"Bonus Scheme Meant Slower Work"
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FOLLOWING talks between DundeeTransport Committee and union representatives, it was hoped that there would now be some peace in the city's transport department, air. Harry Dickson, transport convenor, stated last week. In a report to the committee he said the general manager, Mr. W. L. Russell, had complained of bad workmanship and lack of discipline in the workshops, which had resulted in higher expenditure through wastage of materials. Mr. Russell had also pointed out that since the introduction of a bonus scheme the men were taking longer than ever to do various jobs, yet they strongly resisted any economies. .C11r. Dickson said Mr. Russell had agreed to withdraw his remarks about discipline and bad workmanship provided these subjects were discussed ht workshop level. The committee were to be asked to look into the question of the bonus scheme.
DUNDEE SEEKS REMEDY FOR BUS TROUBLES
A LTHOUGH Dundee Transport Department faces an estimated deficit of £14,327 next year, the remedy is unlikely to be sought in higher fares. This was stated by Mr. W. O'Neill, city treasurer, at last week's " budget " meeting of the transport committee, when he pointed out that any fare increases would automatically lead to a decrease in traffic. He recalled that last October's fare revisions were expected to yield £80,000, but additional revenue amounted to only £62,000. However, some scheme for balancing income and expenditure would have to be worked out. After the meeting, Cllr. H. Dickson, transport convenor, said they would have to look for economies on routes that obviously had too many vehicles compared with the passenger potential.
BUS OUTLOOK DISMAL THE affairs of Glasgow Transport Department took a turn for the worse last year, the corporation were told last week by Mr. J. Johnston, city treasurer. He said there was a deficit of £261,000 compared with a surplus of £209,000 the previous year, and the situation required attention not only from the transport committee but from the corporation as a whole. Mr. Johnston said he proposed to arrange for talks on the position between the transport and the finance committees.
DROP IN DEMAND
BECAUSE of the shrinking demand for heavy commercial vehicles, Kirkstall Forge Engineering, Ltd., have so far been unable to make full use of the increased capacity which their big development scheme has made available, says Mr. R. F. Butler, chairman. The immediate future is uncertain, but the directors believe that in time it will be possible to take full advantage of the development work.
Meat Haulier Fined £10 for Smoking
AFINE of £10 was imposed at Bristol, last week; on a meat haulier, Morris George Langford, Queen's Road, Knowle, Bristol, for smoking while handling food. Langford, who pleaded not guilty, was also accused of wearing dirty clothing while delivering meat, but this charge was dismissed. Mr. F. Baddy, public health inspector, said he saw Langford climb out of the back of his meat van with a small cigar in his mouth and go into a shop. His suit was covered with grease. In court, Langford said he changed his overalls once a week, and did not smoke until he had finished delivering, although sometimes he had a cigar behind his ear.
Morrison Electri car Keeps Ships Moving
BELIEVED to be the first vehicle of its kind in operation, a Morrison Electricar has been delivered to the Port of London Authority fitted out-as a mobile electrical workshop. It can transport a fully equipped repair team to breakdowns anywhere in the Royal Group of three large dock systems. The 30-cwt. long-wheelbase chassis had its workshop body constructed by F. G. Smith (Motors), Ltd., Goodmayes, to the requirements of the P.L.A. Aluminium sheet provides the body skin, and framing is of seasoned hardwood, with an interior lining of. plywood. The floor is unbroken by wheel-arches, and the rear end is dropped to form a well. At the front of the body is a separate stores compartment with a single door to the nearside. The cab will accommodate three people, including the driver.
" SORRY " MAY BE ADMISSION IN TRAFFIC CASES
N analysis by solicitors acting on behalf of members of the Automobile Association summoned for minor traffic offences shows that one in six says, • I'm sorry," when stopped by a policeman for the alleged offence. The apology, intended as a spontaneous expression of regret at causing inconvenience, appears on the police statement of facts required by the courts. Members have thought that, to a magistrate, the words might imply guilt. Another aspect of the new " rubberstamp " operation of the Magistrates' Court Act indicates a frequent lack of accuracy in essential detail. Cases have come to notice in which a defendant's name has been mis-spelt on the statement of facts, registration numbers have been wrongly quoted, and even the colour of a• vehicle has not been given correctly.