OPINIONS FROM OTHERS.
Page 25
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Editor invites correspondence on all subjects connected with the use of commercial motors. Letters should be on one side of the paper only and typewritten by preference. The right of abbreviation is reserved, and no responsibility for views expressed is accepted.
Motor Wagons in the Service of Norwich Corporation. The Motor Agent and Contracting Work,
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1895] Sir,—With reference to the working costs of our motor wagons published in The Commercial Motor for December 13th, I give hereunder, at the request of a motor wagon builder, particulars of the ages of the vehicles in question:—
5 ton Yorkshire steam wagon B, purchased March, 1907.
6 ton Yorkshire steam wagon C, purchased July, 1908.
5 ton Yorkshire steam wagon D, purchased De comber, 1918. 5 ton Yorkshire steam wagon 'E, purchased March, 1919.
3i ton Straker-Squire petrol lorry F, built March, 1918.
ton Straker-Squire petrol lorry G, built June, 1918.
ai ton Straker-Squire petrol lorry H, built March, 1918.
(These three Straker-Squire lorries were purchased by us as second-hand vehicles from the Disposal Board on December 15th, 1919.) 1 ton Ford tipping wagon, purchased September, 1921.
Your article on .my accounts refers to the filler being included as part of the charge. This is due to the fact that my figures have to be compared with horse-haulage charges, and carters are responsible for filling their carts.—Yours faithfully,
ARTHUR E. COLLINS,
City Engineer, City of Norwich. The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1898] Sir,—Your article advising garage proprie• tors trading as motor agents, etc., to go in for contract work under various councils somewhat surprises me, as it will, I venture to say, a good many snore motor haulage contractors, for that is the one thing a motor agent must leave alone, i.e., taking on haulage contracts if he wishes to do business with haulage and contract firms.
Take one case, for instance. Some two years ago we were going in for a new vehicle, and had decided to put the order through a local agent, but a week or so before placing it found that a motor lorry had been purchased and they were out touting for haulage work. Of course, naturally enough, the older was placed elsewhere, as well as the purchase of petrol, oil, etc., etc. Then we found prices being cut practically below cost, and on this being pointed out, heard in reply that this was all right, as they were in a position to work cheaper, as their costs were lower for vehicles, and all supplies being at wholesale prices to them, as well as all repairs. Naturally, what contractors there are in the digtrict leave this garage severely alone for everything, as well as inducing others to go elsewhere. There are plenty of genuine contractors everywhere now only too willing to tender for any work. 1\o. Sir, let the motor agent stick to his job, and he will find the contractor will then come to him for everything more and more, especially so in the small towns and country districts, but not on any account if the agents compete with them for haulage work.—
Your s faithfully, HAULAGE CONTRACTOR. Liphook.