies to prepare. The work consists of a series of informal conferences and is practical rather than technical. No attempt is made to turn out expert mechanics and repair men, but every effortigis concentrated on making good drivers who can prevent trouble rather than cure it. Special stress is laid on makingerninor adjustments.

Among the cities in which schools are now conducted are New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Baltimore, Milwaukee and Detroit..

The certificates issued by the schools to those who complete the course are recognized as a guarantee of a driver's ability by any Packard branch, and the certificates are accepted by the city authorities as evidence of the holder's competency.

Petrol-electric Fire-engines.

The illustration which we reproduce on this page shows one of the turntable ladders mounted on a Tilling-Stevens petrol-electric chassis which has been in use for some time in the L.C.C. Fire Brigade, and a repeat order for two similar machines has recently been received by the company. This vehicle is a typical instance of the utility of the Tilling-Stevens petrol-electric system as a combined transport medium and power plant. The ladder, which, when fully extended, measures 85 ft., is operated by electricity, the power being obtained by simply connecting the ladder motor with the chassis dynamo by.means of a switch, the engine toeing kept running. The ladder can be used either as an escape or water tower, and its extreme length and compass combined with the simplicity of operation make it of extreme value in fire fighting. The large number of London fires has given the L.C.C. authorities many opportunities for testing this system, and the repeat order just placed testifies to the value of the innovation.

Buses to Pay lid. a Mile.

Plymouth Watch Committee has agreed to give licences to Messrs. Skidmore, Baker and Walter to run motor omnibuses on various routes subject to a contribution of 1.14. per bus--, mile.

French Import Duty.

From December 24th last the Customs duty on motor vehicle chassis, with or without engines and with or without body, weighing from 500 kilogs up to 2,500 kilogs, imported into France or Algeria, is reduced from 70 per cent. to 45 per ceat. ad valorem.

Light Railways or Motors ?

Reporting on a recent inquiry into the Ongar and Shenfield Light Railway scheme' the clerk to the Essex County Council states that a conversation took place upon the possibility of developing the district by a motor lorry service, but it was pointed out that the roads affected would lee chiefly district roads. It is doubtful whether the County Council would be willing to maintain the roads and bring them up to first-class standard, but,, if it were asked to do so, it would no doubt require a substantial financial grant from Government funds.

Repairing Scored Cylinders.

The value of the Lawrence process of repairing scored cylinders in an emer

gency, which we fully described in our issue for December 9th, is strikingly illustrated by the experience .which befell one of the participants in the recent London to Exeter run.

One of the cars_, a; G.W.K., owned by Mr. Kenneth A. MacDonald, was out of service through scoring a day or two before the event. Had it not been for the fact that by utilizing the Lawrence process the owner was able to get the damage repaired within 48 hours, the car could not possibly have taken part in the trial As it was, the car made a most successful run and Mr. MacDonald was awarded a gold medal. The Lawrence process is curried out by the New Welding Co., of 26, 'ilosebery Avenue, E.C. 1.

For Quick Development.

Railway extensions in the Punjab for the development of the province have been contemplated, but owing to the fact that funds are not available the Lieutenant-Governor has directed investigation of possible development by the introduction of motor lorries, or light tramways for transport of passengers and produce in tracts where such would be of benefit. In the Dera Ghazi Khan district a company has been formed for a service of motor vehicles to ply between Ghazi Ghat and Dera Ghazi Khan. The venture is welcomed and it is hoped that the example will be followed in other districts where railways cannot for some time be constructed. It is probable that district hoards would be willing to promote and assist private enterprise in this direction. .

Sheffield's Motor Vehicles.

In the annual report of the Sheffield Corporation Health Committee for the period ended March 25th, 1919, some particulars are given as to the motor vehicles in :lie service of the cleansing department. Two additional eleeleee vehicles were delivered during the year, raising the total number in use in the department to twelve. This class of vehicle has proved itself most suitable for house-to-house collection of refuse, being superior and cheaper than horse, petrol • or steam wagons on this work. The electric vehicle is particularly suitable for town work where frequent calls either for loading or unloading purposes are necessary. The petrol and steam wagons ilL use in the department for the conveyance of clinker have been quite satisfactory on this work, but experiments with them for the collection of house refuse proved them to be much more costly than electries for the work.

Road Repairing.

Complaints are being made by local authorities in certain parts of the country of the difficulty of obtaining supplies of road repairing material. Efforts which are being made to improve the roads to meet the gradually increasing growth of heavy motor vehicle traffic are being seriously delayed. It . was stated by the Ministry of Transport one day last week that every effort was being made to expedite the carriage cf road repairing material to the centres where it is needed. It stands next to perishables in the general classification for priority of transit, and quarry owners are-being placed in the same position as they were before the war with regard -to their private wagons. The question is still, however, one elf shortage of rolling stock. Between 500 and 600 wagons a week are now being brought over from France' so that a general improvement may be expected in the near future.

A New Motor Fuel.

A new motor fuel, which, has recently undergone successful tests in New York, has been declared to be far more economical than petrol. The fuel is composed of 38 parts of alcohol, 30 parts of petrol, 16 parts of benzole, 7.5 parts of ether, 4 parts of toluol; the ingredients making up the remaining one-and-a-half parts have not been stated. The new fuel was also tested in an aeroplane engine, and a saving of 3.9 gallons an hour in favour of the synthetic fuel was indicated.

. Development by Motorbus.

In a report to the Norfolk County Council the County Surveyor declares that motor omnibus traffic is ou the increase in many parts of the 000nty. Since his last report -firs additional routes have been used, there now being 20 in all. Some 231 mike of main roads are now being zubjecteil to traffio of this character, and the roade had been, and were being, damaged loan appalling extent. The inability. to obtain materials, even for carrying out repairs of a temporary nature, aggravated the situation and was of serious import. Nineteen of the 36 miles of main roads in the East and West Flegge Rural District Council area are bring used by this type of teaffic.

Many of the main roads in use in this manner are narrow, and for this and other reasons are not adapted for these services and, iii consequence considerable discomfort and inconvenience are caned to other users of these roads. The traffic in these instances is a menace to the safety of the public. To withstand this traffic, strengthening of • certain sections of roads will be neces• sary and the surfaces will require treatmg with improved materials on practically all roads which this traffic uses. The cost will be of considerable magnitude. Altogether, a wholly pessimistic view is taken of the matter, which has received much local support. The county surveyor's lament suggests a lack of understanding of present-day needs.

Willesden Running Costs.

The annual report for the year 1918 of the Willesden Medial Officer of Health gives son-le interesting information about the motors in the service of the Health Department. There are seven vehicles which the Council has had for four years, and they have altogether covered 261,125 Miles. In 1918 the cost in pence per mile run was 13.64 compared with 1138 in 1917; 12.08 in 1916; and 13.4 in 1915. The number of miles per gallon of petrol consumed was 10.15 compared with 10.73 in 1917; 11.75 in 1916; and 11 in 1915.

The accountant's figures are included in the report, and give the expenses for the year 1918 as follows:— Running expenses ... 4.16d. per car mile Wages Fixed and general ex penses 2.41d. „ Loan charges... ... 2.17d. „ These give a total of 13.64d. mile.

Traffic control in New York.

Above : The traffic controller and his rotatable direction post at a cross road. Below : The traffic controller with his direction post mounted on a platform which is movable so Mat when a heavy volume of traffic is going in one direction he can allow three lines in that directo z and one line in the other. Left: The raised platform for the controller of traffic at an important centre. Right: Four movable posts joined by chains to create a safety zone. It is estimated that if less than half out total coal consumed every year were treated scientifically the whole of the motor fuel we required before the war could be produced in Great Britain. The fact has an interesting bearing upon the successful efforts that were made by the Motor Legislation Committee to secure amendments to the Electricity (Supply) Act of last session, with the• object of encouraging the home production of benzole.

As a result, the Electricity Commissioners, who will constitute the central authority for future developments, were given power to "conduct experiments or trials for the improvement of the methods of the utilization of fuel." Further, the Joint Electricity Authorities who may be set up under the-Act, were empowered to establish plants for the extraction of the valuable by-products "arising directly or indirectly from the generation of electricity." Another amendment, which was obtained at the last moment, in the House of Lords, ensures that any sources of electric supply under the control of the Joint Electricity Authorities will be available for the charging or recharging of electric motor vehicles.

These amendments may be placed to the credit of the constituent bodies of the Motor Legislation Committee. The A.A. has taken a leading part in urging the adoption of measures for the increase' of home fuel supplies, and organizations like the S.M.M. and T. and kindred associations have given their cordial support to the movement.

Hammersmith Hauliers' Dinner.

A few days aeo we had the pleasure of attending a dinner and concert given by Mr. and Mrs. E. S. Clifford, of the well-known company entitled Clifford and Son (1918), Ltd., haulage contractors, i 196, Fulham Palace Road, W. 6.

At the conclusion of the dinner Mr. Clifford, who was in the chair,made a short and pithy speech with reference to the past and future activities of the company. He thanked all the members of the staff for the cordial co-operation which has brought about such good results, and trusted that this mutual goodwill would continue in the future. Thechairman's speech was received with great applause. The dinner was followed by a first-class concert, in which some well-known artistes took part, bringing to a close a most enjoyable and wellspent evening. The opportunity was taken of presenting Mr. Clifford with a silver cigar case and Mrs. Clifford with a gold bar brooch from the staff.

Obstruction by Road Repairs. •

A:conference of metropolitan borough surveyors was called by the Ministry of Transport with regard to the inconvenience in connection with road openings, caused by thelack of close co-operation between highway authorities. A resolution was unanimously passed that, in all cases of contemplated extensive repair or reconstruction of highways, involving obstruction to, or diversion of, traffic, prior intimation should be forwarded by the borough surveyors to the Ministry of Transport for consideration. The Ministry hopes to reduce public inconvenience to a minimum by oo-ordination.. between adjoining highway authorities.

Nottingham Motor Vehicle Workers.

In no district of the country has organization of motor vehicle workers, including commercial motor drivers, reached a higher degree of efficiency than in Nottingham. At the annual meeting recently of the heel branch of the Union, which includes a preponderating number of tramway employees, it was reported that the subscriptions received during the year had amounted to over £3,030, the membership, which had been increased by 740, now totalling 2„881.

Mr. W. Martin was re-elected president, and also as representative upon the commercial section of the National Executive Council, Mr. S. Scull being chosen as vice-chairman, whilst Mr. A. Conroy was selected as representstive to the annual delegate meeting.

Mt W. Halgeed, the secretary, mentioned that he had received a letter from the Nottingham Master Carters' Association, sestina. that they had agreed to a recent awned giving drivers in Nottingham a. six slays annual holiday on full pay, in addition to the statutory holiday. The new arrangement would take effect

this year. .

At the Sign of the Tin Hat.

Of all the people who have suffered financially through the war, none has been hit so hard as the tradesman or professional man who had to give up his business, or practice, or in some cases leave it in the hands of incapable understudies, while he went to serve. This applies to many men who were running small repair shops and garages. In many cases they were men who, after years of training, were just. launching out into small endeavours of their own—busi c20

nesses' in most cases dependent on per&oiled skill or effort, or goodwill. The Ex-Service Professional and Commercial Association, which has just been formed, is attempting to • solve this problem. The Association is to be composed of ax-Service tradesmen end professional men, and will provide the means of distinguishing the fact that, they served by issuing an authorized sign, to be known

an "The Sign of the Tin Hat," This sign will be affixed, by members, to their shop windows or brass plates, and be printed on their notepaper.

As the prospectus Rays, if the Association can do no more than induce the 5,000,000 ex-service men and women to trade, so far as possible, with each -other, it will have accomplished great thing. The head offices of the Association are at 38-39, Piccadilly, London, NV.

More Motors for Marylebone.

The Highways Committee of the Marvlebone Borough Council has prepared a scheme for wholly carrying out the removal and disposal of house refuse by direct labour. This will involve the

purchase of more motor vehicles. At present the Council has ten Austin motors, and having considered tenders of both petrol and electric motor chassis, the 'committee recommends the purchase of petrol vehicles, the actual proposal being. to buy seven 2 to 3-ton Austin chase's at a total cost of £5,250.

Local Proceedings.

Lowestoft Corporation is seeking Parliamentary powers to run motor omnibus services.

Exeter T.C. is seeking permission to get a loan of £7,154 for the purchase of electric vehicles.

Loughborough T.C. is applying for a loan of £1,663 fcr the purchase of steam wagons and trailers.

Weston-Super-Mare T.C. is seeking power to borrow £1,980 for the purchase of a motor fire-engine.

The Calcutta Tramways Co. has deciders to establish a motorbus service. The vehicles are on order.

Lincoln C.C. is negotiating with a private firm with regard to the provision of a motor omnibus service.

Sydney Municipal Council, N.S.W., has decided on the purchase of an additional Ford wagon at a cost. of £250.

Consideration is being given by Brampton R.D.C. to the purchase of # steam wagon, etc., at a cost of £1,300.

A loan of £2,536 is being sought by the Rotherham Corporation for the purchase of petrol lorries and a motor roller.

Support is to be given by •Lanchester R.D.C. to a proposal by the local Joint Hospital Board to purchase two motor ambulances.

East Ham Corporation Works Committee has decided to purchase a Lacre motor road-sweeping machine at "a cost of £577 10e.

Worksop Traders Association have approved of the .Sheffield Corporation application for power to run an omnibus service to Worksop. It is thought the service will be of distinct advantage to the town.

Poplar B.C. has ordered two detachable 1,000-gallon watering tanks with flushing valves and sprinklers complete from Clayton and Shuttleworth, Ltd., for use with motor vans for street watering at £135 each.

The Chairman. of the York City Council Tramways Committee estimates that the four reilless cars on order will rem about 100,000 miles and their cost will be 4d. per mile less than petrol buses, giving a total saving of about £1,600.