WHEELS of INDUSTRY "The wheels of wealth will be slowed
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by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it rans,"—John Beattie Crosier.
Excessive Loading: Brick Weight Variation.
A summons for using a lorry without a policy of insurance, brought at Port Talbot Police Court against Mr. Michael O'Sullivan, an Aberavon haulage contractor, bad unusual features.
Mr. Sullivan pleaded guilty to a technical offence, but pointed out that he was without a policy only for the single load which he was carrying when he was pulled up by the police. By paying an extra premium to the insurance company that matter of a single journey had been put right. The whole trouble arose from the lack of uniformity in the weight of bricks, claimed defendant.
The police evidence was that the lorry laden with bricks was taken to a weighbridge. The weight was found to be 10 tons 10 cwt. 3 qr., -whereas the insurance policy for the lorry permitted a gross load of only 8 tons 19 cwt.
Mr. O'Sullivan said there was no weighbridge at this loading point. Bricks were usually computed at the rate of 300 to the ton and he loaded 1,500 bricks, thinking himself to be well within the load limit of his policy.
The magistrates ordered defendant to pay costs.
Institute of Transport Meetings.
The Institute of Transport sessional programme includes some interesting meetings to be held during January. At a meeting of the Birmingham and district section, to be held on January 9. 1934, a paper will be presented by Sir Herbert Austin, entitled " Transport and Decentralization." On January 12 Mr. W. L. Runciman will read a paper entitled "Future Developments in Air Transport" at a meeting of the Newcastle-on-Tyne and district section. At an informal meeting, to be held in London on January 30, the subject of the discussion to be opened by Mr. J. S. Pool Godsell has been altered to "Traffic Light Control Signals."
Tramway Traffic Declining.
A return; has been issued by the Ministry of Transport giving particulars of the accounts and returns of tramways undertakings in Great Britain for the year ended December 31, 1932, for companies, and March 31, 1933, for local authorities. It is now on sale at His Majesty's Stationery Office, price 2s. 6d, In addition to summaries of the year's results, the return contains particulars of the capital, income and expenditure, the volume of traffic and operating results of each undertaking. It is shown that the gross receipts for 1932-33 were £21,987,059, a drop of 6.51 per cent., as compared with the previous period; working expenditure at £17,841,554 fell by £1,480,1987.66 per cent.
The number of passenger journeys decreased by 262,765,302, tfie total for
1932-33 being, 3,844,907,770. The number .of car miles totalled 347,328,420, a decrease of 17,073,647.
The return also gives particulars of the working of trolleybus undertakings -in Great Britain, and, in this direction, it is informative to note that the number of passenger journeys made during the year was 221,070,215, an increase of 19.9 per cent.
£6,000,000 Bridge Over Forth Advocated.
A joint committee representing Edinburgh and Leith commercial interests and motor organizations has been investigating the problem or vehicular traffic across the Forth. It has now issued a report in which the only solution is stated to be the erection of a road bridge at Queensferry, at a probable cost of £6,000,000.
The committee points to glaring anomalies in'the Scottish road system. The ferry service at Queelasferry, the committee considers, is a serious obstacle to expansion. The building of a bridge on the lines suggested would be a relief to unemployment and the imposition of a toll on all vehicles using it would pay for its upkeep.
October's New Registrations Analysed.
In our issue for last, week we published figures of registrations of new vehicles in October, 1933, and detailed particulars are now available: Hackney vehicles were 21 higher than for the previous year (226 as against 205), the increase being due to the fact that 104 taxicabs were registered, as against 48 a year earlier. In some classes therewore small decreases, but in the 48-5t3seater class the registrations fell from 70 in October, 1932, to 44 in October, 1933. In the 32-40-seater class there was an increase from seven vehicles in October, 1932, to 18 in October, 1933. Included in the month's total are 14 trolleybuses, as against five a year earlier.
As intimated last week, there was. a big improvement in goods-vehicle registrations, the total being raised from 3,848 in October, 1932, to 5,042 in October, 1933. Every class, except the 1-1i-ton category, shows an increase, the chief being in the 2-2i-ton. class, which comprises 997 registrations, against 514 in the comparahle period of 1932., There was also a notable increase—from 1,294 to 1,528—in the 1i-2-ton class.
Registrations of electrically propelled vehicles numbered 16, as against one in October of last year.
A Transport Opportunity., •
Our contributor, " S.T.R.," informs us that he is in touch with an engineer who is planning the establishment of a haulage and public service-carrying company in a British Protectorate. The country prospected is about 20,000
square miles in extent. There are 60,000 tons of cotton to be hauled annually in the season, which covers about three to four months of the year, an outward tonnage, through the principal town (a port) of about 44,000 tons per annum, mainly of tea, coffee, tin, copper, tobacco and gold, and an inward tonnage of general merchandise, to be distributed throughout the area specified, of close on 30,000 tons per annum. The country is progressive and the above tonnages are increasing. The population along the three proposed bus routes is over three-quarters of a million.
There is at present no regular reliable haulage service in the Protectorate, and no bus service which operates to a timetable. There is ample room and opportunity for both. The present proposal is to commence with four buses and six goods vehicles, and the capital required is in the neighbourhood of £15,000. Readers who are prepared to take a financial interest in the venture should communicate with " S.T.R." through this office. ,
Licence-renewal Procedure.
The Ministry of Transport has issued a notice drawing attention to the fact that existing motor licences, which expire on December 31, may now be renewed for next year. Under the provisions of the Finance Act, 1933, certain changes have been made in the classification, for taxation purposes, of goods vehicles, hackney vehicles and tractors, and all such vehicles must, therefore, be redeclared on the appropriate full declaration form. Applications must not be made on renewal form R.F.1A., and the licences will not be issued by authorized post offices, but direct by the appropriate licensing, authority.
New Import Duties in Guatemala.
• A decree recently issued by the Government authorities of Guatemala applies the same schedule of graduated rates of import duty recently established for lorries, to buses and chassis for lorries and buses. The new rates are as follow :---Lorries, buses and chassis, up to 2 tons, 5 American cents per gross kilog.: 2-3 tons, 10 cents; 3-4 tons, 20 cents, and over 4 tons, 40 cents.
I.F.S. Tractor Exports Negligible.
During the 10 months ended October last, only eight tractors valued at £789 were exported from the Irish Free State, as compared with 2,c83 and £291,269 respectively last year. The value of the exports of tractor parts dropped from £113,678 to £30,669.
North and South Insurance Corporation, Ltd.
A joint statement has been issued by the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Transport to the effect that an Order was made by the Court on December 18 for the winding up of the North and South' Insurance Corporation, Ltd. One effect of this Order is to leave risks under the fire, personal-accident and motor-vehicle policies issued by the company uninsured as from that date.
Holders of motor-vehicle policies issued by the corporation covering third-party risks should note that such policies no longer afford any financial protection, and are reminded that it is an offence under the Road Traffic
Act, 1930, to use a motor vehicle on the road unless a policy of insurance or security . in respect of third-party risks is in force.
Authorities empowered to issue Road Fund licences will be unable to accept certificates of insurance issued by the North and South Insurance Corporation, Ltd., as evidence of insurance against third-party risks, and applicants for such licences should take immediate steps to obtain certificates issued by some other insurance concern.
A Tanker for Alcohol Transport.
We reproduce on this page an illus tration of an interesting Thornycroft Strenuous 1,000-gallon tank ' wagon, which John I. Thornycroft and Co., • Ltd., has recently supplied to the Distillers Co., Ltd., for the bulk conveyance of alcohol. .Two separate 500-gallon tanks are carried, these being interchangeable and mounted on a platform body with low sides. Metal hose trays
are carried on the body and can accommodate hose up to, 11 ft. per length.
The filling and emptying of the tanks are effected by pressure from a Lacy Hulbert belt-driven pump mounted over the flywheel housing of the engine. Special consideration has been given to the question of ventilating the driver's cab, and attention to detail is shown by the neat metal covers over the manholes and the lifting eyes on the tanks.
Highland Show Dates.
The annual show of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland will take place next year at Glasgow from June 19-22. The entries for implements close on April 2.
Barton Transport Report.
In the year ended September 30, 1933, Barton Transport, Ltd., made a net profit of £13,625, as against £10,943 a year earlier. A dividend of 20 per cent. is to be paid on the deferred shares, and £1,680 is to be placed to the preference dividendarrears account, leaving £4,943 to be carried forward, subject to directors' additional remuneration.
The preference dividend arrears account is raised to £3,360, and one half-year's arrears of 4 per cent. are to be paid to the sharehoklerss, absorbing £2,800; this payment will reduce outstanding arrears to £14,000. Personal Pars.
Although his office closes officially on December 30, Major-Gen. Sir Reginald
Ford, C.B., D.S.O., chairman of the.Southern Traffic Commissioners, intends to continue to interest himself in transport matters, and, if possible, is to associate himself with
some organization. Sir Reginald is unable, at the moment, to give us more definite information.
Mr. G. H. Napthine, who, for the past seven years has been district superintendent of the Eastern National Omnibus Co., Ltd., in the Colchester and Clacton districts, has been promoted operating superintendent for the eastern area, a position which involves the supervision of the operation of all the company's services in Essex.
Mr. Napthine was formerly traffic manager to a subsidiary company of United Automobile Services, Ltd., and, prior to that, was for a number of years with the East Surrey Traction Co., Ltd., in the capacity of assistant traffic superintendent.
Railway Wool-freight Rates Lowered.
The Railway Rates Tribunal recently granted, for an experimental period of six months, an application by the Great Western Railway Co. for a reduction in its rates for carrying wool to one-fifth of the standard rate. It was said that this was a big reduction, but it was necessary if the railway company was to be able to compete with road-transport operators, who collected their loads direct from the faints.
Lorries and Garage Equipment Required in Egypt.
The Ran:deli Electric Railway Co. is calling for tenders, which have. to be presented in Alexandria by January 15, 1934, for the supply of 34 items of garage equipment. Those concerns in a' position to supply goods of United Kingdom manufacture may obtain further details from the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, reference AY12120 being quoted.
This railway company is also seeking tenders, which have to be presented in Egypt by January 10, 1934, for the supply of one 4-4i-ton and three 2!_eton 'lorries. In this case, further details may be obtained by applying to the Department, quoting reference GY13246.
Move to Popularize Smokeless Fuel.
The Smoke 'Abatement Society has asked' the Minister of Transport to amend Regulation No. 18 of the Statutory Rules and Orders, made under the Road Traffic Act, 1930. He is requested to insert after the word "fuel" the words "shall use only smokeless or non-bituminous fuel," meaning "feel containing not more than 14 per cent. of volatile matter."
The regulation referred to, if amended in the way proposed, would read: "Every motor vehicle using solid fuel shall use only smokeless or non-bituminous fuel and shall be fitted with an efficient appliance for the purpose of preventing the emission of sparks or grit and with a tray or shield to prevent the ashes and cinders from falling on to the road."
A Successful Social Function.
Last Saturday, December 16, Hamilton Motors (London), Ltd., Edgware Road, London, W.2, held a dance which was well attended by members of the staff and their friends. This concern, it will be remembered, is the manufacturer of the Theed pneumatic tipping gear.
A.E.C. Progress and Prospects.
The 22nd ordinary general meeting of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., was held a few days ago, when Mr. C. W. Reeve, the chairman and managing director, said that the company was the first to manufacture and to operate an oil-engined bus in this country, and it is now producing a sixcylindered oil engine, which has been well received. He mentioned that, at the moment, nearly 300 London Transport buses are equipped, or about to be equipped, with this type of engine, and similar units are in use in hundreds of
other passenger and goods-carrying vehicles, both at home and abroad.
In referring to the Q-type bus and Q-type trolleybus, in which the power unit is at the side, he said that both types are well in advance of average modern design.
Mr. rzef:ve then went on to review the heavy motor industry as a whole, and expressed the view that the most pressbig need is that it should be permitted to develop without fear of further legislative restriction.
He said that, although the company's sales were down by 40 per cent. in 1932, as compared with 1931, and whilst profits for the first six months of 1933 were again down by 50 per can't., as compared with 1932, the company has, by efficient administration, economic production and sound selling, not only escaped the worst consequences of the unfavourable factors of recent trading, but is able to produce a balance-sheet, as at September, 1933, which justifies a•reaaonabIe dividend.
An Active Irish Association.
During the past year, the Council of North of Ireland Motor Hirers' Association has efficiently guarded the interests of its members. Such matters as pneumatic-tyre concessions on heavy vehicles, furniture-van taxation, publicservice plates and the renewal of drivers' licences have all been dealt with, and no small measure of success achieved. The legal department has also done good work.
Councillor W. J. Chambers presided at the recent annual meeting, and was re-elected chairman of the Association, when other elections were : vice-chairman, Mr. C.eeo. Bond ; hon. treasurer, Mr. C. Trotter ; hon. secretary, Mr. H. Henderson; and council, Messrs, J, M. Johnson, R. H. Maltrnan, R. Shannon, W. M. Milton, J. Henderson and S. Grey.
Fallacies Regarding the New Act.
Speaking at the annual dinner of the Tynedale Hauliers Association, at Hexham (Northumberland), Mr. Donaldson Wright, of Nottingham, vice-president of the Road Haulage Association, stated that many persons had the opinion that the Road and Rail Traffic Act would create something of a revolution on January 1 This was wrong, however, because some time would elapse before the Act came into proper working order.
Mr. W. W. Sanderson (West Heddon) presided. It was stated that, although the branch had been formed only about 12 months ago, its membership was now double the original figure,
Commercial Insurance Rates Increased.
The General Accident Fire and Life Assurance Corporation, Ltd., has announced that, owing to adverse claims experience, combined with the increasing liabilities which authorized insurers have to face, it has been found necessary slightly to revise premium rates, but policy holders who escape accident will benefit by the increasing no-claim bonus of 10 per cent. on the first renewal, rising to 25 per cent. on the fourth renewal.
An Exide Evening.
An excellent cabaret show was a prominent feature of the Exide motor and radio traders' dance, held on December 12 at Tony's Ballroom, Birmingham, when some 500 people were present. Amongst the Exide officials present were Mr. H. V. Schofield, sales manager ; Mr. G. S. Harvey, service manager ; Mr. H. Boon, publicity manager : Mr. A. C. Stewart. Drydex manager ; Mr. E. Cireenhalgh, Birmingham depot manager, and Mr. R. IT. Cobham, Midland representative. Portsmouth Buying Trolleybus Fleet.
Portsmouth Corporation is recommended by its tramways committeeto buy 15 trolleybuses, two from the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., two from Karrier Motors, Ltd., three from Leyland Motors, Ltd., and two from the Sunbeam Motor Car Co., Ltd., all being 50-seater chassis. The remaining chassis are to be for-GO-seater bodies and to be bought from the A.E.C. and Sunbeam concerns.
Two of four regenerative-control chassis are to be of A.E.C.-English Electric make for 50-seater bodies, one of similar make for 60-seater coachwork and another of Sunbeam manufacture for a 60-seater body.
It is recommended that the orders for bodies should be given to the English Electric Co., Ltd. (nine 50-seaters and two 00-seaters, coachbuilt). and Metrepolitan-Cammell-Weymann Motor Bodies, Ltd. (two 50-seaters and two 60-seaters, all-metal).
New Weighbridge Fees.
The works committee of Gravesend Corporation has fixed the following charges for the use of the new weighbridge, installed at the borough engineer's depot at the canal :—For vehicles up to 1 ton capacity, (Id.; 1-A3 tons capacity, 8d.; 3-6 tons capacity, is.; 6-30 tons capacity, ls.