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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

27th January 1920
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

The wheel of wealth will be stowed 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.

The Petrol Danger.

will the State Take Action?

The petrol importer have maintained a very active publicity campaign in anticipation of the freedom from price control which they will acquire early in Febraary when. the stocks of Government-owned motor spirit, will have become exhausted. The anticipated price increase by 74. Or Scl. per gallon is being more freely and unblushingly foreshadowed. Last year's imports were in excess of 200,000,000 gallons of motor spirit in addition to a large import of paraffin. If the quantity of petrol used in this country is only increased to 225,000,000 gallons, the additional revenue to the petrol companies for the year will be .ae500,000. 'The proportion of this whieb must be found by transport and haulage concerns and users of commercial vehicles -will he 23,500,000 more than the whole of their present profits. To pay this sum out of profits would mean the strangulation of the road transport industry ; to pass it on to clients (as must, of course' happen) will impose a severecheck on the development of road transport just as it is emerging front the effects of low State-aided reelway rates.

It is an extraordinary thing that, with all their completeness of organization ektually from the oil well abroad into the customer's garage in this country, the oit companies are unable to keep the price of petrol beiow " what it will fetch." And let it be remembered that there is probably more substance than the petroldistributing companies can be got to admit in the rumours as to the price being 4s, or 5s, a gallon before the year is out. From the time when petrol. was 9d. or Hid a gallon (and .680 spirit at that) we can recall glib reason after glib reason for an advance in price. But no oil concern lia,s ever come along with any clever scheme •which would bring prices down,

and so give a fillip to road transport in this country. Any such clever schemes have been employed to enhance profits and share values. What we strongly suspect is that the oil companies have all along had their eye upon the man with the motorcar, to whom a few pence of extra cost of fuel on a trip from Londim to Brighton is of no account. They have ignored the evil effects upon passenger and goods haulage, and it seems difficult to bring haulage concerns to the point of making a determined and organized protest against these continual increases. In looking for a remedy one is_coittinue ally brought to the need for strong State action. The enCouragement of production of power alcohol and of ,b-enzole is one direction in which the State can .move usefully. The acquisition of State oil wells abroad, the subsidising of rival oil-importing concerns, and iontrol of tank _freight rates re other means that could be employed. Here is an opportunity for the institutions representing the industry and the user to combine, to lay the facts before Parliament, and, with a strung Parliamentary Committee, to secure some action on the part of the State which shall avert what may easily become a, position in which everybody is paying dearly and transport concerns are working for a pittance merely to fill. the coffers of the oil companies and their allied concerns with untold wealth.

An A.E.C. Resignation.

Mr. S. A. Wallace's retirement from the important position he has held at the Walthainstow works of the Associated Equipment Co. is intereSting, and if he returns to the States, the Slough repair depot of the Ministry of Monitions will lose its " hustler." He introduced the moving platform method of assembling vehicles, but although heads of British concerns have inspected the system, none has adopted it

Austin Developments.

A Five-million Company.

The Austin capital was agreed to be raised to five million pounds when the shareholders met on Wednesday last, 3,350,000 new shares of £1 each being created for that purpose. Sir Herbert Austin told of the extension of the works by the addition of a foundry, capable of turning out 5,000 tons of steel castings per annum, a metal press shop capable of dealing with panels and frame members, a hardening and beat treatment shop, a carriage and lorry body workshop, and other shops which would go to render the Northfield plant self-contained. The establishment of the French and Belgian companies was a new development, and altogether an output of 210,000,000 worth of vehicles is contemplated for 1920.

Of the new capital £1,250,000 is reserved for the purposes of a negotiation which the directors have in hand with a large and influential company, which, if successful, will secure for the Austin Co. a valuable alliance. The Beecham trust will underwrite 1,500,000 10 -Per cent. preferred ordinary shares which will be iseued by the company.

Dublin Agricultural Show: The annual Agricultural Show of the Royal Dublin Society will this year be held on May 11th, 12th and 13th, and a section of the show will be devoted te a. display of agricultural implements.

New Four Million Concern.

The new four-million concern is a combination of .1. Tylor and Sons Ltd., ; E. G. Wrigley and Co., Ltd.; Angus, Sanderson and Co., Ltd. ; the Smethwick Iron Foundry and Stamping Co., and the N.U.T. Motor Co., Ltd. The prospectus will shortly be announced.

Taxing the Trailer.

In the re-arrangement of the ways and means of securing a larger revenue from the taxation of motor vehicles, it is becoming more than ever obvious that the commercial vehicle is not going to be allowed to escape as it has in the past. Wedo urge, however, that the taxes, if they must be imposed, should be low, because, after all, they must in the end be pissed on to the eventual consumer of the goods transported by.anotor vehicle, and every stage in the charging up of the cost will inevitably entail the expansion of the charge, so that an eighth of a penny per ton-mile in first tax cost may easily become a farthing by the time the user comes to pay.

The trailer cannot 'be-expected to be overlooked in arty scheme of taxation of commercial vehicles, but weld° urge the need for a careful consideration of the position of the trailer. Susie users have a tractor which moves all its lead on trailers: some have a number of lorries and only a few trailers, which, therefore, are drawn by 'different tractors at different times; and, again., there ore instances where a single tractor vehicle serves to haul a number of trailers. It would not he fair to impose an extra tax on every lorry which might only occasionally haul a trailer, and it would equally not be fair to tax every one of a fleet of trailers when, because the „user has but one tractor, only one trailer could be hauled at a. tirne. -Probably a disc or token could be employed for each complete combination of tractor' and trailer', always to be carriedand diiplaYed by the driver of a tracthr when his power

unit is hauling, a trailer.' •

Pity. the Conductor!

Few people realize that the conductor of a public service vehicle is personally responsible for the number of persons in his vehicle, If this number, exceeds that laid down by the police regulationse the conductor is liable to fOrfeit his-licence, and conseqiiently would, 'bee his 'position. Remember not to blame the conductor if you board a full yehielea:ind are requested to alight.

Fire Engine. Charges.

Bournemouth Fire Brigade' Committee has made the folloWing•-„ charges for brigade serviees outside the borough:—

• Motor Or steanefire engine, LS 5s, Motor or horse eScape,•.£5 5s. • • •

Services of 2nd 3rd officer, 'LI is. each.

For each other member of the brigade attending :— For the first hour or part of an hour, 2s. 6d.

For each subsequent hour or part of an hour, 2s.

In addition to the above the following charges will be made :— For petrol, oil and coat consumed alter the first two hours running, the actual cost.

For extra horse hire, if required, the actual cost, For any damage to gear, equipment or clothing, the actual cost of re-instate. meat.

These charges are liable to modification in the case of lengthy service, etc., and as to these the charges shall be a matter of arrangement between the chief officer of the brigado-and the authority liable.

Buses for Herefordshire. •

The proposal to establish a motorbna service for Herefordshire is to be a reality. At a meeting of the County

Council a few days ago the vice-chair • man, referring to the proposal, said it would mean a considerable increase in the -county rate for the upkeep of the main roads. In regard to the request that the motor companies should pay a mileage rate, it was felt that this NV as a matte's which might be left to the Ministry of Transport to decide se asto bring .about a uniformity throughout the country. The Birmingham and 'Midland Co. proposed to establish a service throughout the county. Mr. Hopkins said the Birmingham concern had a fleet of motors ready for service.

Manchester and Commercial Garages.

The Manchester city authorities have decided to etop, the building of private garages', but not, to interfere with' the erection of commercial garages-and those intended for business purposes. The largest of these rioiv in progress is the Daimler motor repair works, on a fine site opposite Whitworth Park. Great progress has been .made (hiring • the winter, and the roof has lust been finished.

Irish Roads.

The Institution of Municipal Engineers has decided, in response to a requ'est'from the Ministry of Transport, that the Irish branch' of the Institution .•shetild submit nominations for a representative to serve on the sub-committee to advise the Ministry on road matters in Ireland.

Rival Tyre Standards.

We are advised that the official organization of the British rubber tyre industry, the British Rubber Tyre Manufacturers' Association, had no part. in the negotiations which are reported to have moonily taken place at a meeting in Paris of European manufacturers said to represent England, France, Italy and Belgium, and the British industry does not accept the range of standards of pneumatic tyres which it was then deaided to adopt.

The British Association have, for some time, had the question of tyre standardization in hand. and have formulated proposals, which were accepted by the official organizations of the car makers, motorcycle and cycle manufac turers and wheel and rim manufacturers. These proposals were laid before the British Engineering Standards Association, and we understand that an interim report will shortly be issued by that body setting forth a complete range of sizes of all classes of pneumatic and stdid rubber tyres and rims adopted as. British standards.

I.A.E. Notes.

The Crompton Medal for the session 1918-1919 has been awarded to Mr. A. E. Berriman for his paper on "An Analysis of Test Records of Some Petrol Engines.

024 Candidates for-admission to the Institution should note that an examination has now to be passed. The first will be held on February 27th in various centres. The premium awarded by the Daimler Co. for the best paper read by a graduate during the session 1918-1919 has been awatded to Mr. L. Griffiths of the Coventry branch for his paper on "HighTension Magnetos."

It is announced that the letters M.I.A.E., etc., may not be used on shop signs.

Ball Bearing Manufacture.

The head of the Northern Bali Bearings Co., Ltd., of Gothenburg, has recently returned to Sweden from a series of visits to France, England and Holland. In each of these three countries, in asso elation with prominent French, English and Dutch financiers and manufacturers, he has formed a subsidiary company. The caiital of the French company is 5,450,101 francs. It is stated that hitherto there has only beefl one factory devoted to the manufacture of hall bearings in France, and that there are prospects of a good market in that country for the new company's products. France at present imports most of the ball bearings required from Sweden, Germany and SWitzerland.

The capital of the English company is £200,000.

A Spark Plug Tester.

An ingenious device, designed to allow the spark in an internal-combustion engine to be actually seen under compression, . has been patented by Mr. Davis, of Sutton Coldfield, and is being marmfactured and placed on the market -by Messrs. Davis, Osborn and Clarke, of 4o, lion-ton Road, Erdington, Birmingham. Briefly the device consists of an observation window embodied in a T-shaped fitment, which screws into the sparkingplug hole and receives the plug to be tested. A mica window is in axial alignment with the plug in order that those patterns wherein the spark occurs within the body of the plug may be readily

• seen.

Many doubtful plugs have been discarded for lack of suitable means to test them satisfactorily. By using a plug of known reliability the magneto can also be tested or verified, and in addition the colour of the explosive flame provides a guide to the quality of the mixture. Made in solid brass and a variety of heights to suit all engines, the price has been provisionally fixed at 6s. to 7s. 6d., according to size and pattern. The spark can be seen nuite readily in daylight and is very brilliant in the dark. .

. Harper Bean Development.

It is officially stated that the Harper Bean combine . have purc-hased the National Projectile Factory; Dudley, and such machinery not forming part of the lot offered at auction recently.

A. Harper, Sans and bean, Ltd., erected this factory for the Government about a year after the outbreak of war at a. cost of (including equipment) £876,343. It covers an area of 39,400 sq yds. and adjoins their Dudley plant. Under their management the production of war appurtenances assumed colossal proportions, the number of people employed being over 10,000.

• The surplus resulting from their administration. amounted to upward of £325,000 after liquidating the whole outlay upon the factory. To this must be „ added the amount which will be the result of the sale of the factory .aitel its equipment.

This factory will now be used to further supplement the -production programme already. outlined in the company's programme.

Repairs in South London.

Mr. H. R. Hicking, late of the R.A.S.C., has now .talten over the management of Messrs. Kirkdale Motors, 88-90, Kirkdale, Sydenhara, S.E. 26... He . has got together a. staff of skilled employees, practically all of whom are exService men. It is intended to develop the cointnercianyebicle side of the business, and accommodation is available for all' dames of petrol vehicles. General repairs, overhauls, body-building, tyre fitting and other sides of repair and garage work will be undertaken. A re. presentative stock of new and secondhand vans and lorries is kept in hand and can be viewed on the premises of the company. An interesting feature is the provision of a private lock-up for individual owners of both commercial and private cars. This company have one of the largest service depots in SE. London, and, as a matter of fact, they are official repairers to the R.A.C. and the A.A. and MX,An important point which is worth remembering is that the premises are open both day and night.

Local Proceedings.

Durham R.D.C. wants a second-hand steam wagon.'

Tyldesley D.C. is getting a loan for the pUrehase of a.mator wagon.

A motor fire-engine is required by Barnsley T.C. at a cost of £1,575.

A two-ton electric: wagon is required by Wakefield Corporation Electricity Committee.

Three motor wagons are to be -purchased by WaLlsend T.C. for the remavai of refuse.

Comieleration is being given by Gosport 15.D.C. to the prevision of a new meter fire-engine.

Fe' lineman U.D.C. is seeking power to raisn a leaa of £2,000 for the purchase of motor vehicles.

Seeteend Corporation has obtained permission to get a loan of £1,585 for a motel. fire-engine.

Gcelahning T.C. is applying for power to burrow tt,500 for the purchase of a motor tire-engine.

Sanction to borrow £4,000 for the purthese el trailers and wagons is to be applied for by Boston R.D.C.

It has been decided by Romsey R.D.C., prny.ded a loan can he secured, to purchase a Fcden steam wagon.

Application for sanction to a loan for the Leirchaee ef two motor omnibases,ia to be made by West BridgfordU.D.C.

• Hatton U.D.C. is to purchase two Ford meters instead of speeding £6,C00. on electric vehicles for scavenging work. An inquiry is to be held into an applieaten be Harreg..tei T.C. for sanction to borrew £877 for the purchase of a motor histructione have been given to the borough surveyor of Poole to make inquiries as to the cost of a motor fireengi The borough surveyor of Jarrow T.C. is t report on the estimated cost of a met e ambulance for use in connection with the hospital.

ensey R.D.C. has provisionally accepted the tender of Fad-ens, Ltd., at L1,23 for a 5-ton standard type frubber-tyred steam wagon.

• Aa inquiry is to be held into the applicat on of Milton Re'eds U.D.C. for sanction to borrow £060 for the purchase of a Fc4.1c:o steam wagon, etc.

A committee of the St. Helens T.C. has been instructed to select and submit. estimates of a suitable type of motor vehicle for highway purposes.

Mes re. W II. Johnson and Sons are supplying King's Lynn T.C. with a 5ton Thernycreft motor wagon for £1,275, plus £10 for alterations.

Barnes U.D.C. bee under consideration the eideeing of Racks Lane bridge, this being imperative by reason of the very greatly increased traffic, particularly of meter omnibuses and heavy lorries.

Municipal Bus Accounts.

The annual report of the Halifax Corporatien tramways for the period ended March 31st last shows, with regard to the motor omnibus service, a total income of £3502, or 16.48d, per mile run as compared with £2,613 -or 13.05d. per mile for the previous -year, the increase beine £889 or 3.43d. per mile.

The expenses were £3,444, or 16.20d. per mile, compared with £3,020, or

15.43d. per mile the previous year, an increase of £554, or .77d. per mile. This has resulted in a surplus of £59, as against a deficiency of £477 the previous year; but in both canes, it is explained, nothing, has been allowed for deprecia

ion t or interest on the capital outlay.

Welding in Manchester.

'The continued expansion of the New Welding Co.'s business has necessitated an important extension of its organization which will take effect as from February 3rd. On that date the company will open new premises and works at 25, Higher Temple Street, Manchester. The service given there will, of course, have all the characteristics-that

have contribeted to sincere (..f the

New Welding Co. at it-s London headquarters, with the advantage that for easterners in the North and Midlands there. will be considerable saving of time and cost of transit.

Benevolence Rewarded.

During the was the United Society of Boilermakers and Iron Shipbuilders sent five Ford meter antbulenees to the armies in the field—at a cost of £925. Recently the Society succeeded in getting all the five ambulances returned to them, and, after defraying the expenses of delivery and sale, realized the sum of £652—so that the net cost was less than £300.

Midland RoadTransport.

Several matters of interest to drivers of motor vehicles were discussed at •a meeting held at Nottingham, last week, of the Joint Industrial District Council for the road transport industry in the North Midland area. The employees submitted a proposal far the adoption of the recommendations of the National Joint Industfial Council respecting overtime rates, annual and statutory holidays, and Sunday payment, also for the acceptance of standard rates of pay for all vehicle workers in the district..

Following exhaustive discussion, a resolution was adopted agreeiing to the principle of the establishment of district sates, provided that they are properly graded as regards workers and areas.

Upon the hclieley question employers found themselves unable to accept the recommendations which had been put forward, and the matter was left over for future discussion.

There has been (so we are informed by the Tractor Trials organizer, Mr. H. Scott Flail) a very encouraging demand for the report of. the Lincoln Tractor Trials, which her been published by the. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders at 3s, post free. There is, in addition ter its other Merits, no more 'useful guide to the tractors on the British .market. The address of the Society is'83, Pall Mall, London, S.W. 1.


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