Passing Comments
Page 16
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Steel-tyred Tractors pp -DB EER is now, owing to Once More to the 1 the Malayan situation,
Fore looming larger, or, perhaps, we ought to say, smaller, in transport economics. It is probable that we have considerable supplies, because something akin to the present position has been anticipated for some time. However, it means that we must pay the utmost attention to the conservation of supplies and make the most of those which we have. This applies particularly to tyres, and not only to those employed on commercial vehicles. At a recent meeting held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, it was pointed out that it must not be expected that the supply of tractors on rubber tyres can be continued indefinitely to the same extent as formerly. Agriculturista may, therefore, have to become used to employing, once more, types with spuds, steel strakes, etc. This, whilst regrettable, should not prove a great hardship, as they have been accustomed to employing these in former years. In the meantime, the pneumatic tyres on those already so equipped should be treated with a due measure of deference, retreaded before too late and eventually handed over to the scrap-rubber merchant!
Some Useful Hints to A HELPFUL little leaflet is Those Who Dispatch 1-1, being circulated, through
Goods road-transport undertakings, to users, by the National Con ference of Express Carriers. It urges traders to co-operate with carriers in maintaining efficiency and reducing loss and damage. It also makes a number of useful suggestions, of which the following is a summary : —Goods should not usually be sent unpacked. Mistakes are likely; pilferage is easier; in any case, see that the goods are adequately addressed. Careful packing avoids claims; therefore, use the best material
available in war. time. Carriers cannot accept an unfair burden of responsibility. Where the goods are those in short supply, avoid prominent indication of their nature. Labels must not be used on parcels,
unless directions cannot be written or stamped on the wrapper or container; preferably employ block letters and put the town in capitals; also give a house a number rather than a name. Complete consignment notes correctly. Do not leave the carrier to insert weights, and then dispute the record when too late for verification. An advice note in the package is useful should labels or names beeome obliterated or detached. Collapsible containers or those fitting one into the other save valuable space on returned empties. Assemble several consignments to save transport. If there be more than one package, mark each "Part Lot of (say) 3." Dispatch early, and carriage paid wherever possible. Alrow longer time and do not ask for proof of delivery unless consignee furnishes signed statement of non-delivery within a reasonable period.
Can You Tell Us A RATHER interesting series of Any " Worst 1—k of reminiscences might be Moments" developed on the subject of
"worst moments." Obviously, for this journal, they should be connected with road transport, and, perhaps, some of our readers might think of a few good ones. Off-hand, we can remember four. Once, on a motorcycle, we caught in some tramlines, and were flung into the path of a solidtyred lorry, with the motorcycle on top of us, and the lorry front axle almost succeeded in converting us into a pancake. On another occasion, a train door opening suddenly whipped us between train and platform, and we were dragged about 100 ft., resulting in the loss of a good pair of trousers. A heart-stopping episode was a skid—also an a motorcycle—between two vehicles, one of which was towing the other, and we had ideas of clutching the tow rope_ Luckily, the machine straightened up. An older incident, when despatch riding, was waiting at Roisel for a French officer who did not arrive, --when, to our decided embarrassment, Uhlans emerged from the woods skirting the town. Needless to say, we waited no longer !