WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficzaties of transport at whatever point's arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it rtras."—ifohit Beattie Crozier,
The New French Commercial Vehicle Association.
The ocanmercial vehicle industry in France has been making wonderful progress. during the past few years. In support of this statement, the progress made by the new French Commercial Vehicle Association, which held its inaugural meeting in Paris a few days ago, can be cited, for it already includes over 200 members, representing some 10,000 commercial vehicles. Moreover, the founders fully expect to double this membership within the next, few weeks.
The aims of the new society are. very similar to those of the Commercial Motor Users Association in this country, and are concerned with the protectiou of the interests of commercial vehicle users end festering the development of the industry generally.
The title of the new association is the "-Union des Verhicules Industriels" and its headquarters are it 30, flue de Titsift, Paris. M. Charles Blum, the direcleur7gerieral of the firm of Latil, has been eleTcted president of the association, the vice-presidents being MM. J. Perony, of the S.O.IVI.CLA. concern, and It. Scheeler, of the firm of Hachette. The general secretary is M. Cectiard.
Although touring cars were more numerous in France than in England bef ore the war, the commercial vehicle movement had not advanced in, the same proportion. The past four years, however, have seen a remarkable increase in the number of business vehicles in service.
According to the French Revenue returns, the number of commercial motor vehicles in use in 1920 was T7,503. In 1921 this figure had increased to 92,730, in 1922 to 120,724, and by the end of year there were no . fewer than 181,100 vehicles licensed.
Melbourne Wants More Buses.
The Meliaurne Metropolitan .Tramways Board invites tenders, closing May 28th., for the supply and delivery of 10 single-deck motor omnibuses, with a seating capacity of 30 to 40. The importation of one body of each type chosen will be permitted; the remainder must be manufactured
To Save More Money.
Having found that a motor vehicle which has been in iiaa for eight months has effected a saving at the rate of £1311 a year on work in connection with house-refuse collection, as compared with !horses and carts, the Poole Town Council has decided to purchase three more vehicles of a similar type, at a cost not exceeding £220 each.
Albion Coaches in Demand.
The Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., inform us that with the approach of the holiday season they have, during the past, few weeks, experienced a good demand for their 1924 Viking model motor coach. This production of the company will be well to the fore this season in a number of popular coaching centres throughout the country, including Blackpool and some of the favourite resorts in. North Wales.
Cushion Tyres for Motor Coaches.
Coach owners who desire to secure smoother running of their vehicles, with a reduction -of vibration and of road shocks, but 'do not wish to incur the expense of pneumatic tyres, are now paying increased attention to the cushion type, the, pioneer of which is the Macintosh-N.A.P. This tyre, having an air care, The air being at normal atmospheric. pressure, of course, cannot puncture OE burst, and it has now gained an excellent reputation for its wearing qualities and for its shock-absorbing Powers. We understand also that, the tyre is free. from any tendency to sideslip or skid, and this claim is supported by the experiences of users. In order that full information concerning the behaviour of these tyres may be available, a special booklet has been prepayee, and a copy will be sent free by post to any reader who mentions The. Commercial Motor aridwill apply to Charles Macintosh and Co., Ltd., Cambridge Street, Manchester.
Purchasing a Bus Undertaking.
The proposal of the Cardiff Tramways Committee to purchase the Cardiff-Newport services, .maintained. by .Me-ssrs. Vernon Jones, Castleton, with four buses, with. the rights to institute a municipal service between the same centres, has received the assent of the finance committee (i.e., the full .council), the purchase price being 112,250.
Since the disclosure of the tramways committee's intention there have been representations by users oil the buses on this route that the system' of seasoir. tickets at reduced rates adopted by .the private proprietors aheiild be continued by the corporation.
. Users of the vehicles also ask for a guarantee that the full winter-season time-table, as observed by Messrs. Jones, will be adhered to by the council, irrespective of any loss which may he incurred during this period. These matters are to receive the early consideration of the council.
Haulage Contractors Note !
• As a result of increased business, and at the, special requesb of many haulage contractors, Waiter Gammons, Ltd., whose headquarters are at bb-66, Basinghall Street, London, E.e.,2, have opened a branch office at Birmingham, the address being iu and 12, HolbornChambers, Broad Street. The manager of the new, depot is Mr. E. W. Higgs.
Newport Bus Extensions.
The Newport Town Council is to extend the recently inaugurated municipal bus service which operates in sections of the borough off the route of the tramways. The buses have already secured excellent public patronage, and this is likely to be enhanced by the modification of time-tables to suit the hours ot business people. Experience has already shown that something is necessary in this direction.
Applications have been made for an extension of the routes traversed by the buses, and it is intended shortly to run buses for workmen. to Channel Dry Dock.
A. E. Newton, Ltd., Reconstituted.
We understand that A. E.Newton, Ltd., are moving to more commodious premises at Alexandra House, Queen Square, London, W.C.1. The company have been reconstituted and are embarking on a more extensive and comprehensive programme. Mr. Albert E, Newton, who was for many years at the head of the automobile lubricants department of the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., retains his position as managing director.
In addition to marketing N ewton motor oils and greases, the company hold the sole concession for Shaler vulcanizers and the selling agency for Autobestos brake and clutch ilTIID2S.
Trailers for Use with the Pordson.
Owing to an oversight an incorrect illustration was employed in connection with the article appearing in our issue of April 8th last under the general heading, ' Hauliers' Inquire Within." That article dealt with the Ise of a Forclson and an Eagle trailer, and it had been intended to illustrate it with a view of such a combination. Instead the illustration that was published showed a trailer made by Frank Allen, Ltd., of 13rigg, Linea. On another page of -this issue, under the same heading, we illustrate the Eagle two-wheeled trailer showing the manner in which it is used as a horse-hauled vehicle for collecting street refuse, a trailer hauling it when
loaded to the tip. The Allen trailer which appeared in our illustration was designed and built by Frank Allen, Ltd., when the rubbertyred wheels for Fordson tractors were first imported into the country. Several of the trailers have been built, and are extensively used for haulage work not only by the makers, under contract, but by many of their clients. The one which we illustrated is the special long trailer used -ger the haulage of road-making materials in Lincolnshire, the position and design of the drawbar hitch making it particularly adaptable for turning and reversing. On this page we also give further examples of both types of trailer.
Berliet Prices.
A new price list has just been issued by Automobiles M. Berliet, whose London offices are at 40, Sackville Street, London, W.I. It. is a most comprehensive list and gives full particulars of the whole range of Berliet models from the lightest to the heaviest types suitable for commercial as well as private-car use.
S. Smith and Sons (M.A.), Ltd., inform us that Mr. Milligan, the manager of their Scottish depot, will in future confine his energies to business in connection with wireless matters. As from the beginning of this month, the company's interests are being served in Scotland by Mr. George M. Smith, of West Regent Street, Glasgow.
Personal Pars.
Mr. J. Southall, having severed his connection with Republic Trucks Salsa Corporation, has now joined the staff of Automobiles M. Berliet, whose London offices are at 40, Sackville Street, W.1, and fie ia representing this company in the Home Counties.
Mr. Claude Russell, late of the British Automotive Co., betterknown, perhaps, as a representative for Messrs. Dodge Bros., has been appointed sales representative for the motor lighting department. of Allen-Liversidge, Ltd., 106, Victoria Street, London, 8. W. Mr. Russell has been connected with the motor industry since 1905.
R.A.C. Yorkshire District Office.
The Yorkshire district office of the Royal Automobile Club at Pearl Chambers, East Parade, Leeds, was opened on April 14th. Mr. Bertram Waring, who is well-known in the district, has been appointed local manager.
Inst. of P.E. Resignation.
The Institution of Production Engineers announces the resignation of their secretary, Mr. A. T. Davey, who is taking up a position with W. H. Allen and SODS, Ltd., of Bedford. The hon. secretaryship of the institution will in future be filled by Mr. E. D. Ball, 20, Lushington Road, Harlesden, London, N.W.10, to whom all communications should now be addressed.
Earlier Smoking Concert.
The annual staff smoking concert of Harrier Motors, Ltd.' was held a few days ago in Huddersfield, when some 60 members of the staff enjoyed an excellent programme entirely contributed by employees. Mr. L. A. Poole, the chief engineer, occupied the chair, and in his opening remarks expressed regret for the non-attendance of the directors due to important business engagements. A most enjoyable evening was spent by all those present.
Blyth's Fire Brigade.
In his annual report, the engineer to the Blyth Borough Council observes that the past year is historic in the annals of the corporation brigade in that the committee provided for two long-wanted improvements--a new motor fire-engine and new premises. The new 75 h.p. six-cylinder 500-gallon turbine fire-engine, with 50-ft. Ajax fire-escape and 30-gallon first-aid apparatus, was supplied by Hanays, Ltd., of Glasgow. The machine hat proved satisfactory in every way, and carried out all tests de
manded of it in practice. The firebrigade has been reorganized, a permanent motor driver engaged and arrange, merits made so that the volunteer firemen take duty throughout the week to relieve the permanent staff: '
Darlington's Buses.
Darlington Markets Committee, which controls motorbus licensing matters in the town, is taking a strong lead in order to arrive at a satisfactory working arrangement whereby bus proprietors will run their vehicles to a definite time-table. On its recommendation the town council has adopted a resolution that the licensee for the various buses operating between Darlington and Middleton-One-Row be renewed for one calendar month, as from April let, and that the owners beinformed that unless stAcey submit satisfactory •time-tables,
guaranteeing regular services, the question of the cancellation of their licences after the expiration of this period will have to be considered. Four diatinst services are provided over the _route, which is about five miles long.
The corporation has also renewed for one month the licences for four buses operated by the Vulcan Motor Services (Darlington), Ltd., sublect to the company giving a written undertaking to run their town service from Faverdale to Park Lane, via Grange Road and Victoria Road instead of Blackwellgate and Feethams, as hitherto.
Performance of a Guy Bus.
Merthyr Tydfil Corporation Works Committee reports on a trial trip with a Guy one-man-controlled-tue bus, and quotes the full consumption of the vehicle as a gallon for 10 miles and the running cost as 10d. per bus-mile.
Engineers' Club Dinner.
The Engineers' Club, of Coventry Street, Landon, is holding its first annual dinner on May 6th, when many people well known in the commercial motor vehicle industry and a number of prominent engineers will be present. The dinner will be held at the Connaught Rooms, but it is feared that the applications for tickets will exceed the number available. The price of the ticket is two guineas, inclusive.
Parking at Northampton.
At a meeting of the Northampton Watch Committee the chief constable reported that, in order to avoid congestion and obstruction in the main streets in the town, he had arranged, as an experiment, for the parking of motor vehicles as follows :—Front of All Saints' Church (3), St. John Street (between approaches to L.M. and Scottish Railway) (15)' horseshoe Street (below Shakespeare Hotel yard) (6), Regent Street (south end) (12), Campbell Square (15). In addition, the Market Square, on other than niarket days, will also be available for the purpose.
Bus Licence Conditions_
The following new regulations axe proposed by the Northampton Watch Committee as a condition of the issue of bus and char-a-banns licences :— Buses shall run over and adhere to such routes from and to the borough boundary, or otherwise, as may be specified by the committee. A time-table of each service to be approved by the committee before being put in operation.
Seven days' notice to be given to the chief constable before any.alteration of any time-table.
Routes approved for services running in particular directions shall be adhered to.
No buses shall pick up passengers in the borough except at authorized stands.
A Durham Bridge Doomed.
One of the most dangerous bridges in North Duiliam is the stone structure which spans the picturesque River Derwent, on the Gateshead-Hexham road, and for years it has been a source of continual danger to all traffic using that busy highway. The bridge is bordered on the west side by cross-roads and a level-crossing, and the crest of the structure is so high that it is impossible for the driver of a vehicle coming in either direction to see what it approaching him from the opposite side of the bridge. In addition, it, is so narrow that it is quite impossible for two large vehicles to pass. • It is pleasing to note that the Durham County Connell has now decided to build a new bridge, which it is estimated will coat 260,000. It is to be built a little distance away from the old one, at a point which will do away with the cross-roads, which have always been a great source of danger to road users.
Brick Road in Yorkshire.
A brick road surf ace—a type of highway extensively used in America but seldom if ever used before in this country—is being laid in Keigbley under the direction of the British Paving Brick Association, and on illustration.on this page shows the method 'of, ;procedure. The bricks; which are specially "fired," are approximately the size of an ordinary brick without any cavity. They are laid upon an even surface of sand about
in. in depth spread upon a concrete foundation and fixed much in the manner as wood.blocks. The claim for brick roads is that they give a good surface under any conditions oi weather, are clean, quiet and non-absorbent, while their tractive force is said to be the least of all surfacing materials.
Repairs can be speedily carried out because of the small units, which can be easily cut out and replaced. For motor traffic the brick surface is said to be almost ,skidpraof, while it gives a good foot-hold for horse traffic. The surface is being laid between sections laid with nidged granite and rook asphalt in a street will& is much used by heavy town traffic, and.the experiment will be watched with interest.
Cost of Weighing Motors.
Ossett Town Council inspector reports that since September 3rd last about 70 motor lorries have been weighed at a charge of 1.s., and 100 lorries containing corporation material have also been weighed; 50 of these contained material for sale, which is now charged for correctly, and which previously had to be estimated or charged for on other weighings. Iii is suggested by many motor owners that the charge is too high, and that on many other public weighbridges a charge of 6d, only is enforced.
Satisfaction from a Mann.
We reproduce on this page an innstration of a Mann 5-ton steam wagon which is in the service of Robert Stephenson and Son, of Hall Bridge Mills, Beverley. This vehicle was first put into service in July, 1920, since .which 'date it has given most satisfactory running. Tho following is an ex tract from a letter just received by the manufacturers from the users, who state that, "during the three and a half years that we have run this vehicle it has constantly; been at work pulling full loads of five tons on the-wagon and three tons on a trailer over all kinds of country roads, and has given us no trouble of any sort. With the exception of a set of new back tvres fitted last autumn, our entire repair bill for the three and a half years has amounted to .C10 12s. 1.d. ; the engine is still in excellent condition, and -we consider this a very fine record."
In the picture which we reproduce the wagon and trailer are shown loaded to their rated capacities.
London's Lack of Co-ordination. Isfarylebone Borour Council has sent. a communication to e Commissioner of . Police pointing out that the lack of co-ordination between the highway authority and the traffic authority is due in a very large measure to the fact that no representative of the metropolitan borough councils has been appointed on the committee dealing with traffic questions, and pressing for a representative of. the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee to be co-opted.
Local Proceedings
Tatnes Watch Committee is considering the advisability of purchasing a motor. fire-engine, Swansea Corporation Electricity Committee has decided on the purchase of a 30-cwt. motor lorry.
Renfrewshire County Council has decided to purchase a petrol lorry for the haulage of road plant.
Northampton Corporation has authorized an experimental bus set4ice en Sundays over all tramway routes.
Rotherham Corporation Parks Committee has decided to invite tenders for the supply of a motor lawn mower.
Totnes Town Council is being asked to consider the advisability of purchasing motors,to replace horses and outs.
Blyth Borough surveyor reports on the need for the .employment of mechanical vehicles to water, brush and cleanse streets.
Salford Corporation Highways Committee recommends the purchase of a Garrett steam tipping wagon at a cost of 2750.
Maidstone Town Council has inaugurated a motorbus service. The corporation has three Tilling-Stevens vehicles.
In association with the rural district council, South Molton (llavon) Town Council has decided to purchase a motor fire-engine.
Yarmouth Corporation has purchased a low-loading motor lorry at a cost of £565, a motor ambulance for £240, and a motes-van for £149 10s.
Blyth Town Council has provided a temporary shelter for -motorbus passengers on an open space adjoining the post office, at a cost of £160.
.Newton Urban District Council is spending £1.000 on resurfacing part of the Market Square in connection with a proposal to erect an omnibus shelter.
Swansea Corporation has asked the borough electricalengineer and the tramways manager to report on the provision of a trolley-bus service to Fforestfach.
Chesterfield Watch Committee is not prepared to vary its previous decision as .1,o the number of passengers Permitted to be carried in .omnibuses in excess of the seating capacity. '