Answers to Queries.
Page 15
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Our readers will be informed by the Editor on any points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed if a request for privacy is not specially made, any query ani answer may be published. Some replies, owing to pressure on our space, are held several weeks.
If " W.S.," of Strood, Kent, will forward his full name and address, his questions relating to compound steam engines will be answered by return of post.
Butler's Patent Axles.
11,5011 "NORTH BRITAIN " writes:—" Could you oblige me with the name and address of the makers of Butler's patent axles?"
Asswee...:--.These axles are made and sold by the Kirkstall Forge Co., of Leeds.
About a Bridge Notice.
11,502) " STEAK WAGON writes :—" Could you inform me if the following notice can be enforced ? It has recently been put up near a small stream, on a country road where it is very convenient to take in water.
" Rural District, Council.—Drivers of steam and motor vehicles stopping their engines and vehicles on or near this bridge will be prosecuted.
"Br ORDER.' " ANSWER.— The notice in question would appear to suggest the possibility of a charge of obstruction. Technically speaking, an obstruction is committed if any vehicle stops on the public highway without proper cause, but, as a matter of fact, most Benches only convict when actual obstruction has been proved. Can our correspondent find out, by written application to the Clerk of the R.D.C., under what. Act the notice purports to be displayed?
The Defence of Drivers.
[1,503] " MOTORYANS 7' writes :—" Do you advise the defence of drivers, when charges of a technical character are made on summonses? Or, is it not better to let the men plead ' guilty ' and to pay, say, half their fines? It costs so much to carry out a proper defence, and it upsets more-important engagements."
ANSWER.—The whole question of the defence of a coniinercial-motor driver before a Bench resolves itself into one of expediency. It costs a great deal more to fight, takes up the time of principals, and generally draws attention to a case which may be trivial, thereby creating, too often we are afraid, an unfavourable precedent. It it quite open to argument, whether it is not the best thing to let the man plead guilty at once, and to pay a nominal fine, but one does not, like to do that where there is any suggestion of sacrificing a principle. Questions of principle should certainly be contested, and this is where the C.M.U.A. helps.
Fines Under the Heavy Motor Car Order.
11,50.1] " OWNER " writes :—" I have been told that all fines for breaches of the Heavy Motor Car Order are illegal. Is this really so? "
ANSWER.—It entirely depends upon the view of the Courts whether the 1896 and 1903 Acts are to be read together or separately: no clause or section in the 1903 Act specifically enacts that they shall be read together. Section VII of the 1896 Act reads: " A breach of any by-law or regulation made under this Act, or of any provision of this Act, may, on summary conviction, be punished by a fine not exceeding ten pounds." It is, however, under the powers conferred by Section XII of the 1903 Act that the Local Government Board issued the Heavy Motor Car Order. The new weight regulations are wholly under the 1903 Act, but the speed limits fall under an extension of Section VI of the 1896 Act. The question is one for settlement; there is a precedent (Davey v. Bennett, 69 J.P. 200) for a refusal to read the two Acts together, in a decision given by Lord Coleridge, K.C.. Devon Quarter Sessions. The C.M.U.A. has just voted £10 10s. to assist a member in an appeal which may settle the law on this point.
Purchasing a Motorcab for London Use.
[1,505] " SMALL PROPRIMTOR writes :—" I want you to assist me in selecting a, motorcab suitable for me to drive and look after myself. My experience as a cabman gives me very good opportunities of forming an opinion on the earnings of a taxicab, but I should be much obliged if you could answer the following questions for me :— (1).—What is the approximate difference in the cost of running of the different types of 10-12 h.p., 12-14 h.p., and 14-16 h.p. cabs now on the market?
(2).—Is the cost of licences and insurance the same,. or does it vary with the engine power, size or weight of the cab ?
(3). -What are the different snakes (besides Belsime, F.I.A.T., Unic, and Napier) that might suit me, and what is the address of the makers or London agents?
(4).—The four-cylinder type of engine appeals to me most, but, as the General Motor Cab Co., which has more experience than anyone else, appears to be sticking to two cylinders, I should like to know whether it considers this type the most profitable, or if other considerations are affecting its policy ? Do you know il that company has tried any four-cylindered cabs?
ANSWER.—We answer your questions, generally : (1).—We think it would be just as difficult for you to realise the varying differences in costs of running different types, as of different machines of the same model employed by different users. Further than that, a larger engine will consume more petrol, and will possibly cost a trifle more for tires. It is probable that your preliminary enquiries will be quite well answered by a general consideration of the figures which we have given from time to time in the " Answers to Queries" pages of this journal. We would particularly draw your attention to those contained on page 518 of our issue of the 26th August. These figures are compiled, as an average, from data which is in our possession, and arc applicable in the main, under normal circumstances, to most of the better types of cabs in the Metropolis. (2).—The cost of your licence will be the same, whatever the horse-power of the cab. For your information, these are as follow : driver's licence (police), 5s. ; plate' licence, £2; wheel tax, 15s.; hackney-carriage tax, £2 2s.; motor driver's licence (county), 5s. All the above are annual charges, and, in addition to these, there is your registration fee, which is not annual,. of .£1.
(3).—Besides the types of machines which you mention, there are : Darracq (A. Darracq and Co., Ltd., Walnut Tree Walk, Kennington, S.E.); Humber (Humber, Ltd., Coventry); Wolseley (Wolaeley Tool and Motor Co., Ltd., York Street, Westminster, S.W.); Charron (E. Joiner, London Motor Garage, Wardour Street, W.); Argyll (Argylls, Ltd., Alexandria, N.B.);. and B.S.A. (Birmingham). (4).-We do not think you should necessarily allow your final choice to be influenced by what appears to you to be the settled policy of the General Motor Calk Co. in the matter of cylinders. We think it may he regarded as having been entirely a question of policy with this company, so far as uniformity of type is concerned. There is little doubt, in our view, that; if this company had its original contracts to place now, it would have ordered four-cylinder machines. The Provincial Motor Cab Co., which is closely allied to it, runs four-cylinder cabs of several types..