WHEELS of INDUSTRY
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"The wheels of wealth will be stowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the
• -,wghness of the roods aver which it runs."-John Beattie Crozier.
An Analysis of Road Accidents in 1932.
The annual return of road accidents for 1932 issued by the Home Office shows an increase over the record of the previous year. The number of accidents, by which persons were killed or injured, occurring in Great Britain was 184,006, compared with 181,477 in 1931. There was a small diminution in the number of killed-6,667, compared with 6,691 in 1931, whilst the number of injured rose from 202,119 to 206,450. Analysis of the various classes of vehicle, etc., to which accidents were attributed yields the following figures:
Fatal. fatal. Total.
Non
Motorbuses and coaches 575 8,185 8,760 Electric tramcars and trolley-buses... 86 4,022 4,108 Motorcycles with side .. 182 5,788 5,970 Motorcycles, sol'o, with pillion passengers ... 493 8,666 9,159 Motorcycles, solo, with out pillion passengers 973 26,229 27,202 Private cars ... 1,866 59,017 60,883 Cabs ... ... 74 1,880 1,954 Motor vans, lorries, etc. 1,324 23,696 25,020
The total of accidents attributed to mechanically propelled vehicles was 143,056 (5,573 fatal and 137,483 nonfatal) compared with a total of 145,502 in 1931.
Non
Fatal. fatal. Total.
Horse-drawn vehicles ... 113 2,905 3,018 Horses, ridden and led... 16 229 245 Pedal cycles 785 36,902 37,687
Of the above classifications accidents attributed to motorbuse.s and coaches show a decrease of 1,757 compared with the year 1931, electric tramcars and trolley-buses .a decrease of 1,024, motor. vans and lorries an increase of 609, private cars an increase of 763, and solo motorcycles, without pillion passenger, a decrease of 866. Pedal cycles are responsible for the greatest increase, the number of accidents having risen by 5,666.
Stanton Iron Road Development.
An important development in the manufacture of cast-iron road sections has recently taken place as the result of research work carried out by the Stanton Ironworks Co., Ltd., near Nottingham. We have already published details of this company's system of road surfacing, which consists of castiron sections laid On a concrete foundation, and it is interesting to learn that the diamond-shaped studs of the sections are, by means of a new process (patent applied for), now provided with ft hardened outer layer; this extends throughout the greater portion of the depth of the studs.
The close, hard structure of the studs is obtained by locally changing the composition of the iron during the casting operation, by treating the portion of the mould forming the studs with certain chemicals. This combination of a hard and durable surface -with the soft grey metal forming the remainder. of the casting, is claimed to give the section a greater resistance to shock than is offered by a casting made and chilled in the ordinary way. Furthermore, the
n16 sections have a longer period of useful life.
The company is experiencing much success with its system, which has been adopted -by a number of diunicipalities and private concerns, and it is anticipated that the new feature will still further commend the method to the attention of engineers and surveyors.
A Voluminous Book on Municipal Administration,
The 1933 edition of the Municipal Year Book is a most voluminous work, which covers every aspect of local government in its 1,500 pages. It gives a complete record of all the local authorities of Great Britain and Ireland, and all the latest developments and legislation affecting them. The number of sections has been extended from 25 to 37, and they include the most up-todate facts and figures regarding roads and transport, street lighting, town planning and other important aspects of municipal administration.
New features added this year include those dealing with civil aviation, British standards specifications and industrial-development services, whilst many of the other sections have been considerably amplified. This year book is a most informative and useful work, and has now reached its 36th edition. The price of the book this year is 24s. 6d., or 25s. post free. It is published by the Municipal Journal Ltd., and can he obtained from 3 and 4 Clement's Inn, Strand, London, W.0.2.
Petroleum Monopoly in France?
An outstanding feature of the French Finance Bill, which was recently passed by the Chamber of Deputies, is the clause -aiming at a State monopoly of the import of petroleum. A commission is to be appointed to prepare the introduction of a State monopoly within three months and to study the possibility of creating a monopoly of refining.
An Important Rubber Latex Development. •
We are advised that the Societe Italiana Pirelli, of Milan, has become a Participant in International Latex Processes, Ltd., a new company formed at the end of last year for the purpose of consolidating (outside the United States) the whole of the wide range of patents and technical knowledge held by the 'Anode Rubber Co., Ltd., and the United States Rubber Co. within the field relating to the direct use of rubber latex for manufacturing purposes.
Sir •Eric Geddes, chairman of the Anode Rubber Co., Ltd., and of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., is to be chairman of International Latex Processes, Ltd., the vice-chairmen being Mr. F. B. Davis, junr., chairman and president of the United States Rubber Co., and Dr. Alberto Pirelli, director of the Pirelli company.
The new company is not a manufacturing concern, but has been formed with the object of simplifying the patent position, co-ordinating research and development, and extending the use of latex by making available to others the patented processes of the participating concerns.
Inst. of T. Summer Meeting.
In substitution of the tour of inspection of Austrian transport undertakings and centres which had to be abandoned, a summer meeting of the Institute of Transport will take place on the White Star liner "Homeric." The party, of which the president of 'the Institute, Sir David J. Owen, will act as leader, and Major F. Bustard, O.B.E. (member of council), will be in charge, will leave Southampton on Saturday, June 3, and return to that port on Jnne 17. During the voyage calls will be made at Madeira, Tetteriffe, Las Palmas and Gibraltar.
On the evening of June 3 Sir David Owen will meet the members of the party at an informal reception ,on board ship. During the journey the following papers will be presented : "The Future of Road Transport," by J. B. Osier, 0.B.E.; "Transport Advertising," by J. Pike, 0.B.E.; "The Effect of Rationalization and Amalgamation on Transport Undertakings," by D. Ross-Johnson, C.B.E. ; "The Cruising Business," by Major Frank Bustard, O.B.E.
Overcoming Road Difficulties.
"How to Get Home" is the title of a booklet issued by Sternol, Ltd., which many commercial-vehicle drivers will do well to carry with them. It does not set out to show how ordinary road difficulties can he met, but rather to deal with unusual troubles and to suggest practical ways of overcoming them. It concludes with a chart of recommendations, showing the grades of Sternal lubricants which should be used in the engine, gearbox and back axle of spec:J.1e snakes of commercial vehicle, A copy can be obtained from the company at Royal London House, Finsbury Square, London, E.C.2.
"Midland Red" Bus Profits.
During 1932, the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., made a net profit of £181,759, as compared with 1221,684 a year earlier. A final dividend of 5 per cent. and a bonus of 5 per cent. are recommended for payment on the ordinary shares, thus maintaining the total distribution at 15 per cent, for the year. A sum of £49,657 is to be transferred to the reserve, whilst a further 15,000 is added to the employees' assistance fund. The amount to be carried forward is £56,575, as against 157,473 brought into the accounts.
Demonstration of Amal Flame Trap.
Amal, Ltd., a branch of Imperial Chemical Industries, Ltd., Millbank, London, S.Vir.1, draws attention to a demonstration of the Amal flame trap, which can be seen at the company's 'works. A four-cylindered engine is equipped with two carburetters, one for each pair of cylinders, so that one carburetter motors the engine, whilst the other is caused to emit flame by propping open an inlet valve. When the flame trap is fitted, a rag soaked in petrol is not ignited, even when held in front of it.
It is claimed that the trap does not interfere in any way with the inflow of air, and that in the case of backfire, it liberates the explosion, at the same time stifling it by means of its large cooling surface, which resembles a gauze of coarse mesh, having the additional property of depth.
Composite Steel for Press Tools.
Up to the present time there has not been much literature dealing with composite steel, i.e., steel combined with iron in the ingot and afterwards forged or rolled to the required section. This elass of material, which is widely used for the production of press tools and other, purposes, has for over 40 years been manufactured by James Neill and Co. (Sheffield), Ltd., Napier Street, Sheffield, and it is concisely described in a booklet which the company has recently issued.
This publication contains detailed beat-treatment instructions for both the company's composite and special steels, and includes some practical hints which should be found invaluable to en gineers and tool-makers. Readers of this journal cart obtain a copy from the company at the address given above.
Institute of Metals Volume of Proceedings.
The latest volume (40) of the "Journal of the Institute of Metals," which was recently issued, is of special interest, because it contains a record of the important joint meeting of the
Institute with the Iron and Steel Institute. All the communications then made to the Institute of Metals are reproduced in full, together with the discussions. These papers. cover a wide and practical field in metallurgical matters. By far the most extensive contribution is Dr. H. J. Gough'a autumn lecture on "Corrosion Fatigue in Metals."
The volume is well illustrated and contains a number of excellent plates. It runs to 416 pages, and can be obtained from the Institute of Metals, 36, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1, price 31s. 64. It is edited by Mr. G. Shaw Scott, M.Sc., the secretary of the Institute of Metals, who has edited several previous editions.
Personal Pars.
Mr. Walter Frederick Bishop and Sir Maurice George Simpson, C.S.I., M.I.E.E. have been elected directors of W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.
We learn that Mr. F. Cursons, J.P., late managing director of London Lorries, Ltd., has joined Duple Bodies and Motors, Ltd., as sales representative. Mr. Cursons has had a long experience in the passenger-vehicle industry.
Mr. R. Buzzard, of Yeovil, who has been district manager to the Southern National Omnibus Co. for the past 15 years, has been appointed assistant traffic manager at Exeter. Mr. Buzzard will be succeeded by Mr. J. Cousins, of Weymouth.
We publish on this page a portrait of Mr. A. Coehrane, who has succeeded Mr. H. L. Richardson as sales manager for Scotland for the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd. Mr. Cochrane has been with the company for 27 years. Prior to his new appointment he was in charge of the company's organization in the West of England.
Mr. H. L. Richardson is retiring from active duty with the company, but his services are being retained in an advisory capacity.
Mr, 0. C. Power, traffic manager of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., recently relinquished his position as chairman of the Birmingham and district section of the Institute of Transport He has held this office for the past seven years, but, by reason of a recent change in the rules, was not eligible for re-electictn. Mr. Power was presented with a handsome radio-gramophone in recognition of his services to the local branch of the Institute.
The newly elected chairman is Mr. J. McDonnell, assistant general manager of the transport department of Birmingham Corporation.
Messrs. W. H. Watson, L. W. Gupwell and H. G. leVaggett were elected vice-chairman, and Mr. W. H. Watson honorary secretary.
Alderney Weight-limit Increase.
Duple Bodies and Motors, Ltd., Edgware Road, London, N.W.9, recently sold a Bedford 14-seater coach to the Bedford agent in Guernsey for the use of an operator on the island of Alderney. The regulations in force on that particular island did not allow the use of a vehicle exceeding two tons, and, as the Bedford coach with Duple bodywork weighed 2 tons 8 cwt., application was made to the Alderney Court for permission to operate the coach, with the result that the regulations have been amended so that the maximum weight permitted is increased to 2i tons.
M.A.N. Grants Licences for Oilers.
We learn that the M.A.N. Co., of Augsburg, has recently granted licences for the manufacture of its oil engines and vehicles equipped with such power units, in Italy and Czechoslovakia. In Italy a large engineering concern in Padua will work the licence in conjunction with the Isotta-Frasehini whilst for Czechoslovakia the licensee is the Tatra Works Co., of Nesselsdorf, Prague.
Where to Obtain Oil Fuel.
A. useful map on which are shown all towns in the British Isles at which there is a Pratts Diesel Oil supply depot, has recently been published by the Anglo-American Oil Co. Ltd., 36, 9ueen Anne's Gate, Westminster, London, S.W.1. Including London, the south of. Scotland and Belfast—the only one in Ireland—there are 118 depots distributed about the country. The Ministry of Transport numbers of the roads on which, the towns lie are indicated, in nearly every case, and the addresses of the depots are given.
A.E.C. Vehicles in Demand.
Some important contracts have recently been secured by the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., from prominent operators of commercial vehicles, and from a lengthy list we • select a few names. W. V. Bowater and Sons, Ltd., has ordered eight Mammoth oil-engined heavy-duty vehicles, whilst Bouts Brothers, Ltd., is buying seven Mammoth Major 12-ton six-wheelers, and the National Benzole Co., Ltd., seven Mercury 4-tonners.
On the passenger-vehicle side the Notts and Derby Traction Co. is buying 15 A.E.C.-E.E.C. trolley-buses, the south Wales Transport Co., Ltd., 10 Regal single-deckers, the Mansfield District Traction Co., six Regal 4 models, Enterprise Motor Service (Gorseinon), Ltd., five oil-engined Regal singledeckers, and Westcliff Motor Services, Ltd., four Regent double-deckers.
From the long list we have before us it is interesting to note that many buyers, both on the goods and passenger sides, are ordering vehicles equipped with oil engines, whilst many of them already operate A.E.C. vehicles.
Specifications for Aluminium Alloys.
For some years the light-alloy industry has been familiar with the specifications, Nos. 3L1 and 2L25 for wrought bars in the two alloys, generally known as duralurnin and 1-alloy. These two specifications were prepared having ,regard to the use of these materials for aircraft purposes, and the British Standards Institution has now issued two corresponding B.S. specifications, Nos. 477 and 478 respectively, dealing with the quality and properties of these alloy bars for general engineering purposes. The specifications detail the compositions of the alloys and their mechanical properties. The specification for duralumin covers the requirements of the machinist and BIB the drop-forger, and provides for the material as largely used in the motor industry, whilst the 1-alloy specification covers the use of the material for certain components of internal-combustion engines.
Copies of these specifications may be obtained from the publications department of the Institution, 28, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1, price 2s. 24. each by post.
R.H.A.'s Important London Meeting.
Following the publication of details of the Road and Rail Traffic Bill, the Metropolitan Area Committee of the Road Haulage Association arranged a meeting, to be held at the Boys' Institute, Treaty Road, Hounslow, yesterday evening, with Mr. J. P. E. Pye, the local chairman, in the chair.
At the time of closing for press it was expected that Mr. Ernest Clifford, of Cliffords, Ltd.' Great West Road, would speak, as well as Mr. F. F. Fowler and Mr. T. It. Sanders, and it was anticipated that, besides affording an
opportunity discussing the new Bill, the meeting would represent virtually London's first attempt at regularizing haulage rates. An account will appear later.
It is understood that views of the Road Haulage Association on the new Bill are to be placed before the British Road Federation to-day (Friday).
The Bill is expbined on pages 348-9 of this issue.
Overseas Registrations.
The number of motor vehicles in use in Montevideo at the end of December, 1932, was 19.332, including 4,283 lorries, 1,100 taxicabs and 524 buses.
At the end of December, 1932, there were 994 commercial vehicles in use in the Panama Canal zone.
There were 3,635 motor vehicles registered in Palestine at the end of 1932, including 1,737 buses, 808 goods vehicles and 8 tractors.
During 1932 1,442 commercial vehicles were registered in Latvia.
In Czechoslovakia .2,632 goods vehicles and 409 buses were registered during 1932.
In January last 71 commercial vehicles were registered in New Zealand.
During last year the total registrations of motor vehicles in South Africa included 16,723 lorries and. 1,171 buses.
The number of commercial vehicles registered in Australia during January last totalled 342, as against 369 in the previous month.
New Source of Competition.'
Somerset haulage contractors will be faced with competition from a new source if a scheme for the construction of a ship canal from the Bristol Channel to Taunton and Langport be approved by the Government. The suggestion was brought before a meeting of the Somerset Rivers Catchment Board by Sir William Meade King, who said that it would provide work for 5,000 men for four years. A proposal that a scheme be prepared was carried imanimously, and a committee was appointed to investigate the matter.
Big Mileages from Commers.
It is not an uncommon occurrence for a commercial vehicle to put up a mileage of 100 per day, but it is not often realized that this means a yearly total in excess of 30,000. Such service obviously calls for sturdy design and construction, and it must be very gratifying to Commer Cars, Ltd., Luton, to receive such letters as one which recently was sent by Cedric Chivers, Ltd., Porthway, Bath, which, when inquiring for another Commer van, stated that the vehicle purchased in November, 1930, had completed over' 80,000 miles. The company has kept accurate running costs and has found that they average 5.55d. per mile, a figure that includes all items except depreciation.
A similar vehicle is giving equally satisfactory results in the service of T. S. Townshettd and Sons, Ltd., Albion Flour Mills, Worcester, this having covered 20,000 miles in eight months' service. The vehicle carries 13 tons per day, and its fuel return is equivalent to 7 m.p.g., whilst oil consumption works out at 1,200 m.p.g. The company expresses every satisfaction with the performance of the vehicle.
Motor Spirit from a Cellulose Base.
It is reported from Kovno that, under the auspices of the Lithuanian Government, some experiments are at present being carried out in connection with the production of motor spirit from a cellulose base, with the object of reducing the country's imports of petrol.
Fowler Trailers Described.
John Fowler and Co. (Leeds), Ltd., has issued a new pamphlet descriptive of its wide range of trailers, in which brief technical details, salient dimensions and detail illustrations are given. The 3-4-ton and 8-ton types are recent additions to the company's range.
Big Drop in I.F.S. Exports.
Seven tractors of an estimated value of £754 were shipped from the Irish Free State during the two months ended February last, as contrasted with 132 machines (£13,454) in the corresponding two months of last year. There was also a decline, during the same periods, in the value of the export of tractor parts from the Free State, from 112,238 to £5,828.
Poor Future for the Small Man?
"For the little man the Road Traffic Act has not been a good thing, and I doubt whether he will weather the storm," said Mr. W. Blackhurst, a Blackpool solicitor, who has frequently appeared before the North-Weatern Traffic Commissioners on behalf of coach owners, in a recent address at Blackpool.
There was about 1250,000 invested in the coach industry in Blackpool, he said, mid the operators were big ratepayers. The Act, in the main, was needed, but they must not forget that many men would be put out of business through no fault of their own.
Blaclmool operators had, in many, ways, been in an unfortunate position. Before the Act came into force all the inland boroughs were jealous of their rights of granting licences. They took care, in many eases, to license only those who were ratepayers. Usually, inland operators were licensed in Blackpool, which depended on visitors from inland towns, but the Blackpool concerns were frequently not allowed to work to those places.
Brady Specialities.
Brady shutters, lifts and hoists are dealt with in a catalogue recently issued by G. Brady and Co., New Islington Works, Bridge Road, London, N.W.10, and Manchester. Much space is given up to details of the company's shutters for van bodies, which are now being used with success in a variety of trades and industries.
Good Stock of Second-hand Vehicles.
Mr. Win. R. Wintour, who is a regular advertiser in the classified section of The Commercial Motor, has drawn our attention to an incorrect telephone number which appeared in his advertisement, in the issue dated April 7 • this should have been Regent 2435. We are informed by Mr. Wintour that he has over 100 second-hand vehicles in stock, many of which are advertised in the columns of this paper.
A South Wales Deal.
The Gwalia Motor Co., Ltd., Aber. ystwyth, has, we learn, taken over the garage and business of Messrs. Jones Bros., Aberystwyth. The Gwalia concern will carry on business at both depots. The regular bus services of Messrs. Jones Bros. will, we understand, however, still be carried on by the creditors' trustee of Messrs. Jones Bros.' business.
Careful Bus Drivers.
Bus drivers in South Wales have lately received a good deal of praise from public authorities for their careful driving. At Carmarthenshire Standing Joint (Police) Committee meeting, attention was called to the fact that only one bus driver was included in the list of persons responsible for the 441 street accidents in the county in 1932. The chief constable's report showed that the 441 accidents resulted in 24 deaths and . 561 people being injured.
Inst. of T. Dinner Date.
The Institute of Transport announces that its next annual dinner will be held at the Connaught Rooms, Great Queen Street, London, W.C.2, on Friday, February 16, 1934.