WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arisiug, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over tohick it runs."—john Beattie Crosier.
French Battery Electric Trials.
It will interest those of our readers connected with the battery-vehicle industry to have a few details regarding the trials of these vehicles which are being organized by l'Union des Syndicats de l'Electricitit under the patronage of the Minister of War and with the assistance of several important French institutions.
The actual trials will take place between June 5th and 20;th, and the pro
gwreme will be practically the same as in preceding years. The vehicles will' be garaged and their batteries recharged at the park formed at the-Office National des Recherches at des Inventions, and they will start each morning from the Sevres Bridge, running within Paris and its exterior boidevards.
The.vehicles will be divided into three
-categories -Useful loads up to 800 kilos.; (2) USeful loads from 801 kilos. to 2,000 kilos.; (3) above 2,000 kilos. The length of the daily journey for these three will be 80 kiloms., 60 kiloms., and 40 kiloms., respectively.
' Note will be taken of the following points :—(1) Electrical energy expended by the vehicles during each daily run (a) per ton-kilom. of useful load, (b) per ton-kilom. gross load ; ,(2) total energy taken by each vehicle during charging and the total energy consumed by each during the trials. A boosting charge will be given during the mid-day halt.
Refuse Collection at Swansea.
With reference to our comment a fortnight ago upon a paragraph which appeared in our issue of April 6th, to the effect that the Chief Constable of the Borough of Swansea had reported adversely upon the question of refuse collection in the borough, we have now thoroughly investigated this matter and find that our local correspondent had fallen into a curious error which we do not for a moment defend.
It appears that the Chief Constable's report dealt with street collections, that is to say, flag days and charity collections, and our correspondent admits that he entirely confused this subject with street refuse collection and, therefore, that his remarks in the issue
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of April 6th in nowise apply to the question of street refuse collection in Swansea.
In any local government area there is, of course, only one authority responsible for refuse collection, and in the area controlled by the Borough Council of Swansea the refuse collection is carried out in a most efficient manner, for the Borough Engineer and Surveyor, Mr. J. R. Heath (who is this year president of the Institution of Cleansing Superintendents), is regarded as one of the foremost authorities on this matter, and this makes it all the more regrettable to us that our correspondent should, by his error, have caused any possible reflection on the Swansea Council or its Engineer.
Institute of Transport Congress.
The annual-congress of the Institute of Transport will be held at Birmingham from May 13th-to Ml5th (both days inclusive). Members and their guests (ladies beinginvited), will be received by the president on 'Wednesday, May 12th, at the 'Queen's Hotel. On Thursday morning Mr. George Cadbury, Rum, will' open the congress with a paper on ." Industry and. Transport," and Mr. Alfred Baker will read one on "'Road Passenger Transport." On Thursday .evening the Lord Mayor and Ludy Mayoress 'of Birmingham will entertain the congress at a conversazione.and dance at the • Council House. On Friday Mr. J. if. Follows (L.M. and S..R.) will read a paper on "Traffic Control," and Mr. C. Grant Robertson one on " Transport in England--a Brief Historical Survey." Ou Friday evening the annual dinner of the 'Midland 'local, section will _take place at the Queen's Hotel. A number of interesting visits has been arranged for Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
We regret ti o hear that Mr. W. L. Boon, managing director of J. C. Fell, Ltd., Ashton-under-Lyne, has passed away.
Morris Produce a Six-wheeler.
We are able, on this page, to illustrate the Morris rigid-framed sixwheeled lorry and hope, at a later date, to go fully into the design and construction. At present it will suffice to announce the production of this new vehicle and to remark that its outstanding feature is its comparative simplicity.
With the exception of the rear suspension system, standard Morris components are used throughout. The four-cylindered Morris engine employed on the 25-30-cwt. Morris van, rated at 15.9 h.p. and built in unit construction with the single-plate clutch and fourspeed centrally controlled *earbox is inCorporated, driving through an open propeller shaft to the forward axle of the bogie, the final drive being by worm, whilst to the tail of the worm shaft is fitted the universal joint, from which the drive is again taken by a short enclosed shaft to the overhead worm of the rearmost axle.
The two rear-axle casings are attached to the chassis by two parallel inverted semi-elliptic springs on each side, the springs being affixed to a trunnion block, which, in turn, is attached to the chassis ; thus, each axle is independently sprung, yet the load at all times is equally distributed between the four wheels of the bogie, so reducing the pressure per unit of road area to a consistently low figure.
The Morris six-wheeler has undergone strenuous tests in negotiating very . difficult ground.
Quarterly Licences Popular.
An analysis of the taxation returns for the first quarter of the current year, as contrasted with that for a similar period a year ago, shows that there has been an increase of 25,680, or 12-i per eent, in the number of licences issued in respect of commercial motor vehicles. The returns also indicate an increasing tendency on the part of owners to take out quarterly licences, these showing an advance of 24 per cent., as against only 7 per cent. in the case of those for a full year.
Canadian Motor Industry's Alarm
at Proposed Tariff Cuts.
Replying to a delegation of nearly 3,000 representatives of the Canadian automobile industry, which recently protested against the tariff cut announced in the Budget (i:e., 15 per cent, of the general tariff on low-priced vehicles and 71 per cent. on higher-priced vehicles), Mr. Mackenzie King, the Prime' Minister, stated that the Government would abide by the decision of Parliament on the question as submitted in the Bud get. The Government, he said, was willing to give its earnest consideration to any representations made and did not wish to injure any Canadian industry, but before deciding to make a tariff cut
it had Obtained expert advice. He remarked that the nevi automobile duties were designed to cheapen the price of what had become' a necessity to the whole country.
An Agents' Conference.
Small and Parkes, Ltd., recently held an agents' conference at their Hendham Vale Works, Manchester, when between 50 and 60 representatives were present from. territories as far apart as the North of Scotland and the South-wed of England, whilst others came from the Trish Free State, Ulster and Wales. The chairman of the company, Mr. G. W. Parkes, presided at the conference and after luncheon, discussions and debates took place. The secretary read an interesting paper on " Credit Management," and the points he raised were closely followed. . •
A Plymouth Company's Extensions. An important development is announced by W. Montfort' and Co., Ltd., the well-known Plymouth company, who have added to their premises the extensive showrooms in Tavistock Road lately occupied by the Sutton Harbour Motor Co. These showrooms, which -occupy 'a commanding corner site, are exceptionally well placed and will be in addition to the company's other showrooms in Drake Circus.
Messrs.. Mumford report that their v.orks atBillacombe are being kept busy in connection with motor coaches, omnibuses and lorries. Amongst the bodies now under construction are a 20seater saloon for a Roo-Pullman chassis being supplied to an Ilfracombe company and a lorry body for a Leyland chassis fur a firm of brewers.
No Shortage of Motor Spirit.
So far as one can foresee the future in such matters, there does not seem any reason to anticipate a marked variation in the price of motor spirit this year," was the statement made by Mr. P. C. Tenn,ant, the chairman clf the Glico Petroleum Co., Ltd., at the recent annual meeting of thecompany. Mr. Tennant added that there did not appear to be the slightest reason to fear anything in the nature of a shortage, notwithstanding the abnormal growth in motor traffic not only in this country but in practically all countries in the
world. To balance the increased consumption, one must take into consideration the new fields that are continually being exploited and the improved methods of distillation, which all contribute towards an increase in the percentage of motor spirit obtainable from crude oil.
Morris Representation in Ireland.
We are informed that Mr. T. V. Beatty has been appointed factory representative for Ireland for Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd.,. Soho, Birmingham, and that his headquarters will be at Messrs. Poole's, 94-96, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin.
A New L.C.C. Ambulance Station..
A flew ambulance station. at Regency Street, Westminster, S.W.1, established by the London County Council to facilitate the speedy transport to hospital Of street accident cases, has been placed in commission. Since 1922 seven additional stations have been provided by the council, the total number of stations now being 13. More Buses for Birmingham.
The Birmingham Corporation, which is well known for its progressive policy in transport matters, has placed an order with the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., of Walthamstow, London, E.17, for a further 30 chassis to be fitted with covered-top double-deck bus bodi4s. This make of chassis has been employed by the corporation for some tinwpast and, at the present time, they have over 100 of this make, in their fleet. A covered-top double-deck trolley-bus, also of A.E.C. make, has been purchased after a trial under service conditions.
Nottingham Traffic Problems.
With the opening of the widened Trent Bridge, a solution has been found for one of Nottingham's most pressing traffic problems, affecting entrance to and exit from the city upon its southern
most side. The institution of the oneway traffic rule has also gone far towards minimizing difficulties in several central thoroughfares.
Amongst possible minor improvements to facilitate traffic, it is now intended to experiment at several important street junctions in Nottingham with metal studs, such as have been recently brought into use, with success, in place of the white painted safety line at several dangerous crossings at Mansfield in the county area, where the idea, which is now being largely followed, was first introduced.
An Aid When Crossing London.
The first edition of the R.A.C. map— showing recommended roads into, out of, round and across London—which was recently issued having been exhausted, a second edition II now in the Press. The map is of much value to those who may not possess an intimate knowledge of London, since it clearly shows where traffic is heaviest and how it may be avoided. Its price to the general public is 45. 6d.
Useful Data Sheets.
The data sheets which are issued at intervals by the publicity department of Leyland Motors, Ltd., Leyland, Lanes., always attract our notice by reason of the particularly concise manner in which they are prepared. The constructional particulars which are given are just those points on which the user or Potential user needs to be enlightened, but they do not include a host of technical data which most people have little time to consider. Chassis prices are dearly given, as are those for different types of body for various models. Data Sheet No. 16 has just been issued by the company and It deals with gOods models for carrying ltgada ranging from 2 tons to 6 tons and ,with the wide range of passenger vehicles which they market. A place is also found for particulars relating to the three types of fire-engine which are produced.
Reos for Mexican Government.
The Government of Mexico has standardized upon Reo Speed Wagons for its War Department, and the first batch of vehicles of this make has recently been delivered to the authorities. It is stated that more than 100 vehicles • of this make will be delivered to the Mexican Government during the present
year. Both the if-ton model P Reo Speed Wagon and the heavy-duty speed wagon have been ordered by the Mexican Government. The vehicles are being equipped with extra tanks for carrying motor spirit and with additional equipment for carrying water and oil. Before the authorities decided on the purchase of Reo vehicles a number of makes was subjected to a series of arduous tests.
Southend to Run Buses.
The growing population of Southendon-Sea and the surrounding districts has resulted in an increasing demand for the extension of road-travel facilities In and around the borough. Although private enterprise has done much to assist in this direction, the local authorities feel that more remains to be accomplished and, accordingly, they have decided to run certain trolley-bus and petrol bus services. A decision to scrap the tramlines to Prittlewell has been reached, and trolley-buses will be C22 brought into use on this route. On some other routes the services will compete with those run by private companies, and the hope is expressed that this will result in fares being reduced. Sight should not be lost of the fact that private enterprise has done much spade, work in establishing efficient services.
More Official Orders. Amongst the Government orders for
• commercial motor vehicles given out by Government Departments during March . last was one by the G.P.O.,divided between the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., • A. E. Gould,. Ltd., H. W. Perry, Scam. mell Lorries, Ltd.; and Spence and Johnstone. The Crown Agents for the Colo • !des also divided an order for motor road rollers between Aveling and Porter, Ltd., and Barford and Perkins, Ltd.
A Scottish Bus Co.'s Acquisition.
It is stated that the Scottish Motor Traction Co., Ltd., of Edinburgh, have acquired the business of Messrs. Brook and Amos, of Galashiels. The fleet of vehicles which they will take over is made up of 50 buses, which have been on service to a lumber of important centres, including Walkerburn, Selkirk, Hawick, Jedhurgh, Kelso and Berwick. It is said to be the company's intention to carry on the business under its old
title until such time as the services are extended and developed, and the headquarters will remain at Galashiels. In connection with the acquisition the company have taken over the garages of Heists. Brook and Amos, at Gala.shiels, Selkirk, Hawiek, Denhohn and Coldingham.
An Auction of Spare Parts.
Messrs. Goddard and Smith are holding a sale Of Spare parts for A.E.C. and Daimler Y-type chassis and for. Tylor engines at the Motor Auction Mart, 70, Seymour Place. London,
on May 5th, 6th and 7th, commencing each day at 11 am. .A great variety of parts is being put up for sale.
An I.M.I. Agency.
Imperial Motor Industries, II, Denmark Street, London, W.C2, inform us that they have been appointed sole wholesale distributing agents in this country for Dutch Brand products. A variety of lines is being stocked by the company.
. Spanish Road Contracts..
In our issue dated April 13th we made mention of the fact that the Spanish Council of Ministers had consented to the construction of 4,000 miles of new road in different parts of Spain, and we stated that no restrictions were to he placed upon the purchase abroad of machinery and equipment necessary for carrying out the work.
One of the foremost British manufacturers of equipment which is largely used in connection with road works informs us that in February last tenders were invited by the Government Department of Public Works for 10 compound steam road rollers of 20 tons weight and 20 compound steam road rollers of 15 torts weight. In the first instance, no foreign maker, we are told, was
allowed to quote, and tenders were confined to Spanish makers of engines of this type. The only condition under which foreign makers were allowed to quote was that if second tenders were invited later, and if Spanish firms had not contracted for all the work. in this particular case it is significant to note that all the orders were placed with Spanish makers.
This experience of one prominent British maker shows that although many makers in this country are alive to the possibilities of overseas markets they do not always receive the encouragement that their products merit.
A Morris Dental Van.
At a recent meeting of the Shropshire Education Committee, the medical inspection sub-committee recommended the purchase of a Morris-Cowley coinmercial ear, at a cost of approximately £185, for the use of the school dentist. Dr. G. Hollies, chairman of the subcommittee, in moving that the recommendation be adopted, made one or two sapient observations on the merits of this make of British vehicle.
Power Alcohol in Australia.
According to an advice from Melbourne, a power alcohol distillery is to be erected at Gordanvale at an estimated cost of approximately £70,000, one-half of which will be found by the three or four companies interested and one-half locally. As a result of negotiations with representatives of Brtish distillery companies and the chairman of the Pine Creek Sugar Mill, it has been decided to form the Australian National Power Aleohol Co., with a nominal• capital of £1,000.000, and proceed immediately with the erection of two distilleries, one in the Plane Creek district; Mackay, and another at Cairns.
The Personnel of Heayy Wagons.
The: Liverpool and, District Motormen's Union, after a meeting with the Transport and General 'Workers Union, on Monday, April 26th, decided that on and after May 3rd all heavy motor wagons not adequately staffed, that is carrying two men, will not be loaded or unloaded in the districts of Liverpool, Manchester and Preston. Furthermore, these two. :unions intend to see that all men working in connection with these vehicles shall be members of the union. In Liverpool, at least, for some time, union conditions have been very strict, and the grievance of local owners has been that whilst.they have lacen obliged to ensure that working conditions arranged with the union are adhered to, competitive vehicles from outside towns (Manchester is frequently. mentionedf are sometimes understaffed:
We have been informed that to _circumvent the union restrictions, wagons from outside towns have sometimes made the journey with only the driVer .who, on reaching the city boundary, has hired a man to act as mate, whilst the vehicle is to be loaded or ualaaded.
Municipalities Buying S.D. Freighters.
The S.D. Freighter is gaining considerable recognition in municipal circles and• amongst the orders which have been received by its inakens, Shelvoke and Drewry, Ltd., Letchworth, Forts, is a number from important authorities, many of which have already had experience with machines of this make.
The company have received a second repeat order from the Watford Corporation, as well as another from the Bog
nor Urban District Council, whilst amongst London authorities which are buying S.D. Freighters are•the Fulham Borough Council and the Hampstead Borough Council.
The company's vehicles are also finding a ready sale in certain markets abroad, and amongst recent overseas orders can be mentioned one from the Rangoon Municipality for three machines (this being a repeat), another from the Gibraltar Municipality which will take delivery of a dust-eart through the Crown Agents for the Colonies, and a third, in the nature of a rveat, from the Sydney Corporation, Australia, for two .machines. .
As the result of a trial with an S.D. Freighter the' Croydon Borongh. Council has decided to purchase .18 dustcarts and, with this object in view, has applied to the MiniStry of Health for a loan.
Another L.G.O.C. Acquisition.
It is announced that: the London General Omnibus Co.; Lid.; have just acquired an interest in another 'ofthe fleets of buses run by an independent concern, this being that owned by the Royal Blue Co: . The buses are on set-, vice on route NO, 247 and the reduced fares between King's Cross 'and Greenford Green whiela were established arestill in operation. Trent Traction Co.'s Progress.
The thirteenth ordinary general meeting of the Trent Motor Traction Co„ Ltd., who run a network of bus services from their headquarters at Derby, was held recently. The company's capital expenditure during 1925 increased by £30,352, the greater part of this amount being spent in connection with the pr vision of new buses and on the erection and equipinent of a new garage at Nottingham. Daring the year the company's authorized capital was increased to £125,000.
So far as the revenue account is concerned the net traffic receipts and other revenues brought in £38;883, a figure which shows an increase of £4,321 over that for the previous year. The report shows hn increase hi profit of £2,253. A sum of £15,315 remains for appropriation, and this is being absorbed by the payment of a' dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum on the ordinary shares, after which £5,994 will remain to be carried forward. This is the sixth year in succession that the' company have paid a dividend of 10 per cent.— a healthy State of affairs.
' During the past year the company's vehicles carried 9,184,650, which was considerably more than double the number carried in the year 1922. The company now own 132 buses and motorcoaches, and operate regular services over goo miles of route. I,ncluded in their fleet is a number of light pneumatic-tyred single-deck buses which have only seen short service. The company's business ',certainly shows a healthy growth and their progression is all the more marked when it is considered that considerable competition exists on many of the services which are run.
The Birmingham Parade.
The West Midland Division of the Commercial Motor Users Association will hold its annual parade in the Queen's Drive, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham; on Saturday, • June 12th. There will be a subsequent parade through selected thoroughfares of the city. Provision is being made to present the prizes to the winners much earlier than has been the case in previous years, and for this purpose a new system of dealing with the judges' reports has been evolved which, it is hoped, will speed up the proceedings.