In Public Service.
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The Halifax Watch Committee has decided experimentally to licence a certain number of two In the course of the L.G.B. inquiry into the Itotherhani application for sanction to borrow 11000 fol. the purchase of a motor fireengine, it was stated that a 12-mile run with horses was the utmost that could be undertaken.
Bournemouth Town Council requires tenders to be lodged, by not later than noon of Saturday next, the 29th inst., for a 20-25 h.p. motor chassis, fitted with solid-rubber tires, suitable for carrying a curricle fire escape, hose box, etc. The imposed load will be not less than one ton
L.G.O.C. Drivers.
The L.G.O.C. drivers have been dismissing certain points connected with reliefs and working shifts. As the company, subject to all possible consideration for the public safety, is usually prepared to let the men fix the scheme of hours, we do not see any reason to anticipate internal friction. We shall return to the matter if we think any useful purpose will be served.
Alleged Negligence at Alfreton.
Mr. J. W. Knowles, the owner of a motor char-h-bancs, sued Commercial Car Hirers, Ltd., at the Alfreton County Court, on the 17th inst., for 249 19s. 9d. damages, arising out of the alleged negligent driving .of one of the company's servants. It appears that on the 5th August last the plaintiff had 23 passengers in his char-a-banes, and wanted to pass one of the defendant company's motorbuses. The leading machine, without any warning, was suddenly pulled up, when the plaintiff's vehicle, which was only four or five yards behind, ran into it. The radiator of the overtaking vehicle was smashed, and other damage done. The conductor of the motorbus was not on his platform at the back, but was temporarily driving the vehicle.
The defence took the legal objection that the driver of the omnibus had no power to delegate his duties to the conductor, and that the conductor was acting outside the scope of his employment. The driver and conductor-of the vehicle stated that they thought a passenger wanted to .alight, and also that there was room for the plaintiff to get past with his char-h-bancs.
The jury gave a verdict for the defendant company, with costs.
The receipts of the National Steam Car Co., Ltd., for the week ended 21st November, 1913, were 13688. This shows an increase of 11710 over the corresponding period of /912.
The receipts of the Tramways (11.E.T.) Omnibus Co., Ltd., for the week ended 15th November, 1913, were 28167, and for the Gearless Omnibus Co., Ltd., 2475. These show a decrease of 2381 and £42 respectively as against the previous week.
Sevenoaks U.D.C. requires tenders to be lodged, by not later than noon to-morrow (Friday), the 25th inst., for a 30 h.p. motor hose-carrier, to carry six men, hose and appliances, and for a petrol motor lire engine of 150-200 gallons capacity.
Trouble at Kidderminster.
The Kidderminster Town Council, following its grant of licences to Messrs. Allen, has been threatened with application to the High Court for a mandamus to compel it to issue licences to the Kidderminster and Stourport Electric Traction Co. The Council does not appear to have been intimidated, and we regard the threat of the company as one which will not alter the Council's decision, unless it elect to change of its own free will. The Belfast fire brigade has now been entirely motorized.
The Whit-church (near Cardiff) Council has decided to spend 2650 on a motor fire-engine.
Five new Enfield cars are to be supplied to the L.C.C., for the use its ts tramways department.
It is likely that the Llandudno Coaching and Carriage Co. will give up its horse-drawn sertices next season.
The Coupe Co. and Motor Cab Co. of Great Britain, Ltd., made a profit of 210,177 for the year ended the 30th i September last.
Waterloo-with-Seaforth U.D.C. has applied to the L.G.B. for permission to borrow 21400, to be applied to alterations to the firestation and the purchase of motor equipment.
Some of the Middlesex ratepayers are reported to be desirous to oppose the proposals for a new western approach road through Middlesex to London in spite of the fact that the Itoa:c1 Board has undertaken to bear 75 per cent, of the cost.
Birmingham Watch Committee has granted various extensions of route to the Birmingham. and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd. An interesting concession is permission to -carry to New Street passengers travelling on the last motorbus horn Sutton Coldfield each evening.
West Ham Town Council has decided not to contribute towards a proposed test case, on the invitation of the Croydon Corporation, to establish whether motorbus companies are liable for any extraordinary expenses caused by conducting what is alleged to be extraordinary traffic on the highways.