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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 t runs,"—John Beattie Crozier, TERMINATION OF l'HE W.D. SUBSIDY SCHEME.

It is officially announced by the War Department that the scheme for the grant of a subsidy to purchasers of 3-ton rigid-type six-wheeled lorries, built to approved W.D. specification, will terminate from August 1, 1935. All manufacturers of this type of vehicle have been notified to this effect by the War Department. No vehicle of this type will be eligible for enrolment after July 31. 1935, but subsidy payment for vehicles already on the roll on that date will continue until their date of expiry.

. If the War Department should decide, at a la.ter-date, to reintroduce the subsidy scheme for any particular type of vehicle to meet military requirements, those directly concerned will be duly notified.

Film Transport Charges Raised.

Owing to the heavier cost of providing transport services, as a result of extra taxation, insurance and advances in the wages of drivers, some of the film-transport contractors have found it necessary to pass an to their clients these additional burdens. Exhibitors from all parts of North Wales attended a meeting at Llandudno, last week, when it was reported that, even with the increases, the road-transport rates would still be below the charges made by the railways.

One haulier, instead of charging for films on the basis of a figure. per reel, has instituted a charge based on features. Thus, a feature film of 7-10 reels in one box is charged at 3s. 9d., and over 10 reels at 4s., from Caernarvonshire to Manchester or LiverpooL Dissolution of Partnership Dependent on Licence.

An application for a licence upon which it was stated there hinged the dissolution of a partnership, came before Mr. Henry Riches, Northern Scotland Licensing Authority, at Aberdeen, on Monday. Souter and Co., Aberdeen, applied for a licence in respect .of claimed tonnage amounting to 18 tons. Individual applications by Mr. J. W. Souter and Mr. G. C. Farquhar, partners in the company, were also before the authority. ,

rt was stated that there was no agreement between Mr. Souter and Mr. Farquhar creating a real partnership, but there was one to form a limitedliability company, which did not materialize. The partnership was to be dissolved, but this could not be done until the licence was determined. Souter and Co. had ceased to carry on business, and the vehicles with which it traded had been taken over by Mr. Sonfer, who had always operated separately. The application was granted.

c20 The Authority granted Mr. Souter a licence in respect of the claimed tonnage of 121 tons which had been used by him prior to the partnership being formed. Mr. Farquhar's application was withdrawn.

Grade 3 Wages for Most of SouthEastern Area.

Under an interim agreement reached by the South-Eastern Area Joint Conciliation Board, trunk and long-distance services are defined as journeys of 70 miles or over from the recognized base, During the interim period from January 1-June 30, Grade 2 wages shall be paid by A and B-licence holders in Southampton, Portsmouth and Poole, whilst Grade 3 will apply ,to the remainder of the area. " C.M." POINTERS FOR DRIVERS: A HELPFUL BOOKLET.

A useful little booklet of 12 pages dealing with pointers on the law, mainly concerning goods vehicles, and including information which should, in many instances, help the driver in keeping within the law, is now available. It also contains a résumé of the new.Draft Regulations on record keeping, together with a reproduction of the only form which has been materially altered.

Copies can be obtained, free of charge, from the offices of this journal.

Leyland Trade Optimism.

In his speech at the annual general meeting of Leyland Motors, Ltd., held a few days ago, Mr. J. I-I. Toulmin, J.P., made a passing reference to the popularity of Leyland oil engines for passenger vehicles. He said that the total number of oil-engined passenger vehicles registered in Great Britain in November, 1934, was 2,331, of which approximately half were of Leyland manufacture.

He made it known that the company's overseas trade had been maintained, and that. recently, there had been a marked increase in the exports to all overseas markets. During the year technical representatives of the company paid visits to America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt. Palestine. Persia and Turkey.

Discussing the question of future prospects, Mr. Toulrnin said that there is undoubtedly a renewed feeling of confidence in industry generally.

M. of T. Return Shows Marked Goodsvehicle Increases.

During the quarter ended September 30, 1934, there were 2,415,946 licences current for mechanically propelled road vehicles, as compared with 2,297,326 in the corresponding period of 1933. These figures are embodied in a return recently issued by the Ministry of Transport.

There was not a big change in the number of hackney vehicles, but goods vehicles showed a decided increase from 387.487 to 413,220, an increase of 61 per cent. on the 12 months, the largest increase being in the class fdr vehicles of from 2-2f tons unladen weight, Sixwheeled and eight-wheeled vehicles were higher by 3,218, i.e., 42 per cent. The figures show that the proportion of pneumatic-tyred goods vehicles of over 2 tons unladen weight increased from 68 per cent. in 1933 to 88 per cent. in 1934. "

The return also summarizes the number of motor vehicles of each class registered for the first time during the year ended September 30, 1934, as compared with the previous 12 months. It shows that 338,042 vehicles were newly regis tered, an increase of 60,665. '-‘ PERSONAL PARS.

The Minister of Transport, Mr. L. HoreBelisha, is expected to make an important speech at the annual dinner of the Devonport Mercantile Association on February 27.

The transport committee of Hull Corporation, has aPpointed Mr. Jack Lawson, of Rotherham, as chief assistant to the general manager, and Mr. James G. Blackball, of Glasgow, as traffic assistant.

We learn that Mr. A. Norman Annison, late managing director of the company bearing his name, of Hull and Birmingham, has been appointed general manager of Fred Cook (Transport), Ltd., the well-known haulage concern of Hull, which runs daily services to London and Birmingham.

Although only 46 years of age, Mr. Robert Barr, the well-known Leeds independent passenger and goodstransport operator, is one of the veterans of road mechanical transport, having been associated with the indus try for al years. He entered the business as a result of the inadequate facilities afforded by the railways for the delivery of goods to his father's farm, and has since built up a widespread organization.

Having served his time as an engineer, Mr. Barr, who is a member of the Institute or British Engineers, now controls R. Barr (Leeds), Ltd., Wallace Arnold Tours, Ltd., W. H. Fish and Sons. Ltd., and All Harrison (Leeds), Ltd., owning between them a large number of coaches and lorries. He is also a prominent figure in association circles in Yorkshire.

As is shown elsewhere in this issue, Mr. Barr has great confidence in the future of road transport and is a staunch champion of the •independent operator.

First Irish Ford Exhibition .Opened.

The first Irish Ford National Exhibition of Irish-built Vehicles was opened by the Free State Minister of Industry and Commerce (Mr. Sean Lemass), at the Mansion House, Dublin, on Wednesday last., It is anticipated that the exhibition will attract visitors from all over the 26 counties of the Free State. It, will continue until Wednesday next, and special excursion fares have been announced by the railways for country visitors to the show.

Owing to the present policy of the Free State Government, the Irish market is now depending on imported chassis assembled in the country. The Ford works at Cork is the largest and most up-to-date assembling plant in the Free State and the exhibition will do much to prove that locally assembled chassis are in no way inferior to those despatched from the original production factory.

Among the vehicles exhibited is one of the nevi, 2-ton .forward-control

lorries, which makes its first appearance in the Free State. A prominent place is given the f.i-cwt. and 12-cwt. vans. A special display of Fordson tractors and equipment for agricultural and road-haulage purposes is also included.

Clearing Up Conciliation Problems in Liverpool.

In view of the fact that an interim arrangement with regard to wages and working conditions is now in operation in the North-Western Area, discussions have been taking place for the purpose of straightening out certain difficulties. Liverpool transport owners who are hound by agreement with the Motormen's Union, have to pay a higher rate of ' wages than is commonly observed in other parts of the area.

These and other points have been discussed by the Conference of Liverpool and District Road Transport Employers, which recently held a meeting with representatives of the men. It was decided to appoint a sub-committee representative of both sides to deal with such points as second men, the working of trailers engaged on certain classes of traffic, the engagement of casual men, starting times, and the position of Liverpool and district with regard to the arrangements of the Area Conciliation Board.

• Vehicle Workers Demand New Agreement.

A new agreement from Scottish employers regarding wages conditions is being sought by the N'ational Union of Vehicle Builders and the Amalgamated Society of Woodcutting Machinists. The present agreement ends on March 31 and the unions are asking for the working week to be reduced from 47 to 40 hours, with no loss in pay. An all-round increase of 1d. per hour is being demanded for all grades, with a week's annual holiday with pay.

The employers have offered to maintain the present agreement for 12 .months. About 3,000 men are involved in the negotiations. HALLEY PRICE REDUCTION.

Halley Motors, Ltd„ Yoker, Glasgow, advises us that, by reason of maufactnring economies that have been effected, it has reduced the price of its Model 8-60 oil-engined chassis for loads of 95 cwt. gross from £750 to £695. This chassis, when carrying a standard platform bcidy and cab, is subject to a tax of £45 per annum, as. the total weight unladen dues not exceed 3 tons.

Wincling•up of Anglian Insurance Co.

We are asked by the Board of Trade and the Ministry of Transport to state that an Order was made by the Court of Session on February 5 for the winding-up of the Anglian Insurance Co., Ltd. One effect of this Order is to leave risks under the motor-vehicle policies issued by the company unin sured. as from that date, and holders are advised to take immediate steps to insure elsewhere.

In particular, holders of • motorvehicle policies issued by the company covering third-party risks should note that they are no longer financially protected by such policies, and will be committing an offence under the Road Traffic Acts, 1930-1934, if they use their vehicles on the road, •

Motors to Replace Horses at .Norwich.

A daily service for the collection and delivery of goods in Norfolk villages is the programme of the London and North-Eastern Railway Co., as revealed at a recent sitting of the Eastern Licensing Authority.

An application was made for two vehicles (discretionary tonnage in possession) and 10 mechanical horses, IS trailers and one lorry to be acquired for use in Norwich. The vehicles were required entirely to replace horsed transport in the city.

Mr. H. R. Statham, Norwich district manager, could not guarantee that the vehicles would not go outside the city, and whilst it was not his intention to use the vehicles for the cartage, of sugarbeet, he could not say that they would never be used in that way. The application was granted. THE NATIONAL SAFETY CONGRESS.

The National Safety Congress will be held from May 20-31, and the speakers are expected to include the Home Secretary, the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Labour, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education and other leading public men. On the first day, discussions will take place on traffic safety surveys in relation to local safety activities, pedestrian crossings and brake-efficiency tests. A number of delegates from overseas is expected to attend the congress.

• A Paper on Road Research.

The next meeting of the road and building materials group of the Society of Chemical Industry will be held on Wednesday next, February 13, at the Institute of Chemistry, 20, Russell Square. London, W.C.1. when a paper entitled " Road Research" will be presented by Dr. R. E. Stradling. Director of Road Research, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. He will describe methods and apparatus being developed in the road-research laboratory. in connection with the study of such questions as impact, skidding, deformation of road surfaces and accelerated wear tests.

Torque Converter's Value with Oil Engines.

Leyland Motors, Ltd., Leyland, Lanes, wishes to remove an impression that has been created in some quarters that the company's hydraulic torque converter is only supplied with vehicles that are equipped with petrol engines. This view is erroneous and, as a matter of fact, the torque converter is, probably. more frequently supplied in conjunction with an oil engine than wed) a petrol unit, for, amongst other advantages, its action is such as to damp out the vibration which is a characteristic of the oil engine.

Joint Conciliation Board for East Midland Area.

It is reported that a Joint Conciliation Board for the East Midland Area has been provisionally formed. and that during the interim period the whole of the area has been placed in Grade 2 for wages rates.

In several industrial districts, including Nottingham, Leicester and Derby, application is to be made for Grade rates, and an observation committee has been appointed to see that the conditions of the national agreement are adhered to.

Mr. G. Dalgleish is at the moment acting chairman of the new 13oard, and Mr, J. E. Corrin has been elected vicechairman.

Explaining Transnort Difficulties to the Public.

In order to make the public realize the difficulties under which, as a result of recent legislation, road transport is conducted, a public meeting at Macclesfield Town Hall is being arranged for Wednesday next, by the Commercial Motor Users Association's Macclesfield c.22

and District Branch. Widespread publicity is being given to the event, at which Sir Thomas Taylor will take the chair. Other speakers will include Mr. J. R. Remer, M.P., and Councillor H. Howard Robinson.

In addition to explaining the present situation as it affects hauliers and the public, the position of the C-licence holder A...ill be dealt with, and it is hoped that many users in this class will link up with the local organization. The meeting starts at 7.31) p.m.

Carrying Goods in a Sidecar.

We recently stated that if a motorcycle and sidecar be employed for the carriage of the user's own goods. a Class C licence must be obtained. We should have added that this is not necessary unless the machine be constructed or adapted for the carriage of goods.

Tecalemit Works Extension.

Land adjoining the company's present works at Brentford has been acquired by Tecalemit, Ltd., the wellknown company of lubrication specialists, with a view to extending the factory. It covers 5,0110 sq. ft., and makes the total area of the site now owned by the company approximately 110,000 sq. ft.

BIRKENHEAD'S BUSY FLEET OF AMBULANCES.

Birkenhead's fleet of ambulances had a bury time during 1934. According to the annual report of Mr. C. Ball, the chief officer of the fire brigade, 3,344 cases were removed and the distance travelled was 13,620 miles, both being record figures.

The time occupied on the various journeys was 1,368 hours 31 minutes, or an average of about 28.12 minutes per journey, representing an average of about 4.6 miles per journey. On 363 occasions two or more ambulances were engaged at one time.

The fire brigade was engaged at fires for 328 hours 10 minutes, or an average of about 1 hour 10.5 minutes at each fire, and the distance travelled was 1.249 miles. or an average of about 4.47 miles per journey.

Road-accident Returns.

The Ministry of Transport returns of persons killed or injured in road accidents during the week ended January 26, 1935, show that in England 87 persons were killed and 2,955 injured, whilst 26 died as a result of previous accidents. The tigufes for Scotland were seven killed and 300 injured, and for Wales four killed and ill injured.

Government to Control All U.S. Transport?

A comprehensive plan to extend , Federal regulation to all forms of transport on -land, sea and air has been recommended by Mr. Eastman, Federal Co-ordinator of Transportation, in a report to Congress, at Washington, U.S.A.

The entire transport network of America would be governed by the reorganized Interstate Commerce Commission, consisting of 16 members, representing railways,water, motor and air carriers.

Conunercial-vehicle Servicing in Manchester.

All classes of repair to commercial vehicles, and particularly . the maintenance of compression-ignition engines, are being undertaken by the County Motor Co., West Street, Ashton New Road, -Clayton. Manchester. 11. All work will be guaranteed in writing, and period servicing can be undertaken on monthly or yearly arrargements. There is also in operation a scheme of weekend maintenance.

Stocks of spares for all leading makes of chassis are carried, and there is complete plant for testing oil-engine fuel pimps and injectors.

Morris-Commercial Vocational Calendar.

A very interesting type of calendar is being supplied to all Morris-Commercial distributors end dealers. At the side of die folio fur each month is a list of the varieus trades which usually have theii peak purchasing periods (luring tue month in question, so that timely contact can be made with potential buyers. Folders dealing with -the specific trades are sent out by the company during the appropriate months.

AUTHORITY CONDEMNS TRADING' IN LICENCES.

At a recent sitting of the NorthWestern Licensing Authority, Sir William Hatt, the.• deputy 'Licensing Authority, comniented on the undesirable practice of trading in• licences. The case in question related to an application by Messrs. J. Chadwick and Sons, of Stretford, for the transfer of two licences from a Mr. Law, whose • business they proposed to acquire. • It was stated in evidence that, last year, Mr. Law received a licence for one vehicle, which was then in commission, and a second licence for a vehicle to be acquired. Since then he had ceased business and was now working as an employee of the applicants. They intended to purchase the vehicle from Mr. Law, but would not run it owing to its unsuitability for their type of work.

Sir William Hart, in refusing the application, said that, in his opinion, the transaction should not be approved. t appeared to be an attempt to trade in licences and was unjustifiable.

Dodge Van Does Well in Monte Carlo

In our issue dated January 25, we published an illustration of the Dodge van used by Autocheques, Ltd., for transporting the luggage of competitors taking part in the Monte Carlo Rally. We have now received from Mr. Harold D. Gibbs, the publicity manager of Dodge Brothers (Britain), Ltd., who travelled with Capt. Atkins on the vehicle, some• interesting details of the work performed by the van.

The vehicle travelled to Folkestone and was then shipped to Boulogne, later journeying to Paris, where a halt was called for the night. After a short stay in 'Valence the journey was continued via Orange, Aix-en-Provence, and thence to .Brignoles and St. Raphael, crossing the Esturell, which rises to over 300 it and has• over 30 hairpin bends. From this point it was possible to climb, with the full load, in top. gear, descending via Nice into Monte' Carlo, • The tour actually in volved 23 hours 10 minutes of running time over a distance of 860-odd miles, and the van behaved splendidly. In France, a speed of between 55 m.p.h. and 60 mph. was maintained, and there were only two occasions when second gear was used, except, of course, when starting. Mr. Gibbs tells us that not a single commercial vehicle passed the van during the whole run.

Bolton Brewery's Recognition of Driving Care.

One day last week, Magee, Marshall and Co., Ltd., the well-known brewery concern of Bolton, granted to 30 motor drivers and horsemen a bonus of in recognition of their Work on the road in avoiding accidents or convictions for speeding during a period of 12 months. In connection with this scheme, the strictest inquiry is made into any report received, and, during the past three years, there has been only one case in which the bonus has not been awarded.

When one considers that the weight of goods transported last year was over 25,000 tons, consignments being delivered daily to Bolton, Blackpool, Southport,. Wigan and surrounding districts, it is certainly a highly creditable performance.

D.E.U.A. Annual Dinner.

The annual dinner of the Diesel Engine Users Association will be held at Pagani's Restaurant, London, on Triesday, February 26, at 7 p.m. The chair will be taken by the president, Mr. A. E.• Comewall-Walker, M.Inst.C.E.

Fordson Tractor Successes.

Fordson tractors recently achieved high honours in two Scottish ploughing tests. At Howe o' the Mearns they were awarded the first four places in the class for tractors, and the judges spoke in good terms of their fine performances. Five of the first six places in the tractor-ploughing section of the Huntly, Aberdeenshire, competitions were also taken by Fordsons. TRANSPORT ALLIANCE FORMED IN SCOTLAND.

At a conference in Glasgow, on February 2, representatives of the Scottish Horse and Motormen's Association and the Transport and General Workers Union formed an alliance.

The conference considered the situation with regard to the proposed agreement on wages and conditions of drivers and attendants, and a unani. moos stand was taken to ensure that the two unions would not accept any arrangement less favourable than those already agreed to in England. Mr. Ernest Ilevin, general secretary of the T.G.W.T.J., and Mr. Hugh Lyon, general secretary of the S.H.M.A., were present.

The wage scale proposed by the unions for drivers of A and 13-licence vehicles is 60s. to 70s. a week, according to the tonnage of the lorries, audi for attendants a minimum of 56s: per week. A 48-hour week, one week's holiday with pay, overtime payments and the observance of a national agreement for all Scotland are also proposed. More than 8,000 men are affected.

Co-operation Between Maker and

User.

Members of the works and designing stall of Albion Motors, Ltd., Glasgow, recently visited the new Johnstone depot of Messrs. Young's Bus Services. who are the largest independent bus operators in Scotland, their fleet of over 90 vehicles being 100 per cent. Albion.

The visitors were received by Mr. W. Gordon Young, the., depot superintendent. Statistics were produced concerning mileages and comparative costs, and a tribute was paid to the low cost of maintenance of the Albion fleet. Questions concerning methods of record keeping, docking periods and other service matters showed the keen interest of the visitors.

Messrs. Young's maintenance and overhaul system for both petrol and oilengined vehicles was explained and demonstrated. It may be recalled that we published a lengthy article dealing with this company's activities and their maintenance methods in our issue dated August 3, 1934.

An Opera to Benefit the Benevolent Fund.

The Alan Turner Opera Company is giving the first British performances of Strauss'S famous opera, "The Gipsy Baron," at the Rudolf Steiner Hall, Park Road, London, N.W. The proceeds from the gala performance on February 12, at 7.45 p.m., will be devoted to the Motor and Cycle Trades Benevolent Fund, 28, Bedford Row, London, W.C.1, and from the performances on February 13-16 to other charities, including the Master Coa,cbbuilders Benevolent Institution, 201, Great Portland Street, London, V.g.l. Tickets, ranging in price from 2s. 4d. to 21s., can be obtained .from the addresses given: above, also from Mr. H. Clutterbuck, 83, Pall Mall, Londen, S.W.1, and any branch of Keith'Prowse and Co., Ltd.

I.M.T. TRIP TO AMERICA.

A tour to America and Canada is being arranged under the auspices of the Yorkshire Division of the Institute of the Motor Trade. The party will sail from Liverpool on August 17 by the 20,000-ton liner "Scythia," due at New York on August 25. The itinerary is to include two and a half days in New York, one day in Detroit, one and a half day in Toronto, from Which it is proposed to visit Niagara Falls; thence to Montreal, where the party will embark for the return journey down the St. Lawrence River, being due back at Liverpool on September S.

The estimated cost by tourist class is £56. Further details can be obtained from Francis E. Cox Services, Pearl Chambers, Fast Parade, Leeds, I.

Humber Capital Increase.

An increase of capital for Humber, Ltd., which company also controls the Hillman, Commer and Karrier concerns, was sanctioned at meetings of the shareholders held in Coventry on

February 5. New 5 per cent. first cumulative preference shares are to be created, of which 600,040 will be issued at once. The money will be devoted to the development of manufacturing facilities and to pay •oft debentures carrying a higher rate of interest.

Under the energetic direction of Messrs. W. E. and R. C. Rootes, the companies have made great progress.

Architect Required for Super Service Station.

The services of a good architect with original ideas, used to the construction of garages and service stations, are required for the building, near London, of a first-class petrol service station, garage, works, car park and showrooms. Letters should be addressed to the Editor and marked "Private."

rodeo 10-tonner for O.K. Carrier Co.

The Foden DG5/10 10-ton oil-engined lorry, illustrated on page 857 of our .issue for last week, was referred to by us as being. supplied to Jonas Woodbead and Sons, Ltd., Leeds. This was

the name on the side of the vehicle, but it was sold to the O.K. Carrier Co., of Leeds.

Fleet Orders for Leyland Oilers.

Two big operators of passenger vehicles have recently placed important orders for oil-engined vehicles with Leyland Motors, Ltd: They are, the Western Welsh Omnibus Co., Ltd., which is buying 44 Tigers, and the Yorkshire Traction Co., Ltd., which is buying 35 similar vehicles.

U.A.S. Acquires Trutime Deliveries.

It is understood that United Automobile Services, Ltd., has acquired the services of Trutime Deliveries, Ltd., the well-known concern of carriers, of Newcastle.

We regret to learn of the death of Mr. G. H. W. Blick, works manager of David Moseley and Sons, Ltd., which occurred a few days ago. He joined the company in 1894.

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