NEWS of the WEEK
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GOODS-TRANSPORT ADVICE • FROM 'THE MINISTRY.
TrEIE Ministry of Transport has issued I advice to concerns who wish to consign goods by road. The impressment of vehicles has reduced the number at the disposal of both haulage and other concerns. Companies accustomed to having their vehicles entirely for their own use cannot, if they lose a vehicle, count on having it replaced. They must become buyers of road haulage if their remaining vehicles be inadequate for essential work.
If a consigner requires road haulage, he must first try to make arrangements with a haulier, or, if his vehicles be included in a group, he may get the help of the organizer. If he be unable to obtain what is required he should ask help of the manager of the SubDistrict from which the goods are to be moved. Any hauliers in the area will be able to give this address. It will depend upon the importance of the work he watria done, upon the transport position at the time, and upon the suitability and availability of other means for transport, how far his requirements can be met. In cases of exceptional difficulty he ran communicate with the District Transport Officer, but should not apply direct to the headquarters of the Ministry of Transport.
A Rush on Gas Producers.
Tis every sign that the day of the gas producer is really dawning, and inquiries are coming in from all directions. The Government isencouraging them by allowing the makers of suitable equipment steel for constructional purposes, whilst the suppliers are practically freed from restrictions in respect of anthracite for this purpose, and are busy preparing large quantities of fuel suitably graded.
We understand that one maker alone has already orders in hand for TOO producers and manufacture is being arranged on a large scale, so that early delivery may be anticipated.
Army Constrfts Associations on Dock Control LAST week, a meeting was held at Glasgow, under the auspices of the Scottish C.M.U.A, to consider the introduction of a permit system for controlling the entry of various persons into the docks at Glasgow. Sir John MacDonald, president of the Association, presided, and among those who attended were Mr. Rennie, who deputized for Major Robb, and Mr. Kerr (both of whom represented the military authority in control of the docks), and Mr. R. Taylor, general secretary of the Scottish Horse and Motormen's Association, who represertted the workers.
The necessity of protecting the harbour and docks, in time of war, was explained to the meeting, and the A26 general scheme envisaged by the military authority was described. The military representative suggested that it would be preferable if this scheme could be operated through some central organization.
The meeting unanimously agreed that the Scottish Horse and Motormen's Association, with the co-operation of two representatives of the Scottish C.M.U.A., should be recommended as the appropriate body to assist the military authorities in this matter. It was pointed out that the ultimate decision would rest with the military authority, although it was indicated that the recommendation of the meeting would. be accepted.
Thereafter, the road-transport operators discussed general principles involving the industry, including existing contracts and their obligations, impressment of vehicles and rates chargeable, labour shortage, fuel rationing, emergency legislation, wages, milk haulage, and rail-head schemes.
Scottish Show Off.
TH"year's annual Scottish Motor Exhibition, which was to be held in Glasgow. during November, will not
now take place. This decision was recently passed by the council of the Scottish Motor Trade Association, and will remain in force during the 'war.
Uniform Black-out Markings for Refuges.
AMITH a view to minimizing the risk V v of accident brought about by motor vehicles colliding with street refuges under black-out conditions, the London Civil Defence Regional Authori• ties have requested local authorities to adopt a uniform road marking to indicate the presence of such obstacles. It takes the form of a white line along the centre of the road, starting 30 ft. from the refuge and at 20 ft. from it the line bifurcates, forming two arms of a Y, until the refuge is reached. These arms are joined at intervals of 3 ft. by white cross-bars.
Better Night-driving Conditions Coining.
.THE Home Secretary and the I Ministry of Transport have under consideration the whole question of facilitating movement on the roads at night, and an early announcement will be made. The Road Transport Committee of the House of Commons is bringing before the Departments and Ministers the various war problems that arise, and there is little doubt that their representations will result in modifications in lighting and movement restrictions.
C.M.U.A. Dinner Cancelled. 'THE divisional annual dinner and I dance of the Commercial Motor Users Association, which was to be held at the Trocadero Restaurant, London, on November 7, has been. cancelled. LICENCE REFUND ON IMPRESSED VEHICLES.
IT was suggested by Sir Joseph Nall, I in the House of Commons, that the refund of licence fees, due to owners whose vehicles were purchased by imprest, should be made effective as from the date of imprest instead of the last day of the month. Captain Crookshank, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, replied that this matter was being considered, and an announcement would shortly be made.
Coal-gas Filling Stations in Yorkshire.
I T is learnt that Bradford Gas Depart ment proposes to open eight filling stations in the city, for the purpose of supplying coal gas to vehicles, in substitution for petrol and oil fuel.
The Central Garage, Ltd., Bradford, has begun making gas bags for attachment to vehicles driven by coal gas. Leeds Gas Department is establishing gas-filling stations for vehicles at several of its works, and the Department has in view the possibility of placing gas connections in garages, so that containers can be filled automatically during the night.
Keighley. Gas Department also contemplates opening gas-filling stations in the town.
Institute of Transport Plans.
(IN October 9, Mr. T. E. Thomas
will be inducted as president of the Institute of Transport for the year 1939-40, when he will deliver his presidential address at the Charing Cross Hotel, London, W.C.2, at 2.30 p.m., and not at the Institution of Electrical Engineers, as previously stated.
The programme of other meetings of the Institute to be held in London is suspended, although this may not apply to the annual general meeting, which is due to be held on December 11, Every endeavour will be made to resume the holding of meetings later.
Government Tractors and Farmers' Ploughing Needs.
'THE National Farmers Union has .I. been .informed that the Ministry of Agriculture is delegating to the County War Agricultural Executive Committees the detailed arrangements for the supply of machinery required for the ploughing-up campaign.
There is no intention that Government tractors will be hired out to individual farmers. Farmers will be expected to make their own plans for ploughing up so far as is possible, either by obtaining assistance from a neighbouring farmer, or by employing an agricultural contractor. If such sources are insufficient to meet the demand in any particular area, it is contemplated that county committees will use Government tractors to do the work on a contract basis.
UNIQUE EXCUSE FOR LAWBREAKING.
THE excuse that he was so busy helping an air-raid warden to fit gas masks that he had no time to renew his h.g.v. licence was put forward on behalf of John Fraser, Dundee, at Dundee Sheriff Court last week, For this offence Fraser was fined El. In addition, he was fined £3 for his fourth " speeding " conviction.
Forthcoming I.M.T. Examination.
I T is announced that the 28th exami nation of the Institute of the Motor Trade will be held in London and certain provincial centres on November 24, 1939. The Council is offering gold, silver and bronze medals for the three candidates securing the highest number of marks in the examinations held in April and November of this year. Full particulars with regard to the syllabus and regulations, copies of papers set at recent examinations (price is.), and other relevant literature, may be obtained from the Institute, at 201, Great Portland Street, London, W.1.
More Changes of Address.
I N addition to the new addresses already given in our pages, the following concerns, with interests in the motor trade, have removed their offices owing to the war :—
Institute of Metals, Inglestone, 9, Woodfield Lane, Ashtead, Surrey.
Mond Nickel Co. Ltd., (head office) Clydach, near Swansea; (administration and secretarial) Cannon Hill, -Bray Wick, Berks. W. 'I'. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd., (head office) Milton Court, Weetcott, Dorking, Surrey. (Telephone, Dorking 5241.) Automotive Parts and Accessories, 41, Stimmerheath Road., Hailshani, Sussex. (Telephone, Hailsham 340-1.) R. S. Guiterman and Co., Ltd., -1:2a, High Street, Redhill, Surrey. Dagenham Motors, Ltd., 374, Ealing Road, Alperton, Wembley.
Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., (advertising headquarters", Fort Dunlop, Erdington, Birmingham. Sharpies Centrifuges, Ltd:, "Hill Grove," Rooksmoor, Woodchester, near Stroud, Gins. Chloride Electrical Storage Co., Ltd., (London Elide and Drydex Sales Department) 178, Kew Road, Richmond, Surrey. (Telephione, Richmond 4490.)
Diesel Users Association Continues.
THE committee of the Diesel Engine Users Association has decided that every effort should be made to carry on the work of the Association as usual, in spite of war conditions. Until further notice, the meetings will take place in accordauce with the pro
gramme already issued, with the exception of the time of the meetings (at Caxton Hall, Caxton Street, Westminster), which, on the advertised dates, will he 2.30 p.m. instead of 5 p.m. The first meeting will be on Thursday, October 12, when a symposium on running gear for oil engines will be submitted for discussion.
Commer Sales Control.
ik AR. G. BRAGG, sales manager, has 1VItemporarily undertaken other duties in the organization of Commer Cars, Ltd., Luton, and the Sales department will, for, the time being, be controlled by Ma. S. G. COOPER.
Garage Heating by Waste Oil.
TO solve the problem of waste-oil dis posal, Tecalernit, Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, is now marketing a garage heater, by which used lubricant drawn from engines, gearboxes, back axles, etc., can be employed as fuel for a water-heating furnace.
As the result of an arrangement with Hydran Products, Ltd., the unit will be known now as the Tecalemit-Hydra oil burner, and will be marketed solely by Tecalemit, Ltd., to the motor industry throughout Great Britain and Ireland, Readers interested can obtain a newly issued leaflet describing the burner and control system and outlining a typical complete installation with illustrations arid diagrams. Outstanding features include automatic control which promotes economy, close maintenance of temperatures at predetermined values and absence of need for skilled atter). tion,
Full-time Work for All Tractors.
ALL farm tractors are to work full time. Farmers owning tractors not required full time for their own work are asked by the agricultural authorities to communicate with their county agricultural cOrnmittee or county agricultural organizer with a view to their 'use on other farms.
Tractor Maker Increases Productive Capacity.
ADDITIONAL premises have been acquired by David Brown Tractors, Ltd., Lockwood, Huddersfield, which will greatly increase its productive capacity. The company has taken over Meltham Mills, near Huddersfield, from the United Thread Mills, Ltd.
New plant will be installed as the existing machinery is taken out of the mills, and production will be started in the near future. PETROL RATIONS — THE FARMER'S POSITION. •
r-ri-n: secretary of the Dunfermline I branch of the National Farmers' Union, Mr. J. W. Stirling, has circularized farmers on arrangements made under the Motor .Fuel Rationing Order, 1939, to deal with the special requirements of those engaged in agriculture. Mr. Stirling points out that, in view of the urgent need for ensuring that agricultural users shall be able to maintain supplies during the present period of harvest work and ploughing, it has been decided to permit the purchase for such purposes under a special licence issued by the Secretary for Mines.
This system, Mr. Stirling explains, covers vans and lorries operating on agricultural licences, but does not apply to farmers' lorries operating on carriers' licences or permits issued by Regional Transport Commissioners.
New Registrations in Ply.
CIGURES just issued by the Ministry of Transport show that 5,726 goods vehicles and 612 hackneys were registered for the first time during July last. The total number of new registrations in that month was 40,829, compared with 34,594 in July, 1938. In our next issue we shall publish our usual monthly analysis of the figures.
Restriction of Priority Signs.
ASKED if he would make an Order prohibiting the use on vehicles of unauthorized priority signs, Captain Wallace said he regarded this employment as most undesirable, and was consulting other departments with a view to imposing restrictions on their use.
DE-TUNING TO SAVE PETROL.
1tILIIANY operators at the present time iViwill he desirous of sacrificing a little power and speed for the sake of economising in fuel, and, in the case of Vehicles equipped with Solex carburetters, assistance in achieving this end may be obtained from any of the official service stations of Solex, Ltd., or at the company's works, 223-231, Marylebone Road, London, N.W.1.
A hint in de-tuning to save petrol is to commence by fitting a choke tube at least two sizes smaller than normal and then selecting a smaller jet by experiment. The pilot-jet mixture should. he kept as weak as possible and the minimum use made of the starting device. With diaphragm or pump-type carburetters, it is important that the stroke be limited just to cover a flat spot.
Insurance of Parts Undergoing Repair.
IT. is well known that the Board of Trade has instituted an insurance .gcheme, covering the stocks of commercial concerns against the hazards of war. The procedure is for firms to register with their fire-insurance companies, for which they pay a nominal fee. The amount of the premium will depend upon the value of their stocks, the rate of premium being fixed by the Government.
The scheme coversstock, but there is some doubt as to whether customers' machinery undergoing repair can be. included as such. Barimar, Ltd., 1418, Lamb's Conduit Street, London, W.C.1, is taking the matter up with the Board of Trade, and it is hoping to arrange for motor-vehicle parts sent to it for welding to be included in this special insurance scheme while undergoing repair on the company's premises.
Raisecl Haulage Rates in Rochdale.
ROCHDALE haulage contractors, at a meeting last week, unanimously decided to increase all haulage rates by 30 per cent, as from Saturday, September 16. The position will be reviewed after a. month. Liverpool haulage rates are also prone to an advance, but there has been no general increase in basic rates.
Wellworthy Service Plans.
rrHE service depots throughout the
country of Wellworthy. Piston Rings, Ltd., Lymington, Hants., will, we are advised; continue to function• as usual, and full stocks of pistons and piston rings will, it is hoped, continue to be available.
A Change of Title.
'THE correct title of the company 1 which has hitherto traded under the name of C.A.V.-Bosch, Ltd., is now C.A.V., Ltd., its headquarters being, as previously, at Acton, London, W.3.
DEATH OF A FODENS DIRECTOR.
NATE regret to announce the death, V V which occurred recently, of Mr. A. E. Jackson, late London representative and director of Forlens, Ltd., of Sandbach. He joined the company as London sales representative in February, 1920, and his initiative and enterprise brought about his election to the board of directors in 1929. Mr. Jackson had, for many years, been a member of the Council of the S.M.M. and T., and did much to further the interests of road transport in general, and the range of Foden oil-engined vehicles in particular.
Masks for SoNing Black-out Lighting Problems.
FOR the sum of 2s., operators can obtain a complete set of masks for their lamps and use them in the knowledge that they comply with Police and Home Office requirements, Known as Dymlite shields, they are made of black material of both a flexible and durable nature. They can be fitted easily and quickly, after removing the ordinary glass from the lamp rim and blackening the lower half of the reflector.
Dymlite shields may be obtained from most garages, stores and stationers, or direct from the patentees and manufacturers, Messrs! Richfield Electrical Components, 25, Victoria Street, London, S.W.I. The price, in the latter case, is 2s, 3d. post free.