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.
CONCILIATION BOARD SET UP FOR METROPOLITAN AREA.
An important meeting was held at the Ministry of Labour a few days ago between representatives of the Road Haulage Association, the Motor Transport Employers Federation, the London and Home Counties Haulage Contractors Association and the Trans-port and General Workers Union. The meeting unanimously adopted a resolution setting up a Joint Cory:illation Board for the Metropolitan Traffic Area, this consisting of 12 representatives, equally divided between employers and employees.
The employers were represented by Messrs. R. P. Bailey, F. G. Bristow, W. F. French, S. C. Glover, J. F. E. Pye, E. W. Rudd and J. H. Turner, whilst the employees had as their representatives Messrs. W. C. Bearman, G. Brown, C. Coxsedge, A. Harvey, F. S. Maby, I. R. Treater and F. G. Witcher. Mr. J. H. Turner was elected chairman, and Mr. C. Coxsedge vice-chairman, Mr. R. P. Bailey and Mr. F. G. Witcher being appointed joint secretaries.
New British Spirit from Coal.
A new motor spirit, known as Napet, is being produced by the National Coal and Oil Co., Ltd., at Cannock, Staffs. The fuel is made from coal by what is known as the "wet-charge " System.
Pulverized coal, together with a certain quantity of mineral oil or creosote, is fed into rotary retorts from which the gases are drawn and condensed. Subsequent cleaning processes result in the production of a motor spirit which is claimed to be of high quality and to have an octane number of about 76. The solid fuel, which is also produced by the process, is passed out from the retorts on conveyor belts to a screening plant, where it is graded.
The, fuel, which is claimed to be smokeless, is sold for use in special types of boiler, and is said to be of value in the forging trade and for domestic purposes.
Bakers Seek Variation-of-hours Order.
The Minister of Transport has received an application from the National Association of Master Bakers, Confectioners and Caterers and the Scottish Association of Master Bakers for the variation on Saturdays, or, alternatively, on one day per week, and on the day preceding a public holiday, of the periods of time laid down in Section 19 of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, as amended by Section 31 of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, for the employment of drivers of motor vehicles of certain types.
B20 The Minister has referred the matter to the Industrial Court, which will hear parties to the application at 10.30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 6, at 5, Old Palace Yard, Westminster, London, S.W.1.
Pocket-book Records Adequate.
That the keeping of a complete record in a pocket-book complied with official tequirements was the successful defence in a case at Dewsbury West Riding Court, last Friday, when a haulier was accused of failing to keep a record of the removal of cattle, and of the cleansing and disinfecting of the vehicle. The summons was dismissed. C.M.U.A. NATIONAL CONFERENCE AT HARROGATE.
The national conference which is being organized by the Commercial Motor Users Association is to be held at Harrogate, and will occupy two days. It is learned that, in addition to the conference sessions, there will be an evening meeting for the public..
15 Objectors to One Appeal.
The hearing of the appeal of Advance Roadways, Ltd. (against the refusal of the Yorkshire Licensing Authority to grant an A licence), at King's Buildings, Smith Square, London, S.W.1, on November 6, should be one of the most interesting yet held by the Appeal Tribunal, for there will be no fewer than 15 objectors Uniform Direction Indicators, The Minister of Transport has under consideration the final form of the regulations which will ensure that motor-vehicle direction indicators are of a uniform character. We have already referred to the draft regulations, and the period during which objections to them could be made expired on October 23. The regulations will apply to all types of motor vehicle registered for the first time on on after January 1, 1935., IMPROVING REPAIR SERVICE.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has sent us a brief description of the scheme launched recently by the Institution of Automobile Engineers for the purpose of improving the repair service in public garages. It is stated to he the greatest step forward which the industry has taken in this direction for many years. At present the standard of mechanical fitness of repair men has no outward symbol. Now, certificates and badges will be issued to successful candidates.
The practical examination consists of tests on bench work, simple machine toots, maintenance, diagnosis and rectification of faults in motor vehicles. In addition, the younger generation is required to pass a written examination set by the City and Guilds of London Institute. Wherever there are sufficient applications the technical col
leges are organizing classes embracing the syllabus, and young garage me-. ethanics are advised to consult the principals of their local technical institutes.
Well over 100 applications for examination have already been received, and the first practical test was held on September 22 in London and Birmingham. The next practical test will be held to-morrow in London and Birmingham. Arrangements are being made for examination panels to be set up in Bristol and Leeds, and eventually examination centres will be within reach of garages over the whole of the country.
A Buyer's Guide to the Industry.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has issued the 1934-35 edition of the "Bur's Guide to the Motor Industry of Great 'Britain." This publication has been prepared as a classified directory of the industry, with a view to affording a ready means for identifying the motor goods Manufactured in Great Britain by members of the British Manufacturers Section
of the Society. It also serves as • a general guide and gives information as ti) the source of supply of the majority of items used in the construction and maintenance of all types of motor vehicle, motor boat, aircraft, etc. A copy may be obtained, free of charge, from the Society at 83, Pall Mall, London, S.W.1, or by post for 2d.
Oilers for Trans-desert Service.
In March, 1933, Mr, N. Toutourine, of Cairo, commenced to operate a 600-mile cross-desert service between Damascus and Baghdad, employing a Leyland Terrier oil-engined six-wheeler -and trailer. The loads carried are seldom less than seven tons on the vehicle and four tons on the trailer. In the first nine months of this service, the vehicle covered no fewer than 50,000 miles, travelling through territories which are practically roadless.
In view of the difficulty of obtaining clean fuel—an important point with oil engines—the fact that the Terrier performed so well on this work is high praise for the efficiency of the Leyland 8-litre oil engine. By reason of the success of this vehicle, Mr. Toutourine has placed an order for a further Terrier oil-engined six-wheeler.
Appeal Against an Interesting Judgment.
In our issue dated October 19 we referred to an important judgment given in the Sheriff Court at Edinburgh. The Scottish Commercial Motor Users Association has now been informed that this judgment is being appealed against, and a case is to be stated to the High Court of Justiciary, which is the final Court in Scotland for determining such matters.
French Registrations Lower.
The number of commercial vehicles registered in France during the period from January to July, 1934, was 15,945, 1,530 being of foreign make. The comparable figures for 1933 were 18,134 and 1,701 respectively. PERSONAL PARS.
We are glad to learn that Mr. S. W. Coodey, the publicity manager of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., is making satisfactory progress after his recent operation.
Mr. H. Cecil Vickers, senior partner of the well-known firm of Vickers da Costa, has recently been elected a director of M. A. McEvoy (London), Ltd. His all-round knowledge of finance will be of value to the board.
Mr. G. A. Heslip, A.M.I.A.E., late of Armstrong-Satirer Commercial Vehicles, Ltd., has joined the sales staff of the Yorkshire patent Steam Wagon Co., and is operating from the company's head office at Pepper Road, linnslet, Leeds.
Mr. G. E. Gilbey, chairman of the North-eastern Division of the Commercial Motor Users' Association, addressed a meeting of Morley Chamber of Trades, on Monday, on goods vehicle licensing, the keeping of records, and the recommendations of the National Joint Conciliation Board.
Mr. Gilbert Gledhill, M.P. for IIalifax, who is on the hoard of GledhillBrook Time Recorders, Ltd., the wellknown maker of cash registers largely used in the motor trade, has been elected a delegate of the Leeds branch to the London Council of the Sales Managers Association, He is managing director of the Gledhill-Brook concern, and has recently been elected a Fellow of the Office Management Association.
Road-accident Returns.
The Ministry of Transport returns of persons killed or injured in road accidents during the week ended October 13, 1934, show that in England, 87 persons were killed and 3,957 injured,. whilst 31 died as a result of previous accidents. The figures for Scotland were nine killed and 364 injured, whilst in Wales 145 persons were injured.
Rubber Road Studs Sanctioned.
The Minister of Transport has agreed with certain of the local authorities in London that they may use white rubber studs for the purpose of marking pedestrian crossing places. The Minister has had his attention drawn to the fact • that Middlesex County Council has, after extensive experiments, found such studs completely satisfactory.
Free Record Sheets.
Lookers, Ltd., 6-35, Hardman Street, Deansgate, Manchester, 3, the distributor for Commer Cars, Ltd., is issuing to owners and drivers complimentary record forms for full time and part time, each sheet covering a week. Application must be made to the above address. The company is also prepared to advise anyone needing information in connection with the Road and Rail Traffic Act, of which it has made a very careful study.
AN ELECTRICAL THIEF-PROOF DEVICE.
We recently described in these pages the ingenious safety switch marketed by the Graviner Manufacturing Co., Ltd., First Avenue House, High Holborn, London, W.C.1, which, in the event of an accident, automatically breaks all electric circuits that might cause fire.
The latest model, which was exhibited at the Motor Show, incorporates a control which enables the driver to bring it into action before leaving his vehicle, thus rendering it thief-proof. Operation of the control does not, however, affect the side and tail lamps. The ignition system cannot function again until the circuits are completed by means of a key.
The device costs £4 4s. It is being manufactured at the Woolwich works of Siemens Brothers Ltd. and distributed by Siemens Electric Lamps and Supplies, Ltd., and the Wilkinson Sword Co., Ltd.
Big Output of Chassis Parts.
Although trailers and articulated attachments are more commonly associated with the concern's name, J. Brockbouse and Co., Ltd., Victoria Works, West Bromwich, is also responsible for a large output of chassis parts.
Possessing one of the most up-todate plants in the country, the company manufactures a large number of drop forging% etc., and finished parts, such as flywheels, transmission shafts and fittings, clutch and brake pedals and so forth. A subsidiary concern, Edessrs. R. Berry and Son, of Smethwiek., also produce springs.
Important Fleet Orders for Thornycrofts.
Two important orders have recently been received by John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., one being for 12 Handy 2-ton chassis, on which van bodies for parcels-delivery service will be mounted. these having been ordered by Carter Paterson and Co., Ltd. The other order is for 15 tanker chassis for the Anglo-American Oil Co.. Ltd.
The former follows closely upon two other recent orders for 24 2-ton chassis and, when the new vehicles are delivered, the Carter Paterson concern will have been supplied with over 170 machines of this make. The chassis for the Anglo-American concern are to be fitted with composite bodies and represent the 95th repeat order placed by the company for Thornycrofts.
An Automatic Under-bonnet Fire Extinguisher.
An automatic fire extinguisher, by which carburetter or other underbonnet fires are extinguished in a few moments, is being supplied by Autofirex, Ltd., 16, Took's Court, London. E.C.4. It can be fitted either on the dash or inside the bonnet. A flexible cable and distributing pipe lead to a nozzle situated above the engine, and an inflammable strip is mounted above a22 the carburetter: immediately this burns through, the operating mechanism is released and the bonnet is filled with extinguishing vapour. Engineoverheating has no effect upon the strip, but the smallest flame will destroy it. The container is easily detachable from its bracket, and can be used as a portable extinguisher.
The quart size for large cars and public-service vehicles, with two nozzles, costs £3 15s., with refills at 12s. each.
Forth Tunnel Proposed.
A scheme to bore a tunnel underneath the Firth of Forth, from Cramond to Donibristle, as an alternative to the proposed road bridge, is to be submitted to the Ministry of Transport and Edinburgh Town Council by Mr. W. J. Stoddart, a wellknown Scottish transport specialist. The tunnel would be five miles long.
Future of S.T.D. Motors.
It was officially announced on Wednesday evening that Rootes Securities. Ltd., has taken over the direction of Sunbeam and other companies associated in the S.T.D. group. LONDON STREET FATALITIES LOWER.
Figures issued by Scotland Yard on October 23 show that, in the quarter ended September 30, 338 persons were killed in street accidents in the Metropolitan Police district, as contrasted with 381 in the comparable period of 1933, whilst the number of pxrsons injured was 16,393, as against 16,208. Goods vehicles were involved in accidents which resulted in the deaths of 73 persons, a figure which is lower by 10 than that for last year, whilst buses were concerned in accidents causing fatal injuries to 17 persons, which contrasted with 25 a year earlier.
Adjournment of T.S. Motors Meeting.
The annual meeting of T.S, Motors, Ltd., which was convened for October 24, has, we learn, been adjourned until November. The audit of the 1933 accounts has, we are advised, only been completed. subject to the result of the arbitration pending in respect of the claim for over £5,000 by the late managing director. The result is expected to be made known next week.
Complaints of Overloaded 21-tonners.
Complaints of the overloading of light vehicles have been engaging the attention of the road-transport section cif the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, the council of which met at Liverpool on Tuesday. It was stated that the operation of 21-tonners carrying 5-6 tons was to the detriment of concerns providing vehicles suitable for such loads.
As there appeared to be a movement on foot to deal with this matter under a, scheme proposed by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, it was resolved that it be deferred for consideration until details of the plan of the S.M.M. and T. are available.
Reducing Prices by Cutting Transport Costs.
That it was unfair for a manufacturing concern to carry return loads was the view expressed on behalf of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, when opposing an application before the Southern Scotland Licensing Authority, in Glasgow, on Tuesday.
A concern making revolving blackboards sought a B licence, so that it could undertake furniture removals and accept return loads. The company's representative agreed that, if it obtained return loads, it could afford to reduce the price of its products. The application was refused.
A Duple Display of Passenger Vehicles.
Duple -Bodies and Motors. Ltd., is hokling a special display of coaches and buses at its works at Edgware • Road, The Hyde, London, N.W.9, from November 5 to 10. The display will include a number of special coaches built for the Scottish Motor' Show, which takes place from November 16 to 24, in addition to a number of the latest types of chassis. SAVING SPACE IN TIPPING LORRIES.
Practical features are incorporated in a tipping gear and body recently constructed and mounted on a Bedford short-wheelbase chassis by the Spenborough Engineering Co., Valley Works, Heckmondwike, Yorks. The tipping mechanism is carried under the driver's seat and the screw is recessed into the back of the cab. There is, however, ample seating accommodation for the driver, whilst the special petrol tank is of approximately double the capacity of the standard tank.
By economizing in space, it has been possible to increase the body length from about 9 ft. to 9 ft. 4 ins., an additional advantage being that the load is carried farther towards the front and is more equally distributed over the axles.
The side rail of the body is of angle: iron section, and the hinge pins and corner posts are riveted, thereby providing strength and guarding against the possibility of the hinge pins working loose. This method of construction is incorporated in most Spenborough bodies. The type referred to has been evolved by the maker in co-operation with the owners, Messrs. Styring Brothers, of Wickersley, Rotherham.
An American's Opinion of British Industry.
After his visit to the Motor Show, some interesting retnarks were made on Olympia and the industry in general by Mr. E, C. Morse, president of the Chrysler Export Corporation. Streamlining was a coming thing. he said, as was ascertained at the Paris Show. For. 25 years he had travelled in -various parts of the world and had seen Shows everywhere, but never one like Olympia. It was the best trade show in the world, better displayed and far more interesting.
He suggested that a British delegation of motor manufacturers should visit America to see the factories and meet the American makers, who would be delighted to answer all questions and to initiate them into all the mysteries of the production and marketing of American vehicles.
He considered that England has a wonderful opportunity in its Empire, hut he thought that theoretical knowledge is insufficient; it must be backed by actual experience.
There were three fundamental factors in life—publication, education and transport. Thinking people in America believed that there would have been no Civil War if there had been motorcars in those days.
To-day, from the standpoint of fitness in social life and economics, Great Britain leads the world.
I.F.S. Ban on Imported Vehicles.
In the interests of the Irish Free State motor-assembly industry, the Executive Council, last Friday night, gave power to the Minister for Industry and Commerce to control the import of motor vehicles. Three Quota Orders, operating from October 20, were made prohibiting, except under licence, the importation of motor vehicles ready assembled and assembled chassis, bodies and body shells. A register of importers will be set up in the Department of Industry and Commerce.
The import trade in motor vehicles is estimated at over £1,000,000 a year. At present about 11 makes of commercial vehicle are being assembled by Irish concerns in Dublin, including Bedford, Commer, Dodge, Federal, Ford, Latil, Leyland, Morris-Commercial, Studebaker aud Volvo.
Special Fluid Essential for Lockheed Brakes.
We are asked by the Lockheed Hydraulic Brake Co., Ltd., Leamington Spa, to stress the importance of using only Lockheed braking fluid, specially prepared for the purpose, in the concern's braking system. If oil be used, deterioration of certain parts, which have not been designed to withstand its action, may take place, and a lack of efficiency in the general working may result.
The concern adds that it is inadvisable to use paraffin, oil, or petrol even for cleaning Lockheed parts. The point has arisen through, a misleading reference having been made, recently, in our article headed !' Meeting Present-day Braking Needs," to "oil " as the medium employed in this system. BERU PRODUCTS FOR GREAT BRITAIN. • We understand that the products of Beru A.-G., Ludwigsburg, Germany, are to be manufactured in Great Britain by Simms Motor Units, Ltd., Grcsse Street, London, W.1.
The Beru double-pole two-volt heater plug for oil engines was described in our issue dated December 22 last. A feature of the plug is that the coils are made of twisted strands, in place of a single wire. This method enables a larger total heating surface to be obtained.
In addition to the heater plug, the Beni pre-heating equipment includes a resistance (which is short-circuited when the starter is brought into operation), switch gear and a tell-tale. Suitable heater plugs and resistances for engines with various numbers of cylinders are available.
Morris.Commercial Instruction Scheme for Foremen.
Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., Addeo. ley Park, Birmingham, has, in addition to a regular salesmen's course of instruction occupying five days, just arranged a four-days' course for the benefit of dealers' foremen.
The first group of service foremen to take advantage of the scheme numbered nearly 80 persons from different parts of the country.
Lepaz Brake-drum Booklet.
We have received from Ley's Malleable Castings Co., Ltd., Derby, a small booklet in which is set out the claims made for its Lepaz brake-drum alloy castings: These are a new product of the Ley's concern and Lepaz drums are stated to possess remarkable wearing qualities, to be free from scoring, distortion, and squeaking, whilst machining presents no difficulties.
The VigzoI Dinner.
Amongst the functions which marked the conclusion of the Motor Show, one of the most enjoyable was the annual dinner of the Vigzol Oil Refining Co. (London), Ltd., held at the Cafe Royal, with Mr. Percy Bilton in the chair. The toast of "The Company" was to have been given by Sir Samuel Brighouse, who was, unfortunately, prevented from attending through illness. It was therefore proposed by Mr. George Pykett, who referred to the great advances made by the company, particularly during the past year, and suggested that agriculture might provide a useful field for the sale of oil products, owing to the steady abolition of the horse in the field and the increasing use of machinery requireing lubrication. Mr. Percy Bilton responded, and mentioned that this was the 15th year of the company, and during each successive year there had been an increase of business.
Mr. F. Bilton gave the toast of " Our Guests," which was replied to by Mr. R. F. Fryers, secretary of the Associated Equipment Co.,. Ltd., in an interesting and witty speech.