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NEWS of the WEEK

ARMY VEHICLE REPAIR SCHEME AOTOR vehicles from the LVI which need repair are being sent to civilian garages in this country under the scheme arranged by the Ministry of Supply, in co-operation with the motor trade organizations. So far, most of them are those impressed from civilian service as a temporary measure, and they are being replaced in France by others better suited to military purposes. It is, however, the intention of the Ministry that all vehicles which can be reRaired in this way shall be sent to trade garages here as the war proceeds,

Wages Bill Passed Unamended THE Trade Boards and Road Haulage Wages (Emergency Provisions) Bill has been passed by both Houses of Parliament without amendment. Mr. Mander inquired in the House of Commons the position regarding the arrangements for the continuance of road transport for both long and short distances and whether the Minister of Transport would give an assurance that attention would be paid both to the interests of existing transport companies,and to the desires and needs of manufacturers.

Capt. Wallace replied that the extent to which road transport could be continued must depend on the fuel position. The war had created many new demands for road transport, which, in 'conjunction with the need for economizing fuel, had inevitably led to the transfer of some traffic,, particularly long-distance traffic, to alternative means for transport. 'Whilst the chief consideration must be to use the fuel available for most essential transport needs, the Regional Transport Commissioners had regard to the desires and requirements of manufacturers and, wherever possible, to the interests of existing providers of transport.

Bid for Equity in Insurance

Rates

CRIT1C1SIVIS of war-time insurance rates for A-licence holders were voiced at the annual meeting of the North-eastern Division of the C.M.U.A., in Leeds, last week. Complaint was made that the premium rates are " outrageously " high compared with those for C-licence holders, who, "it was pointed out, are, in many cases, doing exactly the same kind of work as professional hauliers, owing to the war-time suspension of the regulation prohibiting them from operating for hire or reward. Representations to underwriters and to tariff and nontariff insurance companies, with a view to securing more equity in the insurance rates for A. B and G-licence holders, were stated to have been in vain, so far.

The percentage of insurance claims resulting from road accidents in the Al4 black-out was quoted as being far higher in the case of cars than in the case of goods vehicles and public service vehicles.

Councillor Charles Holdsworth, of Halifax, said that remarks made as to non-observance of the 20 m.p.h: speed limit supported the contention of the C.M.U.A. that this was no contribution to the reduction of road accidents in the black-out. The 20 m.p.h, limit cast an unjustified reflection on the care and discretion of the road-transport industry's drivers.

War Production in Small Works IN a letter addressed to the Federation of British Industries by the Ministry of Supply, it is pointed out that one of the. objects the Minister desires is to bring increasingly into prcduction some of the available engineering capacity of the smaller industrial establishments, and the F.B.I. is asked to assist by inviting its local officers to render practical help, in an advisory capacity, to the secretaries of the Area Boards.

Passenger Transport Congress in May

PR E [AMIN AR Y arrangements have been made to hold the 1940 Congress of the Public Service Transport Association, " Windyridge," Epsom Lane, Epsom. Full details are not yet available, but the intended headquarters will be the Hotel Victoria, Northumberland Avenue, London, W.C.2, and the dates will be May 1-3.

MOTOR SPIRIT FOR FARMERS

AGR I C UL T UR 1ST S' and ploughing contractors are reminded that applications for fuel allowances for the months of March and April, for tractors, stationary engines and vans and lorries operating on F licences should be made to the Divisional Petroleum Officer immediately. Registration bcroks, where required, should accompany the Forms R (M.S.)6. Those F coupons issued during January and February, and bearing dates up to and including February 29, will cease to be valid after that date and should be returned.

Chief Engineer Required

APPLICATIONS for the position of chief engineer are 'invited by Guy Motors, Ltd., Fallings Park, Wolverhampton. Only those made in writing will be considered, and they should beaddressed to the chairman, stating age, full details of experience, salary required, and when available. Sound practical training and experience in road vehicles areessential.

Lanes C.M.U.A. to Hold Dinner AEMBERS of the C.M.U.A. SouthIVIeast Lancashire Area and the Amalgamated Horse and Motor Owners' Association (joint organization) have decided to carry on with the highlight of their social programme —the annual dinner. The event is to be held at the Grand Hotel, Manchester, on Saturday, April 13. HULL'S ACTION WELCOMED

BY taking measures for joint action,' Associated Road Operators and the Commercial Motor Users' Association„ in Hull, have given a lead to the whole country. Mr. Frank Cook, who presided at a meeting of hauliers, held in Hull, last week, said that this amalgamation of interests was a big step forward for the industry in Hull, and he hoped, eventually, it would become national.

Giving a detailed review of questions relating to wages and rates, Mr. Charles Holdsworth, National Vice-chairman of the C.M.U.A., and a member of the Central Wages Board; said that, whilst they had tried -to work unitedly throughout the country, the position was far from being what it should be. Nationally, there were three organizadens which were duplicating each other's work, Mr. J. A. M. Bright, a member of the National Council of the' A.R.O., and of the Road-Rail Regional Committee, warned the industry of the need for some plan for the future. In his opinion, the railway companies, having obtained that for which they fought strenuously in their square-deal campaign, are not going to give it up without a desperate struggle.

Col. F. W. Oldfielc3; Port Food Movement Officer, cordially welcomed the Hull decision in favour of joint action. He said that, only recently, the Director of Food Transport had decided that, in time of need, the transport of food would undoubtedly be facilitated if the Department could refer to one body.

The new joint committee was elected as follows:—

Messrs. C, Acey, S. Bays, F. Cook. S. Hattan, W. F. Lewis, J. W. Newham, R.A. Peddle, P. Spcncer, B. Weili, E. S. Annison, H. E. Britton., A, Cunliffe, C. E. Hayes, A. Merck, C. B. North. H. Plant, J. W. 8tephenson, G. W. Wildbore, A. N. Annison, L. V., Brookshank, W. L. DeeR, J. W. • J-ohnson', G. H.Marshall, S. Owen, .1. dr. Richardson. C. P. Sykes.

Sir. A. N. Amason (Fred Cook (Transport). Ltd.) was elected chairman, with Messrs. S. Bays and Frank Cock (C. A. and F. Cook, Ltd.) vice-chairmen.

Bid to Obtain 100,000 Operators of Battery-electrics

PROSPECTIVE users from a wide area crowded the fourth annual exhibition of battery-electric vehicles and equipment organized at Manchester on Tuesday and Wednesday last by the Electric Vehicle Association of Great Britain; great interest was evinced in the various exhibits, which were fully described in The Commercial Motor last week.

Although they had encountered numerous difficulties, the E,V.A. North-Western Area had decided in continue its series of exhibitions, for it was felt that the time was particularly opportune to place before likely operators the advantages to be secured by the electrification of their fleets, said Mr. H. E. Annett (engineer and manager, Bolton Electricity Department). During the past year the number of, such .vehicles in use had increased by approximately a quarter, but he would emphasize that electric operation was not merely a war-time

expedient. ..4 dozen years ago they had only 100 electric vehicles in the whole country, but now there were 5,000 arid the Association had set itself the task of reaching a total of 100,000 machines in use. . Mr. Annett detailed the advantages of the type and referred to the importance of using home-produced fuel.

Wars had a way of getting things done, said Mr. H, A. Warrender. The 1914-1918 war developed the aeroplane and he hoped that the 1940 war might bring home the value of developing the electric vehicle. Apart from its import ance during the period of hostilities, the electric had peace-time claims that were undeniable. In the German Post Office alone there were more machines of this type than existed in the whole of Great Britain. Italy was following suit, whilst in France the electric was tax free.

Loads on Offer on Reciprocal Basis

A PROMINENT London concern, which deals with considerable traffic to Birmingham and the Midlands. Bristol, Manchester, Liverpool, etc., is offering loads to these centres, in return for back loads to London, on a reciprocal basis: Shunt drivers are available if needed. Fuller details of this offer are given in a notice appearing in the classified advertisement section of this issue.

PERSONAL PARS MR, R. DEassaAvaaNs has resigned his position as chief engineer to Guy Motors, Ltd.

COUNCILLOR CHARLES HOLDSWORTH (Halifax) has been re-elected chairman of the North-Eastern Division of the C.M.U.A. Other re-elections are: MR. L. J. Marrissas (Leeds) as senior vicechairman, and MR. R. E. CLOUGH (Bradford) as junior vice-chairman.

MR. J. S. SIMMONS, advertising manager of Henley's Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., has now also been appointed advertising manager of W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd., upon the retirement, after 40 years' service, of Mr. W. A. Moore. Mr. Moore and Mr. Simmons were previously joint advertising managers of W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd.

MR. NORMAN J. BENNETT has, we are pleased to learn, returned to his duties as secretary of the Devon and Cornwall Area of A.R.O. He relinquished office at the outbreak of war to take up national service, but recent events have shown that his work as secretary of the area is of sufficient national importance to justify his return and, accordingly, he has been released. He can now he consulted at the Area Offices, 5, Princess Square, Plymouth.

Road Transport a National " Strong Arm"

ADDRESSING the Chelsea Rotary Club on Tuesday last, on the subject of " Road Transport in Wartime," Mr. Frederick G. Bristow, C.B.E., honorary secretary of the British Road Federation, said that the Federation accepted the 20 m.p.h. speed limit in built-up areas during the blackout, and welcomed the Government's road safety campaign, but still More must be done to reduce road accidents at night. Further restriction of road transport might well break the back of this vital industry, and, by thus hampering the national effort, indirectly cost even more lives than the toll of the roads.

He went on to say that the utmost efficiency of transport was essential to the national effort. The fighting Forces and the civilian , population alike depended Unit for the power of movement and the maintenance of supplies, without which we could not successfully cairy on the struggle.

It must never be forgotten that inland transport in every progressive country has two strong arms, and that one of these is road transport, which, by reason of its flexibility and mobility, can perform serVices that no other form of transport can carry out. It was essential that its value be fully recognized, that its services be fully utilized, and that it be given every opportunity compatible with the national interest to realize its great potential strength in war-time, and emerge ,from the ordeal -to serve' the nation in peace with its strength unim. • paired,

ALLEGED a BIG STICK" TACTICS TO BENEFIT RAILWAYS

PROTEST is being voiced in roadtransport circles concerning cases in which it is alleged that moves have been made to use the fuel-rationing scheme as a means for forcing operators to do work for the railway companies.

The allegations, in one case, are that when a certain sub-district manager uuder the vehicle-grouping scheme said no vehicles in his area could, at the moment, be spared for railway work, he was told he must get the vehicles by threatening operators with the nonsupply of the supplementary fuel ration unless they helped the railway companies out of their difficulties. Similar cases have been reported.

It is understood that steps are being taken to bring the complaints to the notice of the appropriate authorities.

It is peinted out that the fuel supplies of commercial-vehiele operators generally have been reduced on the ground that traffic could be transferred from road to rail. Their difficelties caused by fuel rationing were added to by the slowing-up of operation through weather conditions last month, and clients are clamouring for goods to be moved quickly. Therefore, any attempt to compel them to divert vehicles from meeting their own clients' urgent needs, in order to do work for railway companies, who have already abstracted traffic from Ahem through fuel rationing, is regarded with the utmost indignation.

Kennings, Ltd., Appointed B.V.P. Concessionnaire

A' important development in . the selling organization of British Vehicle Producer Gas, Ltd., is the appointment of Kennings, Ltd., Clay Cross, Derbyshire, as concessionnaire for England. This concern has 50 depots, and in connection with the appointment a demonstration of B.V.P. equipment was held this week at its London quarters, at 907, Edgware Road, W.2.

About 40 distributors were present, and most of them had trial runs in a Morris-Commercial lorry on which B.V.P. gas plant had been installed by Kennings, Ltd: In the main, very favourable opinions of its performance were formed. Not the least interesting item of the demonstration was a display of all the standardized-components and parts comprising a complete set of apparatus for a lorry.

Kennings. Ltd., is now appointing distributors to extend its marketing scope. The B.V.P. company will concentrate primarily on manufacture. The first-named has established a scheme for training operators' drivers and mechanics at its depots, and for supply

ing technical information, Inquiries should be a.ddressed to Clay Cross,

All depots are co-operating in collating and distributing information.

In this connection, Mr. Radford, general service manager of Kennings. Ltd., told us that great help was being received from many of the vehicle makers who were supplying special 91,16

parts. He also mentioned the good efforts of Hepworth a:nd Grandage. Ltd., in developing and standardizing pistons for gas-producer adaptations.

Bristol's Profit in 1939 I N 1939 the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., made :a profit of £221,117, which compares with £226,685 in the previous year. A final dividend of 4 per cent, is to be paid on the ordinary shares, making 8 per cent. (tax free) for the year.. A sum of £75,000 is carried to the reserve for contingencies and renewals, leaving £25,256 to be carried forward, contrasted with £23,164 brought in.

New H.Q. For Public Works Transport Concern

To meet war-time conditions, Mr. L. S. Houlding, transport manager of George Wimpey and Co., the wellknown concern of public-works contractors, has transferred his headquarters to Lancaster Road, Southall, Middlesex. The company runs :240 vehicles and, from this address, the complete fleet, operating in London, Lancashire, and Scotland is controlled.

CHECKING-UP ON C-LICENCE .

OPERATORS

SPEAKING at the annual dinner in Leicester, on Monday last, of the • Midlands Area Coach and Transport Association, Mr. J. H. Stirk, North Midland Transport Commissioner, pointed out that an eyt was being kept on C-licence holders to see that they did not overstep the lifting of pre-war restrictions.

Many of you I know are Worried by the lifting of the C-licence ' blanket,'" he said. "That was done in all good faith, seeing that we have to account for every gallon of petrol issued.

" We thought that it was only fair to permit C-licence holders to carry goods back to the same town rather than return empty. We are closely watching those licence .holders who at.e attempting to get a foothold in the haulage industry by the lifting of that ' blanket.' • " If you. find a case where a C-licenceholderis unfairly competing with you let your secretary know and I am sure he will pass on the information to me.''

A WELL-EQUIPPED HEAVY-DUTY SALVAGE OUTFIT

ASTRIKING new Foden ambulance, built specially for Salvage work, forms part of the garage equipment of Fcbdens, Ltd., of Sandbach, and it is available for use by road-transport operators who occasionally find themselves in difficulties. Powered by a. Gardner six-cylindered oil engine and having an eight-speed gearbox and double-drive bogie axle of Foden manufacture, this outfit is built for exceptionally heavy duty. The winding gear is driven, from a power take-off on the gearbox, by cardan shaft to a threespeed gear-driven winch. The extralong flexible wire cable can be used either for towing, or can be slung over the jib for lifting.

The jib is of Foden manufacture and the extended portion is handy for negotiating lifts where vehicles are ditched in an extremely difficult position. The jib is capable of lifting 4 tons 10 cwt. and the wire rope has a breaking strain of 100 tons.

A combined driver's cab and workshop is fitted, and is equipped with a useful range of tools for carrying out any ordinary repair or adjustment. Powerful lights are installed in various positions so as to facilitate salvage operations at night. When operating on soft ground the anchor at the rear is slung on the ground, and as the vehicle moves backwards it is forced into the ground to prevent the machine moving towards the object being salvaged.

Transport Men Help War Fund

BY co-operating, employers and employees in the road-transport industry in Glasgow and the West of Scotland expect to raise a regular contribution amounting to about £1,000 a month to the City of Glasgow Central War Relief Fund. At a conference the employers, represented by Sir John MacDonald, and the employees, represented by Mr. Robert Taylor, general

secretary of the Scottish Horse and Motormen's Association, decided to organize a weekly scheme of contributions to the Fund.

Lord Provost P. J. DoIlan explained that each employee would contribute 2d. per week and a similar sum would be given by the employers. He described the scheme as the best yet devised by any industry.

Death of Scottish Transport Personality WE regret to.record the death of Mr. VY David Gordon Wright, chairman of the Scottish Carriers and Haulage Contractors' Association, and managing director of the Star Express Co., Ltd., of Glasgow. He had been connected with the transport industry for a number of years, and took an active interest in the affairs of the Association, of which he was appointed vice-chairman in 1938, and chairman a year later.

His desire to bring about rates stabilization in the industry was pronounced and, to this end, he worked energetically in the preparation of rates schedules for " smalls " traffic. He was a member of the Standing Joint Committee and the Road-Rail Regional Committee for Southern Scotland.

Price of Oil Fuel

THE Petroleum Board announces that, as from February 14, the price of oil fuel for road vehicles, delivered into the vehicle tanks of all commercial consumers, is Is. 5d. per gallon in England, Wales and Southern Scotland. In all other areas, the price is Is. fid. per gallon.

35,000 Impressed Vehicles

I T was stated, in the House of Commons, by Mr. Oliver Stanley, that 35,000 motor vehicles had been requisitioned by the War Office. Details were not readily available, All were requisitioned for purchase and not for hire.

SHOULD BRICKS BE CARRIED OVER LONG DISTANCES?

VOLLOWING complaints about the transport of bricks from English centres to the north, in one case.from Middlesbrough to Wick, Mr. Burgin, Minister of Supply, is to be asked to make greater use of Scottish brickworks. The view represented to the Minister is that a considerable proportion of the long transport involved is unnecessary, if more contracts be placed with Scottish concerns. Some of the brickworks are said to be idle, . and others working at less than full capacity.

The explanation may be that the large supplies of bricks in question were required for pressini Government work at various Scottish centres, and that the contractors had, of necessity, to utilize reserves that were available in sufficiently large quantities.

It ha 1 always been part of he Ministry's policy to encourage local production of all essential materials where possible, and, now that the subject has been ventilated, it is hoped that the Scottish industry will, in future, have a greater share of orders.

Army Vehicles All-British S0 well has British industry responded to the present heavy demands that it has not been necessary for the Ministry of Supply or the Air Ministry to purchase any vehicles abroad for use in France_ It is confidently expected also that all future requirements will be provided from works in this country. One alone has delivered 10,000.

Austin Company Raises Prices

DUE to the increased cost of materials, labour, etc., the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., Longbridge Works, Birmingham, has raised the retail prices of its 8 h.p., 10 h.p. and 12 h.p. cars, commercial vehicles and engines by 10 per cent., the same increase applying to spare parts and repairs, as well as to all outstanding orders not invoiced.

Savings Notices for Motor Vehicles

SPECIAL slips intended primarily for the windows of motor vehicles have been prepared by the National War Savings Committee, Bouverie House,

Fleet Street, London, E.C.4. They are effective gummed labels in blue and white carrying the symbol of Saint George, and bearing the words " National War Savings. Lend to Defend the Right to be Free."

Paper on Problems Of Design

ATa general meeting of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, to be held at the Royal Society of Arts, John Street, London, W.C.2, on March 5, at 6 p.m., Mr. L. H. Dawtrey will read a paper entitled " Some Problems We Meet." He will deal with problems of valve springs for high-speed engines, fatigue tests, short cylinder inserts, tyre wear, wheel castor and nut tightness.

TRACING MISSING VEHICLES

THE Hire Purchase Trade Association, 3, Berners Street, London, W.1, announces that as a result of negotiations with the London County Council, the following procedure nas been arranged to enable owners of missing motor • vehicles, who have reason to suppose that some such vehicles are beirig used by the Council for civil-defence purposes, to verify the position.

The owners of such vehicles should send, in duplicate, to the Chief Officer of Supplies, London County Council, County Hall, London, a list of the registered numbers (arranged in alphabetical order) of vehicles and enclose a stamped addressed envelope for the return of one of the lists. The L.C.C. will then examine its registers and if any missing vehicle appears to be in its possession will notify the owner and give him all necessary particulars and assistance.

Death of Colonel Crompton •

GENERAL regret will be felt at the death , on February 15, of that grand old man of the electrical and motor industries, Colonel R. E. B. Crompton, C.B., F.R.S., in his 95th

year. In his varied, strenuous and interesting life, he participated in the Crimean War as a naval cadet. Then he went to Elstree School and Harrow. He actually designed and built a steam traction engine while at school.

About 1863, Colonel Crompton entered the Rifle Brigade, and the year after went to India, where his engineering abilities were recognized, and he

was seconded to the Government's Steam Train Department, later, carrying out the first big experiment there with road transport. Then he became interested in electrical matters and designed the first English arc lamp, eventually building up the famous concern of Crompton and Co.

Colonel Crompton was also responsible for the installation of many electric-lighting systems, including that at Buckingham Palace. In 1910, he was appointed consulting engineer to the

Road Board; in addition, he was twice President of the I.E.E., first President of the I.A.E., for long Chairman of the

and a founder member of the R.A.C. Dur!ng the war of 19141918,. he assisted in the design of tanks.

LIVERPOOL C.M.U.A. ELECTIONS

itAEMBERS of the Liverpool District Oland North Wales Division of the C.M.U.A., at their annual meeting. re-elected the following retiring members of the committee:— .

Messrs. H. Allan (McNamara and Co., Ltd.. Liverpool), F. J. Holmes (Spillers, Ltd.. L(verpool), J. H. Hughes (Penmseumawr and Trini

dad Loire Asphalt Co., Ltd., Liverpool), T. Mount. (Thomas Wilson, Liverpool), R. B. Stockdale (Motor Carriers (Liverpool). Ltd.). R. McK. Walker (United Molasses Co., Ltd., Liverpool). D. E. Watson (Greenhall, Whitley and Co., LA., Warrington), and Out. B. Fairelough, J.F. (James Fairekrugla and Sons. Ltd., War g.ltonalo.T.A Eni.e.w.p.smgriler 511., Widneal, Read.. managing director:of the Liverpool Cartage Co., Ltd., was elected to the committee to fill the place formerly occupied by the late Mr. R. W. G. Barnett.

Paper on Alternative Fuels

r,N February 28, at 2.30 p.m„ at the Ns/Royal Society of Arts, Adelphi, London, W.C.2, Dr. C. M. Walter, M.Inst.Gas E., Engineer-insCharge, Industrial Research Laboratories, City of Birmingham Gas Department. will read a paper on " Alternative Motor Fuels." Lord Strabolgi will preside.

Haulage Allowance for Milk .Producers

THE Scottish Milk Marketing Board has issued a notice to producers regarding. recent transport difficulties. In a number of cases, when haulage contractors were unable to lift milk at the farms, producers themselves took their supplies to a railway station or creamery. These producers are entitled to a haulage allowance, in accordance with the rates fixed by the Board for the transport of milk by road. Where the producers, who normally consign by road, had to consign by rail they should send the railway accounts to the Board, who will settle with the railway companies.