Answers to Queries.
Page 16
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'Our readers will be informed by the _Editor on any points connected with the construction or use of commercial motors. Where a direct reply is desired, a stamped and addressed envelope should be enclosed if a request for privacy is not specially made, any query and answer may be published. Some replies, owing to pressure on our space, are held several weeks.
Messrs. Lemoine's Address.
[1,553J " WEST " writes :—" We should be glad if you would kindly give us the address of Messrs. Lemoine, of Paris, makers of component parts for motorcars."
ANSWER.—The address for which you enquire is 21, Rue de Lappe, Paris,
London's Pullman Omnibuses.
[1,554] " Berea " writes :—" Would you kindly inform me, if the Chevron motorbuses (Pullman cars), that were sunning between Earl's Court and Piccadilly last summer, are for sale, and where I could see them r
A NA WER .--Two of these are still in the possession of the General Motor Cab, Co., Ltd., but they are not for sale. They are being employed for private-hire work, such as for theatre parties, etc. The third is at Liverpool, where it is used by the Provincial Motor Cab Co., Ltd., in connection with hotel work.
Petrol Rebate for Chars-a-banes.
[1,553] " YO FIRS " write:—" Will you kindly let us have full particulars concerning the petrol-tax rebate, and how we should apply for it, and are we entitled to the full amount, or only half F" A NEMER.-Nobody is receiving the petrol-tax rebate at the moment; we understand that no money will be paid back until after the new Government brings in and paws its Budget. You are entitled to the following rebates, in respect of your char-à-banes, for the reasons that it is. presumably, always and solely used "in the course of trade" or to ply for hire: (a) 3d. per gallon, from the end of April to the end of December, 1909; (b) 10. per gallon, from the 1st January, 1910, forward. Your application for rebate must be lodged with the local Surveyor of Customs and Excise, in accordance with the forms, etc., to which we gave publicity in this journal on the 1:3th July, 1909.
Canada Asks About Fire-engines.
[1,556] " MACHINERY DEALERS " write :—" Will you kindly give us a list of the leading manufacturers in Britain and France of motor-driven fire-engines and other .fire vehicles?"
Aeiswee.—Mesers. Delahaye and Co., of 10, Rue de Banquier, Paris, have the beet reputation in France for motor fire-engines. The beet British makers of self-propelled fire-engines and other equipment, include : Commercial Cars, Ltd., Cambridge Circus, London, W.C.; Dennis Bros., Ltd., Guildford, Surrey; Leyland Motors, Ltd., Leyland, Lancashire; and J. C. Merryweather and Sons, Ltd., Greenwich Road, London, S.E. Several other makers of motor vehicles are experimenting on these lines.
Motor hose-carts and fire-tenders are being constructed by the following makers: Shand, Mason and Co., Ltd., 75, Upper Ground Street, Blackfriars Road, SE. ; Argylls, Ltd., Alexandria, NB.; Messrs. Lloyd and Plaister, Wood Green, London, N.; John Morris and SOILS. Ltd., Salford, Manchester ; and Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd., Yoker, Glasgow. F. B. Coodehild and Co., Ltd., of Craven House, Kingsway, London, W.C., is handling a small tri-car (the " Auto-Carrier "), which can aceom
modate two firemen, lengths of hose, scaling ladders, and other light equipment. We shall be happy to give any further information in connection with these motors, if you will put specific questions.
Cabs for the Provinces.
11,5573 " BUCKS " writes I am thinking of starting
in the motorcab business. Will you please let me have your opinion on: (1) best make of cab, h.p., etc.; (2) approximate price; (3) tires (-solid or pneumatic); and (4) is it best to get a new or second-hand cab to commence with ? "
A NAWER.—(1) The selection of the most-suitable model of cab depends upon a number of conditions, such as the type of service you contemplate—private-hire or hackneycarriage, the arrangements for maintenance, the type of driver, the class of roads in your locality, the worst gradients, etc., etc. A number of makers is now offering first-class taxicab models which are suitable for average provincial work in England. Why not, as a preliminary, write for particulars to the leading makers whose business announcements appear at least fortnightly in this journal —such as Argyll, Napier, Iotie, Straker, Stoewer, Dennis and BeLsize--for prices, etc. ?
(2) A good motorcab may be purchased at prices ranging between £350 and £400.
(3) You will have to use pneumatics.
(4) A new machine will give better results.
London's Taxicabs.
[1,558] "DIRECTOR" writes:—" I shall esteem it a favour if you will endeavour to give me some information in reply to the following questions :— " (1) Can you tell me how many taxicabs there are on the streets of London at the present time, and will you indicate the growth in totals during the past few years ?
" (2) When was the first motor taxicab put on the streets in this country?
" (3) Will you give me the names of the principal London motoreab-operating companies ?
" (4) What is the average horse-power of the rnotoreabs in use, and what are the names of the principal makes employed in the Metropolis?
"(5) What are the average earnings in London at the present time? " (6) Upon what basis are the drivers paid, as a rule?"
ANSWER, (1) In August, 1909, the number of motorcars registered in London was 3,950. There are, at the present time, dose upon 4,500. The registrations in the ream since 1902 are as follow :-1903, one ; 1904, two; 1905, 19; 1906, 96; 1907, 723; 1908, 2,805.
(2) The first motor-taxi registration was effected in London in 1003. Taximeters have been in use on the Continent, for the past 20 years. The Chinese had a form of taximeter in use about the year 400 A.D.
(3)' General Motor Cab Co., Ltd.; FIAT. Motor Cab Co., Ltd.; The Coupe and Motor Cab Co. of Great Britain, Ltd.; Express Motor Cab Co., Ltd.; National Motor Cab Co., Ltd. ; Humber, Ltd.; West London Taxi Cab Co., Ltd. ; Waterloo Taxi Cab Co., Ltd. ; Meter Cabs, Ltd., and Unie Motor Cab Co., Ltd.
(4) The most-usual size for London is 12-14 h.p. Renault, Darracq, Watsedey, F.T.A.T., Unic, Napier, Belshe, Charron, Argyll, Dumber and Ballot.
(5) At present, not much more than 29 shillings per clay. The newest cars secure most patronage, and their average is higher.
(6) Twenty-five per cent, of the taximeter takings go to the driver, besides his tips. He pays for his own petrol, and eontributes weekly towards the cost of his uniform, insurance and car-cleaning.