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A BOOK FOR THE DESK AND D.O.R.A.

24th October 1918
Page 14
Page 14, 24th October 1918 — A BOOK FOR THE DESK AND D.O.R.A.
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

A Ready Reference Volume of Information Concerning the Fleet that has Proved a Time-saver.

THIS. IS NOT a scheme for /flaking one gallon of petrol do as much as two did heretofore, or for

• persuading the nimble pound of coke to give twice as many h.T.U.s. It is a simple account of a simple book whichhas helped the writer to come safely through the experience of completing the many official forms and returns with which the commercial motor user of to-day is afflicted. We are getting used to forms and they no longer trouble us as they did ; nevertheless, the more accessible one's information, the easier it is to give the necessary particulars.

We started the book, an ordinary black-covered exercise book, soon after we bought our first two or three vehicles. It was all right when we had only one van. One would remember the registration number and the maker's number all right without much trouble. As our fleet grew, however, matters became more complicated. Alt our vans were numbered 1, 2, 3, etc., and particulars were filed under these headings in a nice little card index system. The trouble was that other people used other numbers. The makers would give their chassis number, and in ease of accident the telegram or telephone message was certain to give the registration number. Not being fond of the active life entailed by hurrying from the 'phone to search in a card index, or jumping up from the ddsk to de the same thing, the writer one day procured the book above referred to and, devoting a double page to each vehicle, headed it with the van number and proceeded to put down all the other vital information. The registration number, maker's number, tyre sizes, bore and stroke of engine, R.A.C. rating, maker's consumption figures, date of purchase, etc.. all went down, in their proper places. L'31 Then the book was deposited in a handy drawer and was found to be exceedingly useful. When writing to the makers of a vehicle re spare parts, the chassis number, type, and date of purchase could be quoted, and delay and trouble saved. If a telephone message came about a broken-down vehicle the little book went along to the 'phone and the van which was in trouble could be identified at once.

• It was when particulars had to be given on Government forms, however, that the book proved most useful, Most of the information required was ready to hand, and the other when obtained was duly entered in the book ready for the next batch of forms.

The number of the gas permit, the petrol permit number, and the Road Transport Board schedule number, as well as the details of ;vans enrolled under the volunteer scheme are all duly entered in the book. We now face the filling up of forms with reasonable confidence, and a feeling that we shall not be contradieting on one form what we inserted on its predecessor. Needless to say, in addition we always keep a copy of all the forms we fill up. When a new vehicle is ordered, it takes the next consecutive number in the book, and particulars are entered with regard to it as soon as possible.

In order to keep it as simple as possible notes with regard to repairs, miles run, etc., are not entered, the idea being a handy desk reference book of the salient facts about all our vehicles.

Many readers may have a desk card index, or some other • system equally as good or better than the above, but it is felt that there may be others who do not now keep such a record, and who would find it very useful. W.N.H.

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Organisations: Road Transport Board

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