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News of the Week

4th May 1945, Page 20
4th May 1945
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Page 20, 4th May 1945 — News of the Week
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NEW SCALES FOR VEHICLE TAXATION I N his Budget speech in the House ot Commons last week, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir John Anderson, proposed new scales of taxation for passenger-service and goods vehicles. In the case of the former, progression would be by one seat, and in the latter by i-ton steps. This change will apply to all such vehicles after Jantiary 1, 1946

In commenting on this proposed . change, the Chancellor said that he

• knew that what the industry would really like was a reduction in taxation. That, he said, he was not, at that moment, in a position to concede.

The new proposals, he pointed %out, did not, however, in any way determine the future rate of taxation.

GROUPING LONG-DISTANCE HAULIERS I N connection with the proposed formation of a company designed to co-ordinate the services of long-distance hauliers, a meeting, to which We have already referred, is to be held at the Waldorf Hotel, Aldwych, London, W.C.,. at 11 a.m., on May 12, Applications for admission should be made to Mr. M. W. Harris, 320/2, King Street, Hammersmith, London, W.6.

PROBLEMS OF FIXING A NATIONAL RATES SCHEDULE

I T is understood that the sub-com mittee charged with the task of formulating a suggested national schedule of road haulage rates has completed a basic scale of charges Worked out on operating costs in relation to distance, but that the recommendations as to how it should he applied have stilrto be decided, Apart from the question of rate variations, to take care of such factors as high bulk-to-weight ratio, it is gathered that an issue raised in the subcommittee's deliberations is whether regard should be had to substantial differences in the value of the goods carried. In other words, this issue is whether account should be taken not only of operating costs but also of ability to pay—in railway parlance" what the traffic will bear."

A point made in favour of taking. goods value into account in the fixing of rates is that although the cost of transporting a consignment of higher value may not be more than in the case of a consignment similar in bulk and weight but of lower value, the carrying of the more expensive goods involves a greater responsibility on the haulier for safe delivery of the load. Furthermore, rates equality so far as goods value is concerned means that goods of lower value are hearing a higher transport charge in proportion to their cost than those of greater value. .

Linked with this issue is the question of whether there should be goods classification modelled, to some extent, on the railways' method, but with feWer classes. 'Pin the fixing of road haulage rates regard is to he had to goods values, 'then classification must. obviously, play a big part.

Different opinions on the issues in question are understood to have been voiced by members of the sub-committee, some-of whom have taken the line that a " cost-plus-profit " basis for road rates is preferable to the adoption of a rates system having affinity with that of the railways.

NEW S.M.M.T. PRESIDENT

WE understand that Mr: R. C. 1'V Rootes has, been elected as the new president of the Society of MotorManufacturers and Traders. We consider this to be a very happy choice. Not only is Mr. Rootes connected with both sides of the industry, but lie is

also keenly concerned with the promotion of our export trade. He is a man of charming personality, who is highly respected in all circles. He is managing director of Commpr Cars, Ltd., Karrier Motors, Ltd.,' and other concerns in the Rootes orgariiitatien, vice-chairman of Rootes Securities, Ltd., and a director of a number of other companies.

. PROGRESS OF VEHICLE DISMANTLERS' ASSOCIATION NAEMBERS from all parts of England, Ilf1Scotland and Wales attended the half-yearly general meetin,, of the Motor Vehicle Dismantlers' iasoriatioir, held inLondon, last week.

Presiding, Mr. C. II. K. Tye, of York; stated that there had been a substantial increase in membership. He reported upon the executive corn. mittee's activities during the past three months, and directed attention to the desirability of giving careful thought to the trade difkculties and problems which would attend the termination of the war in Europe and the period of transition.

Details of the disposal arrangements made between the Government and manufacturers were given by Messrs, 'H. Ciiitterbuck and W. T. Williarns, of the Society of Motiir Manufacturers and Traders,. who answered many questions bearing on these arrangements.

THE R.H.O. FOREIGN SERVICE UNIT

THE 500-ton capacity foreign service unit of the M.O.W.T. Road Haul• age Organization, which was. recently despatched abroad, arrived safely and has already done a considerable amount of useful work in taking essential supplies, including those of a medical nature, to Allied civilians in the liberated areas..

We regard this action by the authorities as being one which will continue to be greatly appreciated. It will do much not only to relieve considerable suffering, but to improve co-operation with the countries concerned.

, A second unit is in process of formation.

AUSTINS VOTE £1,000,000 FOR POST-WAR DEVELOPMENT

THE directors of the Austin :Motor Co., Ltd., have voted an expenditure of k:1,000,000 for new machinery. production equipment and constructional work at the company's Longbridge factory, near Birmingham, so that, so soon as permissible, motorvehicle construction can be -stepped up to meet post-war demands.

The company has already announced its programme for the immediate postwar period, which includes-lorries up to 5 tons capacity, and the expenditure now announced will provide facilities for accelerating the output.

CO-OPERATIVE GROUP FORMED AT BLACKBURN

BLACKBURN and district have commenced to operate a co-operative road haulage group, comprised of 25 concerns, under the title of Transport (Blackburn), Ltd., with a nominal capital ofE,2,500. The chairman of the group is Mr. W. B. Livesey, of 'Livesey's Motors, Ltd., Blackburn;, with him in the directorate are Messrs. W, Ball (G. and W. Ball, Ltd.), A. Bolton (Ribblesd,ale Coachways, Ltd.), H. Harwood (Darwen), J. Hindle (Jacks 'Motors, Ltd.), J. Kinder (Kinder Bros., Ltd.), and F. H. Lloyd (Lloyd Bros. (Haulage), Ltd.) The registered office of the company is at 67, Canterbury Street, Blackburn.

ROAD AND RAIL ALLIANCE BENEFITS TRAVELLERS

LAST year, the buses of the Yorkshire Traction Co., Ltd.., carried 52,029,731 passengers compared with 40,146,810 in 1938, whilst the mileage run was 3,232,618 less than in 1938. These figures were given by Mr. J. S. Wills, M.Inst.T., chairman, at the annual general meeting of the company. The substantially heavier loading did not earn any extra profit for the shareholders; the higher revenue was swallowed up by the payment of E.P.T. and increased war wages..

Mr. Wills dealt with some of the past activities of the company, and referred to the good relations which exist with the railways pointing out that the re,sult of the affiance between road and rail has been that the services of both have been co-ordinated to the advantage dl all who travel in the area served bythe company. '

NEWCASTLE "THINKS BIG" ON TROLLEYBUSES

PROPOSALS by Newcastle-on-Tyne Transport and Electricity Committee for promoting a Parliamentary Bill to change the present tram systeen to trolleybusei and to operate trolleybuses on other routes was approved at a recent town's meeting. It was explained that the cost would be £785,000. It was stated that to continue the trams, renew 50 miles of tramlines and obtain 200 new tramcars

would cost £2,000,000, •

Several speakers suggested that motorbuses should be used iii preference to trolley-vehicles, but the transport manager, Mr. H. C. Godsmark, said that trolleybuses were slightly cheaper to run.

f50 =NE FOR UNDER•PAYMENT OF EMPLOYEES AT Nottingham Summons Court, last week, Mr. Cyril Willde, of Central Avenue, Beeston, was fined £50 for furnishing receipts which proved to be false in respect of two of his employees. He carried on a general haulage and coal business, and it was calculated that these employees had been underpaid by £44 12s, ad and £12 6s. respectively.

SALES ADMINISTRATOR • AVAILABLE

WE know of a man who has had 26 W years' general motor-trade experience, 18 of which have been in important administrative positions, who requires a responsible post in sales management. He has a good sales background, and is at present general manager at a branch of a leading company having a Ford main dealership.

addressed " Sales

Letters addr Manage

ment " will be forwarded.

A VALUABLE BOOKLET FOR FARM-TRACTOR OPERATORS

RECENTLY issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is an informative little booklet entitled "Getting the Best Out of Your Tractor." It contains a lot of sound advice which should be of considerable help to those farmers, and tractor divers who take a pride in efficient tractor management and operation. The booklet describes and illustrates some methods of planning tractor work and gives details of those factors which ensure that the tractor is kept at the highest pitch of. efficiency from the mechanical angle. Many of the hints are of general application, but some will have to be modified to suit the needs of the individual farm or farmer,

LONDON TRANSPORT'S SUMMER PROGRAMME

LONDON TRANSPORT'S 1945 LAsummer proeramme, which came into effect on Wednesday last, May 2, has been planned, as in previous wartime years, to provide first and foremost for the full requirements of war workers. Economies in rubber and fuel are still vitally necessary and, in nonindustrial areas,, the new programme will provide little more than a re-adjustment of peak and black-out services. In certain districts, however, the services will represent some improvement, by reason of the addi tional mileage authorized a few months ago to meet urgent shortages in industrial greas and the needs of shoppers. Throughout the Board's area road services will be maintained at peak-hour strength for half an hour later in the evening-7 p.m. instead of 6.30 p.m. After this time services will run at closer intervals than in the winter.

H.M.F. TO HOLD A.G.M; AT MANCHESTER

THE a.g.m. of the Hauliers Mutual . Federation is to be held at the Grand Hotel, Manchester, on May 9. It will be preceded by a luncheon at 12.30 p.m.

BROCKHOUSE SALES IN THE NORTH

WE are advised that J. Brockhouse Wand Co., Ltd.. has opened a sales office in Manchester to deal with inquiries and sales for the whole of the Brockhonse organization covering Northern England. The address is Eagle House, 30, Cross Street, Manchester, 2. LEEDS VIEW-ON THE CENTRAL ENTRANCE DOUBLE-DECKER I T is believed that the Leeds Municipal passenger-transport authorities do not regard the Blackpool-type centralentrance double-deck bus, run experimentally for a month in Leeds not long ago, as suitable for their requirements. This exgeriment, made also in Manchester and Sheffield, was carried out to test the effect 'of a feature aiming at safety promotion—sliding doors in the centre of the near side, operated by the conductor or driver In favour of this feature is the safety point that the closing of the doors prevents people from attempting to board or alight from the bus while it is in motion. On the other hand, it is suggested that in a peak-hour traffic rush there is danger of the conductor falling between two stools—the door and tares collection. The fact that this type of bus carries fewer passengers than the average double-decker is cited as particularly important from the standpoint of coping with dense city traffic.

SAFE DRIVING BY GAS LIGHT AND COKE MEN TO-DAY, Air Vice-Marshal Sir Philip Game, G.C.V.O., G.B.E., K.C.B., Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, is presenting to some of the drivers of the Gas Light and Coke Company long-term awards gained for periods of safe driving varying from 5 to 25 years. Two have qualified for the 'coveted 25-year cross—between them they have driven over 1,000,000 miles. Incidentally, the company has a driving personnel of nearly 450 men. The function „is being held at Gas Industry House, I, Grosvenor Place, London, S.W.1, and the host will be Mr. A. E. Sylvester, F.C.A., the new governor of the company.

OBITUARY We regret to record the death, which occurred recently, in action -over the Contineat, of Flyibig OFFICER G. M. DAVIES. Previous to the war, he was a representative for India Tyres in the Birmingham district, and was well known in trade and user circles.

.We regret to learn of the recent death of Ma. W. R. LYSAGHT, at the age of 86. He was for many years a well-known figure in the steel industry, a director of Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds. Ltd., and chairman of Joseph Sankey and Sons, Ltd.

PEACE-TIME P.SN. LIGHT FITTINGS

WITI-I the lifting of the lighting restrictions, operators of passengerservice vehicles are faced with an immediate. problem. Whilst, in the majority of cases, the black-out cowls are easily removed, the bulbs are left unprotected and thus invite removal, besides being unsightly and productive of unpleasant glare:

This change-over difficulty has been anticipated by The Taw Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Campsbourne Works, The Campsbourne, High Street, Hornsey, London, N.8, and the result is that the concern now has available various conversion fittings.

These are so designed that they cap lie substituted for the black-out shades, without even having to make fresh screw holes.

Special types are available to replace the standard shades designed for the NLO.W.T., and for flat roof panels and the curved panel type specially produced for war-time Bedford vehicles.

Production arrangements are such that quick delivery can be given.

The Manchester office of the British Aluminium Co., Ltd., is temporarily situated at Chancery Chambers, 55, Brown Street. The branch manager is Mr.' T. R. Whitelegg. EAST IANCS ASSOCIATION TO • BREAK AWAY?

LAST Monday, the East Lancashire Road Transport Association decided to apply to the National Federation for permission to establish a separate area for the Blackburn district—now a subarea of Manchester—so as to have direct contact with the Federation, Miss P. Bridge, secretary, reported in an interview in Manchester with representatives of the Federation, which had refused permission for a separate area to be formed. In the event of a con tinned refusal, it was decided to break away from the National Federation.

" THE INDUSTRY SHOULD MAKE ITS WISHES KNOWN"

WHEN addressing the first meeting of the Worksop Sub-area . of R.H.A., last week, Mr. W. G. Cooper, East Midland Area chairman, said that grave prohlems would have to be faced by the industry after the war. Apart from the threat of nationalization—in the forefront of Socialist policy—some thought that there was also a danger of monopolization. The industry had experienced a rigid system of control not only under the M.O.W.T. Haulage Scheme, but also in the restriction of traffic outside that Scheme. The industry should make its wishes known in respect of these matters, and he was thankful that there was at last one organization which could represent the road-transport industry.

Mr. J. Littlewood was elected chairman of the Sub-area, and Mr. J. Gant vice-chairman, with Mr. G. Fenton as honorary secretary. These officers, with Messrs. W. Key, C. Sergeant and J. Marsden, were appointed to form an einergenty committee.

EAST MIDLAND INST. OF T.

• OFFICERS

ATA T the ninth annual meeting of the Midlands section of the Institute of Transport, held in Nottingball last .week, the following officers were elected:—Chairman, Mr. B. England; vice-chairmen, Messrs. J. T. Evans, H. G. R. Lambert and R. B. Temple; hon. secretary, Mr. H. G. Morley; hon. treasurer, Mr. W. Donaldson Wright; committee, Messrs. G. J. Aston, S. C. Bond, J. H. Bowyer,

H. P. Day, J. H. Stirk, E. L. Taylor, I. C. Thirkell, R. Tuft anti • Col. F. Rayner.

DEPOT FOR DON FRICTION • . FABRICS IN EDINBURGH TO meet the growing demand in and around Edinburgh for Don brake and clutch friction facings, Small and Parkes, Ltd., of Manchester, has opened a depot at 57, Elder Street, Edinburgh. The company's area manager for Scotland is Mr. Henry McGill, and the local representative is Mr. Harry D Stewart. A comprehensive stock of Don brake and clutch facings. Don-Flex clutch discs, Railite radiator hose, etc., for a wide range of Vehiclesis being carried. ,The company has installed plant for refacing • brake shoes and clutch discs 'at the depot.

CROSSLEY'S FINE HOME GUARD BATTALION

THEpersonnel of Crossley Motors, Ltd., played a noteworthy part in the Home Guard, A battalion based on the Crossley Works' was commanded by the works manager; Lieut.-Colonel S. E. Crooke, M.C. It was known as the 49th Lancaster and one of the largest in the cOuntry. Following the " stand down," . the need for private funds created for the welfare of the Members largely disappeared, arid it was a unanimous decision that the balance should go to St.' Mary's Hospital, Manchester. Therefore, on-April 27, a cheque for £725 was banded to the hospital

authorities by the Commanding Officer, for the purpose of endowing a bed to perpetuate the memory of the battalion.. Lieut.-Colonel Crooke was supported by Captain A. P. Wells, M.B.E., sales manager of the company, who assisted in founding the battalion.

BUS STATION FOR JARROW?

-THE question of providing a bus J. station --a,t Jarrow is a matter which is under discussion between the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., and Jarrow Corporation. Proposals for running double-deck buses through Jarrow from South Shields to Newcastle-on-Tyne are also being considered.

PANEL BEATING OF ALUMINIUM ALLOYS

ANOTHER useful bulletin—in this IA case No. 9—dealing with the spinning and panel beating of aluminium alloys, has been published by the Wrought Light -Alloys Development Association, Union Chambers, 63, Temple Row, Birmingham. 2.

It is claimed that this booklet makes good a gap in technical literature cn , the subject. It commences with a general survey of the forming properties of these alloys, in which the phenomena of work-hardening, softening, and grain growth are discussed. The heat-treatable alloys and the effects of this treatment on them are similarly dealt with.

The spinning process is described in more detail, together with the tools and technique necessary. Thin follows the technique of panel °eating.

The booklet is well illustrated, and should prove most useful. Its price is Is, USEFUL BOOKLET ON ROAD TRANSPORT LAW

THANKS to our cOntemporary, A " Motor Transport," we have received a copy of that journal's latest edition of " Road Transport Law," an up-to-date summary of current legislation concerning our industry. It is well indexed and a most useful booklet, priced at 3s. 13d., including postage„ from Iliffe and Sons, Ltd., Dorset House, Stamford Street, London, S.E.1.

CONTROL OF ENTRY INTO THE RETAIL MOTOR TRADE?

OPPOSITION to any form of Governinent control of entry into the retail motor trade was expressed at the April meeting of the Bradford Section of the Motor Agents' Association. It was suggested that entry could be sufficiently regulated on a quantitative basis by such means as the stipulation that employment of a certain minimum percentage of skilled labour was requisite for membership of the trade.

The Section appointed a sub-committee to give information or advice to the British Legion locally, on any queries which might be raised on behalf of ex-Service men desiring to enter the trade, R.H.A., IN BIRMINGHAM

BIRMINGHAM Sub-area of the Road Haulage Association will hold its next general meeting at the White Horse Hotel, Congreve Street, Birmingham, on Monday, May 14. at 7 p.m.

LORD WOOLTON TO SPEAK ON EXPORT TRADE

AT a meeting of the Institute ot Export, on May 8, at 1.15 p.m„ "in the Assembly Hall of. the Royal Empire Society Building, Northumberland Avenue, London, W.C.2, Lord Woolton, C.H., ,will address the members on the subject, " Export Trade After the War." Admission will be by ticket obtainable from the secretary of the Institute at the above address.


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