Progress in Malta.
Page 7
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As the result of some pioneer work undertaken by Messrs. J I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., we are glad to announce that a private company has been formed in Malta for commercial motor work. A four-cylinder, 2oh.p. omnibus was sent out last December to demonstrate, on the spot, the capabilities of the modern motor. It says something for that enterprise (which is supposed to be quiescent), existing amongst British manufacturers that a vehicle should have been shipped such a distance solely for trial purposes. Messrs. Thornycroft have sufficient faith in the quality and design of their productions to be certain of successful results from such far-sighted policy. Maltese roads are proverbially rough with very severe gradients. Westerham and Birdlip are hills in England, typical of the Maltese road gradients, and upon some of its trial runs the experimental 'bus carried a load of 17 passengers up similar Maltese hills without a falter. A tremendous amount of local interest was aroused, and the company has given an order to Messrs. Thornycroft for a single-decked omnibus of 2oh.p., to carry 16 passengers; a double-decked omnibus of 2ih.p., for 36 passengers; and a 5-ton lorry immediately. As soon as these are ready, a service will be established between Sliema and Valleta, and further Thornycroft vehicles will be added for other services as soon as possible. The service will not be confined to passengers, but goods of all descriptions will be carried wherever a motor wagon can penetrate throughout the island, special vehicles being used for goods and parcels traffic. The whole scheme is being arranged on a sound basis. A proper garage and repair shop is in course of erection, and this will be equipped with all the necessary machine tools and appliances for electing the largest repairs. An electric lighting and accumulator-charging plant is being put down, and a large stock of petrol will be held to supply outside, as well as their own, requirements. A distinct and separate part of the garage will be devoted to private car owners, and the modern tool installation will enable the Malta Motor 'Bus Co. to give repair facilities hitherto unobtainable in the island. All the company's vehicles will be painted khaki colour, lined out with black, and will be equal in every respect of equipment and finish to the latest patterns running in London streets to-day.