WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheel of wealth will be slowed 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,
Wage Negotiations.
• The claim of the motor veidcle driver to a weekly wageaof £4 7s. is meeting with considerable resistance throughout the country. Negotiations are proceeding in a number of centres and in some
eettlement has been reached. In Liverpool the men have agreed to a reduction in their demand, and have resumed work after a brief interruption. In that city juniors will receive an extra shilling per week, single horse men 2s. team drivers 3s., and motor drivers 4. In York the men are on strike, but agreement has been reached on one or two points. In --Swansea, Grimsby, and Carlisle settlements have been reached, the agreed increase in each of the two first-named towns being 5s., and in Carlisle.78. 6d. Negotiations in London, Bristol, Plymouth, etc. are taking a normal course. In Londe
London, at any rate, neither the men nor their leaders want to strike, and there is no justification for the fear that they will want to rush matters. As a matter of fact, the dia. enesion between employers and employees is being conducted on most friendly terms.
Local or National Motor Coach Organization.
• Strenuous. efforts appear to be being made in the north to secure the allegiance of char-aebanes proprietors to one of the national road transport associations, and as there is already in existence a num ber of local organizations for motor coach owners, a certain cautiousness of movement is:being manifested. It can be stated on excellefit authority that an endeavour is being madato con vene a meeting of char-a-bares proprie tors in the North of England—Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Cheshire—for the purpose of ascertaining the views of in dividual members of associations as to affihation with one of the senior bodies, some of -which already have motor coach
sections. As it happens, some members of the local asaociations are also divided
amongst the membership of the national aasociations, and it is feared that great confusion. might be caused by members being split up in this manner.
Manchester opinion is that before the local aserociations affiliate with a national body, the national organizations should themselves come into line and work cooperatively, became it would be sheer
futility for 50 per cent, of the local people going one way and 50 per cent. the other. The hard-headed northerner evidently believes that example is better than precept.
Another interesting movement concerns the Liverpool branch of the Liverpool and District, Chester and North Wales Motor Char-&-hance Owners Association and the Manchester and Counties Motor Traits-, port Association, between representatives of which, we learn„ there has been
an unofficial and informal talk as to the possibility of both associations working together on matters of mutual interest. In many respects the conditions in both cities are parallel, and there is good groundafor establishing a community of
el0 interest. As is well known, the Manchester Association is a powerful organization with a membership ineseveral Lancashire towns. •
Thet‘Traffic Authority.
After a long debate the Londoe'Counter Council on Tuesday last decided that the proposal to set up a London Traffic Authority in accordance aith the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on London Traffic should be accepted only as a temporary arrangement, and the whole matter should be reconsidered in connection with any inquiry which may be held in regard to the Local Government of Greater London.
Canadian Trade.
Mr. F. W. Field, Hie Majesty's Trade. Commissioner at Toronto, who has recently arrived in this country, is at present at the Department of Overseas Trade interviewing firms in London who are desirous of obtaining information as to the. possibilities of extending their trade in Canada, and who wish to take this _opportunity of consulting him. on any matters connected with their business with that country. London firms who are desirous of coneulting Mr. Field should communicate with the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, S.W. 1. He will subsequently visit some of the leading industrial. centres.
A New Brake Shoe Pivot.
A new and remarkably efficient improved brake shoe hangar bracket has been designed by Mr. W. T. Sewell, foreman of the Lincoln tramcareheds.
Mr. Sewell met, the Electricity and Tramways. Committee of the City Council, who conferred Vnth him with a view to acquiring the right of using such brake, and he. stated that he had expended a considerable sum in connection with the invention and payment of patent fees.
It was resolved to reeommend that, subject to a patent being granted, the Coil:oration pay to Mr. Sewell £75 to acquire the right, at all times to use the brake on the tramcars, motorbuses, end any other vehicles belonging to the Line.. coln Corporation. on the understanding that no royalty will be paid in respect .of the use thereof.
The Chairman (Ald. White) congratulated Mr. Sewell on the interest lie had taken in his department, and added that several hundred pounds had already been saved as a result of the invention, which had been used on the cars since Felbraary, 1919.
The invention will, we analerstand, have great beating on the problem of efficient control of motor, vehicles, and will be adopted in the construction of the new buses of which the city will shortly be the proud possessor.
Mr. V. D. Thomas, who until recently held the appointment of sales manager to Messrs. Reston, Lloyd and Co.. of firmingham, has, we understand, now sevcred his connection with that firm, and taken up a similar position with Bennetts (Nottingham), Ltd., 24-30, Shakespeare Street, Nottingham.
' Lincoln Buses.
Lincoln citizens are still disappointed. The fleet of motorbuses so often promised by the "city fathers" has not arrived, and the Chairman of the Eleotricity Committee told the City Council one day last week that at least &nether fortnight would pass 'before the first two were delivered. This would mean that they would be too late for the November races which take place on the 9th and 10th inst., and it was On this occasion that ahe ea-WI:layers hoped a /useful profit would be made to clear off some. of the expenditure on the new Burton Garage, where the buses will be housed, which is now in the first stage of erection, and which is held up for want of material.
However, the citizens have come to realize that there is a great meaning in the aphorism " everything comes to him who waits," and hope to have at least one bus by the next April Fair. Some comment has been made on the proposed 2d. stage, and 3d. bee been rnadeethe fare to the terminus, but the Council adhere to this fare, which works out at about 2d. per mile. The first buses will be employed on a circular route, embracing some of the more cene tral up-hill districts.
Finsbury Technical College.
A reader of this journal informs us that it is proposed to close the Fingbrury Technical College. As this college is one of the oldest technical institutions, and the course it provides is of a most practice] kind, and most suited to these entering the automobile profession, it is rather regrettable that such an institution, which has fulfilled a eery useful func
tion; should be closed. It is only by giving the widest publicity to. this matter that the authorities may be persuaded to continue the good work which has been so enceesefully Carried on by such able men as Professors Silvanus Thompson, Coker, Perry, Meldola, Dalby. etc.
Acetylene Amalgamation.
The businesses of Allen-Liversidge, Ltd., Imperial Light, Ltd., and the Dissolved Acetylene Co, Ltd.,. havebeen amalgamated under the name of AllenLiversidge, Ltd., whose nominal share capital is now £3430,000, of which £193,720 has been issues], and fully paid.
Messrs, A. W. Fox and C. H. W. Mender, directors of the Dissolved Acetylene Co., Ltd., and Messrs. A. Akers and E. W. Sprott, directors of Imperial Light, Ltd., have joined the board of Allen-Liversidge, Ltd.
Mr. E. W. Sprott, managing director of Imperial Light, Ltd., becomes one of ' the joint managing directors of AllenLivereidge, Ltd., in addition to Messrs. T. G. Allen and P. B. Liversidge, who have been joint managing directors since the incorporation of the company.
In our last week's issue, on page 412, we included a paragraph sleeting with the activities of Bristol Simplex, Ltd., of Broadmead, Bristol. We referred, in error,to this company as the British Simplex, Ltd.
Ford Prices Down.
The Ford Motor Co. (England), Ltd. have notified a reduction in the retail selling prices of their chassis, which came into force on November 1st. The standard delivery van with electric starter and lighting equipment is now being sold at £225, the old price having been £230, whilst the one ton lorry chassis wits' demountable rims and rubber nonskid pneumatic tyres on all four wheels is reduced from. £230 to 4210. Similar reductions have taken place in regard to the touring car models. The chassis employed for commercial purposes are subject to refund of import -duty.
Efficiency Meetings.
The London Underground Railways and .London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., operating department resumed their series of efficiency meetings -(6th session, 1920-1921) on October 25thin the L.G.O.C. training School, Milman Street, Chelsea, London, S.W., Mr. IL E. Blain, C.B.E., operating manager of the company, being in the chair. A paper on this aseasion entitled "Some Phases of Transport of the Future" was read by Mi. L. Firallater, superintendent of employment, training, and catering, L.G.O.C.
Improving the Great North Road.
Drivers of commercial motor and other mechanically propelled vehicles will hail with satisfaction the work that is to be undertaken for the improvement of many parts of the Great North Road, the conditien of which at certain poitas has long been a cause of complaint.
No inconsiderable slice of the territory involved falls within the jurisdiction of the Nottinghamshire County Council, and at the last meeting of that body, under the presidency of Lord Galway, it was determined to accept a balder for M7,224 for the rebuilding of Meskhaan Bridge, near Newark, it being suggested also th4 a further sum of £1,00 should be expended on constructing parapet walls. Towards the total outlay £5,000 will be contributed by Lord Middleton, who was responsible for the maintenance of the bridge under an old arrangement, lie being now relieved of all further lia bility upon the paynient, of that stun and the Ministry of Transport is making a great of £21,802 towards effecting an alteration which has. been unduly de laved.
vWith imprevemente generally at other prints along the great highway of traffic, users of motor vehicles ofall kind 'will welcome the 'extension of a Policy which Is finding adequate supporV•from the Transport Ministry.
Price of Surplus Oil Stores.
A certain quantity of Wakefield Castro]. — R is being -.offered for sale below the current price, and C. C. Wakefield and Co., Ltd. the manufacturers of this lubricant,. desire to state, in the interests of the:motoring public and in justice to their :own reputation, that this oil eonsists of surplus stores returned by the Royal Air Forte.These supplies have been subjected to considerable :handling and exposure in all sorts of air stations during. the .pastsfew years, and the company cannot, therefore, hold themselves responsible for its condition, which is said to vary considerably. Bona fide motor agents will, of course, recognize that under the rules drawn up by the Motor Trade .Associabion for the protection of the trade, it is forbidden to sell Castiel it below the curreht retail prices.
Popularizing Large Pneumatics.
The Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd., have recently been showing a film depicting WO three ton vehicles shod with the company's large pneumatics on a trip from Boston to San Francisco and back, carrying full loads bath ways, and Without any trouble being experienced.
This film has been shown in the Prodimes to a few traders who have been extremely interested in it. As the company have received several inquiries to show it in Landon, they are endeavouring to discover the best moans to arrange for this to be done. It is not the company's desire to use this film for advertising purposes, although they will necessarily benefit, througha certain amount of publicity; their primary idea is to show it for educational purposes, and because of the expense connected with its exhibition they are anxious that as many as possible should have he opportunity of seeing it. Any of our readers who may have suggestions for showing the film should communicate with the manager of the sales promotion and advertising. departments of the company at 162, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.C.2.
In our issue of October 26th we included a short paragraph in our personal column stating that Mr. L. E. Little had joined thefirm of Ransorne and Merles Bearing Co., Ltd. From the wording of the paragraph it might be thought that Mr. Little was still acting as managing director -and director of Northern Ball Bearings, Ltd., of 115, Great Portland Stree-O London, W. 1, and in ease any misconstruction may have occurred, we would state that Mr. Little Ms entirely severed his connection with this' company.
Lancashire Counts Council reports that many bridges continue to show signs of the strainof modern traffic, especially in the northern parts. of the county. It has been found-neeessary to put in hand ,extensive repairs at Newby Bridge, which was being badly shaken by charh-bancs and timber wagon traffic.
Personal Pars.
We regret to record the death of Mr. John Harper' the senior partner of the firm of Messrs. William Harper and Sons,. carting and forwarding agents of Chapel Street, LiverpoeL Mr. Harper,, who was 58. years, of age, was the chairman of the Liverpool branch of the Coramereial Motor Users Association. At the funeral, which look place on Mono day, November 1st, a large gathering of fellow members of the road transport industry assembled to pay their last tributteof respect. The Commercial Motor UsOnto Association was officially reprosentely Messrs. R L. Hall, Cl. R. Whitriall (secretery), F. G. Birch, J. M. Sutherland, and R. W. G. Barnett.
The news of the sudden death at the ago of 78 of Mr. J. Veitch Wilson., the head of the lubricating oil department of Prices' Co., Ltd., has only just been disseminated, and we learn it with sincere regret, for we heel known hun for a. quarter of a century, and had the greatest admiration for him. His knowledge of oils and their properties was profound, and far more titan is generally known or realized has he been xesponsible for the solutionof the lubrication problems that have obtruded them-. solves during the past, 40 years. Fifty years of his life he devoted to oil, being an avid reader and student, joining Prices' in 18-7e, when that company acquired a successful business which he had established. From the first he was a believer in compounding fatty and mineral oils, and we can recall many a discussion with him in which the listener was by a long way the gainer in know. ledge on a complex subject. His personal charm was extraordinary yet perfectly unforced and unaffected. Ile was a greet lover of music and of athletic exercises, and although he had virtually retiredfrom business for a year or two, he was eften to be found at the desk which he retained at the London offices of the company—honoured by ell, frequently consulted, and always looked up _ to with marked affection and respect.
Thomson-Brown Brothers.
Many of our readers will be ewers that James Thomson and ,Sons (Motor Factors), Ltd., were amalgamated with Brown Bros., Ltd., in 1919, and since that date they have continued trading under their own title. It has now been decided, with the sanction of the Board of Trade, to alter the trade name to Thomson and Brown Bros., Ltd., and all Messrs. Thomson's branches. sitto ated at Aberdeen, EdinbUrgh, Leeds, Newcastle, Birmingham, Dublin., and London. will henceforth trade ender the
new title. The title of, Brown Bros., Ltd., is not affected by this change of name
Benzole Suppliers,
The National Benzole Co., Ltd., 30, Grosvenor Gardens, London, S.W.1, have recently issued two booklets, one of which deals with their lubricating oils and contains a useful chart showing the grade of N.B.C. oil which is suitable to all makes of vehicles, whilst the other contains a lengthy list showing the garages arid repairers at which supplies of National l3eraole and N.B.C. lubricating oils can -be obtained. Readers can obtain copies of these pamphlets from the address of the company given above,
Avoiding Oil Wastage.
With the usual typo of car in which lubricating oil is supplied, it is often difficult to get at inaccessible filling oriflees, with the result that some of the „ oil is invariably spilt. With lubricating oil at its present price, it behoves every commercial vehicle user or driver to avoid wastage. To prevent this loss occurring, Alexander Dockharn and Co., Ltd., of 4, Broad Street Place, London, E.C.2, have recently introduced a patent telescopic spout which is now fitted to all their cans.
Our illustration shows a can fitted with one of these spouts, and it will be seen that when not in use the spout can be pushed back into the can so that it does not protrude above the level of the ordinary neck to as to cause inconvenience in handling. The bottom of the neck is countersunk so as to enable the spout to be pulled up flush, and thus allow the can to be completely emptied. An oil-proof gland in the neck prevents the possibility of leakage at this point. The sfout is covered with an ordinary screwed cap, so that no dust or dirt can find its way into the spout, and thus accumulate on the surf ace over which the oil flows, as is the case with the ordinary pouring lips.
Cans incorporating this spout have several advantages over the ordinary type of can, and for this reason they should find a ready sale amongst owners of commercial vehicles.
A Big Overseas Order.
Despite the keen competition for overseas markets, it is reassuring to know that once British commercial motor vehicles have secured a foothold their reliability and fine workmanship enables them to give complete satisfaetion in meeting overseas transport conditions. An illustration of the seeress attending British lorries is just to hand from Australia. The Metropolitan Abbatoir Beard of Adelaide have employed 22 six-ton Coremer ears since 1912. So satisfactory have these vehicles proved that the Board has now placed a repeat order for a further 19 Commer cars.
Finsbury .Technical College.
The annual dinners of the Old Students' AssoOation of this eellege are being resumed, and the ninth will be held at the Trocadero ReStaurant, Picca
dilly Circus, W., on Saturday, November 13th, when the chair will be taken by the president, Mr. John E. Raworth. The council are inviting several distinguished guests who are interested in the future of the college, and it is hoped that there will be a large attendance to meet them.
Old students may obtain tickets at 15s. each, exclusive of wine, from the • hon. secretary, Mr. H. B. Guy, 209, Northumberland Park,. Tottenham, N.17.
More Powers for Rotherham.
Rotherham . Corporation Tramways Committee is asking the Parliamentary Comierittee. to include in the. next Corporation Bill clauses for (I) power • to increase the weight of railless electric vehicles; (2) to increase fares to 2d. per mile; (3) to amend the conditions as to running of workmen's cars; (4) for the extension of the motorbus service beyond existing tram and bus routes.
-Organization at Birkenhead.
The road transport organization of
he Birkenhead district has 'leen consolidated by the affiliation of the SouthEnd Associatioa with the Birkenhead Road Transport Association, The SouthEnd Association, which covers the districts of Higher Bebington, Bromborough, and New Ferry, is to have representation on the executive of the Birkenhead Association, and will be permitted to make their own arrangements in regard to certain rates.
The A.V.A. Generator.
-A reasonably cheap and economical generator of interesting design is about to be placed on the market in large quantities by the A.V.A. Generator Co., of 75, East Reed, Stratford, E. 15. This differs in principle from many of the existing generators in several important points, and in use the instrument more nearly resembles diseolveleacetylane, both as regards rapid production of the gas and controlability, than any other generator with which we have had experience. The water is contained in a Large outer Casing, into which fits a cylin. &ice]. chamber containing the carbide. This chamber is closed at the bottom, and otherwise designed so that the water can only reach the oxhide_ in an ingenious way. Through the centre of the oaroide chamber is a perforated tube, and in this tube fits a wick, the lower extremity of -which dips into the water. When the generator tap is turned en the head of water, assisted by capillary attraction, causes the water to rise slowly in the wick, whence it passes through the perorated holes in the tube and attacks the carbide. The water works outward and upweeds; 80 that the. last grain of carbide is used up, thus assuring economy. Connected with the top of the carbide chamber in which the.ges is generated is a circular neck containing coke breeze, through which the gas is filtered before being taken to the lamps. • As soon as the generator tap is turned off the .preseure of the gas in the eon° tainer prevents any more water from rising in the wick, and the instrument thus ceases to generate. At the same time, however, a certain amount of gas at low pressuse remains in the container, and is ready for immediate use when required. The rate of generation of the gas depends on the extent to which the tap is. open; it is thus possible when travelling through well-ht areas to turn the headlamps low, thus econoreizing carbide and preventing dazzle. A •safety. valve is fitted in the lid of the instrument} through which surplus ga,s escapes.
Leo Swain and Co., Ltd., have just completed the purchase of` a valuable site, covering 1,350 sq. yds., situated in John Street, Deansgate, Manchester, where they have their garage and warehouse, and it is intended when building facilities become easier, lie erect a fivestorey building on this site.
Nottingham Roads.
The Ministry of Transport has come to the aid of the Nottingham Corporation by agreeing to provide half the total expenditure of £126,000, which it is estimated will he involved in the construction of a new avenue of arterial traffic, to the great relief of difficulties which are at present being experienced in the western portion of the city. The improvement will be One which will afford great, satisfaction to drivers of motor vehicles, who have been handicapped thrdugh the congestion occasioned by colliery and other traffic in this part of Nottingham. The scheme has been approved hy the engineer of the Ministry of Transport, in consultation with the Nottingham City engineer, and the work, which will afford a considerable Volume of employment during the winter months to many whose names are 110w on the books of the Labour Exchange, is to be proceeded with without delay.
The Unemployment Problem in France.
, Following on the dismissal of large numbers of workers in the metal. industry, comes reports of increasing unemployment in other industries, such as the motor, industry, leather industry, textiles, and manufacture of clothing. Official statistics place the number of unemployed as high as 125,000, or even over. During the war the plea of manufacturers unable to deliver goods was invariably that speedy delivery was imr possible owing to the lack of labour ; now available labour far exceeds the demand. There are numerous reasons for this stir! plus, one undoubtedly being the lack of raw materials, which are being imported in smaller-quantities. in the automobile industry 30 per cent. Of workers are idle; that is, some 18,000 or 20,000 skilled hands. Considerable numbers of men employed in the devastated regions have also left their work ; some voluntarily, hesitating to pass the --inter in a draughty hut with no comfort and no amusements,-and with the possibility of obtaining no work in the rainy season Vothers dismissed by contractors who have not yet been' paid by the State. and who hesitate to retain workmen whose wages they may shortly be unable to find.
The principal difficulty which has to be faced is not so much the impossibility of finding work for all in the devastated regions—the levelling of the fortificatiobs of Paris, and the re-malting of roads damaged during the war would provide work for many thousands—butt rather the difficulty of finding suitable wo.:It for the skilled workers witlmut employment.
Pros and Cons of the New Lancashire Roads.
The proposal to construct a new road leading from Liverpool to Wigan and Bolton is not to be proceeded with for the present. It was intended that the road should run clear of St. Helens and the present direct route. It was felt that, unless the, new road was more direct, and by reason of its easy gradients more attractive to ro'ad users, it would probably not be used after it was made. in Ormskirk, 12 miles from Liverpool, on the main road to Preston and Southpcirt, there is 'a-little nest of narrow thoroughfares which are a constain source of danger to the drivers ekl motor vehicles. It is good news to learn that the Lancashire County Council have now under consideration the construction of a new loop route to skirt the westerly side of laranakirk.
Income Tax Guide.
The Finance Act of 1.920 embodies a radical revision of the workings of the income tax system, and the Financial Timer has prepared, in a concise forni, a:guide to the new methods and scales. It is publisheeLat Is. net, and is obtainable from the offices of the Financial Times, Ltd., 72, Coleman Street, London, E.C. 2. if, shows what income tax has to be paid; how to obtain, relief ; the, super tax with explanatory tables ender the various heads, and short particulars of the Corporation Profits tax, and a table of death duties. .
Mr. Arthur Neal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, has appointed Mr. John Murray, M.P., to be his Parliamentary private secretary.
Local Proceedings.
Wigan Town Council is recommended to purchase a fire-engine to coat £1,970. Ilford Urban District Council reports delivery of a Thornycroft-Waller vacuumi cesspit emptier. Lancashire County Council has purchased a 30 cwt. Vulcan tipping wagon at a cost of £900.
Lancashire County Council is providing a motor garage for motor wagons and tractors in some railway arches at Preston.
Ilford Tramways Committee has under consideration the question of the installation of an experimental section of railless traction,
The tender of Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd., at £750, to-supply a Halley tipping wagon, has been recommended to the Deptford B.C. for acceptance.
Camarvonshire C.C. is to apply to the Ministry of Health for sanction to borrow 3,580 for the purchase of ,a motor_ tractor, a Foden wagon, and two trailers.
Walthamstow U.D.C. has been advised to accept the tender of Waltharnstow Motor and Engineering Co'
. Ltd., to supply a standard 1 ton Ford chassis at a cost of £238 10e.
Ilford Council is considering an offer from Messrs. Mossay and Co. of a 3-'ton Orwell electric wagon at the sum of £1,400, delivery to be made in two to two and a half months.
The Ministry of Health has sanctioned the borrowing of money by the following :—{I) Newburn U.D.C. £2,100 for a motor fire-engine,(2) Todmonden T.C. £9,513 for motorbuses.
Rotherham Corporation Tramways Committee recommends the acceptance of the tender of the Anglo-American Os Co., Ltd., amounting to £295,. for constructing an underground tank, with pumping apparatus,_necessary for storing 2,000 gallons of benzoic.
Lancashire County Council's Highways Committee recommends consent to the application of Millers Transport, Ltd., to run a regular service of motor °ranilmeea between Preston, Kirkham, neokleton, Warton and Lytham, on payment of 3d. per bus mile, with an initial fee of one guinea per annum per bus.
Liverpool Strike Avoided.
Our expectation that the strike of Liverpool carters and motor men would not eventuate has proved correct, for the day after the notices expired the men, on a ballot, decided by a majority of 32 to. continue at work. By the settlement which has been reached, heavy vehicle drivers are to receive an increase of 4s. per week, second men on vehicles 3s. per week, trailer men 2s. per week, drivers of two-ton motor vehicles 3s. per week, and juniors 1s.
Haulage contractors have manifested no little concern at the increasing costs which have to be met with in the conduct Of their "bueiness, and whilst most anxious to avoid any conflict with their employees, nevertheless felt compelled to resist any serious encroachments upon their weekly revenue. According to the secretary of the men's union a deciding factor of the vote was the statement of the employers that they could not pass the increase on to the coneumer, and "the carters knowing the high oust of living did not wish to feel that they would be held responsible for any further increase."
The increases date from November 1st, and provide for a proportionate increase of overtime rates.
American Cars for India.
Apropos what has been said in former issues respecting the American invasion of India,, we note that the number of motorcars imported into that country daring the four months, April to Julys 1920, was 5,292, valued at Rs. 195 'skin., as against 1,474, valued at Rs. 41 lakhs, in the corresponding period of 1919. Of these 5,292 cars, 4,015 were shown to have ceme from the United States and 616 from the United Kingdom, 510 from Canada, 35 from Italy, and 19 from France. The country of origin of many cars shipped from the United States is, however, Canada. Bombay imported 1,983; Bengal, 1,860; Madras, 710; Burma, 396; and Karachi, 373.
The Goodyear Tyre Co., of America, have cut the prices for their pneumatic and solid tyres to an extent which will enable dealers to make from 15 to 171 per cent. more than on the present prices. Consumers may also benefit.
Football Char-a-bancs.
The Collingwood Transport Co., of Liverpool, are using their spare ehars-as banes each Saturday for the conveyance of football enthusiasts from -the Pier Head to the football grounds. Good business is done at a shilling a head. This phase of activity lends itself to considerable development, but the trouble is, the corporation has only allocated two street Stands for chars-asbancs. Applica tion has been -made to the Town Clerk . for the provision of further stands, • and the matter will come up for consideration stiortly. It is expected that further s nds will be provided.