WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arng, as it carriage is by . the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier,
Petrol in Bulk.
The Highways Committee of the Westminster City Council reports that its attention has been called by the city cleansing surveyor to the excessive price of petrol at the present time, and it is of opinion that if the Ministry of Transport and the London boroughs were to cooperate with a view to the provision of adequate storage accommodation, petrol could be obtained on far more advantageous terms than at present. The committee understands that any such proposition would be sympathetically received by the Ministry of Transport, and as it would obviously be to the benefit of the ratepayers, it accordingly recommends that the Metropolitan borough councils, the London County Council and other Metropolitan public authorities be invited to co-operate in an application to the Ministry of Transport with a view to obtaining hulk supplies of petrol from uncontrolled sources, and that the matter be also referred .to the Metropolitan • Boroughs Standing Joint Committee. • • On the subject of the supply for the city council, the constructs committee refers to the foregoing report, and adds that it is hoped that, in due course, supplies may be obtained on advantageous terms through the medium of the Ministry of Transport. For the present it is proposed that the City Council shall enter into a three months' contract,
Buses for Wigan ?
Instead of proceeding with the reconstruction of the Aspull tramway route, at an approximate cost of 240,000, as was proposed, the Wigan Town Council has decided to postpone the scheme, and to give a trial for a period of either motor omnibuses or single-deck traanears,
To Close a Road in Malvern.
The Wormstershire County Council has made application to the Ministry of Transport for an order to close the Old Wyche .Road at Malvern from its juncGen with Westminster Road to its junction with the Wyche main road to all classes of mechanically propelled traffic. An official of the Ministry of Transport will conduct an inquiry into this application at Shire Hall, Worcester, on January 13th.
Ministry of Transport's Grants.
An important ruling upon the part of the Ministry of Transport was announced in an official communication read at the meeting of the Nottinghamshire County Council one day last week, it being stated that highway authorities were--a,dVised that unspent balances of grants would not be carried forward from year to year, and that if the payment of the grant in full was, not due when the annual settlement was made, the.unpaid balance would be cancelled.
American Tyre ,Makers and the Mileage Guarantee.
Aconeding to. statement statement issued by the Rubber Association of America, motor tyres bought in the future will not carry a mileage guarantee if the movement
now under way throughout the tyre industry to eliminate the chief evils which have for years caused a loss to consumers, dealers, and manufacturers through improper claims for adjustment is successful, which appears likely.
,ManufacturerS and dealeit are working in hirrneny b preduce• the desired results, says the statement, as all abuses have tended to increase Mats, and the wbole• purpose of • the present motement is to eliininate the waste due to these -auses.
. . _ A reduction has been made in the price N.B.O. lubricating OHS. • — • • . _
Oriental Transport (Bengal); Ltd., of 17; Ezra Street, Calcutta, require vehicles for passenger and goods trans
port, .
The extraordinary traffic action between the Weston-super-Mare .u.p.a. and Henry."Butt and Son; Ltd., expected to have been.. heard in the House • of Lords in November, will, we understand, be heard about the second week in
anuary.
Closing of Narrow Roads.
Details of the inquiry which is being held by the Ministry of Transport into the application of the Westmorland County Council for the closing of rural roads to heavy traffic were advanced another stage at Penrith on Thursday, Docomber 15th, when the inquiry concerned the roads of North Westmorland, those in the southern part of the county having been covered by the proceedings on the previous day.
Dr. Eastham, for the county council, explained that from the general objection there was one important exception to the proposed prohibition. There was nothing to prevent use of the roads by any local or originating traffic of the .district, nor would it prevent the um by any vehicle used solely in connection with agriculture. The application affected five roads with a total mileage of 16, and none of them was a classified road; they are really narrow country lanes, and some of them have sharp turns. He said they were never intended or constructed to carry heavy motor vehicles, and were absolutely unsuited for such traffic; moreover, heavy and wide motor vehicles on such roads endangered the safety of persons travelling in the vehicles, and were also a danger to all who used the roads. He also mid that be cannot understand why there should be such a desire for the use of country lanes. The only local authority specially concerned in the roads now under review is the Westward Council, who asked last September that seven roads should be closed, two of which were afterwards deleted from the list.
"In the near future," added Dr. Eastham, "the road -from BamPton to Mardale at the head of Haweswater will be submerged by the extension of Haweswater by, the Manchester CorporaMon. so that road is going to disappear. It seems to me, as that road is geing_to disappear, it is very important that, while the alterations at Haweswater are being made, the traffic along the existing narrow read should be restricted in the way we desire, as it will be taxed to its utmost when the Corporation commence their Haweswater works."
Mr. Ambler, in cross-examining the witness, pointed out that the granting, of the application would cut out 50 per cent_ of the motorcars on the roads; but witness said he did net think that was intended.
Seven owners or drivers of heavy vehicles gave evidence that they had used the roads in dispute from 1907,. and had never had accidents on the so-called "country lanes."
Mr. F. J. Schofield, Manchester, representing the Automobile Association, said the roads in question were like the majority of roads in Westmorland; they were not all straight; in fact, Westmorland wa-s noted for its twisted, narrow roads. Not only that, but the chars-/banes on these roads had had a very minute proportion of casualties of any kind. There was nothing about which to grumble in these roads if they had proper warning signs erected.
The proceedings at, the final hearing at Kendal are referred to on page 658. .
Water for Steam Wagons.
A meeting of representatives of the British Waterworks Association and the Association of Motor Users and Manufacturers has been held at the offices of the Metropolitan Water Board to consider the question of water supply for steam wagons. It was decided to obtain' by public invitation, designs of a lock mechanism, including a token or e key, and to offer a premium, not exceeding 25 guineas, for the best design 'subraitted. This premium will be contributed in equal proportions by the Waterworks Association, the C.M.U.A., the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and the Agricultural Engineers Association. Specification and conditions can be obtained from the Water-works Association, 173, Rosebery
Avenue, London, E.C. 1. .
Municipal Bus Return.
The Widnes Corporation motor omnibuses during the last working year sustained a working loss.of £13. The total receipts, were £14,989 and the working expenditure £15,002. Someinteresting figures are available of comparative expenditure for the past two years :—
Cost of Motor Refuse Appliances.
Mr. J. C. Dawes, an inspector of the Ministry of Health, in holding an inquiry at West,,Bridgford, Nottingham, one day last week, regarding the Urban District. Council's application for sanction to borrow £1,550 for the purchase of two motor lorries for refuse collecting purposes, and a motor hose-cart, expressed the opinion that many people have a mistaken idea regarding the running of such appliances.
He admitted that for long-distance haulage a motor lorry undoubtedly effected a saving, but said it was a very different matter when it came to the collection of refuse, as so many stops were necessary. Refuse collection and disposal was costing the country £6,000,000 a year, and from an economy point of view the matter was very important, because it was the biggest . spending department, as a rule, in a small district. But the official criticism was not in consonance with the views
of the council. In August last they acquired a 5 ton motor lorry, which was paid for out of the current rates. The experience had been such that the council now desired to obtain two more, and the wisdom of the decision, will not be generally questioned.
Inst.A.E. Activities.
A most interesting paper on gearboxes by Mr, H. F. L. Orcutt. was read before the ,London centre of the Institution of Automobile Engineers on December 14th, but, owing to the short time available for discussion, it has been decided to hold an .adjourned meeting at the offices of the Institution at 28, Victoria Street, S.W.1, on December 29th, so as to give an opportunity to all those who were not able to -speak on the 14th. The subject of the paper is of such direct concern to the automobile engineer and has proved of such interest that it hasalready been read before the Loughborough, Coventry, and Birmingham graduates' centres, and will be read before the London graduates' centre on January 5th. Those who are unable to attend any of these meetings are invited to send in written contributions.
A general meeting of the Institution will be held tit the Chamber of Commerce, New Street; Birmingham, on January 3rd, at 7 p.m., when Mr. W .W. Hackett will read a paper entitled "Experiments with Weldless Steel Tubing as Used in Construction." A general meeting will also be held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Storey's Gate, St. James's Park, London, S.W.1, on January 11th, at 8 pin., when Dr. F. W. 'Lancia-ester and Mr. R. H. Pearsall will read a parr entitled "An Investigation of Certain Aspects of the Two-stroke Engine for Automobile Vehicles." Cards of invitation for either of these meetings may be obtained on application to the secretary, Institution of Automobile Engineers, 28, Victoria Street, London, S.W.1.
The Daimler premium of £25 has-been awarded to Mr. E, L. Bass for his paper on"Engine Lubrication," and this paper will be read before the London centre at the meeting on February 8th.
'The subject of the illustration on-this page is Captain C. F. Cleaver,
A.M.I.C.E., etc., director and factory manager of the Four Wheel Drive Lorry Co., Ltd, Captain Cleaver completed his education at the Central Technical College, and had pre-war experience with Kairier Motors, Ltd., the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., and the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd. He was appointed Inspector M.T. R.A.S.C., on September 3rd, 1914, and was attached to the -British War Mission in the United States as deputy chief inspecting officer M.T., where he obtained an intimate insight into the methods of the leading automobile factories, and was for some time resident inspector with the F.W.D. Auto Co., of Clintonville.
Captain Cleaver in a man with great initiative and unbounded enthusiasm, and we expect to see the F.W.D. factory making great progress under his able administration.
Much of the success which has been achiel'ed by time Institution of Automobile Engineers must certainly be placed to the credit, of Mr. Basil H. Joy, its ever-popular and energetic secretary. Mr. Joy has a long and honoured connection with the motor trade. He is the son of the late Mr. David Joy, the inventor of the famous valve gear of that name. His first appearance in the motoring world was as .assistant to Mr. Claude Johnson, who is now managing director of Rolls-Royce, Ltd. Mr. Johnson was at that time secretary of the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland, and was organizing the Richmond Trials in 1899. Mr. Joy served in a similar capacity in the 1,000 Miles' Trial a year later, also in the Glasgow Trials of 1901. He afterwards became technical secretary of the A.C.G.B.I., and was appointed secretary to the I.A.E. in 1910.
Index Marks.
So many additions have been made lately to the list of motor vehicle identification letters that an up-to-date list is welcome. The R.A,C. has now revised and reissued its list, which has been verified by reference to the Ministry of Transport, and the Club will send a copy with pleasure to any owner.
Beautifying Roadside Advertising.
Any movement in the direction of more beautiful advertising, and particularly on country roads, must commend itself to aYl, but.particularly to the road .whose esthetic taste has been so affronted in the past by glaring roadside signs.
The Shell-Mex Co. are, therefore, to oo congratulated upon their new departure in advertising, an example of which we illustrate on this page. Space on a number of railway arches has been secu3ed, but, iustead of devoting the entire space to advertisement, part of it is devoted to information of interest and service to the user of the road, and in the ease of coaches to the occupants.
Our illustration shows an the right a view of the famous Cheddar Gorge, reproduced in colours from the painting by Mrs. Dorothy Brad&ll. On the left a panel giving mileages to towns on the route. The whole forms a commanding display, which it is not possible for a passing motorist to miss, and one which helps to make touring more pleasant. The arch in question is just outside Cheddar.
We commend this step in the direction of more useful and tasteful advertising. It will provide valuable information to road users and will gain for the ShellMex Co. considerable goodwill.
Selden Users Take Note.
Gaston, Ltd., wish to make it clear that in addition to Citroen sales, all matters relating to Belden lorries (except spares), are now being dealt with from their splendid new headquarters at Larden Road, Acton Vale, London, W.3. ' The new premises, comprising a large modern works with separate three-storey office building adjoining, are ideal fox the purpose. Messrs. Gaston have been able to concentrate under one roof all their Citroen and Belden activities— administration, sales, distribution to agents advertising, and accounts—and they are bound to feel the benefit of this wise move.
Within the next few weeks they will also have completed the transfer of their spares and repairs department from Hanwell, and the4cton service depot should be second to none as regards equipment and efficiency. Pending the transfer; n:lare parts orderOshould in the mean time be addressed to 99, Boston Road, Hanwell, W.7.
Overcrowding on Rural Buses.
• The County Councils Association is drawing the attention of the Departmental Committee on the Regulation of Road Vehicles to the overcrowding of motor omnibuses in country districts.
Bus Fares Protest.
A resident in the area governed by the Clay Cross Urban District Council has pet forward the protest that the fares charged by the Chesterfield Corporation on their _buses running between Clay Cross and Chesterfield are excessive. The council has endoreed the view and has written to the Corporation expressing the opinion that the 9d. fare for the five miles separating the two places is too high
Wasteful Competition.
Chesterfield Tramways Committee has decided to make representations to the Ministry of Transport and the local member of Parliament, urging the statutory regulation of traffic on tram routes in view of the wasteful competition which is at present prevalent.
Speed on Arterial Roads.
In regard to a request by the Bast Ham Corporation for a ten-mile speed limit on parts of Romford Road, High Street, and Barking Road, the ColTIIMSsioner of Police states that he is unable to support the application, as he is of opinion that no artificial restriction should be imposed on these roads.
Country Services in the Cotswolds.
The organization of bus services in the Cotswolds appears to be proceeding satisfactorily. The Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., have now inaugurated a service between Cheltenham and Burford, and connect up that sparsely populated stretch of country which intervenes. The buses touch An doversf or d, Ship st on , • Basel ton, Northleach, Sherborne, and Little Burrington between the two points. There are four buses each way on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, starting from Cheltenham at 7.45, 12, 2.30, and 5 p.m. The 12 o'clock and 2.30 p.m. buses only
to Northleach. The times of returning are I3urferd 9.38 a.m. and 6.53 p.m.; Northleach, 8.5 a.m., 1.7 p.m., 3.37 p.m., and 6.7 p.m.There is one bus from Cheltenham to Burford and back on Sunday afternoons, and another to Aorthleach and back in the evening.
The buses that go to Burford on week days vonnect up with the services of the Oxford Co. to Oxford.
'Catering for North Durham, Residents.
The Northern General Transport Co. are to be congratulated on the close watch they keep on the passenger conveyance requirements of the North Durham district, and their prompt decisions relative to general public requests for new or augmented facilities. In this respect they have just inaugurated a service Irons the Wreckenton (Gateshead) tramcar terminus to Springwell, High Uswerth, and Havannah, which provides a cheap and convenient means for residents of that neighbourhood reaching Newcastle, the premier Northern shopping centre. The new service is the outcome of several meetings of residents of the district at which the necessity for motorbus services was. strongly ' urged. That the step taken by the Northern General Co. is appreciated was amply demonstrated during the first few days, when an exceptionally large number of people were carried.
Praise for Dunlops.
The Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd. have recently issued a handsome Ltd., which gives quotations from communications received from some of the largest motor vehicle users in their respective
spheres of activity. Such extracts as "we have decided to fit Dunlops exclusively," .`"the greater part of our fleet of omnibuses is equipped with Dunlops," from the largest goods transport service and the largest passenger transport ser
• vice in the world,eare adequate testimony to the quality and reliability of these tyres. The crayou drawings in the book are very fine.
Of Interest to Midland Users.
Challands, Ross and Co., Ltd., automobile engineers and bodybuilders, a 28, Canal Street, Nottingham, have recently issued a booklet which gives details of the class of work which they are able to undertake. They specialize in commercial vehicle work and have built bodies for . all types of goods. andpassenger-carrying vehicles, as some of the illustrations which are included adequately show. The company also undertake overhauls, repairs and renovations, for which work they are wellequipped.
Three-joint Propeller Shafts Standardized.
The use of larger and heavier motor lorries in America during the last few years for hauling miscellaneous kinds of freight has resulted in lengthening the wheelbase of chassis to such an extent that an additional support at or near the centre of the propeller shaft has become necessary. Propeller shafts so supported are known as three-ioint propeller shafts, since three universal joints are used— one at the transmission, one at the differential, and one at the central support. Increasing use of this type of drive has resulted in a great number of different designs for the rear end of the forward shaft on which the centre bearing is mounted.
Realizing that the three-joint propeller shalt has been in use long enough to warrant standardizing the rear end of this forward shaft, the Society of Automotive Engineers of New York was requested to undertake this work. The &abject was assigned to the Truck Standards Committee, and a sub-division consisting of J. It. Coleman, of the Belden Motor Truck Co. ; H. B. Knap, of the Packard Motor Car Co. : and
J. W. B. Pearce, of the Spicer Manufacturing Co., was appointed to obtain information on present practice and to prepare a tentative standard.
A progress report was submitted by this sub-division in April, 1921, and it was discussed at the Truck Division meeting at that time. It was the consensus of opinion of the lorry Manufacturers represented, that the•sadoption of a standard for the front-shaft rear end was most desirable and would result in considerable economy in manufacturing, assembling, and servicing. A final report was, therefore, prepared, and it will be considered at the S.A.E. Standards Committee meeting to he held in the Engineering Societies' Building, New York City, on January 10th.
Recording Running Costs.
Bramco (1920), Ltd., of St. Nicholas Street, Coventry, have recently issued a time record book for motor lorries, which' will provide a means whereby the traffic organizer can keep his records in such a way that he can see at G glance whether the running efficiency of his wagons is rising or falling, and can, in the event
of a decrease presenting itself, at any time, investigate matters promptly and secure improved results.
The Servis record book, as it is called, deals with the records made by each wagon in the form of a monthly diagram, from which the work of each wagon for the whole month can be correctly ascertained.
A full explanation of the methods of keeping records is contained in the book, which is worthy of examination by those who run or own motor vehicle fleets.
An Unlucky Ten.
'When ten drivers were mulcted in fines totalling 215, at Vs'arrIngton a few days ago, for non-illuminated identification plates, the Chief Constable said that they would be very fortunate if they found 5 per cent, of the plates so illuminated that the numbers could be read plainly. His experience was that the percentage was not more than one. Very often the plates are damaged by persons jumping on the backs of wagons, but mom often than not the dust gathered in a long journey is the cause. We have heard of the scorcher type of motorcyclist, before setting out on a journey, smearing his identification plates with grease in order that they might catch the dust, and thus conceal the identity of the machine from the knowledge of the police at a critical moment, but such acts are beneath the dignity of the man at the wheel
Paris Agricultural Exhibition.
An important exhibition of agricultural machinery is to be held at the Grand PaIais, in Paris, between January 28th and February 5th. A strong 'committee has been formed, and full particulars can be obtained from La Maison des Centraux, 8, Rue. Jean Goujon, Paris.
Farthing Per Week for Bus Signs.
When the Crosville Motor Co., of Chester, applied to the Bromborough Council for permission to place signs in eight positions to indicate the motorbus stopping places and further asked the Council to erect them at the expense of the company, the council decided to put up the signs and to charge a rent of Is. each per 'annum.
Road Transport in the Soudan
According to a report of the Department of Overseas Trade on AngloEgyptian Soudan, the country continues to prosper, although the lack of transport' still hampers progression. During 1920, for instance, difficulties of transport retarded trade with Abyssinia, held up lumber operations, rendered it impossible to transport grain to the famine areas, kept the mduce in Darfur, Mongolia and Nuba Mountains rotting in these provinces, forced Kassala cotton to rely on an insufficiency of camels, and re. stricted vaccination when a fearful 'epi-. demic of smallpox broke out in. the tipper Nile. •
A road transport service has been instituted between Tonga and Talodi, while a fleet of surplus Army lorries has substituted worn-out vehicles on the Rejaf-Abu (Belgian Congo) road. Haulage rates rule high on this route because petrol is expensive, and, owing to the state of the roads, rubber tyres are subject to rapid deterioration. On this account it is anticipated that. iron-tyred steam wagons will ultimately oust petrol. vehicles. Tim Government is not pre-.
pared to grant route monopolies to private concerns, and applications for mechanical transport concessions have, therefore, been dismissed.
The Soudan imports practically all its fuel, but oil has been struck in adjacent coastal regions, and there seems a chance that borings may prove successful. The Soudan Development Co. use charcoal-burning tractors in the country and they are experimenting in growing wood of rapid growth for the purpose of maintaining the fuel supply. For the moment,' the Soudan would not appear to be an attractive field for immediate 'exploitation, although the potential outlook is considerable.
For Dennis Users.
We have received from Dennis Bros., Ltd., Guildford, two publications which should prove of great assistance to uteri of vehicles of this make. One is a sparepart list for the 2-4 ton chassis ; this is thoroughly well illustrated, and should render the ordering of spare parts a matter of little difficulty. The other is an instruction book which embraces all Dennis models.
A Dangerous Bridge.
Many bridges throughout the country are unsuited to bear modern road traffic, and, under the stress to which they are being subjected, are rapidly deteriorating. The Old Bridge at Berwiek, which crosses the Tweed, is a cane in point, and at a recent meeting of the Berwick Town Council the land steward reported that he had examined the structure and found one of the pillars badly in need of repair. The whole bridge is in a bad state, the lime having rotted between the stonework on the 'crowns of the arches, and the bridge is really dangerous for modern road traffic. • •
The, council decided to tall in an engineering expert to make a thorough examination of the structure, and a copy of his report will be sent to the Ministry of Transport.
Dimensions Required by the Bodybuilder.
Messrs. Strachan and Brown, the wellknown engineers and coachbuilders, of 14, Leonard Place, High Street, Keneington, London, W., ask us to point out that much time would be saved in answering bodywork inquiries if prospective customers would give always the two essential chassis dimensions which are required by the coachbuilder.
These are (1) the distance from the dash to the centre of the hind wheel, and (2) the distance from the dash to the back of the frame. The length of 1.!ae chassis may be given, but it is not always stated from what point the measurement is taken. The length of the wheelbase is of no great interest to the bodybuilder.
A Suction Cup Valve Lifter and Grinder.
The Looses patent suction cup lifter and grinder is a novelty which has recently been put on the market by Leo Swain and Co., Ltd., of Deansgate, Manchester. This is a tool which is made with a long aluminium handle, at the end of which is mounted a rubber suction cup, which, when placed upon the head of the valve, adheres to it by suction and draws the valve out, or enables the operator to have sufficient grip on the valve to grind the latter in without the use of anything else, the suction grip being quite sufficient.
This is quite an ingenious and useful tool which will appeal to many commercial vehicle 1.196TS especially as its retail price is only 5s. 6d.
A Useful Vice Attachment.
A most useful and interesting vice attachment known as the Universal is marketed by the Allied Machinery Co., Ltd., of 132, Queen Victoria Street, London', E.C.4.
The device is practically a supplementary pair of vice jaws which adjust themselves to any shape or form of material, whether oblong, cylindrical, hexagonal, conical or polygonal. It thus converts an ordinary square-jawed vice into a much more useful article.
As with very many other successful devices, the principle of its construction is extremely simple. It consists of a steel frame holding five V-shaped, adaptable teeth, the bottom part, of the V of each facing outwards. Between each of these pieces is a small bet strong wedge piece, and the teeth are ro arranged that if one or more are depressed the others are B26 forced out, owing to the wedging action, to the same extent.
The travel of each wedge piece is limited, AO that if, say, a piston has to be gripped in the centre of the vice, only three of the teeth may be utilized at each side, these three adapting themselves to the contour of the piston and each exerting equal pressure.
A Two-electrode Sparking Plug,
We illustrate herewith a new type of sparking plifg, which has just -been tri, troduced by the Runbaken Magneto Co., Ltd., of Deansgate, Manchester. A great feature of this plug is that it possessee two electrodes, which enable the gas in the cylinder to he ignited simultaneously at two places instead of the usual one.
The great advantage with a plug of this type is that, should one of the sparks become oiled or Booted up, the remaining gap will continue to spark.
Local Proceedings. .
Chelsea Borough Council has decided to experiment with meter vehicles suitable for municipal work-.
Sydney (N.S.W.) Municipal Council has decided to purchase an American Studebaker pneumatic street flusher. The cost, deliveeed in Sydney, is estimated at £700.
A motorbus service between Abergele and Lkinrsest is to be inaugurated in January. The route is through Elwy Valley, touching the districts of Llanfair, Talhaiern, and Llangerniew.
Ripon City Council has asked the eta gineer to prepare an estimate for a concrete tank to hold 250 gallons of water for the use of steam wagons, and to suggest a suitable site for the tank.
A draft agreement is being considered by the Corporation of Newport and Cardiff with respect to the establishment and maintenance of a motorbus service between the two towns.
The South Shields Tramway Departmeet has recently inaugurated a new motor service, and, to provide storage for the fuel required for these vehicles, is about to install an underground plant on the Bywater system.
Stanley (Durham) Urban District Council is considering the purchase of a 12 ton steam roller and a steam wagon.
A motor ambulance. has been presented to the town of Braintree by the wife of the High Sheriff of Essex.
The Coombe and Malden 'Urban .Dietrict Council is inviting quotations for the supply of an electric vehicle.
No Speed Limit for Burnley.
The Ministry of Transport has decided not to accede to the application of the Burnley Corporation to limit the speed . of motorcars exceeding 2 tons in unladen weight to 7 m.p.h. down the Manchester Road from the borough boundary to the main thoroughfare of St. James Street, whioh is one of the steepest of the many hills in East Lancashire. Several alarming mishaps have occurred on the hill, and the Minister has suggested the erection of warning posts. Three have already been placed in position.
1 At the recent agricultural tractor trials in France; no fewer than 23 of the machines in the trials were of French manufacture. American manufacturers were represented by 24 makes, and the English market. had only one representative.
Having sold 6,000,000 dollars' worth of agricultural machinery in Australia last, year, the well-known Massey-Harris Co., Of Montreal, Canada, are now reported to haVe announced their intention of establishing a works in the Commonwealth.
In oar report of the Smithfield Club Show contained in our issue for December 13th, we referred to the Blackstone chain track type tractor as haling a pressure on the ground of 61 lb. per sq. in. This should have read 6.1 lb. per sq. in., as, of course, one of the great advantages bf the chain track type machine is the low pressure which permits it to operate on soft ground.