AT THE ROYAL SHOW.
Page 2
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An Invigorating Spectacle Suggestive of Healthy Trade Revival.
THERE BE FEW who have not, looking forward to this "Royal," been apprehensive, if only a little, for its SUCCMSS. The Royal Agricultural Society of England is not yet a great believer in publicity, as that term is now, and will be more largely, understood. Only those who have actually taken the trouble to inquire will have had any knowledge, previous to to-day, of its extent or of how it compares with pre-war exhibitions. It is, for example, not generally realized that the .amount of shedding allotted for exhibits of machinery exceeds that of any previous Show. The general feeling, therefore, concerning it has, we believe, been one of uncertainty, te say the least. Anticipations, in many cases, were ti4eol with foreboding.
Realization, happily, is, by contrast, all the more welcome. The display is an outward and visible indication of the trade revival which has taken place since Armistice clay. ' "Originator of the Fighting Tanks," announces a prominent sign on Foster's stand, and one feels, somehow, that it strikes the right note ; it expresses the spirit in which all the exhibitors are facing the future—a fighting spirit. The War (of weaponsris over. Long last the (trade) war,
It is true, as we stated last week, that few striking novelties are on view, at any rate amongst exhibits of commercial motor vehicles, which are naturally our first concern. The Robey wagon is the exception, and it is very nearly paired by the Tiger steam tractor (John Fowler, Ltd.). Invention has, however, clearly been engaged. upon agrimotors, and several new entries are to he observed in this class. Even these are not representative, but only indicative, of work that has been and is being clone in that direction. There are many good things on the way for
010 those who are interested in that section of the industry. It is only fair to point out, moreover, that the commercial motor has reached a stage now when its makers cart afford to rest awhile on their oars. It has made good, has arrived. The agricultural tractor is only now in the throes of development. We may expect frequent innovations for some time yet to come.
Here and there amongst the old-established steamengine makers, we notice evidences of a change in policy, instances of departure from the time-honoured practice of exhibiting machines resplendent in their display of mirror-like polished steel. The. all-black steant tractor is on its way, and surely this tendency to eliminate unnecessary finish, with the work and expense involved thereby, is a good one. No doubt, in bygone days, this exceptionally high standard of finish, which was not merely reserved for exhibition models, was regarded as an outward and visible sign of the good work within. Such notions are, however, now out df date and, in any case, the procedure is not needed on the products of firms bearing the honoured names which appear on the exhibits concerning which we write. "Handsome is as handsome does" applies to things mechanical as well as beings human.
We ourselves, leave the Show invigorated in mind. and optimistic in spirit, provided with plenty of food for thought, and with a gladsome feeling that the war is really over, at last, and we have set our feet once more upon the path that leads to national wellbeing and success. We feel that the Show, and the in which it will be attended, augurs well for the future. We, therefore, extend a cordial welcome to the nth, and first after-the-war, "Royal," and heartily enjoin all our readers to go in person and do