• Home
• Used vehicles
• Product news
• Dealer news
• Compliance
• Buying advice
• Archive

WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport al whatever points arising; as a carriage is by ' the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.

Institute of Transport Dinner.

The fifth annual dinner of the Institute of TrailSport, held in London last week, took place inuch earlier in the year than has been the custom in the past, and we think it was in consequence, more enjoyable. The presence of the new Labour Minister of Transport, Mr. Harry Gosling, C.H., M.P., added to the interest of the proceedings, and it was characteristic of the British attitude towards -the Government and ite Ministers that he had quite a warm reception. Sir John G. Broorlbank, president of the Institute occupied the chair, being supported by Lady Broodbank, Mr. and Mrs. Gosling, Sir Samuel Hoare, Sir William Joynson-Hicks, Lord. Montagu of Beaulieu, Lord Ritchie, Dr. A. Russell, Sir Edgar Walton, Sir Gordon Campbell, Sir John Courtis, Sir Philip and Lady Nash, Sir a Francis Donnell, Mr. H. Hobson, Mr. H. G. Blame, Col. Pickard, Sir Arthur Clarke, Sir Walter and Lady Lawrence, Mr. E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, Col. A. Hacking, Sir Henry P. Maybury, Sir Francis Spring and many members and their guests.

Mr. Gosling propeeed. the toast of the "Institute of Transport and the Transport Industry," and after passing a personal compliment to the president, whom he had known for many years, said that the more one learns about transport the more one realizes what there remains to learn. He thought the Institute absolutely essential and praised the good -work it had undertaken in looking after the students. "That is the secret of the whole thing." said he. " See that the young folk, as they come alohg, are prepared to take the places of the older ones." He regarded transport as a vital element—something without which the country would not prosper, and, hie con-: tinned, " we must all work together to make it go." There was no party politics about the Ministry of Trans-. port. It was a, business body—the' kind of organization of which he, the speaker, was fond: He hoped that he might have the opportunity to help to

solve transport problems—the tra.ffie problem of London, for example.

Sir John Broodbank replied happily, and he was followed by Sir William Joynson-Hicks, iNho proposed "Our Guests" in a particularly happy and witty speech, Sir Samuel Hoare replying. With a really delightful musical programme and with a short toast rst covered by unusually excellent speeches the evening was one of the most pleasant of the season.

An Ideal Vehicle for Work in Sandy Soil.

It has been stated in some quarters that the Citroeu-Kegresse vehicle is not particularly well adapted for use in deep' loose sand. To correct this impression, the company, whose head offices are at Citroen Buildings, Brook Green, Hammersmith, London, WA ask us to point to the remarkable feat of the CitroenKegresse vehicles in crossing the Sahara Desert, where large stretches of sand of this description were encountered. In addition, frequent and varied tests in the Sahara, and in the sand dunes of France and other countries, have proved that the vehicle is suitable for work over all kinds of sand, and, in fact, (Drier rough territory of most descriptions.

An interesting leaflet, entitled "The Car that Crossed the Sahara," has just been prepared by the company, and a copy can be obtained from the address we have already given.

The C,M.U.A. in Lancashire.

A useful review of the work of the Liverpool Area Committee of the Com.mereial Motor Users Association was made at the sixth annual meeting held a few days ago under the presidency of Colonel Fairelough, The report of the committee stated that much time and thought have been given to the important matter of the fusion of road transport associations. Several conferences of the various road transport associations in the Liverpool district have been held with a view to working out a scheme which all could support. The scheme operating in Manchester was carefully considered, but was found to be unsuitable to Liverpool conditions. Thu committee subsequently formulated a scheme of its own, but this had not so far found favour with the other associa7 tions. It has been decided to hold another meeting at an early date.

The condition of roads and bridges in various parts of the country has formed the subject Of correspondence between the committee end the authorities concerned. The bridges requiring attention were as follow :—Menai and Waterloo (N. Wales), Queen's Ferry, Sutton Weave‘r, Acton and Lynrun (Cheshire), Crowle Wharf and Welney (Norfolk). The committee is satisfied that their representations are having the desired effect.

With regard to the scheme of the association for providing an inipreved water supply for steam wagons,this has now been firmly estaill ished, and the water authorities in Birkenhead, Bolton, Batacough, Manchester, St, Helens, Warrington and West Cheshire have decided to instal. service boxes. The water tokens are at present only obtainable from the secretary of the Liverpool area committee of the association. During the seven months ended December 31st, 14,000 tokens were supplied to steam-wagon

• owners.

A Courtesy of the Road.

The ever-increasing volume of traffic on the highways, which is becoming a matter of concern to the authorities and to the public, should compel drivers of

all typesvehicles, and especially those of te heaviest kinds, to consider other users of the road. Many road users have probably experienced certain delay and annoyance through drivers of vehicles ahead of them ignoring their intimation of a desire to pass or being. unaware of their presence.

So far as the Vacuum Oil Co., Ltd., are concerned, they desire that the courtesies of the road should be observed by their drivers, and, accordingly, their commercial vehicles have been fitted with rear-view mirrors. Moreover, each vehicle carries, as can be see.] from the illustration on this page, a notice hearing the inscription, " We desire our driver to give motorists the courtesy of the road. Please sound

your horn." The notice occupies the' fullwidth of the rear of the vehicle_and can be readilyobserved by drivers of oncoming vehicles.

Steamer Costs in Notts.

In the 1922-23 report of the county surveyor of Nottingham certain statistics relating to the running of four steamwagons are given. The espenditero on upkeep of these vehicles iltsring the year proved much less than in the previous year, so that the average cost of'operalion per day has fallen from 23 Ms. 9c1. to 23 7s. 8d. On a mileage basis this represents a saving of 7d. per mile and also a reduction of Id. per ton per mile. The cost per ten-mile of material hauled ia shown to be 10d.

The council's four wagons comprise two Claytons, a Foclen and a Burrell, which hauls two trailers. The purchase of these vehi6les was made over the period from November, 1915, to May, 1919.

Passenger Transport in Jersey. The accoUnta of the Jersey Railways and Tramways Co. for the year ended December 31st last show that the gross .receipts on the passenger services maintained by the company amounted to 221,940, as against 223,637 for the

corresponding period of 1922. After deducting working expenses and .other itenis, an amount Of 22,045 remains, to which must be added .21,151 brought forward from the previous year's accounts, making an available Cain of 23,197. Certain dividends on the preference and ordinary shares are to be paid, after which 21,197 remains to be carried forward.

It is stated that the steam railcar which the company put into service in June last is proving most successful, and that a second vehicle of the same type is also giving satisfaction. In addition to these improvements, the company have extended their road services to St. Brelacle's Bay by bringing two new buses into service, and with a view to increased extensions of the services orders for further buses have been placed.

• Activity at the Vulcan Works.

One of out staff paid a. visit recently to the works of the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., at Southport, and was gieatly pleased to find signs of considerable activity, close on 1,000 men 'being at work and arrangements complete for a night shift. It was interesting to learn, too', that the extra bands taken on for the night work were mostly men from Barrow who have been unemployed for the past three years. The writer was one of those who attended the Vulcan dinner in 1920 to celebrate • the production of the "Thousandth " Vulcan vehicle, and a lusty voice at that time inquired; "When will von make the ten thou-' sandth vehicle? "

We noticed, from the figures displayed prominently in the despatch shed, that the total production of vehicles since August, 1919, now stands at 5,886. and the weekly output is between 45 and 50 vehicles, mainly for commercial uses.

Clear evidence was given to us that the company's overseas trade is developing. • In this connection we were impressed with an improved method of packing which has been devised by Mr., Wardman and which results in a considerablo

saving in freight. A series of photographs of the assembly of the chassis and the process of packing for shipment have been prepared by the company for the instruction of the packers and workmen abroad engaged in the process of re. assembling, and also for -the assistance

of several workmen the company are sending out to their agents overseas. Altogether there is much to convince us that these Crossens folk are weathering the storm.

For Hauling Heavy Guns.

We note that the Officer Commanding the. Royal Garrison Artillery at Hartshill is seeking tenders for the supply of four F.W.D. lorries or Fordson tractors; which it is desired to substitute for horses in the haulage of guns and equipment. The lorries will be required for a few hours at a time for three or four week-ends during the months of June and July and for 15 consecutive days in August, and drivers must be available. Further particulars can be obtained the Royal Garrison Artillery at. Hartsfrom the 0.0. •at the headquarters at Ha.rtshill.

Standard Speciiications for Malleable Iron Castings.

We have received from the British Engineering Standards Association, of 28, Victoria Street, London, S,Wl, a copy of the new B.E.S.A. publication, No. 5022-1923, dealing with the new standard specifications for malleable iron castings. The specifications cover two grades of material, viz., European and Blackheart malleable iron. The chemical compositions called for are considered to be of less importance than the mechanical tests 'required. The limits of the compositions accordingly have been set as wide as possible, and repi!esent the extreme proportions of the different tonstituents which may be present in a good serviceable material. It is considered desirable, therefore, that the mechanical properties shOuld be regarded as the main requirements and the chemical composition as an auxiliary check.

These gpecifications should prove of great use to designers and makers. Copies may be obtained from the publications department of the B.E.S.A., at the price of Is. 2d. post free.

Personal Pars.

We learn with regret of the death of Engineer-Commander E. A. Gordon, R.N., the late Glasgow manager for David _Brown and Sons {Huddersfield), Ltd., specialists in all forms of gearing.. His death, following a long illness, will be keenly felt by many engaged in the industry.

The visit to Canada and the -United States of Mr. E. R. Preston, managing

director of the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd., was more protracted than was originally ex pected. Mr. Preston, who returned to this, country on February 11th, made a thorough study of trade conditions in America.

Mr.. Arthur H. Ffu'et, JP., who has been associated with the Dunlop.

interests for 26 years and . has until recently filled the responsible position of commercial superintendent of the Dun lop Rubber Co., Ltd., has been ap

pointed managing director of Dunlop Rubber Co. (Ireland), Ltd., and shortly

crosses the Irish Channel to take up that post. At a complimentary dinner given to him at Birmingham last week Mr.

L. M. Bergin, joint managing director of the parent concern, praised the great work which Mr. Huet had accomplished and expressed-deep pleasure that he had

;regained his lost health and could take up his new post and responsible duties

without apprehension. Other speakers at the gathering were Sir • George Beharrel (joint managing director), Mr.

W. J. MeCormack (sales manager, commercial vehicle tyres), and Mr. P. G. Snodgrass (general works manager), all of the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd.

Inst. A.E. Meetings.

The next general meeting of the Instis tut-ion of Automobile Engineers in London will be held to-day (Tuesday), at the Royal Society of Arts, John Street, Adelphi, W.C.2., at 6,30 p.m., when Mr..H. Kerr Thomas will read a paper on " The Fundamentals of Cost Reduction." The paper deals with the paramount necessity of price reduction . as the only way -of meeting foreign cornpetition here and abroad, laying stress on the stabilization of approved Models with the fewest number of changes as the foundation upon which to build up a searching analysis . of methods of :manufaCture.

All those interested in the subject are invited to attend, and cards of Invitation to admit visitors may be obtained on application to the secretary, the Institution of Antomobile Engineers, Water

gate House, Adelphi, W.C.2. . lAn interesting infor-mal ineetinglof the Institution will be field at the Royal Society of Arts on February 28th, at 6.30 p.m., when Mr. A. E. Cowper, of Selfridge and Co., Ltd., will read a paper dealing with the requirements for motor delivery vans, with particular reference to the type of unit, aceeSsibility, length of chassis, weight of goods to be carried and other points.

The period during which a W. and B. detachable-block radiator has been in uSe by MI important transport company, to whom we made reference in our last issue, is seven months, and not as stated. This'radiator is made by the W. and B. Motor Radiator Co., Ltd., of Munclen Place, London, .'sV.14.'" "

A .Bus Company's Appeal.

At a meeting of the Penrth Urban District Council a letter was read from the South Wales Commercial Motors, Ltd., of Cardiff and Bridgend, protesting against the proposal of the Cardiff Corporation to run a bus service between Cardiff and Penarth. To enable the Cardiff Council to do this it is necessary that the Penarth authority should give assent.

The directors of the company asked the Penarth Council to bear in mind, when considering this matter, that they had already provided a regular service, and that they had 14 buses on, the Cardiff-Penarth route alone, for which they paid a large sum for licences and £700 per annum in tolls.

The two councils are to confer on the -proposed service of the Cardiff Corporation.

Open Coaches on Regular Routes.

The chief constable of Cardiff (Mr. J. A. Wilson), in his annual report to the Cardiff Watch Committee, calls attention to the use of open coaches on certain of the regular bus routes run rung from the city. He makes the im.

pcaltant suggestion that licensing authorities should in no case permit this to be done, and points out that, whereas 'coaches may be very suitable for parties and organized outings, particularly in summer, they are not suited to regular passenger services.

The New Border Bridge at Berwick.

Although it has been definitely decided that a new Border bridge shall be constructed at Berwick to cope with the ever-growing volume of motor traffic between England and Scotland, some difficulty exists as to tble actual type and situation of the new crossing. The Berwick Town Council and the Northumberland County Council, which, under the formulated bridge scheme, are interested as joint contributors to the project, cannot come to an agreement on the point. The Berwick authorities stafe that the new structure should be built as a gradient, joining the High Street, ot the old Border town at Golden Square; whilst the county authority favours a level bridge joining the street at another point. It might be mentioned that the esti mated cost of the new structure is £160,000, of which sum the Ministry will contribute 75 per cent.

New Bus Services in Wales.

New bus services in South Wales include that established by the South Wales Transport Co., Swansea, between Neath and Tonna, under the sanction of the Neath Rural District Council, and that just started by the Corns Light Railway Co., between Towyn, Aberdovey and Machynlleth.

A Hard-worked A.E.C.

The Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., have recently received a photograph accompanied by a letter from a user of one of their vehicles, the contents of which leave no doubt as to the successful service which is being given by the

lorry. The vehicle, which is in the service of Mr. C. Kirkbright, of Westfield Farm, Drighlington, is shown in one of the pictures on this page, and in praise of the company's design and the service which they give to the user, we do not think we can do better than quote from Mr. Kirkbright's letter, which runs as follows :— "You no doubt receive letters daily telling you of the good service rendered to your various clients by your lorries, but I venture to think that not one of these wagons can claim the same record as mine. This vehicle has been in constant use since 1918, and has never had a smooth job, having been used on, building sites and quarry work, never having a load of less than 5 tons, and 6 tons to 7 tons has not been an exception. 'During a period of practically five years the only replacements have been one worm wheel, one front-wheel bush and two driving shafts. This, I am sure, is due to the advice and help I have received from your local service station. . . ."

Rawtenstall Bus Proposals.

A sub-committee of the Burnley Corporation recommends the council to -oppose the Rawtenstall Corporation in seeking to obtain-Parliamentary powers to rtin motor omnibuses within the -:Borough of Burnley. Unless the Rawtenntall Corporation gives an undertaking to withdraw from the Bill the clauses referring to such powers the town clerk is to be instructed to take such further steps as he shall deem necessary to protect the Burnley Corporation.

Messrs. Aldermen Grey and Whitehead and Mr. Coimcillor Thornber have • been appointed representatives of the council to meet representatives nf other local authorities affected by the clauses in the Rawtenstall Corporation Bill referring to the running of motor omnibuses.

Scottish Surveyors Unite.

At a recent meeting of the Highland county road surveyors, held in Aberdeen, it was decided to form an organization to be called the North. of Scotland Highway Engineers' Association. Representatives were present from the shires of Orkney and Shetland, Caithness, Sutherland, Ross, Inverness, the Western Isles, Elgin, Nairn, Banff, Aberdeen, Kincardine and Forfar. The objects of the new body were declared to he the dissemination of all available information with tegard to the construction and improvement of roads and the most economical means of providing road materials. Lieut.-colonel A. Forbes, C.E., Kincardineshire, was appointed president, and Mr. D. J. Bell Ellen, secretary and treasurer.

Reclaiming Waste Oil.

A new system of oil reclamation is being de-veloped by Messrs. Thomas and Bishop, 37, Tabernacle Street, E.C. 2, and it was demonstrated recently before the High Commissioner for Australia and

a party of pressmen. The apparatus was invented by an Australian engineer, and is becoming very popular in America.

It is a simple contrivance, in which dirty oil from the sump is emulsified with water, is allowed to separate, and then passes over a series of slots, so as to eliminate volatile impurities. Dirty water and clean oil finally emerge from the apparatus.

It is stated that 90 per cent, of the waste oil is reclaimed, and that the oil obtained in this way is a better lubricant than new oil, being less liable to carbonize. The pocess can be repeated again and again, and, therefore, results in a very great saving of oil.

We are informed that this system is being used by the Australian naval authorities and by the New Yore streetcleansing department, as well as other large users of petrol engines,. steam plant, etc. The apparatus requires no • attention and has no moving parts.

A New Edition of "The Book of the Ford Electrical Equipment."

Since "The Book of the Ford Electrical Equipment" was first introduced, it has been obvious from the favourable reception accorded it that it has met a want long _felt by Ford • owners. The electrical equipment of this vehicle is so extensive that it is, of course, not practicable to treat it exhaustively in the very popular "The Original Book of the Ford."

In. this publication, dealing entirely with the electrical equipment, the Ford owner has a valuable source of practical

information. The author, Mr. R. T. Nicholson, treats the subject in his wellknown lucid, non-technical style, and it, is just as easy to follow as is " The Original BoOk of the Ard," as no previous electrical knowledge is assumed. Sufficient theory Concerning the principles of the electrical appliances is included to enable the reader to obtain a correct grasp of the "why and wherefore" of the various parts of the electrical equipment—namely, the lighting, starting, ignition and road-warning appliances.

This edition has been fully revised, and considerable new text and a number of new illustrations included. One of the valuable features of the book is that relating to the methods of dealing with any faults or difficulties that may arise

in the equipment. The tests described are thoroughly practical and simple. The Ford owner who desires to maintain the electrical equipment of the vehicle in the most efficient condition will find this handbook indispensable. It is published by Temple Press Ltd., 7-15, Rosebery Avenue, London, E.G., and it is also on sale by all leading booksellers, the price being 2s. 6d. net, post free 2s. 9d.

The Distribution of Tyres.

At a meeting of the Institution of the Rubber Industry held at Manchester a few days ago, Mr. H. A. Bennett, Ile A.E. , F. I. M.T. MARL T. and pest president of the Motor Traders' Association, made eertain,criticisms of the way in -which the products of tyre manufacturere are distributed.

In support of his views, Mr. Bennett cited instances where manufacturers, factors or wholesalers, and motor garages were all competing for the came business, which, he contended, was an expensive way of distributing tyres in so far as. it resulted in business being diverted into channels which were not always. capable of dealing with it. Mr. Bennett counselled manufacturers thoroughly to explore the channels of distribution with a view to reducing coste• in this direction. He suggested that recognition should be given to the legitimate motor traders as the best source of supply.

Mr. Bennett also touched upon the subject of foreign tyres and expressed sympathy with the idea of supporeing home industries, although he held the view that propaganda on the part of the manufacturers was not sefficierte

Middlesbrough Bus Plans.

The latest suggestion for meeting the requirements of the travelling public who are likely to flock in large numbers during the summer months to Marton Hall, the recently acquired estate which the Middlesbrough Corporation intends to convert into a public park, is that five -motorbuses be purchased at a cost of about 41,300 each. The contention of a section of the tramways committee is that double-decker vehicles will be most suitable, and it is likely that buses will be definitely decided upon, in view of the heavy outlay and lengthy period of waiting which will be necessary if a tram track is laid. The .matter will he further discussed in the near future and a final decision will be reached.

The annual statement of accounts for bus operation in the' borough shows a deereese of •e131 in receipts, but against this working costs had been reduced by 1311 during the year. ,

Commer. Car Activities. "

In a short paragraph dealing with Commer Car activities, which we publiehed last week, We referred to a 25cwt. tilt van ordered by a big rubber manufacturer. The makers of the ,Commer Car do not. manufacture this -size of vehicle, and the paragraph should have read a two-ton tilt van. • We may take this opportunity of referring to the price reductions whieb have been made for the various Commer Car models. The new figures are as follow : 2-ton live-axle chassis, £450; 3-3e-ton live-axle chassis, £750; 3e-4-ton chaindrive chassis, £750; 5-ton chain-drive chassis, £900; chareehanes or bus, standerd.wheelbaree, £7e5 (extra for long wheelbase). These prices are ex-works. Taxation Yield in Hampshire.

A Hampshire County Council report states that the amount collected by the county council in respect of the year ended December 31st last, for the registration and licensing of road vehicles, amounted to £153,647, 'as compared with £128,602 in the previous year. The total proceeds of these duties in 1923, including sums collected by the post office, exceeded the total of 1922 by £40,824, the total for 1923 being £193,037, as compared with £152,213 in 1922.

The whole oi this sum has been paid into the motor taxation account, the proceeds of which will, after payment of certain prior charges and costs, be devoted towards the maintenance and improvement of roads. The prior charges include payment to the county councils of sums equal to the amounts certified by the Minister of Health to have been collected by those councils respectively during the year ended March 31st, 1909, in respect of duties on carriage licences. The amount so collected it the county was £12,2$2.

The amount collected up to February 2nd, 1924, in respect of the current year, for the registration and licensing of vehicles, is approximately £116,509, as compared with £94,652 in the corresponding period of Iasi, year, Pontypridd Considering Buses.

The Pontypr■eld Urban District Council is to consider the purchase ot motor. .buses, at an estimated cost of £5,000, for the institution of a municipal service, as an alternative proposition to extending the tramcar service from Pontypridd to Rhydfelin, which would` involve an expenditure of £9,000 on track-laying alone. The counter proposal for a bus service arose when the recommendation of the tramways manager that the tram track be extended came up for consideration. Members of the council were of opinion that buses would, • with a smaller capital outlay, pay better than tramcars, and be able to tap all outlying areas, and that such vehicles were better suited to 'modern traffic requirements,

ta4. As against the proposal to establish a bus service, it was pointed out that 14 private buses were now running on the Pontypridd-Cardiff route, on which Rhycifeliu lies.

The question will be further considered at the council's next meeting, when a decision will be reached.

Illuminated Fuel Pumps.

At a meeting of the Truro Watch Committee, the city surveyor reported that kerbside petrol pumps in use in the town were now illuminated, but that the proprietors had inquired at what time the lights should he extinguished. The committee decided that the lights should not he extinguished before 11 p.m., Seeking Taxation Exemption.

The Bermondsey Borough Council has had under consideration the question of duty paid by the council in respect of motor vehicles used for public service, and it has informed the London County Council that it holds the view that motor vehicles used exclusively for such operations as cleansing, dusting and disinfecting, should be exempt from the payment of such duty. The Metropolitan, City and Borough Councils in the Lendon area have also been communicated with and asked for their support of the suggestion.

Speedometers and Mileometers for the Ford.

We are informed that the Smith speedometer for Ford vehicles has been reduced in price by 5s., from £4 15s. This speedometer has a special fixing plate, which enables it to be fitted neatly and effectively by an unskilled person, no matter how roughly the hole is bored in the dashboard. The frontwheel gear drive has been entirely redesigned and is now most simple to fit.

The company are also making a special Ford mileage recorder. This is a dashboard fitting which is claimed to have advantages over the hub-cap type of instrument. It sells at £3 3a. February, 26, 1924. . Local Proceedings.

Yarmouth Corporation has decided to purchase motors for refuse collection.

Wednesbury -Corporation has authorized the purchase of a motor vehicle for refuse collection.

Swansea Corporation has authorized the borough architect to purchase a twoton tipping lorry.

Cannock Urban District Council is considering the advisability of purchasing a motor ambulance. _ The Newport (Mon.) Town Council is to purchase three electric vehicles for refuse-collecting purposes.

Mansfield Corporation has asked a committee to report on a proposal to purchase two motor vehicles.

Essex County Council has authorized the county architect, to purchase a motorcar at a cost of about £250.

Croydon Watch Committee recommends the provision of a motor conveyance for the chief of the fire-brigade.

Blyth Town Council has asked a committee to report as to the purchase of a motorcar for general corporation use.

Swansea Corporation proposes the purchase of a motorcar which can be kept for emergency use by the mayor and officials.

Coke Town Coancil and Barnoldswick Urban District Council are negotiating regarding the establishment of a motorbus service.

Keighley Town Council has authorized the purchase of six double-deck railless vehicles and four single-deck railless vehicles.

Hull Corporation Tramways Committee has authorized the purchase of two additional one-man-type buses at a cost of £.975 each.

-Oldham Corporation has asked the tramways manager to report as to the provision of motorbus services in the outer districts.

Clayton Urban District Council' has appointed a sub -committee to report on the question of the introduction of motor vehicles for haulage, etc.

Marylebone Borough Council, which has four motor sweepers, proposes the purchase of another Vehicle of a similar type at a cost of about £950.

Birkenhead Watch Committee has given permission to the Crosville Motor Co., Ltd., to run motor omnibus services into and through the borough.

• The London United Tramways Bill seeks power to enable the company to abandor atone of their tramways and to substitute trolley-buses for tramcars.

Hull Corporation Tramways Committee has agreed to pay drivers of oneman-controlled buses an additional rate. of 10 per cent, on their present wages.

Hull Watch Committee has refused an application from the H.C. Motor Works, Ltd,, for the extension of their Hessle bus service to include Ardaby, Willerby and Cottingham.

The Fareham Mental Hospital Committee, Hampshire, reports that, owing to the length of time taken to raise steam in the old steam fire-engine, a new motor-driven fire-engine has been purchased.

-Cambridge Watch Committee has had a report from the chief constable on the result of his inquiries into the hackney carriage fares charged in other towns, and as to the upkeep and running expenses of taxicabs in Cambridge, and agreed that no alteration be made in the present charge of is. 6d. per mile.

• Durham Road Proposals.

In view of opposition to its proposals to alter the approach from Darlington to the village of ffaughton-le-Skernej the Durham County Council has decided to modify its scheme, and instead of con-structing a direct road into the village; it is intended to sweep slightly to the south-east, and thus avoid, as alleged, interfering with certain amenities of the residents. The proposals, when carried, into effect, will remove a steep winding ascent, which road users travelling from the south to the north-east coast have hitherto had to negotiate.

The present policy of the county council seems to aim at constructing straight roads wherever possible. The proposals are of particular interest because at, or near, a new bridge which will have to be built over the Skerne, the 50-ft. road which is included in Darlington's town-planning scheme will enter. There is also a scheme to run a 40-ft. road from Salters Lane to this point, So that it will then be the juncture of four road ends.

Waco Spring Gaiter Improvements.

The well-known Wefco gaiter for the springs of motor vehicles has been improved by the addition of an insulating fabric between the cover and the oildistributing lining. This new device entirely prevents the lubricating oil becoming absorbed by the leather cover. The Wileot Parent Co., Ltd., the makers of Weico covers, have recently opened a new factory at Fishponds, Bristol, and the increasing demand for their product has enabled them to announce a reduction in the cost of the gaiters. In future, the Weico cover will be made in one quality only.

Glasgow's New Bridge.

Operations have commenced in connecs tam with the new road bridge which is to span the River Clyde at Glasgow, a little to the west of Jamaica Bridge. It is to be in a line with Oswald Street on the north, and hero barricades have already been erected in connection with the actual work of building. It is hoped to complete the work in about two years.

Lorries Wanted in Spain.

A campaign was recently undertaken -in Madrid in the hope of driving the two-wheeled mule carts from the streets of the Spanish capital. Its successful termination means that motor lorries will be required to do the work of the obsolete vehicles. British makers should interest themselves in this market, although at the outset it must be said that little business will result unless credit facilities are offered. The five-ton De Dion-Booton lorry sells, locally for 30,000 pesetas, duties paid, and the fiveton Saurer lorry for 40,000 pesetas. A similar American lorry costs 50,000 pesetas.. The vehicle with a capacity of 30 cwt. is also in demand, not only in Madrid itself, but practically throughout the 'whole of Spain.

Road Grants to Scotland.

In furtherance of its policy to help local authorities with works of road construction and improvement, the Ministry of Transport has just decided to make grants equalling 50 per cent. of the estimated cost in respect of a number of interesting and well-devised Scottish schemes. These include a new road from High Street to Bedford Road, Inverness (£8,500) ; the widening of Stirling road, Alloa (£5,000) ; the widening of Tam' e Brig and Prestwick road, Ayr ;£3,000), and a new road from Finsbury to Leversburgle Harris, Inverness-shire (222,000). It is expected that these various operations will be started almost immediately.

Of Interest to Northern Users. The Atlantic Solid and Pneumatic Tyre and Motor Spares Co., Ltd., 1-5, Cornwallis Street, Liverpool, have on s offer what are claimed to be some re. markable bargains in solid tyres. Many users will be attracted by the prices at which. these tyres are being sold. On a list -which the company have recently issued we note that stocks of tyres are held for most of the British and foreign vehicles on the market, and the cost of equipment for front and rear wheels is

clearly stated. A feature which will appeal to many users is that the company have installed a solid-tyre press at their headquarters, where day and night removal and replacement of tyres can be effected.