WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheeleof 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."—Johu Beattie Crozier.
Petrol and Paraffin Prices.
Following upon the reception of two deputations from the Standing Joint Committee of Mechanical Road Transport Associations, Capt. F. G. Bristow, the secretary of the C.Ivl.U.A., has been officially notified that there will be 2d. per gallon reduction in the prices of petrol and paraffin as from Monday last. The deputations were received by Sir John Cadman, K.C.M.G., Director of H.M. Petroleum Executive, and Sir Walter Egerton, K.C.M.G., Chairman of the Petroleum Supplies Pool Board. The deputations included delegates from :—Commercial Motor Users, Association, Furniture Warehousemen and Removers Association, London and Provincial Omnibus Owners Association, National Motor Cyclists Fuel Union, National Traction Engine Owners and Users Association, Royal Agricultural Society of England, Showmen's Guild, and Steam altivation Development Association.
With regard to the reduction in price of all grades of petrol by twopence per gallon as from 1st December, we have reason to believe that this is the' first of a quick series of such reductions, which will each be small so as to reduce the hardship of the fall in prices on those dealers and retailers who possess stocks.
Belsize Dividend.
The directors of Belsize Motors, Ltd., have not yet been able to arrive at) the amounts payable to the Government for excess-profits duty and munitions levy in respect of the three years to 30th September, 1918; and, therefore, they are not able to submit the completed accounts for those periods. But they are • satisfied the profits which will be available for the last year of the term justify thorn in recommending the making up • now of the dividend for that year (to 30th September, 1918) to 15 per cent. less tax.
Dennis Report.
After making provision for special taxation, the profits. of Dennis Brothers, Ltd., for the year ended 30th September last, amounted to £77.998, comparing with £70,870 for th previous .,welve months. A year ago the dividend and bonus were raised from; 15 to 171 per cent. and they are now to be advanced to SO cent„ less tax. 'rho reserve is to be increded by £25,000 (as against £15,000), to £75,000, while the carry-, forwasd will he £12,905, as against £19,907. The directors are of opinion that the reserve of £25,000 set aside in 1915 against fluctuations in stock values is not now required, and they have therefore transferred the amount to the general reserve, thus bringing the latter up to £100.000. •
Insure for Election Time.
Every class of vehicle will doubtless be requisitioned for election purposes. We can imagine lorries and vans being used to convey voters to the poll; it will be reminiscent of armistice day, especially as workpeople of both sexes will be recording their votes. In the case of B20 " Dreadnought motor policies at Lloyd's" commercial vehicles laid up " but put into use temporarily for the forthcoming election, will be covered for full risk (including malicious damage) by payment of a small premium, and, M. the event of no claim being made, the premium paid. will be held to the owner's credit and allowed towards the premium when a more comprehensive policy is taken out. The Dreadnought address is 14, Cornhill, London, E.C. 3.
Removal of Restrictions on Non-ferrous Metals.
The Minister of Munitions gives notice that H.M. Government is prepared until such time as the existing Orders issued under the Defence of the Realm Act are withdrawns to release without special priority permits stocks of non-ferrous metals, insofar as they are available, for general industrial purposes.
Applications in connection with the release of such materials should be made to the Controller of Non-Ferrous Materials Supply, Ministry of Munitions, Hotel Victoria, Northumberland Avenue, W.C. 2.
The Government will, where necessity arises, continue to issue priority permits for work of special national importance, and firms may still issue priority certificates where the Order as to Priority of 8th March, 1917, allows them to do so.
Discharging Munition Workers.
In connection with-discharges of munition workers the Minister of Munitions wishes to point out for general information that (with the exceptibn of persons engaged in manual labour on certain building and construction work, certain classes of sea-going engineers and workmen engaged in ship repairing or whose employment is of a discontinuous or tesnporary nature) workpeople engaged on or in connection -with the manufacture of munitions are 'in general entitled in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 of the Munitions of War Act, 1917, to a week's notice of discharge or a week's wages in lieu of notice.
If therefore, a munitions worker (not falling within the above exceptions) is discharged with less than a week's notice or wages in lieu thereof, he or she can complain to a Local Munitions Tribunal and claim payment of a week's wages in lieu of notice by the employer. Ail-necessary particulars, together with the proper form -of complaint, can be obtained from any Employment Exchange.
The R.A.S.C.
By Royal Warrant published in Army Orders on .27th November the Army Service Corps is in future to enjoy the distinction of " Royal " in recognition of the splendid work which it has performed during the war. It will therefore be known in future as the "Royal Army Service Corps."
The directors of Brown Brothers, td., have declared in interim dividend of 21 per cent. (free of tax) on the ordinary shares in respect of the 1918 profits.
Wire No Longer Controlled.
The Ministry of Munitions gives notice that as from 23rd November last no permit is required from the Ministry of Munitions or any other Department for the manufacture or sale of iron and steel wire or wire ropes for the home trade.
The Government will, where necessity arises, continue to issue priority permits for work of special national importance, and firms may still issue priority certificates where the Order as to priority of the 8th March, 1917, allows them to do so. Any orders covered by such permits or certificates or by existing permits or certificates not cancelled by specific instructions of the Government will still be executed in accordance with the Order as to priority of the 8th March, 1917.
No applications need be made to the Priority Department of the Ministry of Munitione unless it is desired to raise the priority of a contract on grounds of national' importance. Colonial and foreign applications must be put forward in the usual way, tho former to the Priority Department, 1, Caxton Street, Westminster, and the latter to the War Trade Department, 4, Central Buildings, Westminster, S.W. 1.
Christmas Deliveries by Motor.
The President of the Board of Trade having considered the representations of • the Commercial Motor Users Association the Petrol Controller has arranged forthwith "to consider on its merits any individual application for an increased allotment of petrol, in view of the additional quantity of food-stuffs to be delivered during December."
Mr. F. G. Bristow, the general secretary of the Association, 83, Pall Mall, S.W. 1, will be glad to assist traders using commercial motors for the distribution of food-stuffs, who desire to make special claims.
Iron and Steel Prices.
Tiie Minister of Munitions reminds all buyers and sellers of iron and eteel that the current maximum prices for home sales of iron and steel remain in force until a further announcement is made.
London Motor Statistics.
In London last quarter there were registered 1073 motorcars, 202 heavy motor vehicles and 575 motorcycles. Changes of ownership were registered for 1182 cars and 297 cycles. Driving licences issued numbered 11,591.
The Industrial Reconstruction Council.
The last of the-first series of -Lectures arranged by the Industrial Reconstruction Connell will be held in thoSaddlers' Hall, Cheapside, E.C. 2, on Wednesday, 11th December. The chair will be taken at 4.30 by the Marquess of Salisbury, K.G., and a lecture on "Science and Industry" will be delivered by Sir William S. McCormick, LL.D., of the Department of Industrial and Scientific Research. Applications for tickets should be made to the secretary, I.R.C., 2 and 4, Tudor Btreet, E.G. 4.
Extraordinary Traffic : Costs in Action.
The recent, action in regard to extraordinary traffic brought by the Westonsuper-Mare Urban District Council against Henry Butt and Co., Ltd., was again mentioned in the Chancery Division on Saturday last before Mr. Justice Eve. Accorofing to a statement by Mr. ISfaugham, K.C., for the defence l it appeared that there was some uncertainty as to the apportionment of costs between the par. ties. He pointed out that there were two claims in the action, one for extraordinary traffic and the other for nuisance. The plaintiffs failed upon the latter claim and therefore they were not entitled to costs in respect of that part of the case.
Mr. Justice Eve said it was a slip on his part, as he intended to exclude the costs in respect of the nuisance. The plaintiffs were entitled to the general costs of the action except so far as they were increased by the issue as to nuisance upon which the plaintiffs failed.
Bills for the New Parliament..
Applications are to be made to Parliament during the ensuing session for leave to introduce the following bills :— Thames Ocean Wharf and Railway. This bill includes a clause to authorize the company to provide and work motor omnibuses and other vehicles for the conveyance of passengers, parcelsland goods and to enter into contracts in reference to their supply and working, Tyncmouth Corporation. This bill contains a clause to authorize the corporation to run within the borough and along so much of the road leading froth .Moor Houses; to the Allotment as is situated outside the borough, motor omnibuses. Stretford U.D.C. This bill contains a clause to empower the council to provide and run motor omnibuses on any roads within the district, and with the consent of the local and road authorities affected on any roads outside the district in prolongation of any omnibus route in the district, also to erect garages, shelters, and waiting-rooms, to lop trees along the omnibus routes, etc.,
Llanelly Corporation. This bill con
tains a clause to empower the corporation to act as carriers and provide motorvans and other vehicles for the transport of goods, etc., within and without the borough, in connection with the markets, slaughter-houses and cold stores of the corporation, and also for the services of manufacturers, merchants, shopkeepers, and the general public.
Stockton-on-Tees Corporation. This bill contains clauses to empower the council to run motor omnibuses within the borough, and beyond the borough along four routes to the following :—(1) To the railway station, Port Clarence; (2) junction of Chilton's Lane with Haverton Hill Road; (3) :bride south-west side Greatbam Creek ; (4) Town Hal), Yarm. Middlesborough Corporation. This bill contains clauses to enable the corporation to. run motor omnibuses along two routes in the county of Durham, and three
routes in the forth Riding of 'Yorks. _
"Live Axle" a-Victim.
With great regret we have to announce that our talented contributor, who preferred to conceal his identity under the nom-de-plume of "Live Axle," has succumbed to pneumonia following upon influenza. He was a clever designer, as has been proved by the marked success of the vehicles with the design and manufacture of which he had been associated for some time. His death leaves a gap which the Editor would desire to
In the spring of next year a motoculture week will he held in France. In addition to an exhibition of all agricultural machinery practical demonstrations will be given. It is hoped that entries will be received from all the important French and foreign firms interested.
The Midland Counties Motor Garage Co., Granby Street, Leicester, have acquired the premises at 33-34, Paradise Street, Birmingham, until recently occupied by the Daimler Motor Co., Ltd., for showrooms and offices for their Birmingham branch. They will be opening the showrooms in the early part of next year. The company have also enlarged • their Leicester showrooms.
De Dion's British Programme.
It is the intention of the De DionBouton Co., of Puteaux, near Paris, to establish a factory in England, where it will assemble all chassis for the British and Colonial markets. Mr. H. 0. Duncan, the general manager of the company for the British Empire, will come to England within a few days in order to select the new works, it being his intention to secure one of the big munition factories now released frcen the work for which they were erected. The company to be established in England will receive units—engine, clutch and gearbox in one unit—from the French factory, and will mount them into chassis manufactured and assembled in.England. The touring car programme has been fully decided upon ; it comprises two distinct chassis, each one being equipped with either a four or an eight-cylinder engine. Thus, one of the chassis can accommodate either a foureylindered engine of 70 mm. by 120 mm., or an eight-cylindered engine of 60 mm. by 100 mm. The other chassis is designed to receive either a four-cylindered engine of 85 mm. by 130 min., or an eight-cylindered engine of 70 mom. by 120 mm.
.As the French De Dion-Bouton Co. has always played a very important role in the commercial motor field, it is expected that it will also produce its 3-ton lorry in England for the British market. The company has also devoted attention to agrimetors, which may be expected to be built and marketed in England. No official statement has been made regarding the commercial motor programme; but we are given to understand that, when the new works are decided on, lorry requirements will be taken into consideration with the touring models.
The war savings week for the sale of war bonds held recently in Edinburgh resulted in no less than £4,516,520 being collected, and we observe that the rubber tyre trade was represented by a handsome donation from the North British Rubber Cu., Ltd., of £20,000.
Freedom or Forgings, etc.
The Minister of Munitions aunounces that until further notice manufacturers of forgings, stampings, and castings, in iron, steel or malleable iron, are at liberty to a.eeept orders for such forgings, stampings and castings for priority below Class B, subject only to the order as to priority dated 8th March, 1917.
For this purpose the operation of such clauses of the Control of Steel Supplies Order of the 20th November, 1916 (as amended by the Order of the 14th December, 1,917) as prohibit the manufacture of iron, steel and malleable iron for orders ranking below Class B is suspended,
Sale and Purchase of Calcium Carbide.
On and after the let December, 1918, all restrictions as to the sale or purchase of calcium carbide will be removed, subject to a,maximuni price to consumers of 240 per ten for quantities of 1 ewt. and over (granulated 10s. per tan extra). No application for the use of this material or return of stock need be made to the Ministry of Munitions after the above mentioned date.
It is anticipated that supplies are available for all purposes arid will be distributed through the ordinary trade channels, but should the exigencies of the shipbuilding trade demand it, the Government reserve the right to give preferential deliveries.
Selling Pleasure Cars by Means of a Motor Lorry.
American manufacturers are a good deal ahead of the European nations in the art of demonstrating and selling their
products. The four-ton Peerless lorry shown in the illustration is a salesroom on wheels, and is operated by the firm of Smith Bros., in Les Angeles, Cal. They arranged a remarkable selling tour throughout southern California recently. 'Upon the body of the vehicle a railed platform was built, which was reached by a flight of steps in the sear. In tho centre of this floor was set a new Peerless pleasure car, with the wheels held securely by blocks. The platform was carpeted, as were the steps; the brass work of the railing was polished, and the truck was sent from one town to another, where it stayed long enrenrh.(to attract the interest of many prospective buyers. The platform We ismit wide enough to allow the prospective buiyers to walk all around the pleasure car, white a. salesman pointed out its attractions, just the
B28 same as if it were on the floor Of a' neat salesroom in a city. Of course, it would have been s simple matter to have sent out the automobile on this campaign without the lorry, but the machine would have lost its lustre and its new appearance, while by this method the demonstrating car could be kept absolutely perfect. The sight of an automobile mounted upon a lorry attracted attention to both the pleasure car and the sturdy vehicle that carried it, makine a double display feature wherever it travelled.
British Motor Cab Co. Report.
In a lengthy report dealing with the year to 31st March the directors of the British Motor Cab Co. rehearse the circumstances which caused the company to withdraw from its proper business and ths endeavours to develop the manufacture of war material. The latter efforts only slightly influenced the year's results, but may be reflected hi the accounts of the e.urrent period. From all sources the net income was only 28,984, and as outgoings' including taxes, ran up to 283,583, a loss of 269,635 is shown,
refer absorbing the balance of 24,963 brought in. The reserve has been raised to 223,670 by the incorporation of the funds reserved for insurance claims, and investments and cash amount to 261,833 together, The National Steam Car 'Co., have been asked to nominate a workman to represent labour on the Chelmsford Food -Control Committee. The second meeting of the fourth series of Operating Department Efficiency meetings was recently held at tin L.G.O. Co. Training_ School, Milman'i Street, Chelsea, Mr. H. E. Blain, operat big manager, presiding over an attend ance of over MO members of the adminis trative and control staffs.
An exceedingly interesting lecture or " Bus M0.111 " was given by Mr. W. L Johnston, chief depot engineer, L.G.O. Co., who, in addition to giving an historical resume of the motor trans. port from its inception, and the gradual development of the motor omnibus chassis and body, gave a review of the garage personnel and methods necessary for an efficient maintenance. The methods adopted to secure economy in petrol. consumption, and both garage and Independent tests of important parts oi the chassis were described, whilst an interesting series of charts displayed the manner in which records in eons:8060r with last miles and involuntary steps due to engineering defects, the cost per mile for important items, and car running rs. cords of each individual bus were kept. The special depot for dealing with tyreE and welding, the oil re-claiming and rat washing depot were described.
Tractor Trials in the North.
The Northumberland War Agriculture Exetutive Committee are proposing t, hold demonstrations of the various trac tors and ploughs before Christmas Manufacturers who would be prepare( to take part in these are requested ti communicate with Capt. R. W. Stafford M.C., the tractor representative to tin Committee, South Ashfield, Glouceste Terrace, Newcastle on-Tyne.
Motorbus Subsidies.
At the Tramways Committee of On East Ham Corporation the manager re ported in connection with the snbsid■ made by the Government to the Landis General Omnibus Co. He and Aldermai Ashtead had taken part in a conferenc with Mr. Kellaway, Parliamentary Sec retary to the Ministry of Munitions, svh had advised that a small committee b formed of tramway engineers and man agers to meet the' tecluncal officers of th Ministry of Munitions further to discus the question, and that after receiving th report of his officers lie would conside what further steps could be taken.
Road Restoration.
The question of the restoration of roads was discussed at a meeting of the Executive Council of the County Councils Association, when the following recommendations were made : That it is desirable in the interests of the roads of the country that all technical road officials and assistants should be demobilized at the earliest opportunity in order that their services may be utilized by road authorities in the preparation of schemes of road works which will then be ready to be proceeded with on the general demobilization of tabour. That county councils should have the same priority in regard to labour as is proposed for borough and district councils and for contractors.
That it is most desirable that all existing embargoes on road management, materials and transport should be totally removed and all the rights, powers, and duties of road authorities completely restored at the earliest possible moment. That the present system of control of materials and :transport should be continued only until such embargoes can be removed.
Meat by Motor.
Recently the Chelmsford Corporation suggested that meat shimld be sent by motor to avoid railway-delays. Now the Food Ministry intimates that it is permissible to.arrange for supplies of frozen meat to be sent by road instead of rail, and that in such cases the Butchers' Committee was entitled to recover a sum equal to the railway charges, the difference, if any, between the cost, of transport by rail and road being borne by the Butchers' Committee.
Sharply Divided.
When subjects are selected for discussion by the Motor Trades Debating Society. one great difficulty we have observed is to find a topic on which there is sharply divided opinion. That difficulty is passing. Mr. L. Brandes, of StrakerSquire, Ltd., ha..s entered the lists to advance the proposition "That the motor exhibition held in this country 'should be confined to British exhibits." This is to be opposed by Mr. Sutherland Pilch. of
Ernest Lyon, Ltd., and, incidentally, it nay be by a few others. Whether Mr. Brandes really desires to exclude the french, Italian and American manufacpurer& is beside the point. It is of in.erest to note that the pro-British advoiate is nob a Briton, this only shows how :ompletely he has assimilated some of our insular views. Mr. Pilch is a xasmopolitan, and defence can be safely 'rusted to his hands. The discussion in question takes place at the Motor Club on Thursday, 5th December, at 8 p.m. Interested persons not already members of the society should get in touch with Mr. C. D. Clayton, the hon. sec., 52, Shaftesbury Avenue, W.C. 1. Telephone, Gerrard 387/3-, The subscription is a trifling one.
The Institute of Metals.
A general discussion on " The Relation of Science to the Non-Ferrous Metals Industry" will form the central feature of the forthcoming annual general meeting of the Institute of Metals. At that meeting there will also be presented several important papers, the publication of which has been withheld owing to the operation of the censorship. The annual May lecture, will_ be. delivered by Professor F. Soddy, F.R.S., M.A., on the subject of " Radioactivity." A local section of the Institute of Metals has been formed in Sheffield, the recently dissolved Sheffield Society of Applied Metallurgy forming the nucleus Of the new section.
A ballot for the election of members will be taken on Wednesday, 18th December. The necessary membership application form, which is combined with an illustrated booklet, can be had from the Secretary, Mr. G. Shaw Scott, M.Sc., 56, Victoria Street, S.W. 1.
Chas. Macintosh and Co., Ltd., have made an arrangement with Messrs. Piston Bros., of Allen Street and Legli Street, Warrington, to fit Macintoah tyres for the convenience of motor users in Warrington and district. They also hold a stock of these tyres for the convenience of customers.
One day last week the Athletic Chits formed in connection with the firm of
Rubberine. Ltd., held their first annual dinner and concert at Torino's Restaurant, Oxford Street, W. The chair was occupied by the president of the club and managing director of the firm, Mr. Arthur T. Marks, and be was supported by one of the vice-presidents and works manager. Mr. Sydney Tappenden. After an excellent repast an enjoyable musical programme was provided under the direction of Mr. J. Green.
Local Proceedings.
Newton Abbot U.D.C. has decided to purchase a steam lorry. Great Harwood D.D.C. is considering the purchase of a motor refuse van. Southwark Guardians are to purchase two motor ambulances.
Blackpool has received its new motor fire-engine, which has proved successful on its trial runs.
With a view to checking the consumption of petrol and, the durability of various parts of the machines, Willesden U.D.C. proposes that the four motor vehicles belonging to the fire-brigade shall be fitted with speed indicators at a cost not exceeding 445.
Bath C.C. has asked its scavenging sub-committee to report upon the subject of watering by means of steam wagons. Leyton TJ.D.C. has secured a permit for the purchase of one additional electric motor dust-van, which is to be obtained from Edison Accumulators, Ltd., at a cost of £1304.
Orwell Agent.
Mossay and Co., Ltd., 7, Princes Street, Westminster, London, S.W., are the selling agents in Great Britain and Ireland for the type of Orwell electric tractor manufactured by Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., which was illustrated and briefly described in our last issue. They are experiencing an ever-growing demand for the various types of electric vehicle manufsetured by this established Ipswich concern.
Willesden's New Vehicles.
The special committee of the Willesden U.D.C. which reported in favour of electric vehicles for house refuse collection now reports that it had four tenders for the supply of the three two-ton elec' trically-operated tipping wagons of British manufacture. Having had the advice of the Electrical Engineer on the respective types of vehicles, the committee recommends acceptance of the tender of Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., at £1151 per vehicle.
Light British Locos.
McEwan, Pratt and Co., Ltd., 13. South Place. London, E.G., has suppliel a considerable number of light railway locomotives to the British War Department for use in the various war spheres. The locomotives built by this old-established concern range from 10 to 150 h.p. To most of our readers the slip which occurred in this company's advertisement in our last issue, which stated that the range of manufacture was from 10 to 15 h.p., will have been obvious, especially as an 80 h.p. machine was illustrated alongside,