The Commercial Motor Users Association.
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The Annual Report for 1912.
The Reception of the C.M U.A. Annual Report for 1912 has been altogether Satisfactory, in keeping with its contents. The Officers of the Association are to be Congratulated on the Ev:dent Progress.
Organization.
On the important subject of general organization, the report states :—
The past year has been one of marked progress for the C.M.TJ.A., both as regards work accomplished and numerical strength. The Association continues to enjoy the co-operation of the Police and of the Local Authorities throughout the country. The membership, which continues to increase at a satisfactory rate, now comprises a large proportion of the most important users of commercial motor vehicles and tractors in the United Kingdom. The N. and E. Lancashire Commercial Motor Users Association has become affiliated to the C.M.U.A. during the year, and the West Riding Commercial Motor Users Association has also decided to affiliate. The co-operation of these Associations will be of decided benefit to commercial motor users in Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Committee, The minute recording the resolution of condolence of the Committee, on the occasion of the decease of Mr. Iltid Witherington, of Skinning, is quoted.
The membership of the Committee for the year is stated. to have been : Colonel R. E. Crompton, C.B. (Chairman), Messrs. W. G. Lobjoit, J.P., and H. Lyon Thomson, M.T.E.E. (Vice-Chairmen), Mr. E. S. Shrapnell-Smith (Hon. Treasurer), Messrs. G. Arnold, E. Percy Beavan (James Nelson and Sons, Ltd.), Lt.-Col. C. F. T. Blyth, Messrs. T. B. Browne, F. R. de Bertodano, J. H. de Mattos, M. J. Davey, Major W. E. Donohue. A.S.C., Mr. T. E. Harrison (Waring and Gillow, Ltd.), Capt. W. G. Hayward. Messrs. W. M. Hodges, Barnard Humphrey (Great Western Railway), T. H. Jones (Yorke, Stoneham and Jones, Ltd.), D. S. Kennedy (Pickford's. Ltd.). John C. Mitchell (London General Omnibus Co.. Ltd.), J. C. Moth (Commercial Car Hirers, Ltd.). Capt. H. Tltid Nicholl (Hedges and Butler, Ltd.), Mr.
L. G. Oldfield (London Omnibus Owners Federation), Sir T. D. Pile, Bart., Messrs. E. W. Rudd, E. E. Budge (The Gas Light and Coke Co.), James Scott (London Improved Cab Co., Ltd.), D. H. Simpson. M.I.A.E. (Simpson and Godlee, Ltd.). Arthur Spurrier (Leyland Motors, Ltd., Postal Service). Chas. Wheeler, M.I.A.E. (General Post Office), H. W. Wigan (Eastern Motor Wagon Co.. Ltd.), Major H. Carleton Wilder, and Mr. W. H. Willcox.
Parliamentary,
It is recorded that the Association has investigated nutnerous public and private Bills introduced into Parliament, and particular reference is made to cooperation with local owners in opposition to the proposals for taxation by the Bradford Corporation. The activity of the Association in dealing with proposals to place undue restrictions upon the use of bridges is next mentioned.
Free Legal Advice and Defence.
Examples are given of the cases in which members have availed themselves of the legal benefits which the Association provides, in respect of advice, information and assistance, and free defence. The extent of the advisory work may be gathered from the following list of some of the matters thai. have occupied attention :
(1) Injury, damage and obstruction to roads by heavy motorcars (2) Legal speed of a commercial motor vehicle drawing a rubber-tired vehicle.
(3) Use of frost studs on wheels of steam tractor. (4) Liability for damages caused by motor-wagon skidding. (5) Rebate on petrol duty when used in delivery van occasionally used for pleasure. (6) Liability incurred in taking water from street hydrant. (7) Recovery of damage to steam wagon through falling into road excavation. (8) Necessity for a man to be riding on trailer to apply the brake.
(9) Non-production of driving licence. (10) Use of bridges bearing notices prohibiting the passage of heavy motorcars.
(11) Necessity. for steam-wagon driver's mato to have a driving licence.
(12) Local taxation licences when vehicles used to convey workmen to work.
The Free Legal Defence scheme, the conduct of which branch was exceptionally successful, included summonses under the following typical heads, whilst every one of these summonses was dismissed:—
(1) Driving motor-wagon without having competent person on trailer to apply the brake (London). (2) Driving to the danger of the public (Bournemouth). (3) Exceeding the speed limit of five miles per hour (C:litheroe). (4) Driving motorvan without having back number plate illuminated (Radcliffe). (5) Obstruction caused by motor-wagon remaining on culvert (Barnstaple). (6) Driving motor-lorry with spaces between plates of tyre exceeding A the width of tyre (Slough). (7) Unlawfully taking water for'motor-wagon from street hydrant (Bradford). (8) Failing to stop when requested by police officer (Wokingham). (9) Emission of steam from motor-wagon (Durham). (10) Not stripping at signal of horse-driver (Stockton). (11) Driving over bridge bearing prohibition notice (Selby). (12) Using wieng-coloured number plate (Aylesbury).
It will be observed, from the report of the proceedings at the Annual General Meeting, which will be published next week, that the further organization of the defence scheme has been arranged.
Steam Wagon Engine as Brake.
The important work, fully reported in THE ComMEHcIAL MOTOR, which the Association has undertaken with the object of securing the approval of the Local Government Board, in respect of the necessary modifications of the Motor Cars (Use and Construction) Order, 1904, so that a reversible steam engine may be used as a brake, next occupies space in the report. Credit in connection with this work is given to Messrs. Howard Humphreys, D. S. Kennedy, E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, and G. W. Watson. It is understood that the Board will shortly modify Article 2 (4) of the above-mentioned Order as under : Article II of the Order of 1904, as amended as aforesaid, shall have effect as if to Condition (4) of that Article there were added the following paragraph, that is to say :—
" Provided also that in the case of a motorcar which is propelled by steam and which " (a) Exceeds two tons in weight unladen; and " (b) Has one brake in good working order; and of such efficiency that the application of that brake to the motorcar shall cause two of its wheels on the same axle to be so held that the wheels shall be effectually prevented from revolving ; and "{c) Is not used either as a stage carriage or other. wise for the conveyance of passengers for gain or hire;
"the engine of that motorcar, if it be capable of being reversed, shall be deemed to be the second independent brake required by this condition."
Whit-Monday Parades.
The success of the Sixth Annual Parade, which was held on the 27th May, 1912, receives due attention, and it is pointed out that THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR challenge cup, for the owner of the best team of six vehicles or tractors, was won by the Westminster City Council with a team of Leyland and Thornycroft steam vehicles.
The facts that the arrangements for the seventh Parade, to be held on the 12th May, are well in hand, and that H.M. the King has again been pleased to become patron, are additionally mentioned, as well as the record totals of entries and of the prize funds for that Parade.
Standardization.
The following important reference to the subject of standardization is to be noted (page 4 of the report):
A Conference convened by the Engineering Standards Committee, was held early in the year to consider the desirability of the standardization of automobile parts and the preparation of standard specifications for the material used therein. A Sectional Committee of the Engineering Standards Committee has now been formed to deal with the matter, upon which Mr. Barnard Humphrey (Great Western Railway) represents the C.M.U.A. The Engineering Standards Committee convened a further Conference on the Standardization of certain methods of measurement. and of materials used in the construction of roads, when a Sectional Committee was formed, the scope of the inquiry to cover the standardization of road stones and materials used in the construction of roads, these latter materials to include gravel and sancta, tars, pitches and bitumens. The C.11/1.U.A. has three representatives ; Mr. G. Arnold (representing steel-tired commercial motors.), Mr. Barnard Humphrey (representing rubber-tired commercial motors), and Mr. J. C. Mitchell (representing the motor-omnibus interests), Mr. F. C. A. Coventry represents the C.M.U.A. on the special Sub-Committee of the Engineering Standards Committee which is dealing with piping, sparking plugs, spanners and unions.
Night Shelter Accommodation.
The organization of night shelter accommodation is being steadily pursued, and we compliment the Association upon the decision of the Night Shelter Committee to make a start by planning arrangements along particular trunk highways. We quote
Association is proceeding with its scheme for the approval of suitable shelter and other accommudation at night time for motorvans and motor-lorries, coupled with provision for tho supply of half-duty rebate petrol, Welsh coal, lubricants, and otwher consumable stores, in conjunction with arrangements made by the owners of such depots to provide sleeping quarters on the premises or near at hand for the drivers and their mates. In addition, arrangements have been made with various market authorities for permission to allow vehicles carrying the C.M.U.A, badge to he immediately admilted at night time, on arrival, into the market square or other suitable open space, and to remain there until the following morning, and also for similar accommodation in certain hotel yards. It is hoped shortly to issue the first list of approved depots, hotel yards, and market. places in the form of a handy booklet, together with information of a number of coaling and watering stations. In developing the scheme, which is receiving the support of Chief Constables and Local Authorities throughout the country, a commencement has been made by planning it along selected main routes, beginning with: (1) The Great North Road, and branches;
(2) Holyhead Road, with extensions to Lancashire towns ; (3) Bath Road; (4) Portsmouth Road ; (5) Folkestone-Dover Road ; (6) Bournemouth Road; (7) Yarmouth Road ; and (8) Gloucester Road.
Motor Fuels.
Apropos the interest in questions concerning the transport of fuel for internal-combustion engines, and in the even-more-important subject of substitutes for high-priced petrol. we observe the following reference :—
The Association was represented on the Petrol Committee, appointed to inquire into various questions connected with the supply and distribution of petrol in this country, and alternative fuels, by Colonel R. E. Crompton, Mr. L. G. Oldfield, and Mr. E. . Slirapnell-Smith. Mr. E. S. ShrapnellSmith appeared before the Special Committee of the Home Office dealing with the transport of petrol, and gave evidence. The recommendations which he submitted have been generally adopted in the final report of the Home Office Committee as to petrol conveyance in motor tank-wagons. The C.M.G.A. has appointed a special Fuels Committee to look into the question of the use of paraffin and steam engines for commercial motor work, and the necessity of developing a home-produced liquid fuel. Mr. E. S. Shrapnell-Smith has also been nominated one of the nine members of the Petrol Substitutes Joint Committee.
Award of Merit Badge.
The second C.M.r.A. Award of Merit Badge, which was instituted in 1911 for acts of distinction in connection with the use of public service and commercial motor vehicles, has been awarded to C. Boden, a driver in the employ of Mitchells and Butlers, Ltd., for a plucky action in averting an accident when in charge of a steam lorry and trailer, loaded with barrels, which skidded on a steep incline in Birmingham, and ran backwards.
Finance and Membership.
The income of the Association for the year 1912 was 21730 Os. lid., and the expenditure 21709 2s. 10d., leaving a surplus of 220 18s. Id. The total balance in hand at the 31st December, 1912, was 1136 9s. A copy of the balance-sheet and income and expenditure account, which have been audited by Messrs. Andrew W. Barr and Co., accompanies the report. The growing membership of the Association is exemplified by representative lists of owners in the following sections :—Bakers, Confectioners and Provision Merchants ; Brewers and Distillers ; Brick, Quarry and Colliery Companies ; Builders and Contractors ; Carrying Companies ; Chemists and Druggists; Co-operative Societies ; Drapers and Furnishers; Dyers and Cleaners ; Electric Light and Gas Cm. ; Laundries; Market Gardeners and Fruiterers ; Mineral Water Manufacturers ; Omnibus, Cab and Tramway Cos. ; Railway Companies ; Timber Merchants; General Trading Cos. These classifications are being much extended.
The report concludes :
The General Committee invites the co-operation of every member in increasing the membership of the C.M.U.A., and the Secretary will be pleased to forward particulars of the Association to any person or firm on receiving the name and address from a member. Every present or prospective user of a commercial motor vehicle or tractor should be included in the membership roll of the Association. The General Committee has pleasure in reporting that the membership of the Association has materially increased during the year, more than 300 of the most important firms and individuals using commercial motor vehicles having enrolled during this period. The total membership is now nearly 900, and the vehicles owned by the members total more than 10,000 machines. Representative users, in all branches of industry, are now included in the membership of the Association_
Annual General Meeting.
The Annual General Meeting was held in the Committee Room of the Royal Automobile Club yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, under the Chairmanship of Colonel Crompton. We shall report the proceedings in our next issue. For the present, we content ourselves by pointing out that the interests of all owners are identified with those of the Association. We have consistently supported it since the year 1905. The Association was formed following the reading of a paper on "Heavy Motor Traffic " by our Editor, in November, 1903.