Answers to Queries.
Page 18
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Where to Write.
[1905] " Soucox writes : We wish you would
be good enough to let us know the address of the L.E.P. Transport Co., if you know it."
ANSWER.—The address is Castle Street, Long Acre, Vv'. C.
Winter Tires for Steam Wagons.
[1906J " MILLER " writes :—Kindly favour me with the address of Messrs. E. Parnell and Sons, the writers of letter No. 1,435 in THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR of the 23rd November."
ANSWER.—The address for which you inquire is Messrs. E. Farnell and Sons, Birkenshaw, Bradford.
Tower Wagon with Swivelling Top.
[1907] " MOTOR MANUFACTURERS" write :• " We have an inquiry for a tower wagon with body of the Trenton type. As we are not conversant with this, perhaps you could send us particulars of it, or inform us where we could obtain same."
ANSWER.--The tower wagon of the type which you mention can be supplied by Dick, Kerr and Co., Ltd., Abchurch Yard, E.C.
About Town Haulage.
[1908] " LIVERPUDLIAN " writes :—'' I am very much obliged for your reply [No. 1,904]; also for the copy of the " C.M." which you sent, and which I will return. Since writing you before, I have been trying to collect some data upon which to base calculations, but, with the loads, distances and other factors varying so much, it is almost impossible to get any reliable figures.
"Our works stand fairly well above the river, and the motor should therefore have this pull over horses. I have put down some figures for the estimated working expenses of a 4-ton lorry, and I shall be glad to know what you think of them. I have taken the average daily load as 25 tons, and the mileage as 20, though it is possible that both these figures would be exceeded, which would reduce the running cost per mile. I have taken the cost of a second-hand machine at £250, and should be glad to
• know if you consider that a fair price?
" This leaves a balance of only Is. 9d. per week, without allowing for rent or insurance. The former might be neglected, but I should be glad to know what would be a fair allowance for the latter item I " ANSWER.—When you come down to a low mileage, such as 110 a week, you must divide up your costs into those which vary with the mileage and those which are independent of the mileage. We are sending to you a copy of our issue of the 28th September, in which the class of analysis in question is set out for 15-cwt. vans, and you will be able to get at the matter pretty well from that, at least fundamentally. The figures which you submit are not very wide of the mark, except that we do not know why you should charge an assistant against the haulage department, and why you put your tires quite so high as 3.25d. per mile. The latter should come down to 2.25d. per mile. We consider that you will not get a good vehicle including tires at so low a figure as i250, unless by a very happy circumstance. Of course, it might pay you best to get a chassis without tires, and to run your tires on a maintenance contract, which would save you the necessity to put down any capital sum for the tires. If you can see equal costs at the outset, you should KO ahead with the motor proposition, because you will find it a great advantage to have a mechanical vehicle in reserve, to meet times of stress and extra pressure. Insurance will probably cost you in the neighbourhood of 10s. a week, if you cover third-party liability and fire. Damage to the vehicle by collision is a risk which you might carry yourselves. Depreciation at 15 per cent. per annum on £250 should be enough.
Notice of Intended Prosecution.
[1909] " DOUBTFUL " writes :—" I should be pleased if you would let me know the time for service of a summons for excess of the speed limit. I have been given to understand that if a summons is not issued and served within 21 days it is not valid. They sent me a police notice on the 22nd day, saying a summons would be issued. I was served with the summons on the 27th day."
ANSWER.-Paragraph 9, Section 2 of the Motor Car Act, 1903, reads : "Where a person is prosecuted for an offence under this section (re 20 m.p.h. speed limit) he shall not be convicted unless notice of the intended prosecution is sent . . . within such time after the offence is committed, not exceeding twenty-one days, as the court think reasonable." The summons may be served later, but 21 days is the limit for notice. We cannot say whether 21 clear days are allowed.
Small Mctorbus for South America.
[1910] "EXPORT " writes :—" We want a good reliable secondhand motorbus, to be shipped as soon as possible, such to hold not fewer than fourteen (14) passengers inside, exclusive of driver and conductor, for single or double deck, but single deck preferred, as only luggage would be carried on top. The chassis must be Milnes-Daimler type, of not too old a make. The total weight, unloaded, including chassis, body, wheels and tires must not exceed 3:1, or 3i tons at the most. If the body was partitioned off to suit four or six first-class and 10 or 12 third-class passengers, it would be an advantage. Price between 2200 and 2300, according to condition. If you could put before us a bus answering our description, and which would be to our satisfaction, we would be willing to pay a reasonable fee should we purchase it. We understand the fee you usually charge for business of this kind is two guineas."
ANSWER.—We cannot undertake to look round and find a secondhand chassis for a fee of two guineas. The work and time involved may be worth anything up to 10 guineas, and you must excuse us if we do not commit ourselves to an undertaking of the kind. It is evident that you have misunderstood our rates : they apply to a technical inspection of a chassis to instructions—after the chassis has been indicated by a buyer, and in London. We suggest that you put a small advertisement into this journal, which will probably bring you several offers. We do not know who is desirous to dispose of their Milnes-Daimler chassis, but this journal is a good medium for owners.