Personal Pars.
Page 47
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Captain j. S. Irving, M.I.A.E., whose portrait appears on this page, has been appointed technical director of the Humber-Hillman-Commer Car combine, the appointment dating from the beginning of this month He is looked upon universally as one of the cleverest designers of the day. Be was responsible for the Sunbeam ear whicIt first exceeded a speed of 200 m.p.h. and later designed the IrvingNapier Special, perhaps better known as ths "Golden Arrow," on which Sir Henry Segrave set up a speed record of 231.362 m.p.h., and for which achievement Captain Irving was awarded the 'nighty prized medal of the Institution of Automobile Engineers.
It remains to be seen what influence his new position will have on the future design of Commer Car vehicles, which are already giving excellent service to their numerous users..
We are informed by United Dominions Trust, Ltd., that it has secured the services of Mr. P. R. Jackson as assistant to the managing director.
Mr. Jackson is a Scotsman and an engineer of note, He is a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and an associate member of the institute of Naval Architects, whilst he has held several important administrative positions both in this country and abroad. He is well known both in America and in Europe, through his association with an important American group and as managing director of the Sperry Gyroscope Co., Ltd., which position he is now relinquishing.
Prompt Work by a New Dennis Fire-engine.
The new Dennis 250-300-gallon, lowload-line fire-engine, which left Guildford last Tuesday morning bound for Driffiekl, started active service very early in life. The machine was being delivered to the Driffield and District Fire Brigade; it had travelled so far as Eaton Ford, St. Neots, when the driver perceived an outbreak of fire in a builder's yard belonging to Eagling, Reynolds and Co. Turning quickly to the scene, he brought into action the 35-gallon water tank and pump and the reel of 120 ft. of light hose which constitute the first-aid equipment of this machine.
It is reported that as the small supply of water was used up local villagers replenished the tank and, by vigorous and well-conducted work, the fire was extinguished. As the outbreak occurred in the carpenters' shop where much wood was stored it is certain that this prompt action resulted in saving the adjoining property which consisted of a row of cottages.
The driver is to be commended on his action and the incident emphasizes the importance of speedy arrival upon the scene of a fire. The machine in question is capable of 35 m.p.h. and will climb a gradient of 1 in 6 when carrying its full load.
Rail and Road Co-o.neration in the Isle of Wight.
We understand that a company called the Southern Vectis Omnibus Co. has been formed to take over the motorbus
business carried on in the Isle of Wight by Dodson Bros., Ltd. Mr. Gilbert SzIumper, assistant to the general manager of the Southern Railway, is the chairman, and the new company has entered into an agreement with the Southern Railway Co.
An Austin Dividend.
We are informed by the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., that it has decided to pay, on September 30th next, a further one year's arrears of dividend on the company's million 6 per cent. "13" preference shares, amounting to £75,000 (less tax at 4s. in the 1), and equalling £60,000 net. The share registers will be closed as from September 9th to 21st, both days being included. Shareholders will no doubt be gratified to note the progress which the company is making.