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WHEELS of INDUSTRY

The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the

roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier,

"The Commercial Motor's " Letter to "The Times."

On October 28 the following letter was sent to the Editor of The Times by the Editor of The Commercial Motor :— Dear Sir,—" The Case of Trade and Industry," which has just been issued against the report of the Conference on Rail and Road Transport, should constitute ample proof to all, that practically the whole commerce of the country is strongly opposed to this lamentable report.

You will have noted, no doubt, that the committee acting for this trade conference, which included 66 national organizations representing every important trade and industry in the country, has not merely criticized the report, but has issued a damning indictment of it, which not only contradicts what was said in the report, but carefully analyses every statement and proves that the bases were wrong and contradictory.

The case constitutes an excellent reply lo the repeated suggestion that all important interests in the country were in favour of the Salter Report, and that the few who dissented did so either from self-interest, or as a result of pressure from the manufacturers and those actually concerned in the road-transport industry.

A Further Reply to the "Report."

Last Wednesday the London Chamber of Commerce published its memorandum on the Salter Report. It considers that the allocation of road costs throws too large a burden on one section of user, that the tax an petrol is too high, and that many engaged in industry pay this tax although their use of petrol is not confined to road transport. Some of the tax increases proposed are too great, and will unnecessarily burden an restrict the development of road haulage. The Chamber is opposed to the institution of the system of licensing recommended; it is impracticable to keep careful records of journeys, loads, working time, etc.

Our Next Issue.

The next issue of The Commercial Motor, dated November 11, will contain a stand-to-stand review of the exhibits in the commercial-vehicle section of the Scottish Motor Show, which opens in Glasgow on that date and continues until November 19. In this issue will also be published special articles dealing with phases of passenger and goods transport in Scotland.

In addition, this issue will embody a guide to the exhibits of municipal vehicles and appliances to be displayed at the Public Health Exhibition, which opens at the Royal Agricultural Hall, London, on November 14. The Administration of the Road Fund.

The report on the administration of the Road Fund for the year 1931-1932 has recently been published by the Ministry of Transport, and can be obtained from His Majesty's Stationery Office, price 2s. It shows that the receipts credited to the fund totalled 122,769,377, of which 122,519,000 consisted of issues from the Consolidated Fund (motor taxation receipts). The total net payments amounted to £29,920,000, so it will be seen that the payments in the year exceeded the receipts by £7,150,623, the deficit being met from the balance of the Fund brought forward, and from Exchequer advances amounting to £6,000,000.

The gross receipts from the taxation of road vehicles in Great Britain during the calendar year 1931, amounted to £28,134,723, the approximate numbers of vehicles, in respect of which licences were issued, being 2,196,100 mechanically propelled and 41,907 horse drawn. The corresponding figures for the previous year were 127,825,174 gross revenue, 2,260,500 mechanically propelled vehicles and 53,015 horse-drawn vehicles. The figures thus show an increase of 1.1 per cent, in gross revenue, and a decrease of 2.85 per cent. in the number of mechanically propelled vehicles licensed and of 20.95 per cent, in horse-drawn vehicles.

The total payments into the motortax account amounted to £28,369,369, as compared with £28,523,708 a year earlier. On March 31, 1932, the balance to the credit of the Road Fund, after taking into account Exchequer advances, was £62,950, the estimated commitments at that date totalling £32,620,000, which includes 112,689,000 expended in connection, with road and bridge works for unemployment relief.

Under the heading of "economy measures" it is pointed out that the aim of the Minister of Transport was to achieve the necessary savings, so far as possible, by agreement with the highway authorities, by the curtailment or postponement of works of improvement and new construction. Up to March 1932, 6,554 schemes had been reviewed.

Altogether the economy reductions amounted to £34,500,000 in total estimated expenditure, representing a reduction in the Road Fund liabilities of approximately £25,000,000. Those liabilities were spread over several years, but of the £7,000,000 voted by Parliament for the year 1931-1932, only £6,000,000 were required, and the revised estimate of expenditure for the year 1932-1933 shows a reduction slightly in excess of that required to comply with the decision of the Government. Owino.b to an estimated decrease in revenue for 1932-1933, the Parliamentary grant for that year nevertheless amounts to 12,750,000, as compared with £2,250,000 mentioned in the White Paper issued in connection with the National Economy Act, 1931.

Personal Pars.

Mr. E. S. Shrapnel-Smith, C.B.E., has, we learn, been called upon by the Mersey Tunnel Joint Committeeof Liverpool and Birkenhead Corporations to advise in respect of traffic expectation and toll schedules.

Alderman E. L. Green, managing director of Green's Motors, Ltd., the well-known Haverfordwest , and West Wales bus company, has been invited to become mayor of Haverfordwest for the ensuing year. Mr. Green has declined, because of business claims, but continues his service as an alderman ou the council.

Mr. 0. C. Power, the well-known traffic manager of the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co., Ltd., recently received a presentation from

members of the Birmingham ?Horse and Vehicle Owners Association in recognition of 21 years as chairman of that body. Amongst the speakers who referred to the good work performed by Mr. Power on behalf of the association were Mr. Lawrence Tipper (president), Alderman A. H. James (chairman of the Birmingham " Safety First" Council), Mr. G. Wood (vice-chairman of the association), and Mr. T. Haw

kins (secretary). • Dunlop Debentures.

The Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., announces that, on February 4, 1933, it will redeem the whole of its 6 per cent, second mortgage debentures at the price of 103 per cent. It is not proposed to replace these debentures by the issue of any new security.

New Works for Making Recorders.

The works of Gilbert Davenport and Co., 26, Eyre Street Hill, London, a concern, of specialists in counting and recording mechanisms, have recently been acquired by Messrs. Dougherty and Janitch, 10, Cullum Street, London, E.C.3, who Will continue to produce, under the original name, hubodometers and other instruments previously made by Gilbert Davenport and Co. Messrs. Dougherty and Jairitch are well known in connection with the manufacture of recording instruments, and their successful, time-distancespeed recorder will now be marketed as an all-British product. We understand that, in the near future, an improved type of triple recorder, which will sell at a competitive price, is to be introduced.

Saurer Oil Engines for Railcars.

It is reported that, following the successful trials of rail roaches in France, the Usines de Tilleul of Maubeng-e is taking up the construction of rail-cars having Saurer oil engines.

Trolley-bus Chassis Wanted in New Zealand.

His Majesty's Trade Commissioner at Wellington, New Zealand, reports that the Christchurch Tramway Board is inviting tenders for the supply of four six-wheeled trolley-bus chassis, to carry 39-seater bodies. Tenders, addressed to the chairman of the Board, must reach Christchurch not later than Saturday, December 17. A copy of the conditions of tender, specification and drawing is available on loan from the Department of Overseas Trade 85, Old Queen Street, London, &W.I..

Sterne! Penetrating Oil Tried Out.

Sternol penetrating oil, made by Sternal, Ltd., Royal London House, Finsbury Square, London, E.C.2, has, in the course of the past few weeks, been tested for various uses in connection with staff ears of this paper, and appears to be a satisfactory lubricant with good creeping properties. This oil consists mainly of pure hydrocarbons and does not contain graphite.

It is useful for spraying, or otherwise lubricating, road springs, and can be made to reach hinge pins, screw threads, etc., which are inaccessible to ordinary oils. Prices, depending upon quantities ordered, may be had on application.

Official Orders in September.

During September last the Admiralty ordered an electric passenger vehicle from Greenwood and Batley, Ltd., Leeds. The War Department placed one for Morris-Commercial six-wheeled chassis with driver's cabs, the G.P.O. authorities also purchasing lorries of that make, and ordering Albion, Morris, ana Morris-Commercial chassis. The G.P.O. also contracted for the supply of motor bodies from Duple Bodies and Motors, Ltd., the Express Body Works, Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., and the Weybridge Motor Engineering Co., Ltd.

Railway Traffic Decline Continues.

Statistics recently issued by the Ministry of Transport show that, for the month of July, 1932, the total number of passenger journeys (excluding those made by season-ticket holders) taken on all standard-gauge railways in Great Britain was 103,219.779, a decrease of 3.4 per cent. compared with July, 1931. The journeys taken by passengers at reduced fares increased by 257,671, but those at standard or ordinary fares were lower by 3.929,102. Passenger receipts showed a decline of £278,684. For the four weeks ended August 13, 1932, the coaching train-miles showed a decrease of 125,11)6, compared with the corresponding period of 1931. The total tonnage of freight conveyed (excluding free-hauled traffic) was 16,521,270, a decrease of 1,695,805 tons. Freight train receipts at £5,468,214 showed a decline of £781,944. The freight train-miles run were 570,737 less than was the case during the corresponding four weeks of the year 1931.

A Paper on Diesel Engines.

The Diesel Engine Users Association is holding a meeting on Wednesday, November 16, at 3 p.m., at Caxton Hall, Caxton Street, London, SAV.I., when Mr. W. A. Tookey, M.I.Mech.D., will read a paper entitled "Rated Output of Diesel Engines."

S. F. Bowser Changes Title.

S. F. Bowser and Co. (London), Ltd., Windsor House, Victoria Street, S.W.1, has taken over the business of S. E. Bowser and Co., Inc., and we understand that the company's products will, early next year, be completely British. They are at present imported from Canada.

Road-transport Section of Liverpool Chamber of Commerce.

A number of road-transport operators recently met in Liverpool at the headquarters of the Chamber of Commerce, when it was unanimously decided to form a road-transport section of the Chamber. Mr. E. C. Marston (M.R.S., Ltd.) was elected chairman, Mr. R. B. Stook-dale (Motor Carriers [Liverpool], Ltd.) vice-chairman, and Mr. C. E. Macaulay (Warpool Transport Co.) honorary secretary.

Sales Service Available.

Mr. Robert L. Carter, A.R.Ae.S.L, 7, Duppas Road, Croydon, Surrey, has recently been appointed sales representative for the Premier Aluminium Casting Co., Ltd., Hay Mills, Birmingham, which company specializes in light-alloy castings for the motor and aircraft industries.

Mr. Carter, who has had technical experience with several important companies, including Leyland Motors, Ltd., the English Electric Co., Ltd., Supermarine Aviation Works, Ltd., etc., and has been on the commercial side with Imperial Airways, Ltd., and the Ford Motor Co., Ltd., is open to represent a few non-competing interests.

A New Humidifier.

An humidifier, known as the Rex supercharger, is now being marketed by the Rex Supercharger Co., 26, Eyre Street Hill, London, E.C.1, which concern is associated with Gilbert Daven port and Co. It is easy to fit and retails at 12 15s., which includes the eost of fitting.

An Engine Support for Fords.

The Edge Engineering Works, Ltd., Gale's Gardens, Bethnal Green, London, E.2, announces the introduction of an engine front support for the Ford AA-type commercial vehicles.

The support takes the form of a transverse housing, containing rubber blocks, this being intended to replace the mounting with two spiral springs, which is fitted as standard. It is claimed that the fitment, the price of which is 2s. 66., gives positive engine alignment and freedom from vibration.

Major Nevatt on "Repressive Legislation."

Major C. G. Nevatt, of the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., was unable, through illness, to attend the recent meeting of the north-west centre of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, after the fourth annual dinner in the Engineers" Club, Manchester, under the chairmanship of Mr. H. Wright Baker (Manchester University). A member of his staff, Mr. A. Williams (hon. sec. West of England centre), deputized as reader of the address.

This traversed many phases of " repressive legislation." Among "unreasonable regulations," the author cited that concerning maximum legal overall length, there being three dimensions according to the number of wheels, and whether for single or doubledeckers. One of the worst of the "confusing and contradictory regulations" mentioned by Major Nevatt was that relating to ground clearance, and he advocated that the body and chassis should be designed as a unit.

The centre has been invited by Ley3322

land Motors, Ltd., to visit its, works on the afternoon of December 21. The Company will provide saloon coaches for transport from Manchester. Another party will leave the city at about 5.30 p.m. for Leyland. Intending participants are asked to advise Mr. Shepley, the centre secretary.

Ingenious Anti-oiling Device in Latest Massa Plug.

An accompanying illustration shows In section the latest form of sparking plug made by the Massa Sparking Plug Co., Ltd., 178, High Street, Ted dington. A particularly interesting feature of the plug is a flanged washer fitted in such a manner that it divides the gas space around the base of the insulator, thus protecting the insulator from the full heat of the flame and simultaneously diverting from it the oil that may be splashed up into the plug.

Constructed of good-quality materials with mica insulator and a chromiumplated body and gland nut, the plug is made in a form suitable for commercialvehicle power units as well as in types suitable for all the principal makes of car and motorcycle engine. Its retail price is 5s. 66.

Morse . Chain Drives.

The Morse Chain Co., Ltd., Letchworth, Herts, has recently issued a catalogue giving technical details relating to the design, construction, application and maintenance of Morse chain drives of the inverted-tooth type, as well as bush roller chains. and the new Morse all-metal flexible chain coupling. Our readers can obtain a copy by communicating with the company. A Plea for the Restriction of Cab-drivers' Licences.

The London Motor Cab Drivers Cooperative Trade Union recently issued a manifesto urging a restriction of taxicab drivers' licences. It suggests that the number of drivers should not exceed by more than 20 per cent. the number of cabs. At the present time there are 8,013 cabs and 11,304 licensed drivers in London.

Raleigh Co. Stages Show.

At the Nottingham factory of the Raleigh Cycle Co., Ltd., a large number of agents was enabled, last week, to inspect the complete range of the company's products. These, of course, include the three-wheeled vans and trucks which have proved so popular. During the three days of this private show some 700 persons were entertained to lunch.

Brady's London Works Busy.

We • learn that the works recently opened at Bridge Road, Willesden, London, N.W.10, by G. Brady and Co., of Manchester, are already in full swing in connection with the manufacture of Brady products, including the patented shutter for vans, refuse collectors, etc. This is noted for its lightness, strength, silence and small coiling space.

Reopening Eden Bridge.

The bridge which crosses the River Eden at Carlisle, has recently been widened to 70 ft.; originally, it was only half as wide. The Ministry of Transport has made a grant of 75 per cent. towards the cost, which is about /60,000. The bridge connects the main road from London to Edinburgh and Glasgow and was recently reopened.

Success of Road-Rail Furniture Containers.

The London, Midland and Scottish Railway Co. has achieved such success with its door-to-door service of furniture removals by the use of road-rail containers that it intends to expand the service by constructing 50 additional container units, whilst a similar number of existing containers is to be specially adapted for the work.

Reduced Fees for Agrimotor Testing.

The fees for testing agrimotors by the Ministry of Agriculture have been reduced. The charges now in force are 120 for a belt test and 130 for a traction test. Actually, the fee is £2 Per b.h.p., but the 'cost will work out as above indicated, for a minimum of £2 is charged ter each of the belt and traction tests.

Well-known Haulier Dead.

The death took place this week of Mr. James Haddrell, a well-known Treherbert (Rhondda Valley) haulage contractor. He was said to be the first person to drive a public-service vehicle in the Rhondda area.

New Guy Agents.

Guy Motors, Ltd., Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, advises us that it has appointed the following new agents:— Messrs. Henry.Silver's Motors, 405-409, Cowbridge Road, Cardiff, to cover Cardiff, Pontypridd, Merthyr and Monmouthshire, and H. Stone and Co., St. ..kudries Garage, Bicknoller, which also has a branch at Watchet, for Somerset.

Still Negotiating After 16 Months.

For about 16 months negotiations have been in progress between representatives of the Liverpool road-transport employers (haulage contractors, as well as private fleet owners) and the local motormen's union, with a view to arriving at an agreement by which con

ditions of labour and rates of pay can be regulated. There is reason for believing, however, that the difficult negotiations are now nearing an end. Three points, however, remain to be settled. They deal with the pay of men in charge of multi-wheeled vehicles, employment of second men on certain types of vehicle and the wages of persons in charge of light motors.

News in Brief.

The Royal Welsh Agricultural Show will be held, in 1933, at Aberystwyth, from July 26-28.

Messrs. Atkinson Lorries, Kendal Street, Preston, have been appointed Lancashire distributing agents for Dorman-Ricardo oil engines.

The death occurred, last week, of Mr. James Todd, aged 69, of South Shields, one of the oldest road-transpcirt contractors in the Tyneside area.

The directors of W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co., Ltd., have declared an interim dividend of is. 6d. per share (less tax) on the ordinary shares of the company ; payment will be made on December 1.

The Generill Vehicle Co., Ltd., advises us that it has received a repeat order for a G.V. 10-cwt, electric from the Express Dairy Co., Ltd. This vehicle is for use at the company's Kenton depot, and has a D.P. Kathanode battery of 140-amp-hour capacity.

Major Goddard to Lecture on Oil Engines.

On Friday, December 2, Major W. H. Goddard, A.M.I.Mech.E., will give a lecture before the Coventry Engineering Society on "The Diesel Engine in Road Transport." Major Goddard will review the application of the oil engine to roadtransport vehicles, dealing with the progress that has been made and the different types of power unit that have been produced, as well as other important phases of the subject. The lecture will be illustrated by lantern slides.

An Exhibition of Light Vans.

From November 7-12, Godfrey.% Ltd., is holding, at its new service station at Eden Street, Hampstead Road, London, N.W.1, an exhibition of light comanercial vehicles. Jowett vans, examples of the new B.S.A. light delivery vehicle and Stevens, Fleet and Bantam threewheelers will be on view. Incidentally, the last-named is a new make, of 21,cwt. capacity,, that is fully described elsewhere in this issue.

The new service depot is a five-storey building with an area of about 15,000

square ft. Specialization in light commercial vehiele.s is a new departure for , the company (the head offices a which are at 366-368, Euston Road, London, N.W.1) and this section of the business is under the management of Mr. A. P. H. Pehrson, who was previously connected with the London office of Fleet Motors, Ltd. Readers of The Commercial Motor are invited to pay a visit to the exhibition.