WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all digenities of transport at whatever Points arising as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs,"—John Beattie. Crozier.
America's Increasing Exports.
Motor vehicle exports from the United States for the first nine months of the present year represent a value of 166,66'7,971 dollaes, a figure which clearly indicates that the total value of exports for 1923 –r i.e., 170,000,000 dollars—will be considerably exceeded,' in spite of the fact that the figures for September show that the exports were somewhat less than for the previous
month. • It would appear from a report of the Automotive Diyision of the Department of Commerce of the United States that Australia continues to be one of the largest buyers of American motor vehicles, and its purchases in September were substantially greater than those for August.
Principles of Electrical Equipment Filmed.
A film was recently shown in London by North East Service, Ltd., explaining the principles of the complete electrical equipment of a motor vehicle. It sets forth in a very clear and interesting manner the principles of a dynamo, starter, ignition system, battery, etc., by means of diagrams which show certain parts in motion. Interesting and simple analogies are also introduced, and by following this film it is quite possible for anyone to obtain a working knowledge of the subject without any previous electrical experience. North East Service, Ltd., propose to loan the film to motor owner and other organizations. The C.M.U.A. should borrow this film and arrange for a display to its members.
Moscow Wants More Buses.
A delegation from the Moscow Council has recently visited London, and one of the problems on which enlightenment was sought concerned the organization of bus, taxicab and lorry services in the City of Moscow. It may be remembered that some time ago Leyland Motors, Ltd., supplied a number of buses for use in this part of Russia, and the success which has attended theiruse has prompted the Moscow Council to consider the question of further purchases on the basis of long-term credits. Its immediate object is said to be concerned with the purchase of 300 buses, 200 taxicabs and 300 motor lorries.
Ignition and Eectrical Equipment Service.
Mr. J. H. Runbaken informs us that. his future activities -is-ill be concerned with R.T. Patents, Ltd., 278, Deansgate, Manchester, of which company he is managing director. He will be remembered by many as the founder of the Runbaken Magneto Co., Ltd., in 1908. The programme of the new company will include the manufacture of accessories made under the various Runbaken and Torrance patents, whilst an efficient service has been organized for the supply of spares and the execution of repairs to magnetos, dynamos and starters. The company are sole distributors for Eisemann magnetos in Great Britain and Ireland.
Mr. Runbaken informs us that Mr. 820
W. Torrance, technical director, and MrA S. H. Flynn°, sales director of the Runbaken Magneto Co., Ltd., have joined him lei this new enterprise.
Mr. F. G. Bristow Honoured,.
We learn, with pleasure, that Mr. F. G. Bristow, F. C. I. S. , F. S. S.' general secretary of the Commercial Motor Users Association, has been elected a
member of council of the City Livery Club, a club limited to liverymen of the City of London, -"which includes in its -membership representatives of all the ancient City Guilds. He recently read a paper on the new traffic authority for London before the members of the Farriegdon Ward Club.
Interested in Sales and Service.
We know of a gentleman who has had considerable experience both on the technical and sales sides of the commercial vehicle industry (dealing with vehicles ranging from 15-cwt. to 6-tons capacity) and who, owing to the closing down of the commercial sales of his company, is seeking a position either on the sales or service side. Letters marked " Sales," care of the Editor of this journal, will be forwarded.
Restriction of Buses.
Croydon Corporation Highways Corainittee has had under consideration the power conferred on the Ministry of Transport with regard to the limitation of the number of omnibuses to be allowed to run on any road, and recommends that representations be made to the Minister, pointing out that, in its opinion? the number of omnibuses on the main road from Norbury to Purley should be limited.
Berlin's Horse Cabs Doomed.
It would appear that the remaining horse cabs which are in use in Berlin are at last doomed. Before the war there were between 8,000 and 10,000 vehicles of this type in regular service, but their ranks have been so depleted that at the present time there are only 1,800 horse cabs in use. Although the fares which are charged for their hire are about three-quarters of those asked on the motorcabs in service, their popularity continues to wane, with the result that owners are finding it more and more difficult to operate them remuner atively. It is now stated that no new licences for horse cabs will be issued, so that it would seem to be only a question of time before these vehicles entirely disappear.
A printer's error occurred in our paragraph headed "Football Traffic at Twickenham," published in our last issue, the word " illegible " appearing in a place where, obviously, the word " eligible " should have been used.
The Benevolent Fund Banquet.
Our sincerest congratulations are offered to Sir Harold Bowden, Bt., the president of the Motor and Cycle Trades' Benevolent Fund, upon the social and material success of the annual banquet held at the Connaught Rooms, London, on Tuesday last. Sir Harold, who occupied the chair' was supported by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, K.G.' many men prominent in the motor and cycle movements and in the two trades being present to a total of over 350. Replying to the toast of "The Royal Family," gracefully and fervently offered by Sir James C. Percy, DL., J.P. (in the absence of the Rt, Hon. J. H. Thomas, M.P.), His Royal Highness made an excellent speech evincing a genuine grasp of the subject and of the origin, history and work of the Fund, whilst it may. interest readers to know that he spoke only from brief notes and did not read his speech, for, having acknowledged the one toast, he proceeded to propose the toast of the Fund. Sir Harold Bowden replied, and gave a very encouraging aceciunt of the year's progress. The reserve fund now totals to £61,000, and there has been no stinting Or delay in the help that has been given to necessitous cases. The Fund is not open to the svorkpeople in the trades, who are provided for by National Insurance, but to the administrative staffs, and even to principals who have fallen upon hard times. The toast of "The Founder Of the Fund," proposed by the president, was an eloquent testimonial to the regard in which Mr. A. J. Wilson is held. Fearing that he would not be able to regulate the pitch of his voice to suit the large'hall, Mr. Wilson deputed Mrs. Wilson, who has played as active a part as her husband in the control and conduct of the Fund, to speak for him—a task to which she rose with her usual grace and eloquence. Mr. Wilson afterwards jokingly told the Prince that when His Royal Highness married he should take a wife who would save him the trouble of making his public speeches. Sir Arthur Stanley, chairman of the Royal Automobile dub, proposed the toast of "The Motor and Cycle Trades," to which Col. SealyClarke, president of the S.M.M. and T., and Mr. Arthur Brampton, J.P., presi
dent of the B.C. and .M.C.M. and 1.U., Ltd., replied, the last-named being the only one who, in ponderous humour, ex ceeded the time limit of five minutes imposed on trade speeches by His Royal Highness. Sir Edward Manville, J.P., proposed the toast of "The Chairman," and spoke of the generuas trait in the character of Sir Harold. It transpired that he was one of the guarantors of the Pageant at Wembley ko the extent of £33,000—a vast sum for one man to_ shoulder. In his reply, the chairman
announced that his aim to secure a collection at and preceding the banquet of -£10,000 had succeeded, for he was able to announce a total of -C10,174, the record figure for the Fund.
Cheltenham Watch Committee has decided that each motorbus plying for hire must carry fire-extinguishers.
Palmer Tyre Report.
The report of the directors of the Palmer Tyre, Ltd., for the year ended August 31st last shows that the company made a profit of £5,464. If a sum of £2,301, brought forward from the past year, be added, a total of £7,765 is available. Out of this amount the directors recommend a dividend, free of income tax, at the rate of 10 per cent., and this will absorb £6,000 and leave to be carried leeward (subject to the payment of directors' fees) a sum of £1,765
The year's trading shows a slight improvement over the previous year.
" General" Bus Garages.
The London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., inform us that such marked progress is being made with the construction of their new garage at Edgware that it is confidently hoped to have it in fall working order by the end of the year. The new garage, which adjoins the recently opened Underground station at Edgware, will accommodate 20 buses, and these will operate on routes linking up the outlying villages beyond Edgware with the tube terminus.
This garage, and the new depot which is being erected at Haewell, will bring the total number of L.G.O. garages to 42.
Wider Tyres Wanted.
At a recent meeting of the Derry County Council, a resolution was moved " That, in the opinion of this council, motor vehicles carrying or weighing six tons and over are at present fitted with tyres which are much too narrow and cerise great destruction to the road surfaces, more especially on third-class roads, and we therefore call on the Government to introduce legislation making it compulsory for the owners of heavy motor lorries, etc., to have the wheels of their vehicles fitted with tyres or treads of sufficient width as properly to spread the wear on the road surface and to obviate the destructive cutting effect of narrow-wheel treads."
A Distinctive Leyland.
One of the outstanding features of the Leyland vehicle illustrated on this page is its exceptionally imposing appearance, which is, in no small measure, due to the attractive naintwork with which it is embellished.
This particnlar vehicle, a 4-ton rebuilt R.A.F. chassis, the frame of which has been strengthened with internal ditch
plates, has recently been delivered to the Maple Leaf Milling Co., Ltd., of Welland, Canada. The body, it will be seen, possesses a particularly high backboard and also short high sides, which give adequate protection to the load. Other details which will he noted from the picture are a driving mirror on the left-hand side of a particularly roomy and comfortable driving cab, and the eection of the rear tyres, which are of an exceptional width. The lorry is equipped with electric lighting.
Ford's October Output.
Preliminary figures recently issued show that the Ford Motor Co.'s output for October was 147.,415 vehicles, as compared with 149,906 in the month of September and 140,376 in the preceding month.
The Bean 20-25-cwt, Chassis. In connection with the fully illustrated description of the new 20-25-cwt. Bean commercial vehicle, which appeared in our issue for November 11th, we are asked to make it clear that the chassis is designed so that it can carry its full toad successfully, and that for this reason it should not be considered, -as an ordinary 1-ton-type vehicle.
For Fuel Distribution.
We publish on this page an illustration of one of two A.E.C. 2-ton vehicles which have recently been supplied to the British Petroleum Co., Ltd. It will he noted that this lorry is fitted with pneumatic tyres, and we learn that this is the first vehicle so equipped to be put into the transport service of this fuel-distributing concern.
It is the company's intention to run this machine along with another lorry fitted with solid tyres, under similar conditions over a considerable period, and a record of running costs, maintenance charges and other items is to be carefully compiled, in order that the relative merits of pneumatic and solid tyre equipment can be ascertained.
The vehicle illustrated has a 12-ft. wheelbase, and the dimensions of the tyres are 955 mm. by 155 mm. It is fitted with a crate-sided body for carrying motor spirit in tins, and, in conformity with official regulations, with an asbestos and steel firescreen, ahead of which the silencer is transversely disposed.
Thornyeroft's Latest Bus Chassis.
Amongst recent improvements effected in the different types of Thornycroft chassis has been the extension of the wheelbase of the type J.B. forward-control model for passenger vehicles. The standard wheelbase of this chassis has hitherto been 15 ft. 6 ins., but it has now been increased to 16 ft. 6 ins. One of these chassis has been submitted to the Scotland Yard authorities, who have approved it for London bus service. Other detail improvements embodied in this model include a new type of propeller shaft, and both brakes now operate on the rear wheels.
Speed Limits Not Desirable.
Durham County Highways Committee reports that it has received applications from various local authorities in the county relative to the fixing of speed limits by the county council for motor vehicles passing through towns and villages in the county. It is informing all applicants for such orders that, in the opinion of the committee, it is not desirable to fix any such speed limits, as the police have full power under the motorcar acts to deal with cases of driving to the danger of the -public.
Ford Sales Abroad.
According to statistics recently published in America, the sale of Ford vehicles in foreign countries from January 1st to October let this year amounted to 138,291 cars and commercial vehicles, and 10.303 Fordsort tractors. These figures do not include the productions of the Ford Motor Car Co., of Canada, Ltd., who supply all parts of the British Empire except the. BritishIsles. The sales for the present year already closely approximate those which set up a remarkable record for the whole of last year.
Light Fire-engines for Municipal Use.
The light type of fire-engine is proving of considerable value for certain branches of fire-brigade work, and many vehicles of this class ale now being delivered to municipalities, not only in this country, but also abroad. The picture which we reproduce on this page shows three 25-cwt, Guy chassis fitted with Morris fire-pumps and
equipmert, -which have recently been supplied through Tom Garner, Ltd., of Manchester, to the Alexandria Municipality Fire-brigade, which has taken delivery of two of them, and to the Irlam 11.3rban District Council.
In general, the chassis of these machines conform to the standard 25cwt. production of Guy Motors, Ltd., but they are specially adapted in certain detail.; to fire-brigade work.
For Service in Australia.
Messrs, Arthur Legge and Co., 78a, Queen Street, London, W.6, have just shipped the (reconditioned Maudslay, illustrated in their advertisement in this issue to a firm of haulage contractors in Australia.' Although this is the first vehicle exported by this firm to that particular country, they have previously supplied reconditioned vehicles to -users in India.
The sale of -this particular machine was the result of the purchaser haying. been a user of one of Messrs. Legge's reconditioned Maudslays in this country, and after only a period of four years in Australia he has placed an order direct for is vehicle of the same make. This must surely he considered testimony, to the thoroughness with which Messrs.
922 Legge undertake their work, and also to the value of the vehicles, especially when it is considered that the cost of shipment and customs charges are nearly 2200.
More Municipal Buses for Wales.
At a meeting of the Mountain Ash (Glamorgan) Urban District Council, the question of instituting a municipal bus service was discussed. The council declared its agreement with the principle of the scheme, and a committee was appointed to go into the whole question and report on the cost of acquiring buses, the probable running costs and revenues, the number of buses required and prospective routes.
New Zenith Service Depot.
The Zenith Carburetter Co., Ltd., .40-42, Newman Street, London, W.1, inform -us that. they have appointed Lookers Ltd., of Hardman Street, Manchester, to undertake the service requirements of users of Zenith carberetters in Manchester and district.The company hold a large range of carburetters and spare parts for them, and are in a position to give prompt and efficient service in connection with the complete range of Zenith models.
A Disallowed Regulation.
Mr. H. P. Beaver, town clerk of Adelaide, Australia, reports that the regulation made by the Government under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1921, prohibiting motorcars passing stationary tramcars, has been disallowed by the Legislative Council.
Arrangements for Notimbus Fires.
Ossett Town Council has arranged to carry a 2-gallon Sno-wfire extinguisher on the fire-engine, so that it can readily he brought into use in case of ffit'e on the omnibuses now running.through the borough.
A "Devon General" Appeal.
The Ministry of Transport has decided to hold an informal inquiry respecting the appeal of the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co., Ltd., against the refusal of the Faignton Council to grant licences for motor omnibuses to ply for hire between Paignton and Totnes.
Licences in Durham.
Thee Durham County Council reports that during the quarter ended September 30th, 10,845 licences, to the value of 218,021 6s., were issued at the local taxation office under the Road Funds Act, 1920, and fees for duplicate. licences, etc., amounting to 2119 5s. were taken, making a total of 218,140 Us. This is an increase of 24,091 17s. 6d. over the amount received in the corresponding quarter of last year.
The value of the licences issued at the local taxation office during the nine months ended September 30th, 1924, amounted to £126,925 19s., as compared with 2105,971 19s. 5d. for the corresponding period of last year—an increase of 220,954.
Parking at Whitley Bay.
An effort is being made at Whitley Bay, the popular Northumbrian coastal resort, to provide an adequate motor coach park and station for the town
prior to the opening of the 1925 coaching season. During the summer months large numbers of coaches from all parts of the North of England run to the town daily, and the promenade, which has been used for parking purposes in the past, is by no means adequate to accommodate the vehicles. The local Chamber of Trade is moving actively in the matter.
Repairing Scored Cylinders.
We have, re&eived from Barimar, Ltd., 14-18, Lamb's Conduit Street, London, W.C.1, an attractive little folder which gives details of the company's metallurgical process for repairing scored cylinders. The method which they employ is claimed to eliminate threequarters of the work and a big percentage of the delay occasioned under the old system of carrying out similar repairs, and at the same time to yield an effective repair which will outlast, the life of the cylinders.
Moreover, it is stated that the work can be carried out at a fractional cost as compared with the old practice of regrinding and fitting new pistons. A copy of the folder can be obtained on application to the address which we have given.
I.A.E. Medal Awards.
At a recent meeting of the IsistituHon of Aiatomobile Engineers, it was unanimously decided that the Institution Medal should he awarded to Dr. R. Ormandy, in connection with the editing, checking and preparation of the matter for the report of the Empire Motor Fuels Committee, which was recently published as a volume of proceedings of the Institution, as well as to Mr. Geo. Watson for his paper on standardization, which formed the subject of his presidential address, and to Mr. H. G. Burford for his services in connection with the co-ordination of the relations between the Institution, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and the British Engineering Standards Association.
Developing Mid-Wales Centres by Motorbus.
The development of the wateringplaces and commercial centres of MidWales is to be furthered by the establishment of bus services. The Llandrindod Wells Urban District Council has granted licences to the Crosville Motor Bus Co., of Chester, and the Radnorshire Motor Services, Ltd., to run services over an extensive area, with Llandrindod as the centre of operations. The routes include those to Builth Wells and New Radnor, connecting with the C.W.R. railway services.
The Morris Makes Its Mark.
Although the Morris 1-ton commercial chassis has only been on the market a comparatively short time, it has achieved a largo measure of success, both as a medium for goods-carrying and passenger transport, and already a long list of important commercial houses include vehicles of this make in their transport fleets. A few of the most prominent users are :—Huntley and Palmer, Ltd.; Peek, Frean and Co., Ltd.; Carter, Paterson and Co., Ltd. ; Pick. fords, Ltd. ; Anglo-American Oil Co., Ltd. ; ShelI-Mex, Ltd. ; British Petroleum Co., Ltd. ; Scottish Oils, Ltd. ; John Ambulance Corps; Wholesale
Co-operative Society, Ltd. ; as well as the Crown Agents for the Colonies arid many municipal authorities. The range of standard models produced by Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., now includes a chassis, a lorry, a van, a van de luxe, a tipping lorry, three saloon bus models, a station bus, a char-à-banes, an ambulance and a hearse.
We are informed that data obtained from actual users of the Morris 1-tonner indicate that an average of over 7,000 miles is being obtained from a set of tyres, and that the petrol consumption with a full load is in excess of M m.p.g.
The London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., have just introduced a new type of metor coach for use in c.innection with the company's private hire work.
Bridging the Severn.
Developments in connection with the scheme for a road and rail bridge over the River Severn from Beachley (Chepstow) to Aust (Glos.) are now expected. The Government has been asked by local public authorities and private interests concerned to expedite the scheme of construction, because of the pressing need for better and quicker means of road transport between South Wales and Bristol and the West af England.
It is represented that the matter is too urgent to await the decision of the commission sitting to exartlirie the Severn barrage scheme, an enterprise on the feasibility of which some doubt is said to exist.
The G.W.R. Co. are stated to be anxious to proceed with the censtruction of a combined road and rail bridge.
Regulations for Market Harborough's Buses.
Market Harborough Urban District Council has had under consideration the question of adopting regulations in respect of motor omnibuses plying for hire within the urban district, and appointed two members to 'inspect the various buses licensed by the council with a • view to ascertaining whether regulations similar to those adopted by the Birmingham Corporation could be made to apply to these vehicles. '
Bus Traffic and Road Wear.
In his annual report, Mr. Morgan, county surveyor of Essex, states that the number of licensed vehicles in use in the county has increased by 26 per cent. New motorbus services have been opened up all over the county, and it is said that some of the roads traversed are inherently weak, and only continual nursing enables them to withstand the excessive wear and tear.
In connection with complaints as to slippery roads, an experiment of tarring and sanding lengths of asphalt has proved satisfactory, but most skidding, it is added, can really be said to.be due to the excessive speeds at, which many vehicles are driven.
Local Proceedings.
Worthing Corporation has purchased an Electromobile vehicle at a cost of £867.
Gravesend Town Council has appointed a committee to report on the matter of refuse collection.
Ashford Urban District Council has decided to purchase a motor lorry for the gas department at a cost of £130.
The surveyor to the Penzance Corporation has prepared a scheme for the provision of a motor park at the rear of the public buildings at a cost of £315.,
-Bolton Corporation Bill seeks Parliamentary powers to enable the corporation to operate railless vehieles,in and out of the " borough and motorbus ser
vices outside the borough. , The Urpeth (Durham) Parish Council has formed a special committee to consider the advisability of establishing a fire-brigade for the district, and purchasing a fire-engine and other equipmerit.
The London County Council has accepted the following tenders for the provision of a petrol-electric emergency fire tender :—Tilling :Stevens Motors, Ltd. £2,290; Dennis Bros., Ltd., £2,5b0.
Leicester Corporation has decided -to extend its motorbus services; and is getting a report as to different types of vehicle for passenger carrying, the proposal being that eight buses should be purchased.
The London County Council has accepted the tender (£10.850) of Merryweather and Sons, Ltd., for the construction of a new twin-screw steel fire float with internal-combustion engines and centrifugal fire pumps. Hocking Parish Council is to purchase a motor fire-engine, Lincoln City Council has received sanction to purchase two buses at an estimated cost of £2,000.
Leamington Corporation has asked a. sub-committee to report as to the provision of a motor ambulance.
Cheshire County Council has decided to purchase a motorvan from Messrs. J. Hopley and Sons at a cost of £300.
Batley Corporation is applying to the Ministry of Health for sanction to borrow £1,685 for the purchase of an additional motor fire-engine.
The works committee of the Belfast Harbour Board has directed the general manager and the engineer to report on the question of fire appliances for the protection of the harbour estate.
Bournemouth Corporation has decided that notices be posted at the char-iibanes stands in Gervis Place, prohibiting the use of the public stand for private motorcars except during certain specified times.
The New Tredegar Chamber of Trade has arranged with the Bedvvellty Urban District Council for the reception of a deputation from the chamber to discuss means of obtaining modern fire-fighting appliances for the district brigade.
Prospects in the Belgian Congo.
As a result of the many new roadbuilding schemes in progress in the Belgian Congo there should be.good prospects of increasing sales of motor vehicles in that district of Africa. As one example it may be mentioned that the Societe Miniere du Kasai has completed over 100 miles of roads in its area, and is experimenting with a chaintrack tractor and trailer and also with other commercial vehicles.
"Devon General" Activities.
It is stated that the Devon General Omnibus Co., Ltd., who run a large number of bus and coach services in the county from which they take their title, have taken over the business of the Fleet Car Co., of Torquay. The vehicles run by the latter company will continue to be used under the old name, and the Devon General Co. will maintain the coach and bus services of the company and develop the parcels delivery system from the Fleet Car Co.'s premises at Torquay. The ramifications of the Devon General Co. have considerably widened in recent years.
Haulage Costs in Essex.
Essex county surveyor, in his annual report, quotes the following haulage costs per day :—Steam wagons, 62s. 2d. ; steam tractors, 50s. 7d.; petrol lorries, 35s. 9d.; Ford ton trucks, 30s. 3d.
Costs per day for rollers are shown to be as follow :—Steam rollers, 37s. 4d; petrol rollers, 33s. 8c1.
BAT. Traffic Receipts.
The traffic receipts on the passenger vehicles run by the companies comprising the British Automobile Traction Co.'s group amounted to the sum of £1,636,358 for the 45 weeks ended November 7th. This figure represents an increase of £358,976 as compared wills that for a similar period last year.
An Address Wanted.
Will " S.W.," of Horgrave, please send his full address in order that payment can be made for his contribution which appeared in our issue for October 7th, under the heading " Tips for Steam Vehicle Drivers "! A letter forwarded to the address originally given has been returned.