A Useful Body for the Country Grocer.
Page 11
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THE loads which are normally carried in certain classes of trade are such that it is imperative to use special types of body in order that loading space can be turned to the best account and the goods conveniently and safely accommodated. The nature of the load and its variety will, of course, determine the size and shape of body and the necessary fittings for its interior in specific circumstances, but for the country grocer whose activities often extend over a wide area the type of body which has recently been supplied on a 1-ton Berliet chassis by
'Automobiles M. Bernet, 40, Sackville Street, London, W.1, would appear to be particularly suitable, for this design makes provision for the transport of different classes of goods at definite parts of the body.
Before describing it in brief, we would say that the body was built by Mr. James Brown, of Castle Douglas, to the specification of Mr. R. H. Laurie, of Rirkcowan, who has now had the vehicle in service for some months past..
From the picture which we reproduce on this page, it will be seen that the exterior appearance of the van is more or less conventional, but, actually, it incorporates several unusual features in its construction. For instance, under the driver's seat there is a receptacle which is intended for carrying butter and eggs, a door in the shape of a hinged lid, which folds upwards, being fitted in each of the side panels in order to allow the contents to be easily reached. Then, again, behind the driver's seat and completely separated from the rest of the body is a compartment with a false bottom. The top portion of this section is used for carrying flour, whilst the lower portion is intended to carry butter and eggs, which, it will be noted. are accommodated at a point where they are least likely to suffer during transport.
The main loading space is reached from the rear of the vehicle, from which point double doors give access to a roomy compartment used for carrying general. groceries. This compartment also has a false bottom, below which are carried jars of jam, bottles of pickles, tinned foods and similar commodities, which can be pulled out by means of a special stick with a hooked end. On the off side of the body and clearly discernible in our picture is a shelf carried on brackets and disposed over the rear mudguard, which is used for carrying tins of paraffin—the running boards on each side are also used for the same purpose. The body interior possesses a capacity which would meet the .requirements of many users, but Mr. Laurie has had a rail fitted round the roof of the van so that bulky articles, such as biscuit tiuS, may be carried at this point.
The van, has been, in service practically every day since the beginning of March and, on account of it's smart appearance, has attracted considerable -attention. It operateS in -hilly districts and is called upon to makeover-50stops per day, but in spite of these factors Mr. Laurie' has akcertained that the vehicle -gives the satisfactory average return of 15 miles' running to every gallon of petrol consura0d.