MECHANICAL ROAD TRANSPORT IN SOUTH AFRICA.
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6, As with motorcars, the commercial vehicles supplied by America to the South African market are lighter in construction, and much cheaper than the English." Thus Mr. C. W. Francis Harrison, F.S.S., F.R.G.S., in his new andrevised edition -of 'the report (first published in 1920) compiled by him as special commissioner in British 'South Africa for the Federation of British Industries.
The writer adds : "For the heaviest power lorries there is no verylarge aale. There is, however, good scope in motor delivery vans. As the roads of the country are improved, motor transport will become a feature in the agricultural districts. There axe, bound to be big developments alsir in mechanical ploughing. It is gratifying to state that within the last few years. several important
British motor vehicle manufacturers despatched representatives to South Africa, Rhodesia and East Africa, and I look hopefully to the time when great Britain will again lead all competitors in this very valuable trade. A South African motor spirit, called Natalite, has been used with success. It is cheaper than petrol. Another spirit has come on to the market, Penrol by name, which is apparently meeting with a fair sale."
On the subject of local representation, mr: Harrison says that great care requires to be exercised to ensure that agencies are placed only with those companies who are in a position to handle
them efficiently and energetically. In this connection the principle of dividing the territory of Southern Africa into several main agency areas, with centres at Cape Town, Johannesburg,. Durban and Buluwayo (or Salisbury), is a good one.
Only in those cases where a company handling a motor agency have their own branches, with garages and workshops, in the principal trade centres of the country, should the granting of a sole agency for the whole territory be considered... Garages and workshops; fully equipped, together with commodious showrooms, are indispensable.
Having regard to the increasing importance of the motor trade, and the very severe competition from ether countries, the appointment of a resident supervising representative (*here the business to he done is on a large scale) is favoured ; any eaSe; the fullest possible service facilities should b.e provided and this should iinclude an adequate
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