Clean-Wagon Money.
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Many and interesting systems of bonus payments to drivers have come under our notice, and have been mentioned from time to time in the pages of this journal. One of the latest, and one which appears to give a considerable measure of satisfaction to both owners and men, is that which takes the form of a payment of half-a-crown a week under the designation of "clean-wagon money." The owner whose specific practice now prompts this short notice has a fleet of some 30 vehicles, and pays his men a standing weekly wage. Over and above that wage, and by way of direct inducement to the drivers to keep the machines in spick-and-span condition, both externally and throughout the generating and transmission systems, there is the possible extra in question to be earned. Its allotment, we understand, is dependent upon the judgment of the foreman, and we are not aware exactly how the system can be extended to isolated vehicles, which are stationed at particular out-depots or customers' yards, and which are not regularly stored over night at one of the owner's principal centres, In all instances in which a, good standing wage is admissible, and where the equivalent of a mileage bonus, for weekly mileage over and above a certain agreed minimum, or of a basis which takes into account difficult or undulyhilly routes exists, this additional incentive to the driver might, we think, be adopted with additional advantage, and we shall be interested to hear from owners or engineers-in-charge who have found it to work satisfactorily. Not only does a clean and smartlooking machine gain the commendation of clients and the general public, hut that outward evidence of cleanliness is almost invariably associated with a deeper measure of interest in the mechanism on the driver's part. The judicious expenditure of another 26 5s. per annum, presuming the money to be earned every week, may readily become the means to an end which represents materially-greater annual economies, both positive and consequential, for the party who has invested his capital in the valuable road engine which he unhesitatingly entrusts to a man who draws anything between 30s. and 45s. a week, according to the severity of his duties. The scheme certainly deserves to be applied, in numerous directions of which we have knowledge, and not only in the steam-wagon branch of use.