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NEWS• of the WEEK

8th June 1940, Page 16
8th June 1940
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Page 16, 8th June 1940 — NEWS• of the WEEK
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TANK BOARD OF THE MINISTRY OF SUPPLY WE are glad to see that the Govern'IV rnent has awakened to the urgent need for the expediting of tank production. A few details regarding the membership of the new Tank Board may be of interest.

The chairman, Sir Alexander Roger, was a director of the Ministry of Munitions in the war of 1914-18 for a long period, until he was transferred to important work in the Ministry of Reconstruction. His work for some years past has been in the reorganization of important undertakings which have been passing through hard times. He is chairman of the Birmingham Small Arms Co., Ltd.

Another member well known to readers of this journal is Mr. A. A. M. Durrant, chief engineer of buses and coaches for London Transport; he has a particular partiality for oil engines.

Mr. H. J. S. Moyses is managing director of the Birmingham Wagon Co., which is responsible for manufacturing railway rolling stock for.many parts of the world.

Regulation Affecting LearnerDrivers AREGULATION which temporarily removes the requirement that holders of provisional driving licences must be accompanied by a fully licensed driver, and that a vehicle used by a learner must carry " " plates, has been made by the Minister of Transport.

It may also he necessary, without notice, to suspend, for a time, official driving tests, owing to the transfer of examiners to more urgent service. Tests already arranged will be carried out where possible, but they may be subject to considerable delay. This regulation may ease the position, if the scarcity of available drivers makes itself felt. MILK HAULAGE UNDER AGRICULTURAL LICENCE?

hAILK hauliers in Lanarkshire were 1V1 apprehensive of their position when it was learned recently that a group of farmers had purchased a vehicle and were operating it under an agricultural licence to carry their milk formerly conveyed by hauliers. The legality of the situation has been investigated by the Scottish Carriers' and Haulage Contractors' Association, Glasgow, which, co-operating with other bodies, has managed to satisfy the authorities that haulage of milk in this way cannot be done under an agricultural licence.

Police and Petty Offences WHEN a number of drivers appeared IN recently at Glasgow Sheriff Court for offences under the Road Traffic Act, the Sheriff remarked, on learning that certain of the offenders were engaged on important Government work, that in times like these the police could surely warn these people instead of bringing them before the ' Court for damaged mudguards, etc.

New Wage Demand For Scottish Haulage Employees

THE Scottish Horse and Motormen's Association has notified Scottish hauliers that it wishes to terminate wages agreements affecting some 10,000 men. The Association demands new agreements to operate from July 1, and to include cost-of-living wage increases to those concerned. This does not affect men in the employment of local authorities.

M.P.T.A. Conference Change I T was originally intended to hold the annual Conference of the Municipal Passenger Transport Association from June 19-21 inclusive, at the Victoria Hotel, Northumberland Avenue, London, W.C.2. For special reasons, the venue of the Conference has had to be changed to the Mayfair Hotel, Berkeley Square, London, W.1.

H.G.V. Driving Permits

THERE appears still to be some misunderstanding concerning the procedure under which H.G.V. driving permits are granted; the following information is of use in this connection; H.G.V. driving permits cannot be granted where (a) drivers are about to register, -and (b) where the employer is not in possession of a heavy goods vehicle fully licensed. In some cases, the fact that the applicant is over the age of 65 may also he considered a legitimate reason for not

granting a permit. It is, however, possible to obtain these permits, and A.R.O. secretaries are advising their members that those in need of them should apply to the local secretary for assistance.

COMFORTS FUNDS TOTAL NEARLY £5,000

L'URTHER gifts in cash or in kind are urgently required to carry on the important work of caring for the personal needs of the men of the R.A.S.C. and R.A.O.C. Almost £5,000 has now been received, in response to the appeal made by Mr. W. E. Rootes, president of the S.M.M. and T. Money payments should be made to the hon. treasurer, Lt.-Col. D. C. McLagan, D.S.O., la, Wilton Street, London, S.W.1, whilst parcels should be addressed to him care of the Comforts Funds, Kensington Palace Barracks, London, W.S.

The following is a list of contributions received since the last list published and up to June 1 :—

£200.–Aaaoclatecl Equipment Co, Ltd.

450 —Crossley Motors, Ltd. £10 UK—Louis Ellenberger and Sons; Marsham Tyre Co., Ltd.; 'Psalters of Andover 11932), Ltd.; Thatcham Road Transport Service, T.td.

£5 5s.—E. D. Abbott, Ltd.; E. G. Acheson. Ltd.; George Angus and Co.. Ltd.•' Birch Brothers, Ltd.; Boyriven, Ltd.; V. Burlingham, Ltd.,Cooper and Co. (Biimingham), Ltd.; Edwards Brothers (Tippers), Lid.; Quicktho (1928), Ltd.; Siebe, Gorman and Co., Ltd.:

Steuart and Ardern, Ltd.; Mr. A. Noel Mobbs; united Motor Finance Corporation, Ltd.; Young Accumulator Co., Ltd. 45.—Coaches and Components,Ltd.

44 14s. 4d.—Simms Motor Units Works and. Staff (third contribution). 43 3s.—Mr, A. W. Chapman; Aneo (Potteries), Ltd.; Charles Clark and son, Ltd.; Desmo Ltd.; Thomas P. Headland, Ltd.; Edward Joy and Sons., Ltd.; Transport °Mang Society (London Area); Ward and Goldstone, Ltd.

42 2s.—Messrs. Arthur B. Fuller; Tkornas P. Headland; R. H. Hepburn; Cyril W. Mallett; T. C. Worth; Aeraspray Manttfacturing Co..

• Ltd.; County Electrical Services, Ltd.; Empire Rubber Co.; F. H. Eve, Ltd.; Leslie Hartridge. Ltd.; W. G. James. Ltd.; Perry Barr Metal Co. Ltd.; S. P. D., Ltd.; Robert R. Stockfis (Manchester], Ltd.; Tonne, Ltd.; Trier Brothers. Ltd.; Hubert H. P. Trist and Co.: H. Viney and Co., Ltd.; Worcester Windshields and Casements, Ltd.; Zwickv Ltd.

41 la—Messrs. Edgar M. Boote; L. IT. Honnsfield; Lady Lindsay; Mr. T. C. Skinner. LT.—MISS Lucy Barton; Messrs. 11. S. Baluster; G. V. Brooke; Anderson, (Newton Mearns). Ltd.; A. T. Mungall, Ltd.; Mr. W. Lawrie Macharg. 18s. 6d.—Messra. F., N, Baker; Richard Coulson; H. N. Harben; B. R. Jones; SellChanging Gear Co., Ltd. 1.0s.—Messrs. P, C. Smith; C. D. IL Stead; P. W. Wynn; David Maclaren, Ltd.

Bakers Form Van Pool

LANCASHIRE bakers have made precautionary arrangements for supplies of bread to be available in any centre where production may be disorganized as the result of air raids.

Headquarters are at Manchester. Should any baker want to borrow •a motorvan he will be able to do so, on payment of 10s, per day, without driver, petrol or oil, but it will be-necessary for him to have his insurance

policy endorsed to secure coverage in respect of hired vans.

Liverpool Bakers' and Confectioners' Association has also decided to compile a list of surplus motorvans and the periods they will be available—day, half-day, etc.—in an emergency. Hirers will pay 10s. per day or Is. 3d. per hour for the use (without driver, petrol or oil).

More Stringent Fuel Restrictions

BY the Motor Fuel Rationing (No. 2) Order, 1940, which came into force on June 1, the provisions of the Order made last September, which it supersedes, arc clarified.

The main points are that motor fuel must not be furnished or acquired, except against the surrender at the time of the necessary coupons. It must be used only for the purpose and for the vehicle for which the coupons were issued. It is a legal obligation to return immediately to the office of issue all unused coupons when they cease to be valid, or when the purpose for which they were issued ceases to apply, or when the vehicle concerned ceases to be licensed.

It is an offence to transfer coupons to any other person, except where a vehicle changes ownership, when the basic ration may be transferred to the new owner, Coupons may not be deposited with a dealer or garage.

Oil-engined Buses for South Africa

THE Town Council of Benoni, South Africa, is calling for tenders for the supply of oThengined bus chassis with

39-40-seater bodies. Quotations are required on the basis of one, two or three vehicles. Tenders, endorsed "Contract No. 204," should be addressed to the Town Clerk, Municipal Offices, Benoni, South Africa, and they must be received by 2.30 p.m, on Jane 24 at the latest. Local representation is essential.

Specifications and general conditions may he obtained from the Department of Overseas Trade, Great George Street, London, S.W.1.

FROM last Wednesday, the North Row Service Station, at the rear of the Oxford Street depot of the Austin Motor Co., Ltd., will be transferred to Holland Park Hall, Holland Park Avenue, London, W.11, which is now the company's main service station.

MR. J. H. STIRK SAYS: READY FOR ANYTHING

PRESIDING at an Institute of Transport luncheon in Nottingham on May 31, Mr. J. H, Stirk said: ' We are ready for any emergency, both rail and road, and I have had great satisfaction in assuring the Minister of Transport that whatever calls are made on transport in the North Midland region, we are ready to meet them without hesitation. Mr:Morrison has no need to say ' Go to it.' We have gone to it."

Sir Angus GilIan (Principal Regional Officer), who expressed the confidence of the Regional Civil Commissioner (Lord Trent) on the transport arrangements, suggested that " having gone to it" they would now "go through with it."

Mr. Ben England (Nottingham), giving a paper on road transport in war-time, spoke of gas producers as providing the most promising alternative fuel. He had been offered a gas producer this week, but there were many practical difficulties in adapting producers for double-deck vehicles. " I am anxious," he said, "to fit the first gas producer as a unit integral with the vehicle, not on a trailer." Nottingham would need about 320 producers, and it would be difficult to get garage space if trailers were used.

Mr. England spoke of trying to fit a producer on the rear platform, but said unfortunately there were restrictions as to the length of the vehicle. " It does seem strange," he added, "that such difficulties should exist during a war for our very existence as a Nation—a war during which liquid fuel might become far more scarce than it already is."

Good Trailing Year for Stream-Line Filters

THE net trading profit for 1939 of Stream-Line Filters, Ltd., is £29,116, against £30,561. After directors' fees, reserve and depreciation have been deducted, there remains £27,344, compared with £28,756. The tax reserve is R10,000, contrasted with £6,200, and to investment reserve £3,917, whilst general reserve receives £2,000. The final dividend is 7 per cent., making 10 per cent. (less tax), against 20 per cent. During the year the issued' capital was increased from £83,150 to £100,000. MILITARY SERVICES— REINSTATEMENT OF STAFF AN operator normally employing 10 men, five of whom are called up for military service, runs the risk of finding himself compelled to return 20 men to his service after the war. That is a point raised by Mr. J. W. Irwin, secretary, Eastern Area, A.R.O. He points out that employers are compelled, under the Militia Act, to reinstate, on demobilization, men formerly in their employ and called up for military service. It may arise in practice, however, that an operator, having five men called up, may replace them by another five, only to have those called up, and this may happen more than once, so that at the end of the war he may be in the position of having to reinstate 20, when he can only find employment for five.

The matter, was taken up by Mr. Sewill with the responsible authorities, and in reply he was told that, whilst, in effect, that is the interpretation of the Militia Act. there is a proviso which enables employers who are unable, by reason of a change of circumstances, to give re-employment to all their former employees, to offer the defence that reinstatement is not reasonably practicable. There appears to be no reason to anticipate that this proviso will not afford reasonable safeguards for employers in the circumstances named above.

Mobile Police Still Needed WITH a view to releasing men for. VV vital national work and to saving petrol, the suggestion was made in the House of Commons last week by Mr. R. Duckworth, that a large part of the mobile traffic police should be disbanded.

Answered Sir J. Anderson: Road accidents are still numerous and patrols serve important purposes not directly concerned with traffic. Therefore any great reduction would be undesirable.

More Encouragement for Producer Gas?

APARLIAMENTARY question from Mr. Ellis Smith, last week, led to a statement from the Secretary for Mines that he accepted the estimate of 2,000 gallons of petrol a year as the saving in imported fuel represented by producer-gas vehicles. He said he based the figure on an average annual mileage of 20,000 and a consumption rate of 10 m.p.g.

What steps, asked Mr. E. Smith also, did he propose to take further to encourage the use of solid fuel.

A number of steps had already been taken, came the reply, advice on further steps would shortly be received from the committee set up by his predecessor. He appreciated the urgency of the matter.

To a reference to a shortage of fuel for gas producers and to the recent shutting down of a source of supply, Mr. Grenfell admitted that a big expansion of producer-gas traction would necessitate a substantial increase in supplies. Whilst regretting the closing down of a plant, he saw no ground for Government financtal aid in that case.

Mr. Parker asked whether plants such as those operated by Suncole (Nottingham), Ltd., and Modern Fuels (Seaham Harbour), Ltd., could be taken over and reopened. Mr. Grenfell replied that his answer to Mr. E. Smith gave his views as they applied to the former concern, whilst the latter had not been a source of gas-producer fuel. The possibility of using the Seaham Harbour plant for this purpose, however, was being investigated. FUEL SITUATION—EFFORTS FOR STABILITY WHILST the fuel situation appears VT still to be stable, operators must realize that this does not mean that the individual may not be subject to a squeeze in respect of his supplementary ration. Such is the basis of a communication received from the Minister of Transport by Mr. Sewill, of A.R.O. There should be no need, however, the communication adds, for any widespread diversions of traffic

from road to rail. Any deprivation suffered by the individual will arise from the fact that his essential needs have diminished and the fuel which he would have used has been diverted to another operator, whose requirements have increased. It is added that, if hardship be caused, operators suffering should at once appeal in their own area, and failing satisfaction in that quarter should send full details to.A.R.O. head office, where a thorough investigation will be undertaken and the matter taken up with officials of the Ministry of Transport.

Personal Pars

MR. B. ParrcHano, who was representing the India Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., in Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Herefordshire, asks us to remember him to his commercial-vehicle user friends, as he has now reported for duty with the R.A.O.C.

MR. J. A. V. WATSON, well known on the publicity side of C. C. Wakefield and Co., Ltd., has been appointed Second Officer, Air Transport Auxiliary. This organization employs pilots medically disqualified from the R.A.F. to deliver military aircraft.

MR. J. L. WILLasts, who for the past four years has been works superintendent of Ainvork Engine Service, Ltd., was recently appointed manager. He was for many years with the Laystall Engineering Co., Ltd., and his association with the industry covers some 23 years.

MR. NATHAN FINE has relinquished his positions in Transport Services. Ltd., and Nathan Fine, Ltd., and future communications should be . directed to him at 43, Manor Drive, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, 21. Mr. Fine, it will be recalled, was responsible for the institution of the original clearing-house scheme of the Manchester Chamber of Commerce during the past war. This and his later work have made him known to hauliers and transport users throughout the country.

MR. CYRIL VINER, who has been with Tecalemit, Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, for many years, has left England by air, his first objectives being Australia and New Zealand, where he expects to remain for three to four months visiting various industrial centres. The company, although represented throughout the world by agents and distributors, is so keenly alive to the importance of business from overseas that it is sending him, as a special representative, on a world tour, to investigate market conditions within the British Empire.

PICK-UP SUPPLIES OF FUEL FOR CASH ONLY

I T is announced by the Petroleum Board that the credit facilities which have, in the past, been granted for supplies taken from the Board's depots and/or service pumps at filling stations are to be withdrawn. In future, it will be possible for vehicles to be refuelled only if cash be paid at the time of delivery. This arrangement comes into force on June 17. There is, therefore, one week remaining in which operators can make arrangements to meet this new condition, and provide their drivers with the necessary cash. The prices for supplies by this method, for England, Wales and South Scotland, are, until further notice, for motor spirit, Is. 9d. per gallon, for oil fuel, Is. 6id. per gallon.

Charges for Hire of Ambulances

THE C.M.U.A. is continuing to press for some agreement on the subject of uniform charges in,respect of vehicles converted for use as ambulances or as inter-hospital services. In this connection further consideration is being given to the question of the rate in respect of standing charges originally recommended. Endeavour is being nade to have this item amended in so far is depreciation charges are concerned, -so that those charges may be made to relate more closely to the actual renewal of life of the respective classes of vehicle. It is anticipated that a further announcement concerning this subject will shortly be made.

New C.M.U.A. Officials

THE C.M.U.A. announced that Mr. Chris. Smith has been elected chairman of the National Ancillary Users Board, Mr. A. Allen, chairman of the National Passenger Sectional Board, and Captain C. Barrington of the National Haulage Sectional Board,

L.P.T.B. Improves Trolleybus Services

DESPITE the war, and, in some cases because of it, London's trolleybus services are being greatly increased and improved. To-day, some of the busiest tram services will stop and be replaced by trolleybuses tomorrow. The routes concerned are Nos. 66 and 67. London will then have 256 miles of trolleybus services, leaving 102 miles of tramways south of the Thames, on the Embankment and running through the Kingsway subway. The Board now owns 1,671 trolleybuses and 1,127 trams.

Many other trolleybus services are being increased on Sundays, and on weekdays for workmen during peak hours.

State Encouragement for Gas Fuel AT a luncheon given by the Liverpool Gas Co. on May 30, Lt.-Col. A. Buckley, vice-chairman, said he appreciated the difficulty of using gas balloons for private cars, mainly owing. to garage space, but they offered enormous scope to owners of commercial vehicles; the latter would be doing a patriotic duty by saving valuable liquid fuel Referring to a speech the previous night by the Minister of Mines, be heartily agreed that the enormous wastage involved in the burning of 35,000,000 tonsof coal in open grates should receive Government attention. If turned into gas, it would yield 25,000,000 tons of coke, 35,000,000 gallons of tar (including its valuable derivatives), 400,000 tons of sulphate of ammonia for agriculture, vast quantities of drugs and other valuable products, and 70,090,000 gallons of benzole.

CERTIFICATES FOR PROMOTING FEDERATION MEMBERSHIP

AT a recent general members meeting of the Federation of Yorkshire Road Transport Employers, it was unanimously decided that, in view of the many vital and difficult problems within the road-transport industry, each member would be invited to obtain another new member, with the object of strengthening the Federation's usefulness in the industry.

Mr. Robert Barr (president) has shown practical support by giving a framed certificate to each member who assists fn the task. The first three certificates will be presented at the next general members meetingto Messrs. W. Aldon, Darley, near Harrogate; H. E,)ickard, Scout Hill Garage, Dewsbury; and A. meson, Oxford Road Garage, Gomersal, near Leeds.

Maintenance Opportunities for A.R.P.

Vehicles

AN example of the work which wellequipped garages can expect to obtain in connection with A.R.P. fleets is emphasized by an announcement from the town clerk of Watford, inviting tenders for the repair of 40 motor vehicles used in connection with the borough's A.R.P. scheme. This is to be effective over a period of six months, from July I.

Full particulars of the types and a list of typical repairs, etc., may be obtained on application to the 'A.R.P. Officer, Watford Fields House, Watford, and those wishing to tender will be allowed to inspect the fleet. Tenders must be marked "Repair of Vehicles," and addressed to the chairman, Emergency Committee, Town Hall, Watford, to be received not later than June 15.

OBITUARY

WM regret to learn of the recent YY death of Mr. William Forbes, manager of the Cardiff Transport Department, Penarth, He was at one time assistant to Mr. R. Stuart Pitcher, then manager of the Aberdeen tramways, whom he succeeded in 1918 and controlled the department for 11 years, during which time there were many exciting fights between the corporation and private operating companies. He inaugurated the buses in Aberdeen in 1920, and left for Cardiff in 1929.

THE death of Mr. B. R. Banks took place on May 26. He was an early co-worker with Messrs. Albert, Ernest and John Brown, founders, of Brown Brothers, Ltd. For many years associated with the motor department, be later turned his attention to the aircraft. activities of the company. Taking a very active part in various trade associations, he was well known and greatly liked in the industry and belonged to the Fellowship of Old Time Cyclists.

NOTHER well-known member Of tithe industry, who died on June 1, is Mr. R. A. Oldfield, managing director of J. and R. Oldfield, Ltd., of Birmingham.


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