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NEWS of the WEEK

AGREEMENT REACHED ON WAGES.

At a meeting of the National Joint Conciliation Board, on Friday last, agreement was reached on the wages dispute. and the strike notices, which were due to expire to-morrow, have been withdrawn.

Settlement has been reached on the basis of a as. a week increase for men and 2s. for youths, the question of the curriulative week, which was also an issue, being deferred for reference to a sub-committee.

The original demand was for 6s. a week increase to adults and 4s. to youths, and the present compromise was that proposed by the employers at the meeting on March 8 but which could not be discussed owing to dissension on the part of one section of the employers' representatives.

Applicant's Goad Support Gains Nothing.

Although he had the support of six farmers concerned and that of the Catterick Camp Dairy, at Harrogate, on Monday last, an application was refused to a B-licence holder, by the Yorkshire Licensing Authority. The applicant required a licence condition permitting him to collect milk within 10 miles of Middleham Post Office and deliver it at Catterick Camp Dairy.

The applicant, Mr. G. Collins Weatherill, admitted that although he was not authorized to do so, he had for three years been carrying milk for farmers in the Middleham district who were isolated from railway facilities, Mr. E. P. Merritt, opposing for the L.N.E.R., said that if the application A30 were refused the railway company would he prepared to offer the farmers similar facilities for the collection of milk. Mr. F. G. Bibbings, secretary of the Yorkshire area of A.R.O., who appeared for the applicant, said the railway company did not normally provide comparable facilities in the district. " If," said Mr. Bibbings, " the boot were on the other foot, and you were dealing with an applicant who wished to change the nature of his business, that would be pounced on by the railway company."

Lower Exports Have Higher Values.

The Board of Trade returns for February, 1938, show that the value of commercial vehicles, cars, chassis and accessories imported during that month was £387,567, contrasted with £432,181 in February, 1937.

The number of commercial vehicles exported was 325 and, although this figure is well down on the total of 590 for February, 1937, the value, at £136,707, is a few thousand pounds higher.

In the case of commercial chassis, there was also a drop, and the 1,046 shipped had a value of £204,882, whereas the 1,283 chassis exported in February last year had a value of £192,571.

Temple Press Midlands Offices.

The Midlands editorial offices of Temple Press Ltd., which, of course, include those of this journal, will in future he at 50, Hertford Street, Coventry (Telephone: 60095). The business offices for the Midlands will remain at 61-65, New Street, Birmingham.

SUCCESSFUL COTTON-HAULAGE APPEAL.

A decision of the Appeal Tribunal, last week, is important not only to the parties concerned and the cottou trade as a whole, but has a significance as a comment on the efficiency or otherwise of the administration of the Road and Rail Traffic Act.

The Tribunal has reversed the decision of the North-Western Licensing Authority and ordered him to authorize Topham Bros. (Manchester), Ltd., to add to its fleet of 17 motor vehicles and 10 trailers, two vehicles of 2* tons and a trailer of 2 tons.

In June, 1936. nearly two years ago, Topham Bros., Ltd., wanted one extra 4f-ton vehicle and trailer. This application was refused. In January, 1937, the application was repeated, the exact form then being for two vehicles of 2i tons and trailer. This was fought as a test case by both sides (the railways and the haulage company). Tha hearing occupied four days, between April and July, and the refusal came in August.

For the Federation of Master Cotto-i Spinners Associations, Mr. W.,

Greenall had given evidence in the test case that 80 per cent. of the trade wanted more road haulage, which was more suitable than rail for cotton awl cotton goods.

What is Their Speed Limit?

The position regarding the speed limit on "utility vehicles is still most vague. Recently, a driver was fined a nominal sum for exceeding 30.m.p.h. in one of these cars, the tailboard and seats of which had been fixed. He was given leave to appeal Now we hear of a similar case, at Salisbury, which has been dismissed, and regarding which the police may appeal! Here, again, the seats and tailboard were fixed.

BOOM IN EI-ECTRICS.

Evidence of the excellent progress in electric commercial vehicles in this country is afforded by the fact that no fewer than 911 such machines were registered for the first time during last year, as contrasted with 819 units in 1930. The most popular type was that for loadsof between 12-cwt. and 20-ewt., which was responsible for 472, or over 50. per cent., of the total, followed by 12-cwt vehicles with 248 units.

Mass Opposition to Fleet Extension.

An application by Young's Express Deliveries to extend the fleet of vehicles at Kirkcaldy is being heard at Dundee by Mr. Henry Riches, Northern Scotland Licensing Authority. The fleet consists of 21 vehicles and two trailers, totalling 112} tons. The application is opposed uy some 17 firms and transport concerns, including, of course, the railways.

New Belgian Oiler.

A newcomer to the list of firms in Belgium manufacturing oil-engined lorries is the Societe des Ateliers Germain, of Monceau-sur-Sambre, using the L.M. two-stroke engine. Three sizes of vehicle are being made with power units of 50 h.p., 75 h.p. and 100 h.p. respectively.

Fleet of Refuse Collectors Required.

Johannesburg City Council, stores department, is calling for tenders. which have to be presented in the city by April 2, for the supply of 12 10-cubic-yd. refuse collectors. Those concerns in a position to supply vehicles of 'United Kingdom manufacture may obtain further details from the Department of Overseas Trade. 33. Old Queen Street, London, S.W.I. reference number TY19370/38 being quoted.

Fire-engine for Confined Areas.

A few days ago Mossley Corporation took delivery of a new Leyland fireengine, which will interest those brigades operating in confined areas. So that the machine can be used in narrow alleyways its 800-1,000 g.p.m. pump is not only provided with suctions at each side, but also at the rear. Sliding doors have been fitted to the limousine-type body, instead ot those of the usual hinged type. When in action, the machine will carry two 35-ft. ladders and a 50-ft. wheeled escape.

Kingsway Tunnel and Trolleybuses.

London Transport's engineers are engaged upon the problem of how best to deal with the Kingsway subway when the last of the trams are replaced lay trolley-buses.

There is ample overhead clearance for trolleybuses in the subway, but little room to spare at the sides. One plan under consideration is to fix wooden fenders at the sides of the sub

way to guide the trolleybuses and prevent damage.

There are two tram stations in the subway, of the island type, but trolleybuses have, at present, exits only on the near side, and permission will have to be obtained from the Ministry or Transport if off:side exits are to be used.

PERSONAL SPARS.

Comm. A. N. G. FIREBRACE will become chief officer of the London Piro Brigade on May 31, when Mmon C. C. MORRIS retires. At present, he is. the deputy chief officer.

• MR. R. A: BECKETT. Of Beckett. Laycock and-Watkinson, Ltd., recently sailed Acir America, with a view to studying transport conditions and problems, particularly in relation to the 'trend in vehicle design and construc

tion. :

MnA. P. QUARRELL, who, for a number of yearshas been in the service of Petters, Ltd., Yeovil; has been appointed London manager on the transfer of the company's London office to Terminal House, Grosvenor Gardens, S.W.1.

Ma. H. •J. SEED, of Messrs. Leach and Seed, who have, for many years, been leading members of the commercial-vehicle, trade in Manchester, has been elected vice-chairman of the E. Lancs. and Cheshire Division of the Institute of the Motor Trade.

MR. A. A. COTMAN, who has had considerable experience in the research department of Leyland Motors, Ltd., is, at the present time, in Australia, where he is placing his knowledge at the disposal of Australian transport operators interested in the oil engine. He is stationed at the company' r branch in Sydney.

MR. DONALD M. SINCLAIR, who has been with the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., at Gateshead, as assistant chief engineer since 1931, has been recommended for appointment as automobile engineer in Glasgow Corporation's transport department. He was formerly with the British Petroleum Co., and the Albion concern at Glasgow.

Paper on Carburation.

At a meeting of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, to be held on April 5 at the Royal Society of Arts. John Street, London, W.C.2, Mr. Alex. Taub, of Vauxhall Motors, Ltd., will read a paper entitled "Carburation it will also be read at Bath on hursday, April 7, and at Luton on Tuesday. April 12.

North Ireland Transport—Public Inquiry

That thereshould now be a public inquiry, by the Minister of Home Affairs, into the working of the Transport Act in Ulster has been decided by the Northern Ireland Cabinet. This is in addition to the private inquiry, a committee for which (with Sir William McLintock as chairman) was appointed by the Government.

Before the Government comes to any decision in the matter it will await the completion of both inquiries. A MECHANICAL-HORSE GRAIN HOPPER.

The Scammell 12-ton frameless-type grain hopper, which we illustrate on this page, has been specially, designed for the tranSport of wheat, barley and maize. The body is constructed on the self-discharging principle, the floor plates being built to suit the angle of repose of the grain. The body is totally enclosed, and the top has 2-tt.wide filling openings covered with hinged, watertight lids. There is 'a lightweight tubular ladder at the front end, which gives access to a latticetype walkway, which runs from front to rear, to facilitate loading operations. The body is approximately 22 ft. long and 7 ft. 2 ins, wide and has a capacity of 25 cubic yds.

The discharging orifice consists oi two sliding shutters, giving a maximum opening 1 ft. 6 ins, wide by lift. 6 ins. long. The extent of opening required can be varied from zero to these limits, and is controlled by a ratchet lever.

The front end of the hopper is mounted on the Scammell patented retractable undercarriage, enabling it to be readily coupled and uncoupled, thus permitting a' shuttle service to be operated. The rear end of the carrier

is mounted on a four-wheeled bogie equipped with 10,50-in. by 13-in. single low-pressure tyres. The mechanical-horse motive unit is fitted with a Perkins oil engine, and vacuum brakes also form part of the equipment.

Scottish Harbour Transport That Inverness Harbour was becoming busier, and needed more transport facilities, was stated at Inverness, last week, when MacDonald and Morrison (Inverness), Ltcl., applied for a fourth lorry to carry Its own goods and those of other people within a restricted area from Inverness. The L.M.S.Railway Co. objected. Mr. Andre*, F. MacDonald, a director of the company, stated that when bricks, lime, cement, manures and barley were landed at Inverness Harbour it had difficulty, in getting transport, and shipowners, for whom it was an agent, had complained. This tended to increase the rates to the north. •

Replying to Mr. J. MacKay, for the L.M,S. Railway, Mr, MACDonald said local hauliers .did not regard work at the harbour as part of their regular

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business. He agreed that there might be a good case for his concern acquiring a C-licence vehicle, but stated it would be better for it to have a B licence. The application was adjourned for further evidence, Mr. Riches, the Northern Scotland Licensing Authority, remarking that details would have to be furnished of the increase in the business of the Company and its customers.

Sales and Service Manager Available.

We know of a man who has been associated for 25 years with the sale of commercial vehicles and, additionally, is fully qualified to take care of the service side of a concern. Letters addressed " Sales and Service," care of the Editor, will be forwarded.

Extended-radius Application Refused.

Giving evidence at Bridlington, last week, in support of an application by Mr. William Gallagher, of St. Mary's Terrace, Bridlington, a B licenceholder, for an extension from SO miles to 75 miles in his radius for the carriage of goods for the Cross Bone Manure Co., an official of that company said it had had to bring in transport from York, Thirsk and Ripon. if the application were granted, he stated, it could employ, a local haulier instead of one outside the town.

The Yorkshire Deputy Licensing Authority (Mr. G. Russell Gurney) said there were three hauliers in the town whom the company had not

• approached, and he could not grant the application.

A Macy Live Load.

Live reindeer, with huge antlers, comprised the load carried by road a few days ago by Harding Bros. Transport, Lid., of Liverpool.

New Morris 22,000,000 Engine

' Factory.

A factory which, including the plant and machinery installed, has cost over £2,000,000, is rapidly approaching completion in the Midlands for Morris Motors, Ltd. It is situated at Courthouse Green, Coventry. NEW FEATURES IN FORDSON ROW-CROP TRACTOR

A number of new features has been incorporated in the Fordson row-crop tractor. The front end has been redesigned, and worm-and-sector steering is now used, being mounted on roller bearings in the front-axle housing. This gear operates in an oil bath. An oil-bath-type air cleaner is fitted, although the Fordson still incorporates a primary air cleaner, the purpose of which is to remove chaff, fluff and similar foreign matter before the incoming air reaches the second filter. A swinging drawbar is now being used as standard equipment.

Three types of wheel equipment are offered with the latest Fordson rowcrop machine, dual iron front wheels, or a single pneumatic-tyred front wheel being available in conjunction with steel rear wheels, or pneumatics can be fitted to all wheels. When so equipped, the rear tyres are 9.00 by 36, and a 9.00 by 10 pneumatic tyre is supplied for the front wheel. The steel wheels have overhanging lugs.

With steel rear wheels and dual iron • front wheels, the tractor sells for £178, and with steel rear wheels and a single pneumatic-tyred front wheel for £180, whilst with pneumatics all round its price is .V200.

British Torque Converter Popular in Scandinavia.

The Leyland torque converter is becoming popular amongst _municipal bus operators in Scandinavia, and More than 100 have been shipped to that part of the world. The authorities in Oslo, in particular, are using it extensively and they have' incorporated'. one of these units in an improved type of chassis-less bus recently put into service.

The bus, which is of all-metal construction, seats 30 people and, at the rear, has an outside container for passengers' skis. Independent springing is provided for all four wheels, whilst the six-cylindered engine, coupled with the torque converter, is mounted on its side below the body floor. PIG TRANSPORT—B LICENCE REFUSED.

That illegal use had been made of an unlicensed vehicle was the contention of Mr. Humphrey Cooke, in appearing for objectors when S. H. Co'will, Ltd., of Launceston, had an application refused by Mr. A. F. Nicholson, Western Licensing Authority, at Plymouth, last week. It was for a B licence for the transport of pigs from farms within an area of 25 miles of Launceston, and for the conveyance of furniture and goods to and from the company's salerooms at Launceston, within a similar radius.

Mr. Cooke said that, although the applicant was supposed to make no charge for haulage, it charged for the use of a weighbridge and for the marking of pigs, which, he held, also comprised payment for haulage. Mr. Cooke also submitted that there was no evidence of public need.

It was stated that the Launceston Farmers' Union had passed a resolution in support of the application.

Plymouth A-licence Refusal.

Application, last week, by Mr. D. J. Evans. of I. Thorn Cottage, Laira, for an A licence was refused at Plymouth. It was stated that a few months ago he bought the business from Mr. S. S. Batttishill, who held an A .licence, for 450, including £20 for the lorry. Mr. Battishill told the Licensing Authority that he chiefly carried builders' material, and occasionally furniture. He was unable to say whether his customers would continue to give their work to the new owner of the heeineee.

The application was opposed by the railway companies and others. The Licensing Authority, Mr. A. F. Nicholson, decided that there was insufficient evidence as to the need for increased facilities.

Railway-rates Increase Cause of

Abstraction?

That the abstraction of goods traffic from the railways, consequent upon the 5 per cent. increase in rates on October 1, was evidence of an excess of road transport was a new argument raised at Manchester, last week, by Mr. Philip Kershaw, for the railway companies. He was objecting to the grant to Winterbottom and Marshall, Ltd., Mossley and Stalybridge, of two vehicles of 2f tons each for one of 4 tons and a trailer of 2i tons.

Part of the evidence was that the railways lost and the applicant gained a named customer in October last. If such abstraction could take place, he urged, the increase in railway rates would defeat its own end. If the applicant could, since October. have accommodated a new customer to the extent of £400 traffic a year it was clear that he had held: an excess of facilities.

Mr. Leslie Walsh, for the applicants, submitted that this argument was not a justifiable inference and that, in the absence of evidence, it could not be assumed that the transfer of this traffic from rail to road was due to the railway rates increase. Decision was deferred.