From our Montreal Correspondent.
Page 15
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There has been a remarkable development in the use of the commercial motor in Canada in the last few years. Before that time, the agricultural motor, the motor truck, the taxicab and so on were objects of general attention when seen either on the street, or in a store window, and speculation was rife as to whether their economic utility would be borne out by actual working. I remember that. many business men shook their heads very gravely when a large Montreal concern put the first truck on the streets, and made comments as to a fool and his money. But the nine days wonder is over. The acceptance now of the motor as part and parcel of an every-day farming or street scene is proof that its commercial value has been recognized. The West, especially in so far as farming is eoncerned; was in advance of the East in adopting the new order of things. Settlers from the United States brought with them a full appreciation of the value of the motor, and their lead was soon followed by the neighbours, but the East is now waking up and putting aside its conservatism.
It is in the large centres, however, that the greatest development is noticed ; and Montreal, owing to the fact that the heavy snowfalls—rendering necessary the general use of sleighs—tie up the cars throughout the winter, can be given on this account as one of the best examples. It is true that a few automobiles are to be seen on the main thoroughfares, which are kept well cleared of snow, enough being left to form a good surface for the sleighs ; but the motor truck is not employed, so that for many months the car is laid up and useless to the owner. Despite this, however the large departmental stores, hauling companies, and other businesses are rapidly purchasing cars, which is quite sufficient evidence as to the utility of the commercial motor even when it cannot be used for some five months during the year.
There is undoubtedly a good prospect for British manufacturers in Canada. The United States makers have had the start, but there is no reason why their lead should not be overtaken. Several of the firms across the border have established branch factories in Canada, while there are a few purely domestic factories ; but the demand is growing so fast that the suppli: is not able to keep up with it, and the field here is well worth the attention of makers in the Old Country. There is one great point which a maker should thoroughly grasp, and that is the necessity of having a stock of cars in Canada. It must not be forgotten that when a Canadian makes up his mind to buy a car he wants to see it in his yard without the loss of much time. If a British firm, in competition with a Canadian or United States one, can only promise delivery, say, within a month or six weeks, while the other can supply n one-third the time, the former stands a poor chance of getting the business even though it has a much better car. Then, again, it is much easier to sell a car that is standing on view in a showroom than one that is represented on a catalogue. It is thesame with the various parts. If a purchaser has to wait, after a breakage, until the supply arrives from the factory in the Old Country, then lie commences to kick like a steer, and draws comparisons between the house in question and others close at hand, which are not exactly fair, but all the same are hurtful to British prospects generally. There is undoubtedly a good field for British commercial trucks this side, but the demand must be carefully studied.
The First Motor Hearse.
Considerable interest is being taken in Montreal over the arrival of the first motor hearse. We have become familiar with the motor ambulance of the Royal Victoria Hospital dashing through the streets with its Red-cross flag and clanging bell, leaving the -horse ambulances of the other hospitals well behind, but the idea of the motor hearse is decidedly novel, and therefore the public interest is. keyed up over it. The hearse has been ordered by a large French andertaking establishment from a Rochester (N.Y.) house—James. Cunningham, Son and Co., and by the time this appears in print it will be on the streets of Montreal. The car is very handsome in appearance, quiet yet dignified, and will not detract in any way from the solemnity of the occasion, rather will it tend to add to it. It is an interesting side light on human nature that disappointment has been expressed recently by many mourning families that the car has not been on hand. We like to be up-to-date in Montreal.