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 runs."—John Beattie Crazier.
Dennis Profits Higher for the Past Year.
The report of Dennis Brothers, Ltd., for the year ended September 30, 1933, shows a net profit of £83,815, as against £79,637 for the previous year, The total available is 1182,951, after adding the amount brought forward. As mentioned in our issue for last week, 11,000 is to be transferred to the employees' benevolent fund, whilst an interim dividend of 4d. per share, which absorbed 125,041, has been paid. The payment of a final dividend of 8d. per sham will account for a further 1.50,082, and leave 1106,827 to be carried forward, as against 199,135 brought into the accounts. The general reserve stands at 1650,000.
Increase in Road Accidents.
During the first nine months of 1933 the number of fatal accidents caused by vehicles and horses in England and Wales was 4,533, as against 4,227 in the comparable period of 1982, the nonfatal accidents, involving personal injury, being 127,953, as against 122,069. The number of persons killed in the nine months in 1933 was 4,688, as against 4,314 for the corresponding nine months of 1932, the number of persons injured being. 151.396, as contrasted with 141,711.‘
A.E.C. Orders from the Show.
The Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., Informs us that, during the period of the recent Commercial Motor Show at Olympia, it received a number of orders for passenger and goods vehicles. Apart from numerous buyers of single machines, there were many outstanding orders for fleets. One of the most important was received from the Devon General Omnibus Co., Ltd., for 24 Regent oil-engined double-deck buses, another from the United Service Transport Co., Ltd., for 10 Regal petrolengined coaches, and one from the South Wales Transport Co., Ltd., for eight Renown oil-eugined six-wheeled double-deckers. Both the City of Oxford Motor Services, Ltd., and A. Timpsons, Ltd., ordered six petrolengined double-deckers.
On the goods side, one of the outstanding orders was for 12 oil-engitied Matadors, this being received from Hall and Co., Redhill.
Move to Popularize Steamers and Electrics.
At a meeting of the South Wales Area Committee of the Coal Utilization Council, at Cardiff, criticism of the road-transport organizations of South Wales municipalities was offered. The committee received a report on the decision of Gloucester County Council to replace its steam vehicles by petrol lorries.
It was resolved that certain action be adopted to ensure that public authorities using public funds should be obliged—if they do not do so voluntarily—to utilize, Si0 far as possible, plant and machinery which will assist
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in maintaining British workmen in employmen t.
It was decided that there could be no justification for local authorities to change over from steam to petrol vehicles. It was urged that greater use should be made of steam or electric vehicles, and, a little later, of coal-gas.
The importance to the coal-mining industry of the extended use of trolleybuses was stressed, and Rhondda Urban District Council is being asked to make a statement concerning the preference for petrol vehicles replacing the trams in its area.
Thornycrofts for London Haulage Concern.
John I. Thornycroft and Co, Ltd., informs us that it has received an order for 10 Bulldog 24-tonners and a 5tonner from J. R. Munday, Ltd., the transport-contracting concern, of 35, Battersea Bridge Road, London, 8.W.11, which will supply boarded tiltvan bodies and run the vehicles under contract for the London County Council.
R.H.A. London Meeting.
The next open meeting of the Southern Regional Area (Met.) of the Road Haulage Association will be held at the Ansersham Hotel, New Cross, London, S.E.14, on November 27, at 8 p.m,
Two Cases Won Under Vehicle Advertising Regulations.
Although admitting that his lorry was used on one occasion to advertise a concert by carrying boards 6 ft. high bearing advertisement matter, a plea of "not guilty" was made at Newport Police Court by Mr. H. J. Mees to a summons, under the Corporation Act, 1889, for using a lorry principally for advertisement purposes without the consent of Newport Corporation.
It was alleged that obstruction was caused by a crowd collecting to see the advertisement.
It was contended by the defendant that the lorry was not used principally for advertisement purposes, but was an ordinary vehicle employed on only one occasion for publicity. The Act, it was submitted, was obsolete and, until recently, had been forgotten even by the police. The summons was dismissed on payment of costs.
The Scottish Motor Traction Co., Ltd., has been found not guilty on a similar charge. The Stipendiary Magistrate in Glasgow Central Police Court found that, although the lorry carried an advertisement for oil fuel, its main purpose was to demonstrate an economizer fitted to the engine.
Goodrich Tyre Profits.
The directors of the British Goodrich Rubber Co., Ltd., announce that, subject to audit, the profit for the year ended September 30, 1933, amounted to 1109,165, after providing for depreciation and debenture interest, but before making an allowance for income tax. It is proposed to pay a final dividend of 4 per cent. (less tax), making 64 per cent. for the year.
Is Paraffin Smoke Avoidable?
Summonses were heard at the Mansion House Justice Room, last Tuesday, against Upminster Services, Ltd., Romford, arising out of the fitting of vaporizers to some of its coaches.
The concern was charged with permitting the use of a vehicle which was not maintained in such a condition as to prevent the avoidable emission of smoke and with having altered one of its vehicles, by fitting an extra fuel tank, without giving notice to the licensing Commissioners. It was alleged by the police that one of the company's vehicles emitted a considerable amount of "whitish smoke."
For the company it was submitted that it was not an offence to emit smoke, and the prosecution would have to satisfy the Court that the smoke could have been avoided by reasonable care. The police suggested that a reasonable step would be to use petrol instead of paraffin.
The defendant company argued that reasonable steps had been taken and, when the hearing of the case is resumed, will call technical evidence and will submit that the matter has been brought to the notice of the publicservice vehicle examiner.
Avon's Good Trading.
The accounts of the Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd., for the year ended September 30, 1933, show a trading profit of £80,503 and a net profit of £36,804. It is proposed to pay a dividend of 8 per cent, on the enlarged issued ordinary capital of £296,843, requiring £23,747. No allocation is made to the reserve, which received £40,000 a year ago, but the balance carryforward amounts to £27,750, as against f12,252. The reserve now stands at £100,000.
It is proposed to increase the capital by the creation of 225,000 additional 6 per cent. cumulative preference shares.
M.R.S.'s London Depot to Move.
M.R.S., Ltd., is considering the removal from its present depot, at 117, Borough High Street, S.E.1, to more commodious premises on the north side of the river.
Contractors who may have premises for disposal which would suit the purpose of the company, or others who are interested in the present site (which has an area of 1,200 sq. yds.) may be interested in this information.
India's Import Figures Doubled.
Although not equal to that recorded two years ago, the demand for commercial vehicles in India so far this year shows a distinct improvement over that of 1932. During the four months ended July last, 1,364 vans, lorries, buses and chassis, valued at £136,354, wore imported, as compared with 628 (1.87007) in the corresponding period of last year and 2,218 (£215,454) in 1931.
The bulk of the vehicles are of the light type, the average value being only about £100. The return shows that 739 of the machines ((64,188) came from the United States, 308 (£33,335) from Canada and 301 (f37,364) from Great Britain, the remaining 16 vehicles being attributed to other countries.
Informative Armstrong-Saurer Data Sheets.
The present range of oil-engined goods vehicles produced by ArmstrongSaurer Commercial Vehicles, Ltd., is concisely set out in a new data sheet which the company has issued. This contains the principal dimensions and prices for all models, including bodywork and trailers ; the taxation class into which each model falls, and the tax payable, are important items incorporated. The standard equipment for all models is given.
The data sheet also contains details of Armstrong Whitworth trailers and bodywork of Ironclad construction, as well as of chassis accessories that are not included in the standard specification.
Big Steel Plant Developments.
At a recent board meeting of the English Steel Corporation, Ltd., it was decided to spend approximately an additional £500,000 in continuation of the programme of reorganising and bringing up to date the company's extensive plant at Vickers Works, Sheffield.
The English Steel Corporation, which comprises the steel interests of Vickers, Armstrong Whitworth, Cammell Laird, the Darlington Forge and Industrial Steels, Ltd., has, at Sheffield, what is claimed to be the largest drop-stamping plant in the country. We understand that the additional money will be expended chiefly on that department and on the extension of facilities for the heat treatment of special steels. With the new expenditure now sanctioned the cost to date of the works reconstruction will be about £1,250,000. The finance is being provided by Vickers, Ltd.
Commer Display in Glasgow.
For the past few days an exhibition of Commer vehicles has been held in Messrs. Wylie and Lochhead's showrooms, Birkeley Street, Glasgow, and it closes to-morrow (November 25). The new light Perkins compressionignition engine is being shown for the first time in Scotland. The exhibits Include a Centurion 20-seater bus, a Centurion 20-seater coach and a full range of goods vehicles.
New Works for E.R.F.
It is stated that E.R.F., Ltd., the head of which is Mr. E. R. Foden, is to build a large new factory upon which work will be started early in the New Year. It is learned that the company's products met with considerable success at the recent show at Olympia.
Personal Pars.
Mr. L. Sinclair, who for some years has been South Wales and West of England sales manager of the AngloAmerican Oil Co., Ltd., has now been appointed assistant sales manager of the company's southern area, at the London headquarters.
In accordance with the provisions of the ninth schedule of the London Passenger Transport Act, the Minister of Transport has appointed Sir Maurice Jenks, Bt., LL.D., and Sir Hardman Lever, Bt., K.C.B., to be additional members of the Railway Rates Tribunal, for the purpose of the exercise of the functions of the Tribunal under that Act.
Alderman Sir Chas. Booth, who recently reached the age of 80, has been reappointed chairman of the Stab,bridge, Hyde, Mossley and Dukinfield Tramways and Electricity Board, which also runs a big fleet of buses. Acknowledging the honour, he foreshadowed the possibility of tramcars being totally replaced by buses in the four towns.
Mr. Percy Lister, managing director of R. A. Lister and Co., Ltd., Dursley, Glos., has started on a world tour to investigate trade conditions in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Asia. He has taken with him a staff of engineers—each a 'specialist in his particular line--and, as well as acting for his own company, he is carrying out investigations on behalf of other companies in the engineering industry.
At a recent meeting of the board of directors of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., Mr. C. W. Reeve, the present managing director, was elected to be chairman of the board, in succession to MT. H. A. Vernet, whose death was recorded in our issue for last week. Mr. Reeve will also continue in the office of managing director. The new chairman has served the company since 1915, and for many years has been actively associated with the company's manufacturing and marketing policy.
At the same meeting Lt.-Col. J. T. C. Moore-Brabazon, M.C., M.P., was elected to be deputy chairman.
We reproduce on this page a portrait of Mr. J. W. Mills, who was recently appointed general manager of the Sunbeam Motor Car Co., Ltd: Mr. Mills, who was born in Glasgow and received his early technical training at the Royal Technical College in that city, first entered the motor trade to design and build steam-driven vehicles, and afterwards joined Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd., to develop the company's petrol vehicles. From designer he became successively assistant works manager, works manager, general manager and managing director.
Later he held a controlling position with the Ascot Motor and Manufacturing Co., and then joined Humber, Ltd., spending some time in the company's interests in the United States. Upon his return, he was appointed experimental engineer. Then he became a director and general manager of Coventry Climax Engines, Ltd., and left this concern to take up his present post. don with the Sunbeam company.
Addresses on the Road and Rail Traffic Bill.
During the next few months, Mr. P. G. Bristow, C.B.E., the general secretary of the Commercial Motor Users' Association and secretary of the British Road Federation, is giving addresses on the Road and Rail Traffic Bill before a number of organizations interested in road transport. He has already addressed the members of several important assoeiatione, and has made arrangements to speak before the National Federation of Builders' Merchants, the Coal Industry Society, the Farringdon Ward Club, the Railway Students' Association, and the Rotary Clubs of Colchester and Southend.
A New Spring Finish.
It is generally recognized that in the ordinary process of manufacturing laminated springs, their strength is impaired to some extent by surface decarburization, which occurs during hardening and tempering. By grinding the spring leaves after heat treatment, the weakening effect of this deearburization can be eliminated, with an increase of resistance to fatigue that may amount, we understand, to so much as 100 per cent. This, however, is an expensive process because of the hardness of the steeL Cocker Bros., Ltd., Sheffield, is now making springs by a new process, which produces leaves said to be practically free from decarburization. They are ground all over before hardening—a comparatively easy matter—with the result that they have a smooth surface and are free from variations in thickness.
A Paper on Repair Work.
Mr. J. Dent, the repair manager of the Daimler Co.' Ltd., is to read a paper, entitled "Repairs," before certain provincial centres of the Institution of Automobile Engineers. It will be read at the Queen's Hotel, Birmingham, on December 7, at the Engineers' Club, Manchester, on December 20, and at the Metropole SAO, Leeds, on January 17.
Interesting Brush Publications.
Two striking publications have recently been issued by the Brush Electrical Engineering Co., Ltd., Falcon Works, Loughborough. One, entitled "The Modern Ens," deals with the busbody products of this progressive company, and, through the medium of attractive illustrations, gives an indication of the many types of single-deck and double-deck body that have been produced for widely differing conditions of service ; it will be noted that the B22 details of design vary greatly. The book is divided into three sections.
The other booklet, entitled "Fares, Please," shows the progress of a group of bus bodies through the company's shope, and is, therefore, complementary to the other publication.
OBITUARY.
Mr. John Beresford.
We regret to learn of the death of Mr. John Beresford, the founder of Beresford, Caddy and Pemberton, Ltd., the well-known haulage-contracting concern of Trinstali, of which he was chairman. Just over 40 years ago Mr. Beresford purchased the present site of the company's main depot at Tunstall, and the premises now cover two acres, and include an extensive depot, warehouses, garages, etc. The company also has depots in Liverpool and London.
Later he was joined by his eldest son, Mr. J. W. Beresford, who is managing director. Modern methods of transport were introduced when the first motor vehicle was put into service about IS years ago. To-day the company operates a fleet of motors between Midland industrial centres, as well as daily services be tween Liverpool, Birkenhead, Manchester and London.
In January last, after trading under the title of J. Beresford and Sons, Ltd., an amalgamation took place between the company, Messrs. Caddy and Pemberton, and the Manchester and Potterlea Daily Parcels Service, when the name was changed to Beresford, Caddy and Pemberton, Ltd.
Mr. B. H. M. Hewett.
Mr. B. H. M. Hewett, M.Inst.C.E., chief engineer of the Mersey Tunnel, died suddenly a few days ago. It was in 1931 that he was appointed to his position in connection with the Mersey Tunnel, the construction of which involved great difficulties. Mr. Hewett was the son 'of the late Sir George Hewett and had extensive experience of tunnelling.
Mr. Ben Swan.
Marlboro' Motors (St. Albans), Ltd., St. Albans, which holds agencies for Bedford and Dennis commercial vehicles, advises us of the death of Mr. Ben Swan, at the age of 69. Mr. Swan will be remembered by many of the earliest motor traders. He was the founder of Messrs. Marlboro' Motors, which, in 1923, was formed into a limited company, of which he was chairman until his retirement in March of this year through ill-health. Mr. J. W. Thornycroft's Recent Address to the Railways.
Our attention has been drawn by Lieut.-Commander J. W. Thornyeroft te the fact that our abbreviated report (published in our issue dated November 17) of a statement made by him at the Railway Companies' Association's Luncheon at Olympia, during the preceding week, might be lieble to misconstruction. Mr. Thornycroft's actual words were : " If we are not allowed to supply this market (the railways and their associated companies) owing to the companies deciding to manufacture themselves progress in our industry is bound to be retarded with consequential loss of export business. This will be a very serious matter for the country in the fight to maintain the purchasing power of the £ sterling abroad, "If the railways and associated companies cannot obtain what they require from the commercial-vehicle-manufacturing industry there would be justification for their deciding to manufacture in their own repair establishments.
"I submit that the railway companies can get what they require, and that this Exhibition demonstrates that what I say is correct."
Henley's Hold Successful Social Function.
Between 500 and 1300 people, nearly all of whom were members of the staffs of the two associated companies, took part in the annual dinner and dance held by Henley's Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., and W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd., at the Wharneliffe Rooms last Saturday.
In proposing a toast to the Telegraph Company, Dr. P. Dunsheath spoke of its prosperity. There were clear indications, he said, that the peak of the depression in industry was past.
Mr. A. W. Ray, toasting the Tyre Company, drew attention to the need for firmer establishment in the production of giant pneumatics, now that the demand for solids was greatly diminished. He saw great possibilities in reinforced rubber bumpers, rubber running boards and wings.
The chairman, Sir Montague Hughman, in responding for both companies, regretted the abknee through Meese of Sir George Sutton, and welcomed the new members of the board. He spoke of the happy conditions existing between all members of the staffs of the two concerns.
Jowetts in the Thames Valley.
We are informed that A.V. Motors, Ltd., 5-11, Park Road, Teddington, Middlesex, has taken over the main district agency, covering Kingston, Surbi ton, Staines, Egh,am, Hounslow, Isleworth, Barnes and Twickenham, for Jowett commercial vehicles. All models and spares are being • stacked by this concern. An Inexpensive Oiliness Tester.
Engineers whose work involves the investigation of the qualities of various lubricants will be interested in a little device that has just been introduced by Sir W. H. Bailey and Co., Ltd., Albion Works, Salford. It is called the Aptol oiliness comparator, and enables comparative tests of this property of oils to be made quickly and with a tolerable degree of precision.
The apparatus consists of two circular metal pieces, one provided with a spigot to centralize it with the other. The same piece has a raised annulus on one of its faces, whilst three equally spaced corresponding protrusions on the face of the other are shaped to make line contact with the annulus when the pieces are held face to face and concentrically. To use the apparatus, specimens of two oils are placed, one at a time, on these faces, and the pressures needed to penetrate the oil films thus formed are compared.
Complete with a small case suitable for carrying in the pocket, the device is sold for £1.
Belfast Bus Company's Results.
The accounts of the Belfast Omnibus Co., Ltd., show that, for the year ended September 30, 1933, there was a net profit of £14,163. The net profit in the previous year was £6,571. The amount available, after adding the sum brought forward, is -£15,422. The directors recommend the payment of a dividend of 5 per cent. (less tax) on the ordinary shares, and a pro rata dividend on the deferred shares at the rate of 2s. 7d per share, leaving £2,346.