WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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" The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of tianv.ort at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by The roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
Power Alcohol.
The second memorandum on the subject of fuel for motor vehicles was issued by the Fuel Research Board just before the Christmas holidays. It is stated that, owing to the suitability of alcohol for use in internal-combustion engines, especially those of the high-speed type, and to the fact that it can be produced from a large variety of vegetable growths, considerable attention has been given in recent years to the possibility of its manufacture on a commercial scale. The rapid increase in the number of internal-combustion engines now using petrol in this country calla for the provision of an alternative Empire-produced liquid fuel, especially as the British Empire is responsible for only per cent, of the total world's production of petroleum and its derivatives.
The Board concluded their memorandum by saying that: "The prospect is remote of adding materially to tho supplies of liquid fuel for internal-combustion engines in this country by the manufacture of alcohol from home-grown materials. The production within the Empire of alcohol from materials containing sugar or starch is only likely to be possible commercially in the near futurein some of the Dominions and Colonies, and then only on a sufficient scale to meet localrequirements."
Ancient Weighbridges versus Modem Traffic.
There are many weighbridges throughout the country which, on account of their antiquity, are entirely unsuitable for weighing modem road traffic. Endorsement of this statement is to be found in an interesting case relating to damage done to en old-fashioned weighbridge on the main road from Sheffield to Worksop, which was recently opened at the West Riding Assizes, Leeds.
The trustees of the late tenant of the Golden Ball Inn, Worksop, brought an action for damages against a traction engine and steam wagon proprietor carrying on business at Attercliffe Common, Sheffield. The claim was for damages for alleged negligence in damaging the weighbridge by driving on it an excessively, heavy load. The defendant counterclaimed £65 for damage sustained through the collapse of the bridge. The bridge was constructed prior to 1861, and the tenant derived an income ef 231 per year from weighing passing vehicles. The traction engine was draw ing a trailer carrying a boiler weighing 28 tons.
In giving judgment, the Commissioner said that he was unable to find any negligence on the part of the driver of the engine, and he, therefore, gave judgment in favour of defendant with costs on the counterclaim.
Modern Methods of Overhauling Buses.
The second meeting of the seventh session of efficiency meetings was held just before Christmas, at the L.G.0.0. Training School, Milman's Street, Chelsea, Mr. H. E. Blain, C.B.E., assistant managing director, presiding. 134 Tho papes on this occasion, "Modern Methods of Overhauling Omnibuses,” with special reference to Chiswick Works, was read by Mr. G. Rushton, production engineer, L.G.O.C. The paper showed' what can be done by the application of !modern methods of mass prodUction to solve the problem of overhauling a large fleet of.motor omnibuses. Discussion' was opened by Mr. E. H. Cockshott and Mr. W. S. Graff Baker, and was continued by Mr. C. W. Reeve, works manager, Associated Equipment Co., Ltd.
• Parking Buses for Theatre Crowds.
A few weeks ago it was intimated that the L.G.O.Ce. were about to conduct an experiment in the parking of motorbuses to meet the travelling needs of theatre crowds, but the company failed to secure police approval of the scheme. This a proval has now been obtained, and the company started the scheme on Thursday of last week. A limited number ef _ vehicles is being used at the outset, but within a few weeks there will be many hundreds of additional buses brought into theatreland just when the theatres are emptying after the evening performance.. The five parking centres are at Great -Marlborough Street, Soho Square, Lincoln's Inn Fields, Aldwych, and the Vietoria Embankment, and e special, staff of inspectors will be responsible for despatching the buses from these centres as required by the traffic. The actual number of services which has been augmented by these veluclea is 13.
On page 662 of our issne dated December 27th we stated that the Northern General Transport Co. had commenced a motorbus service from Wrekenton tram terminus (Gateshead) to High Usworth and Havanna.h. We are given to understand from Messrs. F. Longhorn and Sons, of New Washington, Co. Durham, that this statement. is incormet and, that they are responsible for the commencement and maintenance of the service linking up these places.
Military Multi-wheelers.
In our next issue we propose to deal with the question of the application of multi-axles to vehicles used for military purposes. The article has been written by a man with considerable Army training and experience with mechanical transport in war work, and he takes a far-sighted view of the whole subject. He shows what he considers to be the advantages of the multi-wheeled vehicle from the military point. of view, and harks back from that point to the need for the closest immediate attention by manufacturers to the development of vehicle design away from four wheels. We commend the article not only to manufacturers and to officers of the M.T. section of the R.A.S.C., but to users of commercial motor vehicles. ,
West Ontario Motor Show.
The National automobile show of Weetern Ontario will be held in London, Ontario, from February 6th to 11th. All classes of motor vehicles are to be staged, including commercial vehicles, tractors, and farm machinery. The commercial vehicle section is entirely separate, and the price of space in this section is 50 cents per sq. ft. Application forms for space, together with rules, regulations, and plans of the buildings; cAn be seen at the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, &W.1.
Bus Speeds and the Law.
In view of the probable revision of the law in relation to motorcar speeds during the present year, a case which was recently conducted at the Rollesby Petty Sessions is of particular interest. One of the drivers in the employ of the United Automobile Services, Ltd., was timed over a distance of nine miles, separating Acle from Caister, and the speed of the vehicle which he was driving was found ee be between 19 and 20 m.p.h. When stopped by the police his explanation was that he was driving accoring to his time-table. This statement was true, and, as a matter of fact, time-tables are issued by the company which place the drivers in a difficult position, because if they observe them they of necessity break the law.
The proceedings were taken under the Heavy Motor Car Order, 1904. Defending counsel expressed the opinion that motors had advanced considerably since 1903, and that certain of the speed limits had passed out of use. They knew very well that many cars did exceed 20 m.p.h. The company had tried to anticipate what, the law was going to be, and they thought it would benefit the villages which the vehicles served if they increased the speed to 16 m.p.h., and time
tables were issued accordingly. The company had done all in their power to minimize the damage to roads by this higher speed and had taken off the solid tyres oil the vehicles and equipped them with large-size pneumatics.
The driver was exonerated from blame, and the case against the company 'was_ dismissed on payment of the costs.
We deal generally with the question of omnibus speeds in our editorial pages.
Potato Transport by Road.
Experiments whieh have recently been conducted by Lincolnshire farmers show that they can carry potatoes much quicker and cheaper by road than by rail, and as a result of these trials it is said that non-stop deliveries of potatoes from the actual growers right into the heart of London are to be adopted by some of the farmers. This cheaper means of transport will bring about lower prices and thus benefit London consumers.
A tractor-lorry was recently employed to run from the potato-growing area in Spalding to London carrying a load of 300 bags, representing 15 tons of potatoes. To carry potatoes by rail from ,Spalding to London costs 18s. id. per ton, and to this siun must be added anything up to another 4s. per ton for cartage and porterage at the London end, whilst to put produce on rail entails an outlay of about 5s. per ton, the total cost being, therefore, about 27s. per ton.
The comparable figure by employing a tractor-lorry for the work is said to be about 16s. per ton, this sum including the cost of the return journey. Moreover, while the potatoes are being loaded on to the rail they can, by means of road transport, be well on their way towards the Metropolis. The tractor-lorry with its large carrying capacity has enormous advantages for this class of work.
East Kent Road Car Report.
The report of the directors of the East Kent Road Car Co., LW., for the year ended September 30th, shows that after deducting all items chargeable to revenue, including depreciation, the company have made a profit of £27,322 on the year's working, to which must be added the balance of 27,021 brought forward from the previous year, making an available total of £34,343. Of this sum £2,000 is allocated to general reserve, and £900 as a contribution to the pensions and special benefit fund, £16,204 of the remainder being abisorbed by the payment of a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, leaving £15,240 to be carried forward. There are outstanding liabilities for corporation tax and excess-profits duty not provided for, which are estimated at. approximately £4,500. The exceptionally fine weather which prevailed during the past summer has largely benefited the undertaking, and the tradedepression did not seriously affect East Kent during the period covered by the report. The possession of a central repair works has also been of considerable advantage to the company in connection with the maintenance of rolling stock, and also as a source of additional profit, much work having been carried out for the trade and other omnibus undertakings.
The Essential Farm Tractor.
The Central (Unemployed) Body reports that the Burford tractor, purchased early in 1920 for £420, has recently needed an overhaul. The committee is aware that all such implements, are costly, but on this point due regard must belied to the heavy nature of the work accomplished by the tractor at Hollesley, as a result of the enforced neglect during the years of war, and which could not have been undertaken by hand labour even at a much heavier cost. The committee is agreed that the use of such a machine in the extensive fruit plantations is essential, and on the suggestion of the manufacturers an estimate of the cost of overhaul was obtained.
The tractor has since been examined by Messrs. Drake and Fletcher, agricultural engineers, Maidstone, who undertake to put it. into good working condition for £200. In view of extreme urgency, Messrs. Drake and Fletcher have been instructed to proceed with the repairs at a cost not to exceed E200.
Glasgow's Bus Proposals.
The Parliamentary Committee of the Glasgow Corporation has received a deputation from the Commercial Motor "Jeers Association against the proposal to establish municipal bus services in competition with private traders, inasmuch as the Corporation would be able to apply the revenue of the tramways in meeting any lose incurred on the omnibuses. The committee, nevertheless, decided tio proceed with the Bill seeking bus running powers.
Hollings and Guest, Ltd., Thimble Mill Lane, Birmingham, inform us that they have recently appointed Mr. D. Landale Frew, of 45, Hope Street, Glaegow, as their sole agent for Scotland, from which address he will be pleased to Five information to anyone interested in hydraulic machinery.
Panama Prospects.
The splendid system of roads con structed by the Lnited -States Government in the Canal Zone has given rise to a very extensive motor traffic. Cony mercial motoring is, however, curtailed by the absence of through road communication acrossthe Isthmus.
Apart from Government vehicles, there are very numerous private cars and hired vehicles, practically all of United States manufacture. There are a few French and Italian cars (Fiats), but no British vehicles on the Isthmus. American manufacturers have local agents supplied with spare parts and ex. perienced repairers, and no British vehicle without a similar service organizatien behind it could find a market here.
At present the short distances and easy gradients are in favour of a light and cheap type of vehicle of low horsepower, and the trying climate and inferior fuel, which give rise to speedy de terioration, militate against the introduction of powerful and expensive vehicles of the finer grades. The new roads which are now being constructed in the Republic should give rise eventually to a considerable extension of motor traffic in the almost total absence of railroads in the interior.
Motors and the Tram Service.
The annual report of the London County Council mentions, in regard to the tramways, that the distribution of materials to the roadwork gangs has been greatly faciliated by the acquisition of seven additional steam wagons. The flushing of the conduits by means of motor vehicles fitted with water jets has shown a marked improvement, combined with a reduction in cost.
Albion's Willesden Works.
At a meeting of the Willesden Council Works Committee the engineer read a letter from the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., requesting, in view of the heavy traffic now traversing Brentfield Road, that at-certain points such road should be widened, including the bridge over the canal feeder, various obstacles removed, and the lighting generally improved. The committee proposes to kerb in the roadway where it has recently been widened in front of the Albion works, and to improve the lighting.
Petroleum in Panama.
Evidenee of petroleum in Panama, occurs on bath the Pacific and Carribbean coasts. Seepages of oil or asphalt are reported off the shores of San Miguel, by the Tonosi River, along the Gulf of Montijo, and along Mosquito Bay near •Bocas del Toro. Gas was encountered in a well drilled for water near Bocas del Toro.
The National Assembly of Panama authorized early in 1917 the granting of concessions for exploration purposes for a period not exceeding three years, and for purposesof development for a period not exceeding 20 years. These concessions may be renewed for like periods. The royalty prescribed is 15 per cent. of the net profits of the oil of gas marketed, or 5 per cent, of the gross receipts.
The principal concession so far has been granted to the Sinclair Panama Oil Corporation, an Amenioan concern which has permission to explore an area covering 11,000,000 acres, with the right to select and retain 1,200,000 acres. The Chorcha Petroleum Co. has
permission to prospect claims located ln the province of Chiriqui. This company's holdings have been leased by a New York concern,
Bradford Passenger Transport.
Before the war the extension of a number of the Bradford tramway routes was projected, and in some cases authority had been obtained for this purpose. The high cost of tramway equipment prevented these scheme being carried out, however, but in many cases private enterprise has come forward, and, by the use of petrol vehicles, has provided satisfactory services. From the Lidget Green tram terminus to Clayton permission has just been given to a private individual to run a motorbue, and a halfhourly service is being maintained. From Allerton to the outlying township of Wilsden another service is being run, while with the 13ailden Bridge terminus at Shipley two services have connections —one running to Bail:ton and the ether to Otley, in Wharfedale. The Otley service has to climb the well-known Hollins Hill, but, nevertheless, the is9 fares are less than railway fares. From. Otley to Ilkley a regular service is maintained by petrol vehicles, while Otley is connected with Leeds by singledeck trolley-buses. Passenger road transport is developing rapidly among the busy West. Riding towns, which are all within a very short distance of each other.
Glasgow's Heavy Traffic.
The latest Glasgow Corporation report states that four boilers, weighing about 78 tons each, including the bogey, had been removed from Messrs. Barclay, Curie and Co.'s boiler shop in Kelvinhaugh Street to Finnies Quay via Kelvinhaugh Street, Argyle Street, and Finnieston Street; that in Kelvinhaugh Street 338 setts, a little over 3 tons weight, had been freshly damaged; that the tramway track in Argyle Street, Irons Kelvinhaugh Street to Finnieston Street, which had just been repaired after the passage of previous loads from Messrs Barclay, Curie and Co.'s boiler shop, had again been damaged; that in Einniesten Street 1,458 setts, about 13 tons weight, had been freshly damaged; and that the entrance to Messrs. Barclay, Curie and Co.'s premises in Kelvinhaugh Street, which had been paved with nidged setts about two years ago, had been badly damaged by the passage of the boilers—many of the setts having been chipped, cracked and broken.
The Corporation is holding the firm liable for the damage.
Swansea Haulage Rates.
Swansea Corporation has accepted the following tenders for motor haulage for 4 ton tipping lorries for a period of three months:—Efill and Bennett, £2 18s. 6d per day; Sam 'Williams. ls. ; J. Seldon, £3 3s.; and P. J.
Hopkins, 4s. 6d. The following tenders for motor haulage at tonnage rates have been accepted :—Sam Williams, Frank Taylor, Hill and Bennett, and J. Hayes and Son. The tender of T. MarFells and Co., of Mot-listen, has been accepted for haulage of stag at 5s. a ton, the contractors to be responsible for loading and unloading.
The Woolwich Ferry.
The L.C.C.'s free ferry over the river Thames at Woolwich is worked with three boats, each licensed to carry 1,000 paseengers and from 15 to 20 vehi
cles. The staff numbers 83. During 1920, the service was completely suspended for 100 hours owing to fog. As at the tunnels, a census of the traffic is taken twice a year. The figures for 1920 show a considerable diminution as compared with previous years. The lOSS of vehicular traffic is to some extentaccounted for by the growth in the proportion of motor vehicles the greater carrying capacity of which tends to reduce the total number of vehicles. The decreased -work at Woolwich Arsenal since the Armistice has also been a con; tributing factor.
Seeking Foreign Trade.
Mr. E. W. Potter, chairman of the British Engineers Association and a member of the Executive Committee of the Industrial League and Council, is on the point of departing to India to see what he can do towards helping to start the wheels of industry in the direction
of securing orders for his firm. Mr. Petter is the managing director of the firm of Messrs. Vickers-Petters, the wellknown oil-engine experts and manufacturers, and he claims for his firm the distinction of possessing the most up-todate works in the country which are devoted solely to the production of heavy.
oil engines. .
London Fire Brigade Equipment.
According to the 1920 report of the L.C.C. just issued, the fire brigade equip. meni comprises :-64 land fire stations, 3 floating or river stations, 1 river repairing depot, 87 petrol motor fire-engines, 1 petrol emergency tender, 6 petrol motor tenders, 69 petrol motor escape Vans, 11 electrically driven motor escape vans, 4 electrically driven motor ladders, 2 petrol electric motor Ladders, 6 i motor lorries, 15 motorcars, ,l. 6 n. manual fire-engine, 2 hose and ladder trucks, 85 hose carts, 70 miles of hose,
2 steam fire floats, -2 meter fire floats,
4 store bargee 7 skiffs, 153 fire escapes,
5 long fire ladders, 3 horsed turntable long fire ladders, 4 ladder vans, 36 smoke helmets, 3 cellar pipes, 316 hook ladders, 314 hook belts, 1 canteen van, 3 watch boxes, 4 horses, 1,612 street fire-alarms (including 5. private fire-alaerris), 120 telephone ltnes from fire stations to other fire stations,. -etc., 30 telephone lines between telephone exchanges and fire stations, 403 telephone lines to public and other bnildings.
Open Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering.
Recognizing the great importance of technical education at the present time, the proprietors of The PracticaZ Rnaineer, through arrangements concluded with the International Correspondence Schools, are offering a scholarship in mechanical engineering to the value of f..30, to be competed for by old and new subscribers to that weekly journal. The scholarship, which is open to readers of all geres and both sexes, will be aw:arthel•to the candidate who, in the opinion of -the editor, submits the beet essay on "Why d wienid choose en Engineering Career To-day."
Full particulars may be obtained from The Practical .1177tp.AGer Offices, 8, Bream's Buildings, Chancery Lane, E.C. 4.
London Registrations.
The 1920 report of the L.C.C. gives the following statistics as to registration, etc., of motorcars and cycles during the year.
Light, motorcars registered 24,424 Heavy motorcars registered 4,576 Motorcycles registered ... 17,637 Changes of ownership- motorcars ... 14,594 Changes of ownership- motorcycles ... 9,056 General identification marks issued .... 1,141 Copies of entries in regis ters furnished ... ... 1,952 Licences to drive issued ... 99,600 Duplicate licence% granted 1,462
Bus Notices on Lamp-posts.
At a meeting of the Southend Council Highways Committee letters were submitted from the Westcliff Motor Char-ibanes Co., Ltd., asking permission to fix notices upon lamp columns, etc., in various positions on the routes traversed by their motor omnibuses indicating the stopping places of such vehicles. The borough surveyor was directed to obtain from the company a sample notice and to state that whilst the committee is not at present unfavourable to the proposal, the number of positions desired is, in the opinion of the committee, too great. n
Panama Roads.
According to a recently issued Department of Overseas Trade report, laws -were passed in 1920: (1) creating a Central Road Board (Junta Central de Ca,minos) for the construction of roads in the RePublic of Panama and designating the duties of the Board, (2) amplifying the above law and establishing regulations for obtaining tenders and furnishing estimates for the construction of roads.
Specifications for tenders were published by the Board in January, 1921. The contracts have new been awarded and surveying work is under way throughout the districts concerned.In general the roads will be macadamized. A fund of about 32,500,000 is actually available for road building, which should greatly assist the development of the natural resources of Panama.
The Value of the Farm Tractor.'
Dr. Russell has recently issued a report upon the work at the Rothamsted Experimental Station in the years
1918-1920. The report deals very exhaustively with the cultivation work at the station, and a notable feature is that dealing with the value of the farm tractor. For the benefit and guidance of farmers who cultivate land of a eindlar texture to that at the station, and who are debating as to whether the acquisition of a tractor would be useful or otherwise, we repeat what Dr. Russell says. His report runs :--" The introduction of the tractor has profoundly
ohamged our ideas of what' is possible in the way of cultivation,, and we do not yet know exactly what can be done even with our Iresent implements, while the enterprise of some of the makers is per petually leading to new modifications in the implements themselves which still further extends the possibilities. Broadly speaking, the effect of the tractor has been to speed up all operations so mud' that work can now be done as a general rule that formerly could only rarely be attempted."
It will he understood that on fairly heavy land, such as at Rothameted, subsoiling by means of horse labour is almost out of the question; it must be done either by steam tackle or by tractor.
A further advantage of the tractor is that it enables cultivation to be pushed forward so rapidly in autumn as to allow winter corn crops to be sown early. Then, again, he has 'found that considerable assistance in working a tractor on heavy land has been given by the use of chalk. On unchalked land he found that the speed of three-farrow plough per hour was 1.9E1 miles, and on similar land which had been chalked 2.18 miles. The reduction in "thaw-bar pull" thus caused also means a considerable reduction in fuel and in wear and tear of the tractor and the ploughing gear, whilst the additional speed is a valuable asset at busy periods.
Efforts have been made to reconstruct the road system of Costa Rica, but the work has suffered from lack of funds; only about 30 miles of roads suitable for motor traffic have been completed.
Steam Wagon Smoke.
A deputation from the local Horse and Motor Contractors' Association has waited upon the Parliamentary Committee of the Glasgow Corporation to
express objection to the proposal to seek power to impose penalties in respect of the emission of smoke from mechanically propelled vehicles.
The deputation urged that, because of the difficulty in getting a suitable fuel. the proposals were WO stringent, and suggested that the existing powers of the Corporation were sufficient.
The deputation also objected to a daase as to lights on vehicles on the ground that it was not necessary for slew-going vehicles to carry lights in streets which were lighted.
The committee decided to make no alteration in the clauses.
A claim by the Glasgow Corporation against Mr. Carmichael, for damage done to a public weighing machine by a motor vehicle beyond the capacity of the weighbridge, has been amicably settled by a payment of £38 12s. 6d.
A Dumped Vehicle.
Attention has been called to the damage done to the British motor trade by the dumping of disused Army vehicles in this errantry. The accompanying picture 7shows a German Hansa-Lloyd lorry, fortnerly in use with the German Army, which has been in use in a Yorkshire town for two years. The vehicle possesses many characteristics of the land of its origin, and is of substantial, and, in some parts, cumbersome build. Apparently the wheels have been fitted subsequently to the machine being put into use in this country, and ibis believed that at one time it was in use with some of the wheels fitted with substitutes for rubber tyres 'which Germany was oorepelled adopt during the war. Particular attention has been directed to the springing, and in every case auxiliary coil springs have been fitted in place of -the usual shackles. So fax as can be ascertained there is not a single piece of aluminium on the vehicle, its place being taken by cast-iron wherever possible. Even the horn is all metal,
the air pressure being obtained by a metal bulb which slides on a cylinder.
The engine exhaust and inlet valves are side by side, and the transmission is through -a four-speed gearbox and counters-haft gear to heavy driving -chains. The reverse and lo W gear are of a :remarkably low ratio, the vehicle scarcely moving when either is engaged. Probably this is because the vehicle was intended to haul one or more trailers, for the driver stats that never under any necessity has he need to use the low gear. The engine is one of high compression and high speed, and even whenthe engine is raced the speed with reverse or bottom gear engaged is not more than ia couple of miles per hour.
A Licence Point.
With reference to the question which had arisen with the Glasgow Education Authority as to the licence duty payable in respect of the motor vehicles belonging to that authority, -used for the conveyance of cripple children, etc., the town clerk reported at the Magistrates. Committee of the Glasgow Corporation that he had had a meeting on the sub
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ject with the director of the education authority, Who, while maintaining that the vehicles in question are ambulances -e-and are, therefore, in terms of the Finance Act, 1920, exempt from dutyhad.suggested as a compromise that his authority should pay one-half of the duty damned; that he (the town clerk) had communicated with the Ministry of Transport as to that proposal, and had received a letter from the Ministry, stating that it could not agree thereto, and suggesting, in view of the important
ri pnciple involved, that a test case be taken by the corporation. The committee, after discussion, agreed to continue consideration of the subject pending further communication being made with the education authority
Leyland Price Reductions.
As a result of reduced wages and anticipated reductions in the cost of material, and of further careful elimination of excess production costs, Leyland Aloters, Ltd., are able to announce a substantial reduction in the 1922 prices of their petrol 'commercial chassis. There is a considerable reduction on all models, and as much as 25 per cent. on some types. It is to be hoped that a revival in trade will follow the all-round reduction and stabilization of prices.
A Fluted Mudguard.
Nothing detracts more from the general spic-and-span appearance of a motor vehicle, and especially of .a passenger-carrying machine than damaged or dented mudguards, which, on account of their position, are often' liable to injury. A wing of entirely new design, which will require something more than an or-dinary blow to damage it,. is the Ideal mudguard, which is being put on the market by Messenger Bros., Ltd., of Hounslow, W. This wing is made of 22 in. G. black steel, fluted in deep, each end being diminished to a fiat surface with a wired edge. The fluting is the novelty about this wing, and its construction undoubtedly gives it enormous strength, whilst it is not subject to the whip of ordinary flat wings. It is a very rigid wing, and should considerably, enhence the appearance of any type of commercial vehicle. The wings are obtainable from £4 per set of four.
Local Proceedings
Willesden Urban District Council has plans for a central fire station.
Lancaster Watch Committee suggests the purchase of a trailer for the motor fire-engine.
Lancaster Watch Committee recommends the purchase of an Oldsmobile chassis at a cost of about £350.
Lancaster Watch Committee has granted permission to Mr. W. Wilson to start a daily bus service between Lancaster and Cockerharm •
The Glasgow Corporation Watch Committee recommends the ptirchase of two Dennis six-cylinder turbine motor fire-engines at a cost of £1,860 each.
Salford Corporation Health Committee recommends a by-law to secure the cleanliness of vehicles used, for the transport of meat or other articles of fund.
Tynemouth Corporation has instructed the -cleansing superintendent to submit a report showing the comparative ccet of removing refuse by horsed vehicles and by motor -vehicles.
The Laffiy (England), Co. has offered tosupply the Willesden Urban District Council with a reconstructed Lailly sweeper for £525. The works committee, -however, does not recommend any action.
Willesden Council's Electricity Committee has authorized the electrical engineer to dispose of a Hillman lorry at the best price obtainable, The vehicle has been in continuous use for eight years and is now worn out.
Willesden Council reports that the wages of all motor drivers in the Connell's employ have been reduced by 3s. per week, the reduction having been agraed by the appropriate trade unions. This decision affects petrol, electric, and steam vehicle drivers.
Heavier Scales for Motor Vehicles.
In view ofthe greatly 'increased weight of traffic during recent. years, the Glasgow Corporation has asked a sub-committee to consider the whole question of the responsibility of the 'Corporation with regard to the maintenance of public weighing machines.
Glasgow Taxicab Fares.
For some considerable time past-there has been an outcry againet the fares charged by -taxicab proprietors in Glasgow, and it is good news to hear that a firm of motor hirers is now charging only is. per mile (garage to garage) for the hire of private lanclaillet cars. Other hirers continue to charge at the rate of Is. ficl. per mile.
The Life of the Laffly.
The good working record of the La-illy vehicle is referred to in a report of the Works Cointerittee of the .Kensington . Borough Council. The borough engineer reported that the Laffly road-sweeping machine which wa-s purchased in 1915 now requires to be thoroughly overhauled and repaired, and he submitted e specification and an estimate which have been Ob tain ed from Laffiy (England) Co.'s works, which are situated in the borough, for carrying out the necessary work to the machine, including the repainting, such estimate amounting to £285 less 4 per cent'. discount. The committee has given an order for the machine to be overhauled and repaired.