WHEELS of INDUSTRY "The wheels of wealth will be slowed
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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.
POLITICAL PROPAGANDA FOR ROAD TRANSPORT.
Speaking at the monthly, meeting of the western area of the Road Haulage Association, Major the Hon. Eric Long, J.P., political adviser to the Association, stated that it had been approached during the past three months by all three political parties. with a view to learning its views on road transport, and that these inquiries would be followed up, so that the industry would get a fair deal at the next general election. The roadtransport industry was the only one that was legally restricted from expansion and which for years had suffered continuous persecution.
He again put forward the suggestion that, if the railways need bolstering up, then the Government should iormulate a scheme whereby road transport could pay a levy as an industry, rather than go on with eternal persecution.
Winding-up of R.H.A. and M.H.C.S.A.
A meeting of the joint council of the Road ' Haulage Association and the Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association, was held on Wednesday, to discuss the final arrangements for the winding-up of the two Associations and to perfect the plans for the formation of the new body, to be known as Associated Road Operators.
Merrywea thee Fire Protection for
Brussels Exhibition. • At the International Exhibition at Brussels, which was recently opened by the King and Queen of the Belgians, arrangements for the fire protection of the British section have been entrusted to Merryweather andSons, Ltd. At the British pavilion the company has provided one of its Hatfield 165 g.p.m. trailer pumps. The company's staff of fire-inspecting engineers will be on duty until the exhibition closes.
America's Declining Commercialvehicle Exports.
Whilst there is a growing overseas demand for American cars and chassis, a falling off is taking place in that for American vans, lorries and buses. During the four months ended April last, 30.269 commercial vehicles were exported from the United. States, as compared with 34,444 a year earlier, although the gross value rose from £3,102,616 to £3,155,106.
Of the vehicles shipped, the bulk (22,471) consisted of 20-30-cwt. machines; those carrying between 11 ton and 21tons followed with 4,301; vehicles for loads under 20 cwt., 2,576, and those for over 21 tons, 742, the remaining 179 being used vehicles. The 29th Olympia Motor Show.
H.M. the King has again granted his patronage to the International Motor Exhibition, to be held at Olympia in October, and it will be opened by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. The exhibitors now exceed 500, and the allotments are approaching completion.
£4,000,000 London Road Scheme.
The London County Council proposes to promote legislation, in association with Middlesex County Council to carry out the Cromwell Road to Great West Road improvement scheme, the cost of which is estimated at £1,620,000 in London and £2,320,000 in Middlesex.
Tilling and B.A.T. Dividend.
Tilling and British Automobile Traction, Ltd., is distributing an interim dividend of 5 per cent, on the ordinary shares. This is the same as last year, but is payable on a larger capital, as 500,000 new ordinary bonus shares were issued in October.
R.H.A. Organizers Appointed.
The appointment of an organizer in every area has been carried out by the Road Haulage Association and, in many districts, work has already started in co-ordinating and extending the Association's activities.
Shipping Objections Fail.
The recent licence application by Messrs. C. A. and F. Cook, Hull, which was strenuously opposed by coastwise shipping interests when it was heard at Hull, has been granted in its entirety by the Yorkshire Licensing Authority.
Morris Capital Increase.
Morris Motors, Ltd., has increased its capital by £269,000 in £1 ordinary shares, which have been allotted to Morris Industries, Cowley, Oxford. The issued capital now totals £5,269,000 in 3.000,000 7i per cent. cumulativepreference and 2,269,000 ordinary shares of £1, which are held privately.
EXCELLENT FINANCIAL RESULTS FROM MERSEY TUNNEL.
Official returns published by the Mersey Tunnel Committee show „that for the first year's working ended July 17 last, the number of toll-paying vehicles using the tunnel was 3,002,362, providing a revenue of £250,143, compared with the original estimate of 1,350,000 vehicles and £135,000 income.
The number of vehicles and trailers using the tunnel amounted to 2,222,934, whilst 111,579 motorcycles, 47,368 motorcycle combination outfits 'and 330,681 cyclists made use of the tunnel during the first year. Contractors' journeys were made up of 261,948 private cars and 27,852 motorcycles. The number of passengers carried was 3,645,760.
The returns exceed the estimated figures by about 122 per cent, in respect of vehicles and 85 per cent, in respect of revenue.
Yorkshire Negotiations Continue.
Since the failure of the Yorkshire Area Conciliation Board to reach agreement on the question of a per manent settlement on wages and conditions for the goods-transport employees, it is understood that negotia-• tions have been taking place between representatives of the employers' and employees' panels, in an effort to find
some basis of agreement. The talks are being continued.
The A.A. Annual Report Shows Higher Membership.
On April 30, the total membership of the Automobile Asso5iation was 559,058, representing an increase of 37,653. During the year officials and patrols covered 34,000,000 miles in service. In contested cases, the free legal defence scheme has secured nearly 6,000 dismissals.
I.A.E. Repair Certificate Scheme Successful.
Mr. A. J. Hancock, M.I.A.E., president-elect of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, has issued a statement regarding the I.A.E, Repair Certificate Scheme, launched about .a • year ago to improve the status of the garage mechanic. During the past 12 months, five examinations have been conducted in the mechanical, and four examinations in the electrical sections. Some 314 candidates have been examined, arid certificates and badges issued to 89. Awards are pending to 65 candidates who, by reason of their age, are required to pass the written examination of the City and Guilds of London Institute. Candidates born. before January 1, 1900, are exempt from the written examination.
AMERICA'S GRIP IN NORWAY.
American commercial vehicles predominated at the recent 'Norwegian International Motor Show, in Oslo, 10 makes from the United States being displayed. Great . Britain followed with three—Austin, Bedford and Singer—Germany with three, and Sweden. France and Norway with one each. The building of ctemmercial motors in Norway is a new departure by the Strommen Co., which showed a 4-ton lorry and a six-wheeled 6tonntr claimed to be of Norwegian construction to the extent of 80 per cent.
Last year Norway imported 2,621 vans and lorries valued at 7,084,000 kroner, as compared with 1,505 and 4,331,000 kroner respectively in 1933.
Promoting Dodge Saki in Bootle.
To celebrate the 'opening of a new service station in Brcokhill Road, Bootle, Ryders' Motors, Ltd., Aintree Road, Bootle, distributor of Dodge vehicles, had a full range of Dodge products on view from July 15-18. Owners of this make of vehicle were given an opportunity of having their machines inspected and certain adjustments made free of charge. A special service representative was also present to give advice on the maintenance of 1)0d ge-vehicles.
A Licences for Specialists in Army Transport.
Vehicles specially constructed for Army purposes, but which are used for civilian duties, including the carrying of pylons for the Central Electricity Board, were the subject of an application heard by Sir William Hart, Yorkshire Deputy Licensing Authority, at York, last Friday. The Artillery Transport Co., York, .sucressfully applied for A licences for eight vehicles.
Mr. W. R. Hargrave explained that, in the main, the company, which had a fleet of nearly 200 machines, ran vehicles on behalf of the Army, but, not desiring to enter into competition with existing road operators, had reduced its application to a minimum of eight vehicles for general haulage. These vehicles, specially constructed
for Army purposes, were most useful. for cross-country work. In addition to ca.rrying various types of equipment all over the country for the Central Electricity Board, the vehicles hauled sugar-beet, etc.
When Mi. H. F. Dening, for Garlick, Burrell and Edwards, Ltd., Liverpool, suggested that the work for the Electricity Board did not justify an A licence, Sir William Hart remarked : "That is a matter of national importance, and the service should be maintained."
A Non-electric Magnetic Chuck.
A handy tool for holding work for surface grinding and other purposes, has recently been introduced by James Neill and Co. (Sheffield), Ltd., Napier Street, Sheffield, 11. It is the Eclipse non-electric magnetic chuck.
An accompanying illustration clearly
shows its principle. The permanent magnets, which are stated to remain stable indefinitely, at-4 housed in the body of the tool, whilst above them are poles which can be moved by a handle. In one position, they conduct the magnetic lines of force to the job; in the other they short-circuit them, rendering the chuck inoperative.
The device is available in two sizes: 14 ins. by 6 ins. and 10 ins. by 5 ins. The price of the smaller is £.16. For use with this device, the concern makes a magnetic chuck block, for packing awkward jobs (price £.2 15s.), and a mains-supplied demagnetizer (price Z5).
" Sands, Clays and Minerals."
This is the title of an interesting and authoritative journal, published at 3s. 6d. (including postage), by Mr. A, L. Curtis, P.O. Box 61, Westmoor Laboratory, Chatteris, England. It deals with the production and use of economic minerals utilized for industrial purposes. The June issue consisted of 160 pages, and contained many articles by experts. PERSONAL PARS.
Mr. F. G. Bristow, C.B.E., M.inst.T., general secretary of the Commercial Motor Users Association, has been reelected 'chairman of the public safety committee and vice-chairman of the executive committee of the National " Safety First " Association.
We regret that,. in ,referring to the. newly appointed deputy general manager of Bolton transport department, w:. gave his name as Mr. Clement Omeroid, This should have read Mr. Clement Orrnerod.
Mr. Hugh Peden, who has been in the service of the Scottish Motor Traction Co., Ltd., for tine years, has been appointed manager of the company's Broxburn depot, in succession to Mr.
James Turner, recently promoted to a position at Airdrie.
In connection with the acquisition, reported in The commercial Motor last week, of a controlling interest in several east of Scotland bus concerns by the S.M.T. concern, Mr. Westwood, of Messrs. Westwood and Smith, one of the firms taken over, will remain in the employ of the S.M.T. concern in Edinburgh, where the private-hire business will be developed. Mr. Dick, of Messrs. Dick Brothers, will continue in the S.M.T. service in the Dalkeith area.
The following are on the short-list for the post of transport manager to South Shields Town Council, which has been rendered vacant by Mr. E. R. L. Fitzpayne leaving to take up an appointment with Edinburgh Corporation :—
Mr. H. W. Ashby, chief engineer and assistant general manager, Hull Corporation; Mr. A. A. Doggett, engineerin-charge, Leeds Corporation; Mr. I-I. Muscroft, assistant to the chief engineer, Bradford Corporation ; Mr. H. L. Natal, chief draughtsman and technical assistant, Edinburgh Corporation; and Mr. T. E. Peet, chief assistant engineer, Portsmouth Corporation. The final selection will be made at the next council meeting.
BIG WELSH COMPANY PASSES TO PICKFORDS GROUP.
It is understood that the business of Venn and McPherson, Ltd., the wellknown Newport haulage concern, which also has a branch at Birmingham, has been acquired by Pickfords, Ltd., the big railway-associated concern. The influence of the Great Western Railway Co. in South Wales and the adjacent counties is thus strengthened.
Founded in 1919, the Venn and McPherson concern was one of the biggest road-transport operators in Wales and its regular services ran from all parts of South Wales to Birmingham and the Midlands, London and north and mid-Wales.
Mr. W. Claude Venn, one of the two partners, who is a past president of the Newport Chamber of Trade, announces his resignation, consequent upon the deal, from the chairmanship of the employers' side of the South Wales Joint Conciliation Board, and retires from business at the end of this month. Mr. Neil McPherson will remain as general manager of the business, which wilt, The Commercial Motor understands, be carried on under the existing title.
Shipping Guidefor Hauliers.
The following is the number of ships arriving at the London docks, wharves and jetties named, from July 26-August 3 inclusive:—Doces : King George V, 9; Royal Albert, 8; Royal Victoria, 7; Surrey Commercial, 5; West India,l; South West India, 3; Tilbury, 5; Tilbury Stage, 6; Millwall, 5; London, 1. WHARVES: Hays, 6; Middleton's, I. JETTIES: Tilbury Jetty, 3; Regents Canal, 1.
L.N.E.R. Inquiries Into Haulage Rates.
" What rates do you charge?" asked Mr. E. P. Merritt (for the London and North Eastern Railway Co.), when Mr. Albert Scaife, of York, a haulage contractor operating from a base at Esholt, near Bradford, applied, at York, last Friday, for discretionary tonnage under an A licence, for the transport of wools, skin, timber, hides, oil and general goods, where required.
" Am I to answer that?" asked Mr. Scaife, in reply.
" If you do not answer, I can make my own comment," said Mr. Merritt.
In previous cross-examination, Mr. Scaife denied that he had taken any traffic from the railway company.
Mr. Merritt: " You have filched from
Messrs. Isaac Croft and Sons and the railway company, outward traffic from Bradford?"
Mr. Scaife: " It was coming to me, and I was not, turning it down." Decision was reserved.
Road Accident Returns.
The following figures are extracted from the Ministry of Transport return of persons killed or injured in road accidents during the week ended July 13, 1935, the figures in parentheses being those for the corresponding week n34. The number of persons who died as a result of accidents during previous weeks is included in the total. In Eng land 105 (124) persons were killed and 4,770 (4,803) injured, whilst in Scotland 16 (13) were killed and 549 (542) injured. The figures for Wales show that 6 (6) persons were killed and 227 (237) injured.
G.E.C. Car Radio.
Priced at 19 guineas, complete with Osram valves and suppressor gear, the car radio just produced by the General Electric Co., Ltd., employs a five-valve superhet circuit. All valves are indirectly heated and fed from the car battery, whilst the high-tension supply is obtained from a small rotary transformer. The set is entirely self-contained, with loud speaker and transformer for. H.T. supply. CAN THE NATURE OF .A LICENCE BE CHANGED?
A question as to the discretionary powers of a Licensing Authority was raised before Sir William Hart, Yorkshire Deputy Licensing Authority, at Leeds, last week, when Messrs, j. W. Crossley, haulage contractors and coal merchants, of Halifax, applied for an A licence for a vehicle operated under a B licence. Mr. W. Crossley, a partner in the firm, said that 80 per cent, of the business consisted of haulage work. and the rest related to coal. The.conditions of the B licence hampered the firm on the haulage side.
Mr. H. Mayo, opposing for the rail
way companies, argued that the Licensing Authority had no power under the Road and Rail Traffic Act to change in this way the character of a licence already granted, as it would amount to granting a new licence. Mr. S. E. Pitts, for the applicants, said they could justifiably have asked for an A licence in their first application, and had not done so, probably because they had not then obtained legal advice.
Decision was reserved.
The Institute of Metals Conference.
This year's annual autumn meeting .of the Institute of Metals will be held in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, from September 9-12, with Dr. Harold Moore. C.B.E., the president, in the chair. EFFECTS OF APPEAL DECISION ON APPLICANT. „ff..
When Messrs. Fraser's Transport, Aberdeen, applied for a licence for an additional vehicle not exceeding 6 tons, Mr. Henry Riches, Northern Scotland Licensing Authority, stressed the importance of a recent decision by the Appeal Tribunal, differentiating between the newcomer and the applicant who was operating in the basic year.
Messrs. Fraser's cashier stated that the tonnage carried by the firm increased from 19,319 in the year ended May 31, 1934, to 22,662 in the past year. Hiring charges for the past 12 months totalled £1,543, as against £798 for the previous year. There was an increase of 41,400 in the cash turnover for the first six months of this year compared with that for the corresponding period of last year. , A trade was developing in fish traffic from Shetland, 10,016 boxes having been conveyed by the firm from Aberdeen to Glasgow during the first six months of this year, compared with 2,280 boxes for practically the whole of last year. The applicants had had as much as 40 tons of goods awaiting transport to Glasgow, on account of the insufficiency of vehicles. If the application were granted, they might still have to hire, if business continued to grow.
The hearing was adjourned to allow the applicants and objectors an opportunity of examining the recent decision of the Appeal Tribunal and to check certain figures submitted.
B.S.I. Standards for Road Tar Emulsions.
The British Standards Institution has recently issued a. specification for emulsions of road tar asphaltic bitumen mixtures for penetration and surface dressing. It is the result of the work of a committee on which the engineers and surveyors of municipal and county authorities, Government departments, and the societies and associations interested in road building were represented. The initial draft was prepared by the British Road Tar Association. It is the first British Standards specification•for a cold road dressing incorporating tar, and is a development of importance to highway engineers.
Vehicle Without Licence: Peculiar Complications.
At Wimbledon Police Court, last Wednesday, Messrs. Thomas Sivers, London, were prosecuted for using a lorry without a carrier's licence. They pleaded not guilty.
A police constable said he stopped the lorry concerned on February 15, when it had no carrier's licence affixed. On June 4, he saw Mr. Allen Morris, secretary of the firm, who told him that the lorry was one of a fleet, of which a list • had been sent to the Licensing Authority to be licensed.
Mr. M. Corrigan, traffic inspector for the Metropolitan Area, said that, on February 18, a letter was received from Messrs. Sivers, complaining that ' they had not received their licences. On March 4, a member of the firm visited the offices and filled in an application for a variation of the licence to include the vehicle concerned, which was granted the same day. rfr. Corrigan said that no record of any application prior to March 4 existed. He maintained that the firm had not made the correct application.
• Mr. Morris stated that in July, 1934, the firm were granted a licence for a certain tonnage, including six vehicles to be acquired. The machine concerned was one of these and, as they were acquired, the Authority was informed, but no licences were forwarded. He filled in the form on March 4, because a clerk in the office told him this would be the best solution of the muddle.
The Bench dismissed the case, considering that there had been a misunderstanding.
New Loading Regulations.
Middlesex County Council has drafted by-laws governing the loading of vehicles: The owners and loaders of vehicles must not allow them to be used for carrying sand, gravel, ballast, lime, mortar, coal and coke unless they be constructed and kept in such repair that the load will not repeatedly be dropped on to the highway. Sand and gravel that is saturated by water must, if the vehicle be not constructed and maintained in such a condition as to prevent water from dropping or leaking from it, be drained. DRIVERS ENCOURAGED TO BREAK THE LAW?
A stern warning to employers who encouraged drivers to break the law was given at Dunfermline, recently, when Mr. Henry Riches, Northern Scotland Licensing Authority, granted licences to three men ad drivers of goods vehicles, the men admitting convictions for speeding and dangerous driving, Mr. Sullivan, of the Transport and General Workers Union, for the applicants, said that employers often gave instructions which necessitated breaking the law. The Union had advised the men that, inadhering to these instructions, they would lose their licences and be deprived of their means for livelihood; it would be better to be penalized by the employers and to be free to work for other concerns.
Mr. Riches said it was the duty of all concerned to bring to the notice of the Licensing Authority any complaint against an operator who encouraged employees to break the law. So far as possible the men would he protected against victimization. He warned applicants that, if there were further trouble, they would lose their licences.
A Guide for Sellers for Motor Vehicles.
A guide to the Acts and regulations concerning motor vehicles sold or offered for sale has been issued by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. It is pointed out that, under the provisions of Section 8 of the 1934 Act, it is an offence to sell or offer for sale a vehicle which is not in accordance with the regulations. To overcome the difficulties and uncertainties created, the Society has prepared this exp.lanatory guide to the Acts and regulations, which also includes amongst its contents forms of sellers' certificates, and the Society is offering to supply books of 50 of the certificates in duplicate, suitable for all types of vehicle. The guide may be obtained from the Society, price is. 3d., post free. • 14EW EDITION OF " GARCKE'S TRANSPORT YEAR BOOK."
The 19th annual edition of " Garcke's Motor Transport Year Book and Directory" has recently been published by the Electrical Press, Ltd., 13-16, Fisher Street, London, W.C.I. A feature of the new edition is the inclusion of particulars of A-licence holders operating fleets of 10 or more vehicles. The directory gives details of approximately 9,400 transport and allied undertakings, together with the names and addresses of directors and officials of the various concerns.
Valuable information is given in a statistical analysis of the data contained in the volume, and this section provides an interesting picture of the industry at the present time.
A further section deals with the law governing the operation of goods and passenger vehicles, and supplementary features include maps of the London Traffic Areas, a combined index to the undertakings (details of which are contained in three sections), and a classified guide for buyers.
This most valuable reference book is priced at 30s., and copies may be obtained from the publisher.
German Lorry Exports Increasing.
A marked increase in the exports of German motor vehicles took place in the first five months of this year, the value for the whole period being 17,200,000 marks. According to the Institute for the Investigation of Market Conditions, as long ago as the spring of 1933, the decline in exports had come to a standstill, after a fall in value to about 40 per cent, of the highest point reached before the period of economic depression.
Exports of lorries were, during January-May of this year, as large as in the spring of 1929, the previous highest point, the figure being 1,422, which means an increase of 19 per cent. on the figure for the same months last year and of 24 per cent, on the 193$ result.
B24 In spite of a rise in imports, the balance of foreign trade in motor vehicles was, during the first five months of the year, 11,800.000 marks in favour of Germany. This is the highest excess of exports so far attained, being 46 per cent. more than for January-May, 1934.
Special Tariff for Battery Charging.
As electric vehicles are gradually being put into use in the district, Ilford Corporation's electricity committee has decided to introduce . a special tariff for battery charging of id. per unit.
Oil Investigation in Wales.
As the result of the grant by the Special Areas Commissioners for the full investigation of the various processes for extracting oil fuel from coal, the South Wales Industrial Develop ment Council is to set up immediately a special panel of examiners to proceed with the work. The other aspects of the oil from coal problem will simultaneously be examined.
Lancegaye Safety Glass Profit.
A net profit of £4,028 for the period from March 23, 1934, to March 31, 1935, is shown by the first accounts of Lancegaye Safety Glass (1934), Ltd. A final dividend of 2i per cent. is to be paid, making 5 per cent., and, after' allowing for income tax, etc., £803 is to be carried forward.
A Business Bought by Brown Bros.
We are informed by Brown Brothers, Ltd., that it has acquired the business of F. B. Icke and Co., Greyfriar Gate, Nottingham. The business will continue to be managed by Mr. A. S. Greaves.
London Depot for Aero Piston Rings.
The Aero Piston Ring Co., Ltd., has recently established a London depot at 84, Great Portland Street, W.1, where comprehensive stocks of the wellknown rings are held for the trade. A BIG INTERNATIONAL CLEANSING CONGRESS.
An International Congress for Public' Cleansing is to be held at Frankfort-onMaine from August 19-23. It is four years since a similar.congress was held in London. The honorary committee includes representatives of 18 different countries, Great Britain being represented by the Minister of Health, Sir W. j. Thomson, K.T., J.P. (Lord Provost of Edinburgh), Alderman Sir Frederick Smith, of the City of Birmingham, and Mr. H. J. Gower, of the City of London. Mr. J. C. Dawes, 0.B.E., of the Ministry of Health, is one of the vice-chairmen of the Congress.
A number of papers on street cleansing, refuse collection and refuse utilization are to be read by experts from different countries, and it is expeeted that the ensuing discussions will produce some valuable ideas. Mr. J. C. Dawes will read a paper on " Refuse Utilization in England and Wales.!'
During the course of the Congress, demonstrations will be given of the vehicles which are to be exhibited on the Bismarckallee, and a feature will be the short explanations of the characteristics of the different machines, to be given in English, French and German by loud-speaker.
Spraying Metal on to Worn Parts.
A few years ago a process was introduced for spraying various metals in a molten state upon other metals, fabrics, etc. The process is now being • used fairly extensively for imparting a superfine metallic finish to the bodies of motor vehicles and other parts, and can be employed in place of galvanizing, whilst engine parts can be made of aluminium and coated with another metal to prevent deterioration.
A new development in the process has been described to us by Barirnar, Ltd., 14-18, Lamb's Conduit Street, London, W.C.1. It is somewhat akin to welding and is utilized to restore worn parts. The metal is built up in extremely thin films, the required thickness being obtained with great accuracy, so that only a small amount of machining is necessary.
Encouraging the Use of Charcoal Fuel.
The French Ministry of Agriculture announces that it has been decided to organize two exhibitions a year of producer-gas equipment. One of the exhibitions, which are to be held under the auspices of the Department of Rivers and Forests, is to be held in Paris and the other in a French provincial town. Lyons has been selected for that to be held from September 21-29 next, Nancy for that in 1936, and Bordeaux for that in 19-37.
A new committee, to be known as the Comite National du Gaz des Forets, has also recently been set up by the Ministry of Agriculture to act as a central authority regarding the use " of charcoal-gas-producer equipment and the training of men for the proper handling of vehicles operated by producer gas.