WHEELS of INDUSTRY
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"The wheels of wealth will be slowed 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 Crozier, Licence Receipts and New Registrations.
A return recently issued by the Ministry of Transport shows that the gross amount received in payment for licences issued during the period from December 1st, 1931, to February 29th, 1932, was £16,931,359, compared with £16,993,368 in the corresponding period a year earlier.
The return, which is priced at 2s. 6d., and can be obtained from His Majesty's Stationery Office, Adastral House, Kingsway, London, W.C.2, also contains particulars of the total number of licences issued and surrendered during the three months ended February 29th, 1932, and of the approximate number of lieences current on that date. The total number of motor vehicles, excluding tramcars and trade licences, was approximately 1,662,000, compared with 1,573,000 a year earlier.
The total number of mechanically propelled road vehicles registered for the first time in February, 1932, was 16,095, compared with 15,757 in February, 1931, this year's figure including 3,091 goods vehicles and 216 hackney vehicles, the corresponding totals for February, 1931, being 3,583 and 51.7 respectively.
Gardner Engines for the L.G.O.C.
We are informed by Major W. H. Goddard that he is authorized to state that, as a result of the satisfactory preliminary tests on the road of a fivecylindered Gardner engine, Mr. G. 3. Shave, chief engineer of the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., has asked his board of directors to permit the purchase of a further batch of Gardner engines, this time of the six-cylindered type, which are to be fitted into new buses for prolonged road test under all conditions on all routes.
A New Leyland 2-toriner.
Largely owing to the representations of Mr. J. B. Osier, engineer to Carter, Paterson and Co., Ltd., backed up by requests from the railway companies, a model of the Leyland 2-ton vehicle will now be produced with a four-cylindered engine. We are informed by Mr. Henry Spurrier that satisfactory tests have already been carried out with this machine.
A Book on London's Passenger Transport Difficulties.
The many complexities of passenger transport in London are thoughtfully surveyed in a brief analysis of the subject which Mr. Gilbert J. Ponsonby, M.A., Assoc.Inst.T., has prepared in his book entitled "London's Passenger Transport Problem," which has recently been published by P. S. King and Son, Ltd., Orchard House, Westminster, London, S.W.1, price 3s. fid. The circumstances responsible for the alleged " wasteful" competition, inadequate development of tubes and of suburban railway electrification, overcrowding in buses and trams, and street congestion are explained, and arguments in favour of radical changes or otherwise are carefully examined.
Whilst he acknowledges the advantages of competitive enterprise, the author considers that where there are inevitably large monopolistic undertakings, such competition as still exists had better be superseded by controlled monopoly. We cross swords with the author on certain of his themes, but, nevertheless, in its tight chapters, the book throws light upon a problem of deep concern to the authorities and the travelling public.
War Office Convoy Completes Its Trip.
The War Office convoy of Commer, Crossley, Morris-Commercial and Riley vehicles, which set out from Cairo on January 18th, arrived back at Cairo on April 16th, having completed a tour of 5,600 miles much of which was through the most difficult terrain, practically the whole of the route being over roadless country. On the return journey, some hundreds of miles never previously covered by motor lorries were traversed.
No trouble of any sort was experienced with the cooling of the engines, in spite of variations from extreme cold to tropical heat. Very few mechanical faults developed, and these were of a trivial nature, and throughout the trip only four hours' time was lost through stoppages due to such causes. The most important trouble was the breaking of a small number of spring leaves due to severe jolting over rough ground baked hard by the sun.
The successful accomplishment of thie arduous test proves conclusively that the vehicles concerned, which are normal models purchased for military service, are capable of withstanding the roughest conditions.
New System of Index Marks.
The Commercial Motor understands that in a month or two a new system of index marks for motor vehicles will be introduced. The present two-letter method has practically been exhausted and, so soon as necessary, it is proposed to prefix the existing letter indexes with an A. Identification plates will carry three letters and three numbers.
Iteo Prices Reduced.
Reo Motors (Britain), Ltd., Beavor Lane, London, W.6, announces reductions in the prices of its 2-ton chassis. The model A four-cylinder chassis with an 11-ft. 4-in, wheelbase is now priced at £269, model 13, which has a sixcylindered engine and a wheelbase of 13 ft. 4 ins., sells at £307, model C, four-cylinder chassis with an 11-ft. 4-in. wheelbase, is listed at £289, whilst model D, a six-cylinder 12-ft. 4-in. wheelbase chassis, sells at £324.
Dennis's Fire Department Busy at Guildford.
Orders which have been received during the past month by the fire-engine department of Dennis Brothers, Ltd., Guildford, include one for two 90 h.p. six-cylinder fire-engines for the City of Cape Town (one with a 35-ft. ladder and the other a 50-ft. wheeled escape), another from the Hong Kong Fire Brigade, which has ordered a 500-gallon pump, and one from the Indian Army for a special 150-gallon trailer.
During this period deliveries made by the company include a 90 h.p. sixcylinder fire-engine to the authorities at Southampton, and a 50 h.p. low-loading Pump, with a 50-ft. wheeled escape, to the Shoreham-by-Sea Council.
Personal Pars.
Mr. John Donaldson-Hudson, of Cheswardine Hall, Shropshire, has been appointed a director of M.R.S., Ltd., the well-known heavy haulage concern.
Further to the paragraph appearing in our issue for last week, we learn that Mr. 0. H. Corble, assistant to the chief general manager of the London and North Eastern Railway Co., has been appointed a director of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Co., Ltd.
Information has been received that Commander Herbert, managing director of B.S.A. Cycles, Ltd., Birmingham, which is the selling organization for cycles and motorcycles manufactured by the Birmingham Small Arms Co., Ltd., has also been appointed sales director of the Daimler and Lanchester companies at Coventry.
Mr. C. F. Wolsey, traffic superintendent to Stockport Corporation's trans-Dort department, has been appointed general manager of Douglas (Isle of Mae) Corporation's tramways and motorbus system from a list Of 56 applicants. Mr. Wolsey had experience with the Sheffield and Lowestoft municipal systems before going to Stockport.
At the annual meeting of the Birmingham and district section of the Institute of Transport, held a few days ago, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—Chairman, Mr. 0. C. Power ; vice-chairmen, Messrs. J. McDonnell, H. Smith and W. F. Watson; honorary secretary, Mr, W. H. Watson ; honorary treasurer, Mr. L. W. Gupwell.
We learn that Mr. C. 5. Calderwood has joined Spurling Motor Bodies, Ltd., The Hyde, Hendon, London, N.W.9, as director and production manager. Posts previously held by Mr. Calderwood include that of district manager for the B.T.H. concern in the north-east coast area, and manager of the special engineering division of the Radio Corporation of America.
Mr. G. L. Gotiden has also joined the company and will act in the capacity of sales director. Mr. Godden is well known to Many General Motors distributors and dealers, for in 1925 and early 1926 he held the position of southern zone manager to General Motors, Ltd. He joined General Motors Export Co. during 1926 and has since filled the posts of sales manager, Malaya, branch manager, Colombo, and Southern India zone manager.
As, of course, is well known, 'Mr. Spurling has been closely connected, both as a dealer and a bodybuilder, with General Motors, Ltd., for many years.
New Zealand Imports Much Lower.
There was a large decrease in the imports of motor vehicles into New Zealand during 1931.
Actually, the value of the imports of passenger and commercial vehicles and chassis decreased from £2,478,140 in 1930 to £578,039 in 1931. The value of complete commercial vehicles idported was 18,969 (Canada £2,813, U.S.A. £593, United Kingdom 1563), and of commercial chassis £92,805 (United Kingdom £45,868, U.S.A. £35,460, Canada 110,735, and another There was a distinct improvement in the percentage share of the motor import trade held by the United Kingdom in 1930 over the year 1929, but the improvement was even greater in 1931 as compared with 1930. For instance, whereas in 1029 the United Kingdom's
share was 17.4 per cent., in 1930 it increased to 23.8 per cent., whilst in the past year it rose to 71.3 per cent., the comparable percentages for the U.S.A. being 36.5, 20.7 and 14.1 respectively, and for Canada 46.0, 65.4 and 14.1 respectively.
A Goods-transport Merger.
An interesting merger is announced in the North of England between Ryburn United Transport, Ltd., and Transport Service, Ltd., which will enable all classes of goods road transport to be undertaken, and the latter will, in future, operate as a division of the former.
Both concerns have been operating regular goods services in all directions from Yorkshire, and have offices in Bradford,. Leeds, Halifax, Hull, Manchester, Liverpool and London, apart from goods, shipping and collecting agencies in 70 or more other towns. The combined fleet will, we learn, number 125 vehicles.
Last year Ityburn United Transport, Ltd., opened a large depot and goods warehouse in Bradford, where there is accommodation for 200 vehicles, as well as repair facilities. The chairman of the company is Mr. E. B. Hutchinson, M.Inat.T., and the managing director Mr. H. Turner.
Available for Sales Service or Fleet Management.
There is available a highly qualified man whose experience includes vehicle sales on the municipal and commercial sides, vehicle servicing, and the organiza tion of vehicle distribution. He has been 29 years in the motor trade, is an I.A.E. member, and has held responsible positions in the manufacturing and sales sides of the industry. Letters addressed " Sales and Service," care of the Editor, will be forwarded.
Quick Method of Testing Electrical Equipment.
An interesting portable testing board has been introduced by Mr. P. A. Fitzpayne, the manager of Edinburgh Corporation's Transport Department, at the central garage. The device consists of a trolley, which is run up beside any bus having electrical trouble, and the dynamo of the vehicle is then connected to the trolley lighting installa tion. The bus engine being run at normal speed, the performance of the dynamo can at once be seen by means of the two ammeters and voltmeter, all of which have large scales that can be read without dismounting from the driver's cabin.
In addition, the board carries a bell to permit bell and battery tests, also a plug for attaching through a lamp to the lighting circuit, should it be desired to apply a 230-volt insulation test to any circuit on the bus.
By thus taking testing instruments to the bus, the need for removing dynamo, switchboard or other parts of the electrical equipment for testing purposes is eliminated, with considerable saving of time and labour.
India's Imports.
The survey of the import trade of India for the nine months ended December, 1931, shows that during this period of acute depression and high taxation there was a reduction in the total import of goods-carrying and passenger-carrying commercial vehicles to 3,498 units, as against 6,087 in the corresponding period of 1930, the value falling by more than 50 per cent.
Imports from Great Britain dropped from 210 vehicles to 165 vehicles, those from Canada from 1,578 to 536, and those from America from 4,249 to 2,765. The number of chassis was 1,956, and the number of complete vehicles 1,542.
Continued Decline in Railway Traffic.
As from January 1st, 1932, the railway statistics published monthly by the Ministry of Transport are, with certain exceptions, to relate to four-weekly periods. 'These exceptions are passenger and parcels traffic statistics and the tonnage and receipts of selected commodities conveyed by freight trains, all of which will continue to be returned on the basis of calendar months.
The statistics have recently been issued for January, 1932, and they show that the total number of passenger journeys (excluding those taken by season-ticket holders) was 89,251,895, a decrease of 7,653,764 compared with January, 1931. The receipts from passengers (excluding season-ticket holders) showed a decrease of 1395,102, For the four weeks ended January 30th, 1932, the coaching train-miles showed a decrease of 152,739, compared with the corresponding period a year earlier. There was an increase of 1.7 per cent. in the tonnage of coal, coke and patent fuel conveyed, but the total tonnage of freight (excluding freehauled traffic), which was 21,042,782, showed a decrease of 533,839 tons compared with the figure for a year earlier. Freight-train receipts amounted to £6,672,103, a decrease of 8.5 per cent., whilst freight-train miles decreased by 479,658, or 4.6 per cent.
Outside Traffic Manager Required.
An outside traffic manager is required to find work for a small fleet of nine heavy vehicles operating from London. A good salary will be paid and commission on results. Letters should be addressed to "Traffic Manager," care of the Editor.
Trolley-buses Wanted in Belgium.
His Majesty's Consul at Liege reports that the Societe Ame des Tramways Unifies de Liege et Extensions is calling for tenders, which have to be presented in Belgium by May 15th next, for the supply of 10 trolley-buses. Those concerns in a position to offer British products can obtain further details from the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queeti Street, London reference GX11389 being quote.
Commercial-vehicle Specialists in Devon.
Messrs. Mandes, of Exeter, have recently opened an imposing new garage adjoining the Theatre Royal, New North Road, Exeter. It is interesting to learn that the firm is now giving special attention to the commercial-vehicle side of the business and, at the moment, it tells us that 80 per cent, of its efforts are concentrated on this side of the industry.
In the new garage any vehicle up to the size of a large-capacity furniture van can be housed under cover.
The firm is prepared to let up-country hauliers use the premises as their headquarters for the receipt of advices, telephone messages, etc., whilst it has provided two stock rooms which are being found most acceptable, as well as a cafe and rest room for drivers, etc.
24,000 Miles in 51 Days=A Commer's Record.
To cover 448 miles in a day is. at any time, a particularly good performance for a road vehicle especially for a commercial motor which is limited to 30 m.p.h., but to record this mileage every day for 51 consecutive days— making a total of 23,856 miles—without a hitch or mishap of any kind is an outstanding feat.
It is, in fact, the actual record of the daily working of a Commer Raider litonner in the service of McNamara and Co. (1921), Ltd., the well-known transport concern. The vehicle is used on the London-Birmingham run and, on 213 complete journeys, the average speed worked out at 28 m.p.h., the net load carried being 28 cwt.; the fuel return was equivalent to 15.9 m.p.g.
Upon stripping the vehicle for examination at the conclusion of the 24,000 miles, the company's engineer reported that no appreciable wear was found throughout the engine and chassis.
A New Penetrating Oil.
A new penetrating oil has recently been placed on the market by C. C. Wakefield and Co., Ltd., Wakefield House, Cheapside, London, E.C.2. After prolonged research in the company's laboratories at Hayes, a scientific blend of oil and spirit has been obtained which, it is claimed, is capable of creeping upwards as well as downwards through fine crevices where ordinary oil would not penetrate, thus ensuring the efficient lubrication of parts that are often starved of oil. It can be applied to road springs, exposed control joints, brake-rod pivots, etc., not fitted with grease nipples, whilst it considerably aids in the freeing of rusted nuts and bolts and jammed taper joints. It is, therefore, likely to be of considerable use to all classes of commercialvehicle operator.
Castrol penetrating oil is sold in quart and pint tins costing 6s. and 3s. 8d. respectively. The price of a squirt for use with the oil, which, by a pull on the trigger, enables a fine jet to be projected several feet, is 4s. 6d.
Trading of Simms Motor Units.
During the year 1931 Simms Motor Units, Ltd., recorded a net loss of £22,061, as against a profit of £16,140 in the previous Year. The full preference dividend for the year is to be paid, and after providing for this and writing off the year's loss the amount to ly.‘ carried forward is £3,362, as against £31,049 a year earlier.
It is stated that, whilst the company's home business well withstood the adverse trade conditions, the trading of subsidiary companies and overseas branches resulted in a loss being incurred. A sum of £15,000 has been transferred from the general reserve to a special reserve to provide against any • possible depreciation of the shire value of the subsidiary organizations.
43,000 Boxes of Flowers by Road.
Some interesting facts were given recently by Mr. Roger Sewill, managing director of the London and Southern Counties Transport Co., Ltd., when he addressed a meeting of flower growers in the Isles of Scilly.
He said that, up to date, road trarisport had, without damage, carried 43,254 boxes of flowers, and the lorries had been late only three times. Between 30 per cent. and 40 per cent. of the season's produce went by road. Altogether, 137 growers had made use of motor haulage.
Mr. Sewill maintained that his company had never undercut the railways and would not enter into any agreement by which its services would be curtailed to bolster up a monopoly, A Comprehensive Piston-ring Directory.
Wellwortly, Ltd., has recently issued the 1932 edition of its piston-ring cata logue and directory. The types and sizes of piston ring for all classes of commercial vehicle occupy one section of the catalogue, and an interesting point is that not only are the requirements of modern petrol vehicles met, but obsolete types dating back for many years are covered, whilst a section deals with steam vehicles and another with tractors. The company holds a big stock of rings at its factory at Lymington, Hants, as well as at various service depots throughout the country.
Port and Dock Charges.
A most useful and instructive guide with the above title, by Mr. J. A. Dunnage, A.M.Ipst.T., is published at Is. 0d. not by Industrial Transport Publications, Ltd., Dudley House, Southampton Street, London, W.C.2. It is full of practical information for the importer, exporter, shipping agent and traffic manager. It deals with general principles, ship's dues, discharging rates, landing rates, rent, etc., London's tolls and charges on goods, and charges at outports.
An Ingenious Magneto Tester.
• Brown Brothers, Ltd., of Great Eastern Street, London, E.C.2, is handling the Patchett testing device for magnetos, coil ignition sets and sparking plugs. The set retails at 11 10s. and its use calls for no expert knowledge. An illustrated instruction book is provided with each set, so that those who have no extensive electrical knowledge can easily carry out the various tests and thus avoid loss of use due to prolonged absence of the components in doubt.
The Deformation of Metals. o
The 22nd annual May lecture of the Institute of Metals will be delivered by Professor Dr. P. Kiirber on May 11th, at 8 p.m., at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Storey's Gate, Westminster London, S.W.1, the subject being "The Plastic Deformation of Metals."
An Old Car Chassis as a "Trailer."
Practically everybody connected with the automobile industry is faced with the difficulty of making effective use of parts of obi motor vehicles. Recently, while at Dereham, we saw an'interesting and practical method of utilizing an old car chassis. A tradesman had taken a disused Salmson, removed the engine and transmission and replaced the body by a platform.. The steering track rod was left in place and to it was coupled a drawbar with a T handle. The machine is now used as a fourwheeled, steerable handcart for carrying goods out to the lorries. The cost of the conversion was extremely small.
Municipal Purchases and Proposals.
ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE Corporation is buying Crossley oil-engined double-deck buses.
EALING'S medical officer of health is to obtain tenders for the supply of an ambulance.
Pons. nun (Isle of Man) Commissioners have resolved to buy a refusecollection lorry.
BARN SLEY Town Council is recommended to obtain tenders for a new fire-engine and escape.
CARDIFF'S medical officer of health is to report when he deems it necessary to purchase a new ambulance.
The highways committee of ACTON Corporation is to obtain tenders for the supply of an Austin ambulance.
Having hired an A.E.C. six-wheeled bus since September last, the GLASGOW authority is to make an offer to purchase the vehicle.
The highways committee of DORCHESTER Corporation is to obtain tenders for the supply of a tippinglorry chassis.
The health committee of FRIERN BAnarr Urban District COIIRCil recommends that the purchase of an ambulance be postponed.
SUREITON Urban District Council has approved a recommendation of its firebrigade committee to buy a new tender costing about £750.
KING'S LYNN Town Council has approved an annual expenditure of 1500 for each of the next three years for the provision of refuse-collection vehicles.
The transport committee of WkatuNcTon Corporation has obtained sanction from the Ministry of Transport to borrow 114,389 for the provision of nine buses.
The transport committee of WIGAN Corporation is obtaining tenders to be delivered by April 29th for the supply of 10 double-deck and three single-deck buses.
BEDFORD Corporation is recommended to buy two S.D. Freighters at 1692 each, and, from Wilson and Langley, Ltd., a Morris-Commercial at 1501. Another vehicle is to be purchased later.
The municipal authorities of BRUSSELS (Commission d'Achat des Automobiles) require by May 20th tenders for four dust-collecting motors. A specification (Cahier des Charges) can be obtained from the Caserne des Pompiers, 52, Place du Jeu de Belle, Brussels.
TOTTENHAM Urban District Council requires a petrol-driven refuse-collection vehicle of not less than 10 cubic yds. capacity, and further particulars can be obtained from the engineer to the council, Town Hall, Tottenham, London, N.15. Tenders have to be delivered not later than noon on May 17th.
Falcon Tipping Gears.
We understand that Mr. W. Wallace Brierley has beep appointed receiver and manager to Henry Lowe and Son, Ltd., Falcon Ironworks, Royton, the maker of Falcon tipping gear. Mr. Brierley states that he is continuing the production of these gears and the usual service is being maintained, both as regards new gears and spare parts.