A Record of 268 Miles in One Day.
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MARK BRYANT, Southcliff Stables, Exeter Road.—This business was started in 1886 with a single hersecab. In 1909 there were 32 horses and three yards. It was then decided to commence operations with taxicabs. Six 15 h.p. Austins were bought, and these are still in use. During the whole time, it is interesting to hear that not a single front-wheel bearing, a back axle, or a back wheel for new keys, etc., has been disturbed. Since then, two Bianchi cars, for private hire, have been purchased, and this year two more of the same make have been added to the fleet, and they are giving good results. Last year " Mark Bryant's Executors" decided to start motor coaches, the first proper motor-coach service out of Bournemouth to the different places of interest around it. The first machine to be acquired was a 30 h.p. 94-seater Lacre, bought in July, 1912. In March, 1913, a 33 h.p. 18-seater Dennis was purchased, and on 1st August last the concern acquired a 40 h.p. 28-seater Daimler. The Dennis has done well over 10,000 miles since March, and is undoubtedly the fastest. machine of its type in Bournemouth and dhttict. Mr. E. Bryant tells us that it is surprising to remark the hills which this will take on tap gear with a load of 19 at 25 m.p.h. Its petrol consumption is 8 m.p.g. It was thought advisable to fit extra large Continental tires,
and these, as a matter of fact, have given very considerable satisfaction. The Daimler, bought in August, has done 2900 miles in seven Meeks, and "she is a lovely machine, takes nearly everything on top, but is not quite so fast on the hills as the Dennis. The petrol consumption is 12 m.p.g., and she runs beautifully quietly with a load. On one occasion—the 16th August—we did 268 miles with passengers on board between four in the moruing and midnight,'
This concern still finds employment for 20 horses for job work, and it is interesting to note that, the firm of Mark Bryant is a member of the C.M.U.A. In conclusion we may record some of the principal trips which are carried out by the fled, of chars-a-bancs: these include a 90-mile journey to Winchester and Ramsey for 10s. 6d., or, alternately, one for the same price to Salisbury and Stonehenge-96 miles; an afternoon trip round the New Forest of 50 miles costs 76. ; whilst for 5s. passengers can go to Corfe Castle-40 miles, cr. Lymington-44 miles. Every morning the machines run to Wimborne-24 miles—for 3s., and to Poole Harbour —15 miles—for 2s.