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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

The wheel of wealth will be slowed by all dieiculties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by

the roughness of the roads over which it rans."—John Beattie Crozier,

National Clearing.Houses.

We understand that a inurement is' afoot for the creation of -a national clearingliouse movement for the transport

industry. This is one phase of road haulage that has ehown. wonderful de. velopments during the last 12 months. First there were the isolated clearinghouses in the big centres of population; then followed the formation of the Association of Road Transport Clearing Housesand finally the big scheme ot the Automobile Association to establish and control, with the A.R.T.C.E., 600 (such exchanges.

It has now been felt that the importance.of road transport merits a national clearing-house scheme in which all the national road transport organizations would be able to take part. The subject was recently discussed at a meeting of elearing-house managers and directors in London, but it was felt that the subject was toe big to be eettled at one meet

ing. It will, therefore, be discussed furthef at another meeting to be held shortly.

Through the agency of the clearinghouses ,of the country, during the last 12 months' nearly three-quarters of a million tors of goods have been transported, and of this quantity no lees than 350,000 tons were on lorries, which otherwise would have returned "fight" to their home towns.

Petrol Pump Tests. Reporting to the Manchester Corporation on the Anglo-American Oil Co.'s system of petrol storage in underground tanks with distributing pumps on the pavement, Mr. G. B. Cole, chief inspector under the Petroleum Acts, states that, as the licensing authority under the Petroleum Acts, the Corporation recently received a number of applications from vendors of petrol for permission to install petrol storage tanks on their premises in conjunction with distributing pumps placed outside upon the pavement.

The Petroleum Committee of the Corpotation realized that two separate points arose for coesideration with respect to such installations, one being the question of safety, with which the committee has to deal, and the other whether such installations; would cause any obstruction to foot passengers: As there were no reli%ble data which would help towards a, decision on those points., experiments were recently made at Battersea. There were present, in additic;n to the Anglo-American Oil Co.'s representatives, Major CooperKey, thief inspector of explosives, Councillor Johnson, chairmen of the Watch Coramittee, Alderman Ashton, chairman of the Petroleum Committee, Mr. C. Macdonald, chief inspector for the City of Glasgow, and the Manchester inspector.

It was found that if one 'of these mimes was broken., off its connection at

ground level, the whole of the spirit. in the pomp at the time was retained inside

without any fear of spillage in the roadway. Ira the next test it wae found that if a naked light was applied to the point of breakage the petrol burned

steadily like an ordinary lamp, and that the flame was immediately extingoisned by placing the hand over the end of-the pipe.

A further test was made When the valve between the suction pipe and the tank was prevented from acting, and it was found that, when a light was applied to the explosive mixture in the pipe, it burned for a. few seconds only and then became suffocated about 6 ins, down the

Pipe.

The tests proved that there was no danger in allowing these pumps to be placed in any position on the pavement where the traffic permits.

Extension of Mileage Guarantee Period,

We learn that the Shrewsbury and Challiner Tyre Co., Ltd., have increased the time limit of 12 months (allowed under their solid band tyre mileage guarantee) to 15 months for their solid tyres supplied on and after November1st, 1920.

Cup for Benzoic.

The Dewar Challenge Trophy, presented to the Royal Automobile Club in 1904 by Lord Dewar, has been awarded to the National Benzoic, Co., Ltd. in respect of the 10,000 miles triad of National benzole held under the official observation of the this being adjudged by the Technical Committee to have been the'mast meritorious performarea of thm year in certified trials.

Another Solid Tyre Depot liar . Newcastle.

The Shrewsbury and Challiner Tyre Co., Ltd., have opened anew solid tyre fitting depot in Haymarket Lane, Newcastle-on-Tyne, for the convenience of band tyre users in the northern counties. The new depot has been equipped with most modern plant and appliances, thee ensuring expeditious fitting. The necessary plant for the removal of wheels from steam wagons of various makes hasalso been installed. The depot is under the control of Mr. A. F. Bell,

"The Motor Ship."

The November issue of The Motor ,Chip (published by Temple Press Ltd.) maintains the high level of interest which has marked this journal from its first number. Tho conversion of coal burning steamers to motor ships is heralded as a solution of the coal trouble, and further evidence is adduced of the enonmous economies that can be effected by such conversion. A 5,000 ton steamer, the "Augusta.," converted by the fitting of an 800 h.p. two-cycle Sulzer engine is shown to have had its fuel consumption reduced by 75 per cent., and its carrying capacity increased by 300 tens. The equipment of this vessel is very fully illustrated and described. Details and ilnstrations of "La Paz," the first of a fleet of six motor ships being built for the Pacific Steam Navigation Co. are given, and, besides other interesting articles, a wealth of news is provided upon a subject which is advancing at an unprecedented rate.

Farming by Fiat.

Quite an alliterative title to an attractfive pamphlet ! It is a 32 p. produetion, in which little space is devoted to moralizing or generalities, but much is given up to plain faces accertained in the field of experience by the Lincolnshire farming company of W. Dennis and Sons, Ltd., which farthe 20,000 acres of land, being one of the largest and most successful concerns in the agricultural industry. Under the energetic management of Major L. M. Webber, and, as the outcome of the Lincoln tractor trials of last year, a large order was placed for Fiat tractors,' and up to the present delivery of 19 have been taken. The •pamphlet deals with the work to which these tractors are put, and actual comparative costs are given. The manner in which the implements and wagons on the estate have been equipped for driving and hauling by motor power is described. The pamphlet concludes with some interesting tables, showing a summary of work done by the Fiats for the five summer months, the figures being most informative. We recommend farmer readers to apply to Fiat Motors, Ltd., 5, Albemerle Street, London, W. 1, for a copy of the pamphlet giving the name of The Commercial Motor, Of Interest to West Country Users and Others.

We have received a very interersting little brochure front Britieh Ltd., which deals with the organization behind this long-established Briet-ol company. Over a century ago the parent concern commenced • business RS toolmakers, etc., and since that time the concern has gradually, grown and gained an enviable reputation. The business extended so considerably that a new. establishment at Broadmead had to be taken over in the early pea* of 1919. The company are specialiste in every branch of the engineering industry, and some of the principal work carried cost in connection with their service scheme includes autogenous welding, worm, bevel, and spur gear cutting, crankshaft grinding to fine limits, armature winding, repairs to all kinds of electrical plant, gas engines repairs, mill wrighting. toolmaking, etc. The company also manufacture various descriptions of motor vehicle components, whilst they are also in a position to undertake the complete overhauling of any type of steam, petrol or electric chassis. This information shouldbe of considerable value to users in the West Country who may have experienced difficulty in getting repairs carried out with accuracy and expedition.

The brochure includes some very fine departmental illustrations, which give a very good idea of the wide range of the company's activities.

We know of a vacaney for an intelligent young man about 25 years if age who possesses some technical knowledge of commercial vehicles, and who con1( look after the publicity department 41 an important concern. Applications may be addressed, in confidence, rnarke:a Publicity, care of this journal.

Legislation in Norway.

H.M. Vice-Consul at Christiania states that the Director of Roe& has informed him that the proposed law to govern motor traffic in Norway is not expected to be passed as a whole before the Spring of 1921, but that part of it which refers to tyres will come into force on January 1st neet. Official information concerning the dimensions of motor vehicle tyres has recently been published.

The great invasion of motorcars, into the country has necessitated alterations in the motor raise, and, states a beat journal, the wear and twee on the roads by motor psehebly require still further legislation.

The Michelin Wheel.

To give the motoring public an opportunity of testing he merits of the Michelin wheel,. the Michelin Tyre Co., Ltd., have arranged a competition and have offered prizes of from 225 for the first prize to £5 for the fifth prize for the gnicicest and en-tartest handling in

fitting and detachieg this wheel. In addition, they are offering 60 awards of eel each and several -consolation prizes. This should be an extremely good opportunity for owners' and drivers efficiently to teiderstand the wheel an to find out its quick fitting and detaching merits. All applications, either personal or be letter, should be made direct to the Michelin Tyre Co., Ltd., 81, Fulham Road., London,' SAV.

South American Imports.

In 1913 Argentina imported metre vehicles to the value of £1,065,862, of which about £395,000 were obtained from France, 2208,000 from the United States, £176,000 from Germany, 2102,000 from Italy, and 295,000 from Great Britain. In the same year Brazil's imports were valued at £1,076,066, and Chile 2132,964, and, although in the last year for which statistics are available there was a big falling off in the trade, Argentina imported £476,816 in 1918, Brazil £938,30 In• 1919, and Chile 2865,404 in 1917; There is no doubt to-day a big demand in those Respirblice, especially for commercial Vehicles.

Argentine International Exhibition..

The committee appointed to investigate a soheme for holding an International Exhibition in Buenos Aires has reported that, provided the support of the Argentine Government and the Municipality of Buenos Aires are forthcoming, the'exhibition will take place early in 1922. It is proposed to build three large pavilions at Palermo, one for Argentine products, a second for the products of other South American Republics, and the third for those of other nations. One smaller pavilion will be devoted to exhibits of aviation and motor industries, and another to machinery of all Ends.

"The Motor" Show Numbers.

Those motorists who did not secure a copy of last week's Show Number of The Motor---the first of a series of three—should endeavour right away to get aThe seamed Show. Nareber

copy. is now ozi sale, and will be found invaluable as a further guide to the new ear exhibits. The illustrated guide to 1921 models is a special feature, which

renders this particular issue one of exceptional value for future reference. For the immediate purpose of the forthcoming Show, the reader will find the second Show Number of The Motor of the greatest utility, as 'it contains plane of the exhibits in both buildings, and also a snap showing the quickest and shortest route between Olympia and the Whits City. Apart from these Helene, many special articles of exceptional interest in connection with the Show are included. The third Motor Show Number will be issued on Wednesday, November 10th, and will contain the full report of both sections of the Show. All three issues should he secured by everybody interested in any form of motoring, and an order should be give* in advance to a newsagent for the whole series.

In connection with the proposal of the Sheffield and South. Yorkshire Navigation Co. to close the Stainforth and Koadby Canal in consequence of the withdrawal of the Government subsidy-, the Thorne Rural District Conned is making representations to the Ministry of Transport to take steps to keep the canal open.

Personal Pars.

We publish on this page a photograph of Mr. ,l. H. Paterson, who has recently joined the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd. He has taken control of the 'company's new London export and South of England depot at 118, Great -Portland Street. London, W. 1. Mr. Paterson is well knawn throughout the motor trsde and has been associated with the intoetry since the early days. He took up the sale of cars as long ago as 1898, previous to which he had spent some time in France and Germany studying the movement in its early Stages. Six years he spent in America and other countries -abroad, where he extended considerably his knowledge of foreign markets. He has been connected with the retail side of the motor industry for 12 years, and has recently terminated six years' service with Willys.Overland, Ltd., as assistant manager in charge of the 'entire British sales. He developed this side to such an extent that over 650 distributors and dealers were ,embraced in the sales

organization. Mr. Paterson is a past president of the Scottish Motor Trade Association and a Justice of?the Peace.

Commercial Cars, Ltd., have appointed Mr. S. E. Brett their overseaarepresentative, and he will shortly leave on a tohr round the world, visiting India, Burmah, Ceylon, Federated Malay States, Straits Settlements, Hong Kong. China, japan, returning via Vancouver, Toronto, and New York. Mr. Brett has previously travelled India, and the Far East, and his experiences in Russia in 1916 were the subject of an interesting article in our associated journal The Motor in that year. This globe trotter's last trip, his three passports for which contained no fewer than. 60 vises. ipro--, belaycortstitotes a record mileage covered solelyin the interests of the

motor incluetry. The pending trip is said tobe a "comfy" one as compared with some of those that he has already undertaken.

The Karrier K-type.

Ka,rrier Motors, Led.. of Huddersfield, have just issued a very handsome booklet dealing with the Harrier K-type chassis. A specification of the vehicle putetogether in an interesting form is included, as well as a number of excellent illustrations of some of the important components. A number of pictures is also included, showing various types of bodies fitted to the chassis, a feature being a small line drawing above each, giving the dimensions of the body from which an idea of loading space can be obtained. Several pages are devoted to a clescrip tion of the service department policy for maintaining limier vehicles in ae efficient state of repair.

Coach Bodies for Fords.

Massey Bros., of EndfieId Streot, Wigan, are specializing on a good, cheap char--bans body suitable for fitting to a Ford chassis. Two models are being made to hold 12 and 16 passengers respec tively. In designing this body every care has been exercised to" produce a strong and light article. The price of the 12 Seater is £200 and for the 16 seats's £240, and at these prices the bodies ate certainly good prOpositions. This price includes mounting on customer's chassis and finishing in the company's standard colour

Arid l Motors Progress.

Ariel Motors and General Repairs, Ltd., have issued an interesting little booklet which deals with the progress of the concern since its inception. The" company was formed in 1910 as a centre for the distribution and maintenance of motorcars, vans, lorries, and tractors. Business steadily increased during the next few years until, in 1916, enlarged premises became necessary and additions to the plant were made. A new works and showroom weie also opened at 182, New Cross Road. S.E. 14, whilst, during the war, a branch was opened at Guildford to cater for agricultural needs.

At Camberwell New Road, the head office of the company, the pla,nt is comprehensive and comprises milling machines, gear cutters, lathes, slotting machines, bevel gear cutters, planers, and universal grinders. The power is provided by two gas engines of 35 h.p. and 25 h.p. A sheet metal working shop, which houses a welding plant, handles' the manufacture of wings, radiators, tanks, etc., whilst a blacksmith's forge, a general fitting, shop, a body building shop, and a pamt shop combine to complete a factory which. is competent to tackle all classes of repair work. Most, vehicle parts can be turned out by the company from gears, and parts for self-starters up to hoods and screens.

The New Cross and Guildford branches are equipped on a smaller scale, but with equal thoroughness.

Forthcoming Inst. A.E. Meetings.

• The following is a list of meetings which will be held during the month of November under the auspices of the Institution of Automobile Engineers :

November 2nd.—Meeting of the Wolverhampton Branch, all the Talbot Hotel, Wolverhampton, at 7.30 p.m., when Mr. II. B. Benny will reed a paper entitled "The Influence of Detailed Design on the Cost of Production."

November 2nd.—Meeting of the Coventry Graduates Branch at 7.45 pan., when Mr. R Newton will read a paper on "Applied Time Study." November 4th.—Private view day of the Motor Show at Olympia, by special invitatien of the Society of Motor Mann;acturers and Traders. November 10th.--General meeting of the Main institution at the Institution of Mechanical Enginers, Storey's Gate, London, S.W.1, at 8 p.m., when Mr. J. H. S. Dickenson will read a paper on "Some Notes on the Report of the Steel Research Committee." Card of invitation to the meeting may be obained on application to the Secretary of the Institution. November 17th.--Joint meeting of the Coventry and Birminglmm Graduates at the Chamber of Commerce, New Street, Birmingham, at 7.30 p.m., when a dissmsion on the Olympia Show will be heid. November 18th.—Meeting of the London Graduates at the offices of the Institution, 28, Victoria Street, London, S.W. 1, at 8 p.m Discussion on the Olympia Show.

November 30th.-3Aeeting of the -Coventry Graduates Branch at, 7.45 p.m., When Lieut. H. J. Caeer will read a paper entitled "Experience in the Field." Chairman, Major S. W. Shilson.

The Scottish Show. .

Glasgow Finance Committee has considered the application by Mr. D. A. Fauley, secretary Scottish Motor Trade Association, for the use of Kelvin Hall for their Motor Show, to be, held in January, 1921. The town clerk submitted a letter from Mr. Fairley, offering £2,000 for the use of the hall from. January 28th rig February 5th, 1921, inclusive, on the same terms and conditions as obtained in connection, with the 1920 Motor Show. Yhe committee agreed to recommend that the offer be accepted.

Three Months' Bus Fees.

At a meeting of the Southend Corporation Light Railways Committee a letter was received from -the Westcliff Motor Char-&-bancs Co., Ltd., stating that two additional,raotorbuses would be ready for service in the course of a few days for use on the Itochford, Rayleigh, and Hadleigh route, and asking that, inasmuch as permission was given for the service to commence as from June last to December 31st, next, upon payment of the sum of £50, in respect of each vehicle licensed, and that half of the period referred to has elapsed, they be permitted to pay the sum of £25 per bus for the remainder of the period, namely, three months. It was resolved that the application be acceded to.

Concrete Roads.

The value of the cement concrete roadway, which connects Toronto and Hamilton, is declared by Mr. George H. Gooderham, Chairman of the TorontoHamilton Highway Commission, to be of "greater importance than any other section of highway in Canada," On the busiest days the traffic exceeds 8,000 vehicles, the average being about 3,000, and the average motor lorry traffic about 400 per day. Farmers living 15 miles from the Toronto niarket who formerly made three tros by team per week by being up ear'' and late now leave home at eight in the mornisg, are home for dinner and supper, and make 12 trips per week by motor lorries in comfort. Many of the farmers, Mr. Gooderham declares, sell all their market produce at their own gates to the motorist, and some of them six miles off the highway haul it to wayside and community markets which have been encouraged by the Commission.

• The Prague Fair.

The first Prague Trade Fair held in September met with great commercial success. Of the 2;740 exhibitors, 500 came from abroad. Over 2,000 buyers from foreign countries placed substantial orders with Czecho-Slovak firms. The manufactures of Czecho-Slovak firms ranged from wooden toothpicks and common pins to twelve-gang ploughs with tractors. •

The majority of the exhibitors have reserved their apace for the Fair of next year, which will be held in April. This year, owing to lack of space, many applications had to be refused. It is expected that the Prague Fair will become a semi-annual event, in which British concerns will become increasingly, interested.

Expeditious Tyre Fitting.

Lorry owners who wish to avoid the loss of time and money and interruption of business caused by their lorries being laid up for days or weeks while new tyres are being fitted should send their lorries to the tyre-fitting -dept. of the Leyland and Birmingham Rubber Co., Ltd., in Duke Street, Aldgate. Lorries sent to this address can be fitted with a new set of Palatine tyres and be ready to take the road in 24 hours.

German Vehicle Prices.

With reference to the rumours of a coming further reduction in the price of German motorcars, the German Automobile Manufacturers' Association states that any reduction in the prices of motor vehicles is at the present time impireeiMe.

The commercial vehicle industry has already made a considerable reduction, but the hopes of increased orders which were based.on this action have been fulfilled only to a very slight extent. As regards passenger cars the various automobile firms have already explained thur,tho present. fixed minimum prices mean such losses that they cannot make any further reduction&

There will be no opportunity to bring down .prices until raw m.ateriale are cheaper, and, unfortunately, the statement concludes, there is no prospect of any immediate reduction in this direetion.

New Southport By-laws.

There have recently come into operation at " Sunny " Southport new sets of by-laws made by the Corporation with respect to omnibuses and hackney carriages.

Drivers -of buses are forbidden to smoke "tobacco or any other like substanee " ; must not cause the vehicle to loiter in any thoroughfare or stop (except on an authorized stand) any longer than is necessary for the taking up anCi setting down of passengers; and vehicles muStIbe brought, to a stop whenever any passenger desires to board or leave a bee.

.Comfort for the corpulent is provided, and no more passengersearre to be carried than will admit of the prevision for each passenger of seating accommodation to the extent of at leat16 ins. from side to side and 15 ins, back to front, Fill(1 also of accommodation to enable every peseenger to sit with ease. Two children under ten years count as one passenger. To prevent, within the district, the blowing of or playing upon horns, etc., or the ringing ef bells by the driver or conductor-of any omnibus or by passengers, there is provision in the by-laws to which the only exception is communication between the driver and conductor.

Motor hackney carriage proprietore or required to see that

their cars are provided with a satisfactory arrangement for quickly replacing any puncture damaged tyre, and with suitable means of preventing or limiting sideslip. Nearly 60 -stands are provided. In case of disablement, the motor hackney carriage is not permitted to remain on, any stand longer than may be reasonably necessary to make arrangements for ite removal unless the disablement is temporary and can be remedied at once. Notices are to be affixed to cars out or repair awaiting removal.The same seating arrangements are made as in the U=180 ,b4 the omnibus, excepting that two ohildren under 12 years 'shall be elegardecl as one person, and three children under 14 years as two persons. Fares are is. fid. per mile, with 3d. for each additional One-sixth mile, and waltinc, time Is. 6d. for the first quarter of an hour or part -thereof after the first five minutes, Price Correction. , •

We regret that through an error the prices in the advertisement of Republic Trucks, Ltd., in our het week's issue were given wrongly. The prices given were those that were in force before the reduction took place. The new prices are as follow : 20-30 cwt. chees:e, 495; 30-40 cwt. chassis, 2595 (B20 extra for twin tyres on rear wheels).

French Trade with CzechoSlovakia.

In connection with the commercial treaty which is in course of negotiation between France and Czecho-Slovakia, France is demanding permission to finportannually into Czecho-Slovakia, irrespective of import restrictions in that country, 3,000 motor vehicles and certain other artiejes in return for the release of Czeeho-Slovak property in France and the granting to CrecheSlovakia of the minimum -customs duty.

Lancashire Road Proposals.

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, said by reason of its easy gradients more attractive to road mers,. it would prebably net be used after it was made. In Orreskirk, 12 miles from Liverpool, on the main road to Preston and Southport, there is a little nest of narrow thoroughfares which which are a source of constant danger to the drivers of motor vehicles. It es 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 Omsk-irk, and so avoid the dangerous streets.

Mr. A. R. Atkey, M.P., and Empire Trade.

It was to the great satisfaction of these concerned with British commercial interests, and more especially to those in the motor industry, that Mr. A. It. Atkey, MR for the Central Division of Nottingham, undertook recently, when on a visit to Canada, to attend, as the special delegate of the Nottingham Chem. ber, the Congress of Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire, held at Toronto from September lath to 23rd.

' Interviewed upon his return within the last few days to Nottingham, he has emphasised the importance, from the Imperial standpoint, of many vital considerations which were brought under notice in the course of the proceedings in the great Canadian centre. Adequate development of Empire resources and the festering of Colonial trade with the Mother Country formed 'necessarily primary themes in discussions, in

which tlie Member for Central Nottingham took a not inconspicuous peert.

It is encouraging to learn, as a result of his experience, that the dominant feeling manifested by delegates drawn from all parts of the Empire was in accord with the idea of the encouragement of wider trading relationships which through a.variery of causes have been allowed too long to remain in danger of becoming very much impaired.'

New Clearing House.

Li addition to the clearing house which -was recently opened at Birkenhead, auother has jab been. established at Midland Buildings, Winwiok Street, Warrington. Hauliers are asked to note the address. In this town' while owners have an advantage when trade is quiet in, being able -to send their lorries to one of the two important transport centres, both equal distance from Warrington—Manchester and Liverpool—they also have to meek the competition. ot lorries coming from these towns. Rates at the present time are largely competitive.

A Vulcan Demonstration.

A notable effort is being made by the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd., to meet the strenuous conditions imposed by roads,, in foreign countries, which are more or less undeveloped, and the company have recently introduced several features-into the design of their latest 30-40 cwt. lorry which render it more suitable for Colonial use.

A successful demonstration was given recently of the capabilities of the vehicle. The chassis ineorporates-ianew designiof back axle. The axlecs.shafts are sparred at either end, the differential end which takes the drive from the spur pinion having four dogs machined on the shaft. The hub end of the shaft is splined in the hub cap, and the shaft is threaded

internally to take large diameter screw-Which,-is fixed to a plate attached to thehub cap. The dogs on the inner endsaof the two shafts er.gnge, and the differential is locked by simply. giving each,. hub cap .fourliturns. When the shafts are positively locked soft surfaces can easily be negotiated, especially when the rear wheels are fitted with the spuds, which are nowtsupplied as part of the standard equipment.

'Braking has also received special attention, and the lengthy 'shoes are-of the internal-expanding type. Theysare 4 ins in width and actuate-an drums of 26 ins. diameter. . which affdids braking surfaces.of'omple power. The party who witnessed iheldemonstration proceeded. hatan 18/seater lichara.-banes, shod with pneumatic tyres,si to Fitzjohn's Avenue: N.W. where it was hitched by a tow rope to-aastandard 30-40 cwt. Vulcan lorry. ,-which towed the entire load at a speed of about

m.p.h. to the summit of the hill, which

ol 0 at its steepest part has a gradient of

.1 in 12. The lorry carried a load of 35 cwt., and the total weight; of both 'vehicles with their loads worked out at just over seven tons. The engine did, not overheat, and it was evident that it had ample power in reserve. Netherhall Gardens was next visited, where the same load was successfully towed, to the top. A demonstration of braking efficiency was also given on this gradient. The tests, which were carried -through without a hitch, indicate that the Vulcan chassis is equipped with a power unit of high efficiency having a greater puver. than its nominar rating of 20 h.p. would suggest.

Atkinson Spares.

Messrs. Atkinson and Co. have recently issued a spare-parts oalalogne for their steam wagons. The company's aim has been to present the work in such a form' that any part 'required can be at once, traced and ordered. without mistake or ambiguity even by employees who have no knowledge of mechanical details. This end has certainly been secured by the use

of very readable type, whilst the matter is not in any way cramped. A number of illustrations is included, and these are clairly marked with the spare-part number.

Goodyear Service.

To enable the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd., to render the service to dealers which is the foundation of its trade policy, it has been found necessary to ,operate the London branch in a separate building from the head office building which it previously occupied. All business for the London and Home Counties will, in future, therefore, be done not from 162, Shaftesbury Avenue, but from 116-168, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W.C. 2, under the branch managership of Mr. W. H. 0. Steer.

Arterial Roads:

The London County Council has arranged to proceed without delay with it by-pass road at.Eltham in order to provide work for the unemployed. It is approaching the Ministry of Transport to secure more then a 50 per cent. oentrilnition towards the cost of arterial roads and also to discuss points regarding such roads outside the county area.

• Local Proceedings.

York Corporation are considering the purchase of a-motor ambulance.

The purchase of a motor lorry is being considered by Ilkeston Corporation.

Sutton Goldfield Council is borrowing 21,700 for the purchase of a motor Ereengine.

Letchworth. Urban District Council proposes to purchase a 60 h.p. motor fire• eLl gine.

A loan of 22,100 is to be obtained by Newham Council for the purchase of a motor fire-engine.

Warrington Town Copncil has sane, tioned the Crosville'motorbus service for a further 12 Months.

Preston Corporation has accepted the tender of Atkinson and Co., to supply a 5 ton steam wagon for 21,410.

Bridgwater Rural District Council has obtained permission to raise a Iowa -of 23,160' for the purchase of haulage plank.

St. Pancras Borough Council proposes to install a motor generator set at a cost of 2350 for the charging of electric rnotorvana Glasgow Corporation has asked a sub. committee to consider as to the desirability of promoting the use of electricity for motor vehicles.

The sixth aanual report of the Willesden Council's motor ambulance shows that since the inception . of the service 316,605 miles have been covered.

Nantwich R.D.C. proposes to apply for power to purchase a motor fire-engine or, alternatively, to enter inlo an arrangement with a neighbouring authority.

Salford Corporation proposes to accept the following tenders :—T. Carter, second-hand Napier chassis, 2375; Leyland Motors, Ltd:, single-deck motor omnibus, £2,062.'

The London. County Council has saneioned the borrowing -by -the Deptford Borough Council of 21,450 for the purchase of a motor ,gulley emptier, the loan to be repayable within five years. •

The General Purposes Committee of the Liverpool Corporation recommends the purchase from Walker Bros. (Wigan), Ltd., of ten short wheelbase tipping wagons at a cost not exceeding 21,450 each.

South Shields Corporation Tramways Committee has decided to seek further powers enabling it to run metros omnibuses outside the borough boundaries on routes as may be agreed upon with the local authorities.

At .a. meeting of the Southend Corporation Highways Committee the borough surveyor reported as to an economy and increase of efficiency which might be effected by the purchase of additional trailers. for use in connection with the existing motor wagons, and he was directed to obtain information is to suitable trailers for submission to the committee.

Drivers, Take Note!

Drivers of steam wagons who are accustomed to draw water from the brook near Halls Bridge, Warrington' are warned that the police have been asked to keep special observation at this point, as, owing to the narrowness of the road, other traffic and pedestrians are endangered.

MIDLAND TRAFFIC.

Activities of the Haulage Section of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce.

ALTHOUGH recent labour developments have not been of a nature to afford much encouragement, it is significant of confidence in well-coordinated schemes of motor transport that authorities in East Midland areas, of which Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester are the main centres, have been applying themselves with increasing energy to the elucidation of road problems. lb is appropriate that Nottingham' through its Chamber of Commerce, should have led the way, for it was in the metropolis of the lace trade that the last noteble gathering of United Vehicle. Workers was held, threatening formidable developments in the commercial section of the industry. Undismayed by the potential difficulties underlying an inflexible trade union Plan, the Motor Haulage section of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce hasbean devoting much of its attention to the elaboration of schemes, and, incidentally, to the necessity of road,reconsteuction. The explanation of delay in effecting long-overdue improvements has been that many, local highway arithorities have found themselves in a position of difficulty through paucity of supplies of raw materials, but it is clear that this excuse, which was at one time tenable, is being prolonged beyond a reasonable period, with results in Many cases inimical to the efficient use of mechanically propelled vehicles.

Representations 'have been made by the Nottingham Committee to the Association of British Chambers of COIM• merce, the -Association of Road Transport Clearing Houses, the, Commercial Motor Users Association, and the Automobile Association and Motor Union, Specific instances being cited of roads -which are in a notoriously bad condition, and the aid of the organizations being appealed for to bring -pressure to bear upon the authorities to effect a remedy, That the representations have not been without good effect is shown by the tact that requisite work is now being expedited in many caws, whilst in others the authorities concerned have admitted the urgency of proceeding with the work At an early date.

Satisfaction has also been afforded to the Nottingham Committee in regard to their action as .to the taxation and regulation ofr-road vehicles by the support which has been promisedto their views by Major Stenson Cooke, who signed the minorit,y. report of the Departmental Committee, and has promised to consider what further action shall be taken as to the Government proposals.

,Diffieulties at first e-xnerienced in relation to the insurance of goods in. transit, and Which for a time militated against the complete success of road transport schemes in Midland areas, have now been overcome to the complete satisfaction of martufaeturers.

But important as such considerations are, factors represented by running costs are more Vital to the future progress • of the road industry, and in this respect the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce has had the advantage of the services of a representative committee in compiling new scales, the recommendation being that tonnage rates shall be adopted wherever possible, such rates for the Nottingham to London, Liverpool and Manchester traffic having already

been pat into force, with—the intention gradually to extend the operations of the schedulci to ell main centres.

Meanwhile the report of the Manager responsible for this special department of the Nottingham .Chamber's activities is significant of the growth which has attended the undertaking. Increases in railway rates have acted as a great stimulus to road traffic in Midland areas as throughout the country, and with the co-operation for clearinghouse purposes of the main organizations representing coramercial interests, in Nottingham, Leicester, and Derby, it is tolerably certain that developments of the work will proceed pan i puma with a larger volume of incluetrial output, the recent slump, particularly in the lace and hosiery trades, having tended somewhat. to check progress. The most satisfactory evidence of Nottingham's progression in the matter is that the manager of the Chamber of Commerce undertaking has now been able to arrange regular services to London, Liverpool, and Manchester. The hi-weekly service to the Metropolis has also led to a dernand for thetinstitalon of a " smalls " service to London, which has been inaugurated under encouraging -conditions, adequate arrangements being made for clearing and delivering goods at the Metropolitan end. Such is the interest which this new departure has aroused among business people in Nottingham, who are anxious to overcome the delays occasioned by present belated railway plans, that it Is hoped to turn this into a regular daily service to London.

Advantages of rapidity of conveyance of textile, goods from the chief centres of 'Midland productionfor transport from the Humber, and other ports has elreacly been effectively demonstrated Meter the new scheme.

The steel, iron, and engineering industries have enormously benefited, whilst in the transport of building materials a complete revolution has been effected, it being mentioned, among other • encouraging proofs, at e recent gathering of commercial men at Nottingham, that, In connection with the erection of a new bank at Skagness, R-6,000 worth of manufactured materials bad been sent by motor conveyances. In this 'connection, also, the needs of Nottingham brick manufacturers, whose . undertakings include some of the largest kilos in the Midlands, have been met by motor arrangements, whilst in regard to the conveyance of coeledirect from the pits, the change has been even more marked.

Incidental to colliery working, there appears the probability also before long of Paddy's mail being discarded in most cases _in favour of road conveyance, affording -more convenient means for picking up miners at given points.

'FISH TRANSPORT.

Supplies Fresher and Greater when Conveyed by Motor Vehicle.

COMPLAINTS have long been rife in Nottingham, as in other areas, of -delays winch are being occasioned in the transport by rail of • foodstuffs. 'Whilst the matter presents few new aspects 'in regard to general classes of comestibles, the special consideration involved is one of importance to Midland towns by reason of their comparative nearness to the chief Humber fishing ports represented by Hull and Grimsby.

The time wasted in the _transport of fish has been so great of late aseto impair seriously the .freshness of supthes, which are net improved in many .eases by slipshod processes of packing or conveyance in' railway' tanks. It has been complained in Nottingham that consignments have on several occasions recently come to hand at too late a period for the markets upon -the following day.

Experience during the last railway strike, whet' road traffic under Government auspices was conducted with great celerity, 'demonstrated thee possibility of okiviatiq mustcauses' of dissatisfaction upon this score, whether in regard to Nottingham or neighbouring towns.

It was a welcome experience to dwellers in most East Midland,areas to find, that, .not only'-were supplies often more plentiful, but that fish came to hand in much more palatable condition, the conclusion being obvious that it is only by a more -general adoption of reed communication that the difficulty presents any prospect of becoming solved.

MOTORCYCLE TAXIS.

The Liverpool Police Instructed to Report Upon the Proposal.

• AN APPLICATION has been made to the Liverpool Hackney Carriage Committee for a licencefor a motorcycle with, a sidecar to he iieed,as a taxicab. At the moment of, writing no decision has been reached on the application, but the Chief Constable has been called upon to prepare a report on the wisdom, or otherwise, of permitting motorcycle taxicabs to ply foritire`on the public streets.

The Liverpool Motor Hirers Association is hostile to the.proposal, upon which they have been asked to present a list of their objections. Mr. R. Dunn, chairman of the Association, told members that taxicabs were licensed ender' the prceent by-laws, which were,ksort, of agreement between the corporation. and themselves. On one hand the owners were to keep the cars up to the standard required by the regulations, in return for which they would be allowed to. ply for hire. In per-. feet good faith their members had accepted that agreement, and had invested their money in cars now on the

public streets. if the Liverpool Corporation nowlieensed motorcycles and .sidecars costing £150, taxicabswhich had cost from £400 to .£1,000nvould be sadly depreciated in value. Motorcycle taxisa would require a Jess amount of capital in the business, would not involve so heavy running costs, would be cheaper in upkeep,and would, he presumed, be -nin at lesser fares. He,had tie doubt if utotorcyo/e taxis were licensed some enterprising firm would put 100 or so -machines at work, and they would, of course, be run at the expense of the tan owners.