Opinions from Others.
Page 15
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The, Editor invites correspondence oi all subjects connected with the use of commer.ial motors. Letters should be on
one side of the paper only, and type-written by preference. The right of abbreviation is reserved, and no responsibility for the views expressed ii accepted. In the case of experiences, names of towns or localities may be withheld.
Night-Storage Accommodation.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,170] Sir,--Re your article in the issue of the 14th December, we beg to state that we have facilities for storing petrol and steam wagons, also for taking water and fuel, and should be glad to hear from or of any persons desiring accommodation.—Yours faith fully, JAMES DURNFORD AND SON. Upton Road, Bedminster, Bristol.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,471] Sir,—I read your article in TEE COMMERCIAL MOTOR of the 14th December with interest, as we have a large malting (with water and gas), at Baldock, which I intend to use for such a purpose when the time is ripe. I have not yet heard of many drivers of long-distance wagons asking for such accommodation, and it may be that those who do want it think London is only three hours further, and that they might as well finish the time out there. You know the position of Baldock. Do you or any of your readers know of any likely traffic to make use of such a storage ? Yours faithfully, For the FIRST GARDEN CITY LTD., N. H. GAUNT, Agent.
Letchworth.
The Editor, THE COMM.ERC1AL MOTOR.
[1,472] Sir,—We beg to inform you that it is our intention to undertake all classes of motor-wagon work. This would, of course, include night or Sunday storage. When our works are completed, we shall have the best-equipped motor-wagon depot in the kingdom, and we intend always to keep the works open, night and day. We shall be installing tire presses, and we also hope to hold a stock of solid-rubber band tires.
When the alterations are completed, we shall much esteem the favour of a personal visit from you. We do not anticipate getting the work finished before the end of February, or the middle of March, but we shall have pleasure in writing von well before date of completion, giving you particulars of our capacity for storage and capabilities as regards repairs, etc.-Yours faithfully, JAMES BARTLE AND CO. Western Ironworks, Lancaster Road, W.
:We invite further conununications.-Ea.)
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,473] Sir,—We think if you could publish a list of country agents that would undertake to garage and supply necessary petrol and stores, you would be putting both haulage contractors and owners under a great obligation to you. We will give you three instances that happened to us last month : 1.—We had a lorry on the Portsmouth Road, and no one would take it in. It was eventually put into an open yard of a public house, and they charged us 2s. 6d. for this, although four men put up at the place.
2.—In another case, at Petersfield, our man required eight gallons of heavy petrol, and was charged Is. 4d. per gallon for it, which is, of course, a prohibitive price. We find that garages generally will make no difference for commercial vehicles, and they must lose considerable trade, as we and probably others take every precaution to see that enough and a little to spare is taken if possible. 3.—Only last week one of our RO-cwt. vans had to stop at Findon, and our man was not allowed to pull
into the public-house yard, and, as the load was valuable, the men decided to sleep on the van. The next morning they called for breakfast, which consisted of only a rasher and an egg, and each was charged is. 10d.
The above are only three of the many cases reported to us. We shall be glad to see letters from others on this matter in your columns.—Yours faithfully, p.p. FRENCH'S GARAGE ANT) MOTOR WORKS, LTD., W. F. FRENCH.
314, High Road, Balham.
[Mr. French's letter hears oitt the views to which we gave expreasion in a leading article on the 141hWe are, of course, prepared to give space for advices and addresse.,, where facilities will be provided on
reasonable terms.-Et Inspection of Steam Boilers in Relation to Agricultural Motors.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[1,474] Sir,—Legislation may again come up for making compulsory the periodical inspection of all steam boilers, used for whatever purpose, bringing under this category all agricultural and other steam boilers up to now unclassified. Every one who knows can but be in favour of such legislation. The number of steam generators used for agricultural work, and run under conditions dangerous to the users themselves, are well known. Fatal accidents occur here and there with this type of boiler, and the wonder is that these fatal accidents are not more recurrent.
Generally, the generating plant is stood on one side for some months in the year, and, when again required, steam is raised with at the best a most-cursory examination of condition by persons incompetent in this class of work. So soon as this new legislation is carried, a considerable number of agricultural engines, ploughing engines and the like will be con demned, and, rather than pay the necessary cost of making the boiler fit for working, the owners of same will purchase new machinery for carrying on this work. Then will be the time for the manufacturers of heavy-oil agricultural engines to show their machinery at the local agricultural shows. Since this type of engine will not have to undergo a compulsory periodical inspection, and, moreover, has certain advantages over the steam engine for this particular class of work, new orders should flow in.
If & census of insured agricultural steam engines and boilers were taken it would be surprising to discover the large percentage of steam boilers under this class which is uninsured. On inquiry as to the objection to insurance, the reply will be given that directly one insures one has to increase reserve for up-keep. When an accident does occur, the inquiry only elucidates the fact that repairs were carried out by the driver, aild that. last season the boiler was worked to a certain pressure. These repairs generally consist of such make-shifts as the following : plugged up smoketubes ; patched fire-box sides (the faulty plate not having been first removed); fusible plugs stopped by means of substituting a bolt for the lead rivet ; etc., etc.
It would, therefore, be well for the manufacturers of internal-combustion agricultural locomotives to watch carefully for the passing of this legislation, so as to be ready to replace the condemned steam plant with the later type of the latest practice.-7Yours faith
fully, " ALERT."