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2nd December 1955
Page 32
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Page 32, 2nd December 1955 — Passing Comments
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

A M.I.R.A. Occasion

pRESIDING at the members' luncheon of the Motor Industry Research Association, on November 23, Mr. W. Lyons said that as Sir Henry Spurrier (who was abroad) had been elected president that morning, he was really acting as his deputy. The work of M.I.R.A. felt very largely on Mr. A. Fogg, the director, who was shortly to receive the degree of Doctor of Science.

The objects of the association were to establish the suitability of materials and designs for the purposes for which they were intended. At present, complete vehicles were not tested but despite what was being done in this direction by the Technical Press, Mr. Lyons thought it would be an advantage if every new model produced was subjected to an adequate trial by M.I.R.A. He thanked the many voluntary workers amongst members of the industry.

Lord Brabazon, who replied for the guests, was in fighting mood and despite his inimitable humour was strongly critical. He thought that M.I.R.A. ought to have existed 50 years ago—if it had done so, many features of design which had remained to this day would have been eliminated long ago. For example, it would not have been left to America to develop the automatic gearbox. He added that anyone who thought that the crash gearbox would sell in the future, would be a good inmate for a mental home.

There was also lack of development in the storage

battery, which no maker would guarantee for more than two years, whilst in most cases the steering was too-low geared and adding power without raising the ratio was useless. Only recently had vehicle suspension changed from that of the dog cart.

The R.A.S.C. in World War II

LT week was published, at 45s. net, "The Story of the Royal Army Service Corps, 19391945," and at the request of Maj.-Gen. W. S. Tope, C.B., C.B.E., the hon. secretary of the R.A.S.C. History Committee, Maj-Gen. H. M. Witty, C.B., 0.B.E., has sent us a copy.

This tome of 720 pages should be of great interest to many in our industry, for the commercial lorry and its counterparts form a major "weapon " of the R.A.S.C.

Most of the text pages concern its chief role of being the transport corps of the Army. More than 300,000 officers and men served in the Corps in World War II, and this book covers all their activities, and every campaign and expedition from Burma to Berlin.

It tells of the development of the enormous supply organization which at one time was feeding 8m. soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians throughout the world, apart from another vital duty—the supply of petrol.

To numerous readers the text, the 52 pages of

illustrations (some in colour) and Many maps will revive nostalgic memories. Although the R.A.S.C. had 200,000 road vehicles there was rarely enough transport to meet all the needs and the key notes of the transport story largely concern improvisation and ingenuity, endurance and determination, whilst the means for transport and its nature often varied considerably with each campaign.

The work of the women's transport organizations has received due recognition and the record of the ambulance transport sections and companies includes details of many individual acts of devotion to duty.

The story shows the Corps in a new light—as the watchdogs of the soldiers' well-being. It was the R.A.S.C. campaign for better cooking and catering which led to the creation of 'the Catering Corps and a just share of the diminishing national larder.

Realism is promoted by the fact that some of the material has been built up from personal narratives.

Start Well—With Good Battery

THE latest company to use the medium of a film

as a method of showing people the advantages of using their products are Chloride Batteries, Ltd.

Recently shown in London, "Under Your Bonnet" takes the audience on a conducted tour of the Clifton works of the company. The preliminary shots illustrate the advantages of buying good quality batteries and then the various stages in Exide battery production are described and shown. At every stage inspection plays a very large part, no faulty conhponent being allowed to form part of a battery. One example of this is the passing of battery containers through a high voltage tester which has sufficient power to punch a hole right through any with slightly faulty walls.

Every Exide battery is built to the same standard, regardless of extreme conditions, and in this film examples of the many different uses for which they are used can be seen.

Lasting for 30 minutes approximately, the film will be shown three times a week for an indefinite period to gatherings of motor traders all over the country

Handbook on Accidents

AT are the most common kinds of accident suffered by goods vehicles? S.P.D., Ltd., made an analytical investigation into this question and subsequently produced an excellent booklet for their drivers.

This publication is probably unique and deserves wide attention. It largely comprises a series of planview diagrams showing vehicles executing ,matxeuvres involving the need for skill and care, and is essentially practical in its presentation of valuable advice.

Probably much money has been saved by the company over the past few years by thus circulating such useful information. Other large operators might also adopt the idea.


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