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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

9th September 1924
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

"The wheels ot wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport a(whateuer points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs,"—John Beattie Crozier,

The French Tractor Trials.

The annual French tractor trials— known as the Motoculture Week—are to jae held again this year at Buc, near Versailles. They will begin on September 30th and 'finish on October 5th.

The trials are open to tractors and motor-driven agricultural machines manufactured in all countries, with the exception of Germany. Entries have to be sent to the offices of the Commiseariat General, 30, Avenue de Messina, Paris, and all the applications for entry must be. accompanied by an illustrated

commercial catalogue or photographs and a detailed description of the machines which it is proposed to enter.

The entrance fees are 1,200 francs for each company, with a supplementary fee of 100 francs for each machine entered.

Coaching to Brooklands.

In our last issue we suggested that enterprising coach owners would -reap some reward by planning road journeys for the benefit of those visiting the Brooklands track on the occasion of the Junior Car Club's 200-Mile Race which takes place on September 20th. . G.-B. (Motor Tours), Ltd., 218, Regent Street, London,W.1, inform us that they have made arrangements to run a

service of this description, and that vehicles will leave their head office at 11 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. respectively, the return fare for the journey being 7s. 6d.

Seats can be booked at the Junior Car Club, Clock House, Arundel Street, Strand, London, W.C., or At the office of the company, and arrangements have been made to pick up passengers in Paddington. Bayswater, Shepherd's Bush, Chiswick, Kew and Richmond. Apart from separate seat leeokings, arrange. ments are being made for vehicles to 'be reserved for private parties.

French Electric Vehicle Trials.

For the trials of electric vehicles, which are to commence in France on September 15th next under the auspices of the Union dts S,vndicats de l'Electricite, 16 vehicles have so far been entered by the following seven makers :— Laporte, Berliet, De Dion, Krieger, Renault, A.E.M. and the Societe de Traction Electrique Rationelle.

Scotch Works for By-product Recovery.

The Burghlee By-Products Co., Ltd., have lately been formed in Edinburgh with a capital of 55,000 to establish works for the extraction of motor spirit, oil and other products from colliery waste material and shale. The plant is to be erected at the Burghlee

liery of the Shott's Iron Co., Ltd., at .Loanhead, Midlothian.

American Tractor Export Increases.

During the fiscal year ended June, 1924, wheeled tractors, to the .value of 12,782,194 dollars were exported from the United States. During the same period the value of track-laying tractors exported was 1,699,978 dollars, whilst the value of tractor parts exported was 2,665,171 dollars: These three items show 'increases of 51 per cent., 50 per cent. And .38 per cent, respectively, over the totals for the previous year.

Inst. of T. Conference.

The conference of the members of the Institute of Transport takes place at the British Empire Exhibition on Friday, September 19th. Members and visitors travel by train with reserved accommo• dation from Baker Street Station at 9.30 a.m. and at 10.15 assemble in the pavilion of the Port of London Authority, where a kinema film depicting some of the activities 'ofthe Port will be shown. At 10.30 the conference will commence, under the presidency of Sir Henry P. Maybue7,.supported by many men prominent in the world of transport. Papers will be read by Sir Sefton Brancker, K.C.B., A.F.C., and Mr. F. B. Rees, and these will be followed by a discussion on transport as an aid to Empire developinent. After lunch visits will be made to the transport exhibits in the Palace of Engineering. A very interesting day is promised to the Visitors, The 30-cwt. Thornycrolt Lorry. .

Referring to the article in our issee _for September 2nd, dealing with the new 30-cwt;.type A.I. Thornycroft chassis, we are advised by the makers that the seating capacity of a motor coach which could be erected on the model with a 14-ft. wheelbase would rbe for 20 passengers, not 20 or 21 as we stated. Our attention is also drawn to the fact that the model with the narrower track of 4 ft. 8 ins., the same track being provided for front and rear wheels, is designed for overseas roads, where existing cart tracks have to be considered.

Royalty to Open New Road in Kent.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has graciously consented to, take part in the ceremony in connection with the opening of the 12-mile stretch of Watling Street between Dartford and StrOod in Kent, the reconstruction of which by London unemployed is now approaching completion. The opening ceremony will take place on November 19th, and a further announcement will he made when the detailed programme has received approval.

French Oil Supplies.

The sole source of . production of mineral oil in France at the present time is, according to. a report on ecomanic conditions in France published by the Department of Overseas Trade, an oilfield covering about 72,000 acre.s around Pechelbronn, which lies in Alsace.

Although its working dates back to 1735, the first well in this oilfield area yielding good results was discovered as late as 1882. Its development has been actively encouraged since the beginning of the present century, and its output has increased from 49,600 tons in 1913 to 70,000 in 1923, notwithstanding a strike of two months' duration in the latter year. It is anticipated that the annual output will shortly be increased to 100,000 tons.

The supplies which are produced in French territory are totally inadequate for the needs of France, and consumption at the present time is already 10 to 12 times in excess of the quantity produced.

Recently published statistics give the Lancashire Motor Coach Traffic.

The motor coach traffic from the Lancashire towns during the month of August seems to have been substantial in one week one Rochdale company alone carried 3,500. passengers on its vehicles, Blackpool being the destination of the majority. One Preston company had over 40 vehicles on the road during the holidays and carried over 1,000 passengers a day.

In many cases motor coach fares continue to show reductions over the cheap rail excursion fares, and the return trip from Preston to Blackpool has been quoted at. so low as 1s. 6d. per head, which works out at id. a mile, Thornton Wants Motorbuses.

Thornton Council is pressing the Blackpool Corporation to institute a motorbus service between Burn Naze and the Thornton. railway station. Under the terms of amalgamation entered into last year between the Blackpool Corporation and the Thornton Council provision was made that a service of motorbuses should be run between Burn Naze and the railway station at Thornton for three months from Jima 1st last. If the buses were run without loss, then the service would be continued.

No bus has as yet been run, and a letter was sent to the Blackpool Corpora

ton calling its attention to the fact. Since then the Blackpool Tramways Committee has appointed a sub-committee which has inspected the route, hut the institution of a bus service is still a matter for the future.

Apparently from the corporation's point of view some difficulty has arisen as. to the exact route which should be , followed, A.Karrier Appointment.

Karrier Motors, Ltd., of Karrier Works, Huddersfield, are now represented in the Midland areas by Mr. H. F. Applegate, who is looking after the interests of the company from headquarters at 172, Yardley Fields Road, Birmingham.

A.E.C.s for the Gold Coast:

The five yehickes which are shown in a picture on this page form part of a fleet of 12 A.E.G. chassis which are being supplied by the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., for use on the Gold Coast. •

The chassis are 2-tonners, and they include, over and above the standard equipment, the following extras :— Governed engines, giant pneumatic tyres, towing hooks, C,olonial-type radiators and radiator guards. The usual electric lighting outfit supplied with this type of chassis is not fitted, self-contained acetylene lamps being preferred. The vehicles will eventually be used by Elder's Road Transport, Ltd., for goods transport.

Indian Imports.

In a survey of the import trade of recently pnblished by the Department of Overseas Trade, it is shown that during the first three months of the current statistical year—i.e., April 1st to June 30th—the number of motorbuses, Yana and lorries imported into the coantry_ increased from 265, valued at lakhs, to 451, valued at 9i lakhs. Of this total only 35 vehicles, valued at a little over 2 lakhs, Were supplied by British manufacturers, whereas •160 vehicles were shinned from the United States, although their value was only

lakhS.. •

A Works Outing to Wembley.

A few days ago the employees of David Moseley and Sons. Ltd., of Manchester, participated in a pleasant trip to London and to the British Empire Exhibition. The party numbered 650, and was conveyed by two special trains to London, where it was met by aatleet of motor coaches.

The London Traffic Act.

The Minister of Transport recently made an order dated August 26th itt which September let was fixed for bringing into operation Section I of the London Traffic Act, 1924 (passed by Parliament before the ivcess), which deals with the constitution and appointment of the London Traffic Advisory Committee, and the other provisions of the Act will take effect from October 1st. The object in deciding on an earlier date for the operation of Section I was to enable the Minister to proceed with the making of rule S of procedure for the constitution of the joint committees of local authorities to be appointed for the nomination of representatives of the local authorities on the advisory committee New Lancashire Arterial Road.

The new Preston arterial road, which is three miles long and runs from the Blackburn Road to the Blackpool main road, proved its-value,during, the recent Preston holidays. Its existence diverts. the heavy and increasing stream of motor traffic from East Lancashire and

Yorkshire to Blackpool and the Fylde resorts across the northern suburbs of Preston, ipsteacl of traversing the congested thoroughfares in the centre of the town. Awkward corners and bends have been avoided, and the road is almost ideal for its purpose. At present the carriageway is 27 ft. wide for the greater part of its length, but, in view of possible future developments, the three bridges and the last section of the road have been made 43 ft. wide.

Motor Dust Vans for Belg'um.

The municipal authorities of Saint Gilles-Iez-Bruxelles are invitine-alternative tenders, which have to be delivered by November 7th, for (1) the hire, running and maintenance of a number of motor dust-collection vehicles, or (2,} the supply of such vehicles to the municipality. Particulari may he obtained from the Service de la Proprete Pnblique, 104, Rue Antoine 'Breart, St. Gilles, Brussels, Ribble Co.'s Appeal to the Ministry.

The Ribble Motor Serilices, Ltd., have notified the Bolton Corporation of their intention to appeal to the Ministry of Transport against the refusal of tha Watch Committee to grant them bus licences in respect of new routes, "having regard to their endeavours to restrict their application to meet the committee's requirements and to the time during which the application has been under consideration,"

Linking-up Mining Vareys.

The Glamorgan County Council intends to proceed with its scheme for linking-up the mining valleys in the county, to which assent was given by the Ministry of Transport a few weeks ago. The total cost of the scheme is estimated at £400,000, towards which sum the Ministry has promised a grant of 75 per cent. The county council will finance the scheme to the extent of 25 per cent, of the cost, and will later be reimbursed by the local councils concerned in,the project. This new mountain highway will link up the following colliery valleys :Rhondda (two valleys), Garw, Ogmore, Idynfi, Avon and Dowlais, and will form an alternate road through South Wales from east to west. Its construction will confer much -benefit on road users, for it will shorten the route to these areas.

A Leyland Lorry for Uganda.

. Although touring cars and motorcycles are to be found in more or less extensive use in Uganda, the commercial vehicle has not yet penetrated that country to any appreciable extent. In fact, the s-ton Leyland vehicle shown in one of the' pictures on this page is the first of its kind to operate in the country.

The machine in question is a standard Al model, and it incorporates in its design a 30 h.p. engine and a fourepeed gearbox. The bodywork conisists of a flat platform with hinged sides and. tailboard, and an extra large cab of the type usually fitted on 4-ton vehicles, for provision has to be made for the accommodation of four natives in addition to the driver. At the rear of the lorrya spring drawbar is fitted to enable a specially builttwo-wheeled trailer to be hauled. The trailer is capable of carrying a 30-cwt. load, and it is braked through a hand wheel in the cab, which, driving through a ver

tical shaft and bevel wheels, finally tensions a cable and actuates the externally contracting shoes.

Long Loads on' a Karrier.

The lorry body On the J.H.-type Karrier vehicle which is illustrated on this page has been specially constructed with a driver's cab. which it narrower than the total width of the vehicle, in order that lengths of strip metal can he readily carried to protrude beyond the front end of the body on special brackets over the front mudguards.

1122 • The Ill.-type Karrier chassis is of 3-ton capacity, and it incorporates in its design a 34 h.p. four-cylinder engine, in which the cylinders are cast in pairs. Other features of the unit include sideby-side valves, forced lubrication and water circulation by pump. The cone clutch is completely enclosed, and the drive is conveyed to a four-speed-andreverse gearbox, and thence by wayof a tubular propeller shaft fitted with

flexible disc couplings to a sturdy back axle of the worm-driven type.

Two independent brakes are fitted to this chassis, one acting on the transmission and the other on drums in the rear wheels. The wheel track of the machine is 5 ft. 6 ins., the wheelbase 14 ft., and it can turn in a circle of 55 ft.

Th.?. Zen:th's Popularity.

An indication of the popularity, as well as of the reliability, of the Zenith carburetter can be obtained from the fact (that more than 5,000,000 of these instruments are now in use.

Whe.e Wilding Assists.

A slight error in machining may often involve the need for scrapping a casting, but before such a procedure is adopted it is worth while consulting a reputable company of welding engiueers in order to ascertain whether the casting can be • saved at a moderate cost.

Barimar, Ltd., of 14-18, Lamb's Conduit Street, London, W.C.1, inform us that they tackle much work of this description, but it is a section of their business which does not seem to be very widely known. The company will always advise as to the possibility of building up an imperfect casting by scientific welding or by one or more cif the special cold and low-temperature processes adopted by them with success.

Orders for Commers.

Commercial Cars, Ltd., of Luton, usform es that during the past month the orders received by them for Commer Car lorries have been exceptionally good, and that, apart from orders obtained in the home markets, orders for a number of vehicles have been received from overseas countries. During the next few days the company will be shipping chassis to New Zealand and Colombo, and that this make of vehicle is giving good service abroad is indicated from a .report just received from Toronto, in which it is stated that the new model 3Ltonner is giving the utmost satisfaction.

Developing the Harlepools.

The United Automobile Services, Ltd., who are making rapid headway in the North Country, are now proposing to break new ground in the Ilartlepoola neighbourhood. They have submitted an application to the Hartlepools Town Council requesting licences for, six vehicles, which they intend putting into service over a proposed new route between that district and Blackballs, immediately a new 'road, now rapidly neating completion, is opened.

Councillor Robson advocated the granting of the licences, and considered that, if they wished to see the town progress, should place no obstacles in the way of such proposals, hut consideration of the matter was deferred to enable the town clerk to secure further information prior to any definite decision -being made.

An Urban Cuncil's Exception. Some exception was taken at a recent meeting of the Hetton-le-Hole Urban District Council to the action of the Northern General Transport Co., Ltd., of Chester-le-Street, in putting into service a number of buses in the district without first acquainting the council of their intention to take such a step. The vehicles are being used on .the new through service from Sunder.laud to Easington Lane, and adjoining places, and-a request truth the highways committee for the service to be discontinued had, it was stated, not been complied with.

The clerk pointed out that no action could be taken ggainstthe company .until the by-laws of the authority for dealing with omnibus traffic had received sanction of the Ministry of Iran-port. In the opinion of the council the service provided by the Sunderland District Tramways Co., who recently substituted _trams by buses, was adequate for the needs of the district and was as much as the roads could accommodate.

Reopening a Welsh Ferry.

The projected reopening of the ferry which formerly linked up Beachley and Aust has been under consideration, and the suggeation is that the ferryboats should be adopted for blie eonyeyance of heavy vehicles. The scheme, which is under the direction of the Glamorgan County Council, aided by certain Welsh authorities, aims at shortening journeys which have torte undertaken by vehicles travelling from South Wales districts to Bristol and to London. The scheme of bridging the River Severn will take some time to complete, and a general feeling exists that much relief would be given to traffic by reopening the old ferry.' '

This procedure has been decided upon, and an effort is being made to induce the Cardiff and Glamorgan municipal. bodies to share the cost.

• Serving a Military Camp.

Brand's Motor Services, Ltd., who operate'a number of useful bus routes in the Richmond (Yorks) neighbourhood, have just made an important addition to read-passenger facilities in-that district by the institution of a new service linking up Catterick Camp with Darlington. The single-journey distance is about 14 miles and the route is by way

of Cakterick miles, Scotch Corner and Barton. Cheap return tickets, are issued at 3s. 4d. per passenger, these showing a material saving over the single-journey fare, which is 2s. Comfortable and roomy large-capacity A.E:C. and Thornycroft saloon buses are used by the company, and additions atiave been made to the fleet in order•to carry out this latest development.

Merthyr's Monthly Bus Licences.

The Merthyr Town Council has adopted a system under which bus proprietors have to apply each month for licences or renewal of licences. It is stated that this method of short-period licensing tends to obtain a stricter observance of regulations and conditions from the proprietors.

Approval has recently been given to a service to be run by Mr. W. E. Evans, Quaker's Yard Garage, from Treharris to Pontypridd. A new 20-seater Guy bus will be employed for this purpose.

An application by J. R. Rees, Aberf an, to run buses into Merthyr on days when football matches are played has been rejected by the council.

Huddersfield Co-operative Society's Traffic.

The Huddersfield Co-operative Society has had a good char-a.-bancs season with its three vehicles named "Unity," Equity" and "Progress." The receipts for the six months ended July 18th were £507. The running expenses amounted to £255, and although after making other deduction there was a loss of £19, the service rendered to excursion parties is regarded as a good advertisement for the society.

The traffic department has proved of real economy to the trading departments and the committee report that, 'it is not so necessary to keep such heavy stoeks as formerly in our shops, particularly grocery, as with an ever-fluctuating market it is wise to keep stocks on the move; by recourse to our own motors we are not dependent upon delays or

• trouble on the railways." The society has spent £22,002 on its motor vehicles which, depreciated at the rate of 20 per cent. per annum, now stand at 43,848 in its accounts.

Bannisdaie Bridge Reopened.

We are informed by the county surveyonof Westmorland that the Bannisdale Low. Bridge 6i miles north of Kendal on the Kendal-Shp section of London-Lancaster-Oaalisle main road, which was closed in July, and to which we referred in our issue for July 29th, has now been reopened for traffic. The repairs to the bridge have beer. executed with the least possible delay.

More Powerful Engines for Buses.

At a meeting of the Bolton Corporation Tramways Committee the general manager reported on the power of the present engines of the.motorbuaes in the service of the corporation, and read a letter from Leyland Motors, Ltd., stating the terms upon which they were prepaced to fit 36-40 h.p. engines in the five Leyland buses in place of the present, 30-32 h.p. engines. The committee accepted the terms and authorized the company to proceed with the work without delay.

Worm Reduction Gears.

The latest booklet published by Grafts (Engineers), Ltd. of Thornbury, Bradford, deals with various types of worm reduction gearing made -by this company. Tables of powers and sizes of standard types are included, and examples of various designs intended for special installations are illustrated, as well as couplings and clutches for connecting reduction gears with prime movers.

By-laws for Workmen.

The motorbus committee of the Merthyr Tydfil Corporation, which has recently inaugurated a municipal bus service, has discussed the question of allowing workmen to travel in the vehicles if their clothing might soil, injure or damage the seats, linings, curtains or cushions, or the dress or clothing of other passengers. Mr. T. A. Rees, the town clerk, submitted a draft by-law to meet this point, and this has been adopted by the committee.

Canadian Exports.

According to recently issued statistics, the total number of commercial vehicles exported from the Dominion of Canada during June last was 1424, representing a value of 368,771 dollars. This figure compares with 1,061 vehicles in the previous month, and 1,120 in the 'same month of the previous year. The total number of vehicles exported for the 12 months ended June last amounted to 15,475, a figure representing an increase of 9,760 as compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

A Dual-purpose Dennis.

The 2-ton Dennis lorry, of which an illustration appears on this page, is • fitted with a special type of body in which the iron standards used toasupport the sides and tailboard are so arranged that they can be readily removed, thus enabling the vehicle to be • used as an ordinary platform lorry. A gantry over the driver's cab is fitted in order to permit the carrying of steam piping and lead rolls without the risk of damage to the cab or excessive overhang.

The vehicle has been delivered to Messrs. Grey -and Marten, of Southwark Bridge Road, SE., by Messrs. Gray and -Levin', automobile engineers, of Balham High Road, London, S.W.7.

Renoid Driving Chains.

Hans %mold Ltd., Of Burnage Works, Didsbury, Manchester, inform us that they have recently reduced the prices of their various types of chain for general engineering purposes, so that they are now very much nearer pre-war level. The new prices have been made possible by the use of improved manufacturing methods and by an increasing demand. Some details of the various products of the company are contained in the price list which has recently been published.

Parking S tatist ics.

Statistics compiled. by Mr. Peter Hughes, borough accountant of Calmarvon, show that during June and July this year 1,535 motor vehicles were parked in Cameroon compared with 1,262 during the corresponding period a year ago.

"Being Towed."

One of the members of our staff recently observed on the road what appears to be a very commendable idea when towing operations are being conducted. The words "Being towed" had been thoughtfully chalked on the back of a large vehicle which was unable to proceed under its own power. The drivers of oncoming vehicles were thus immediately warned as to what was taking place in front of them and, therefore, exercised greater care and waited until a good view of the road ahead could be obtained before passing the two vehicles. The warning • showed at once the impossibility of cutting in between the two vehicles shoUld another suddenly present itself travelling in the opposite direction.

Merl hyr's Municipal S ervices Inaugurated.

The opening week of the operation of the Merthyr Tydfil Corporation's bus fleet ended on August. 23rd, and resulted in passenger receipts of £175. This is regarded as satisfactory. The council is to extend the routes to embrace Heolgerrig and Gellifaelog. Application has been made by the worktmen of Dowlats and Penydarren for vehicles to convey them to work at Plymouth Merthyr, Merthyr Vale and Troedyrhiw. The council has approved in principle special workmen's services and has made application to the Merthyr Electric Traction Co., who hold statutory rights of monopoly over the Dowlais route, for sanction to run on that route.

-A short description of the new Leyland buses put into service at Merthyr, together with a picture of the vehicle, is included elsewhere in this issue.

New G.W.R Road Service.

On the first day of the month a new motorbus service was instituted by the Great Western Railway Co., which gives visitors to Central Wales an opportunity of viewing some of the most pictur

esque scenery in the districts. The scheme forms part of a programme of expansion, which also includes the establishment of combined road and rail services.

The new service links up Machynlleth with Dolgelley, and the route lies through the famous Bwlch-y-Groes Pass. Members of local authorities in the area through which the route runs and officials of the company participated in the opening run.

_Coach Owners and Closed Roads.

"Chars-a-banes Prohibited" is a notice which appears with undue prominence in the district of Lytham-St. Anne's (Lancs.), and for a long time motor coach owners in the district have been complaining of the inconvenience and loss of business caused by being debarred the right of using certain local thoroughfares..

A few days ago, a deputation waited upon one of the council committees for the purpose of urging a claim that they tie permitted to pick up passengers anywhere inside the borough provided that they proceed out of the town by the ,hortest possible route, and that they be permitted to use the most direct routes leading from their garages to the stands.

P24 The full council has been giving consideration to the problem, and has now decided to appoint a sub-committee to consider if any suitable arrangement can be made whereby full justice will he done to the local motor coach owners.

The season, 'however, is now well advanced, and the stipulation that the committee should bring their recommendations back to the council means that coach owners can hardly expect any By chalking the words " being towed" on the rear of a vehicle which is being hauled, drivers of oncoming vehicles are made aware of the need for exerds ng special care when passing it on the road.

benefit this year. If, however, the council does eventually approve of the committee's recommendations, then the subcommittee will be authorized to meet the local motor coach owners with a view to further discussing the matter and entering into a provisional agreement.

New Commer Car Radiator.

We reproduce on this page an illustration of the new-type radiator which will, in future, be used on all Commer Car models as made by Commercial Cars, Ltd., of Luton. A vehicle is very often recognized by the radiator, and in this connection the old type unit was quite distinctive, and the new radiator will certainly soon become familiar to all transport users.

The new radiator is much larger than the unit which it has replaced and, therefore, affords a greater cooling surface, whilst.. it has a highly polished. finish and possesses a pleasing appearance. The bonnet, of course, has been altered to suit the new design.

Local Proceedings.

Glossop Town Council is considering the purchase of a motor ambulance.

'Merthyr Tydfil Corporation has decided to obtain tenders for fire-extinguishers for its motorbuses.

Leeds Corporation has authorized the purchase of two Vulcan 2-ton chassis at a price not exceeding £500 each.

Leeds Corporation has purchased a 40 h.p. petrol-driventractor from the Motor Rail and Tramcar Co., Ltd., for £450.

Glasgow Corporation has decided to invite tenders for the supply -of a 50cwt. chassis for the cleansing depart meat.

Salford Corporation Tramways Committee recommends the purchase. of a 30-cwt. Leyland tipping, lorry at a cost of £600.

Glasgow Watch Committee has decided to obtain tenders for the simply of a maul . turntable fire-escape for the southern fire station.

The Merthyr Tydfil Corporation has insured 11 buses at a premium of £256 5s. 6d. with the Municipal Mutual Insurance Co.

Salford Corporation Highways Committee recommends the purchase of a 5ton Foden steam wagon with a hydraulic tipping body at a cost of £750.

Merthyr Tydfil Corporation has appointed.Mr. W. F. Adey, of Colchester, as superintendent, of its new municipal bus services at a salary of £364 per annum.

Carnarvon Corporation proposes to amend the Aber swing bridge regulations in order to provide that no load greater than 2i tons shall be taken across the bridge.

The London County Council is inviting tenders for the supply of two electric or, alternatively, steam-driven conduitflushing tank wagons for the tramways department.

Salford Corporation Tramways Committee recommends the purchase of an 18 h,p. Armstrong-Siddeley motor vehicle from R. Dugdale and Co., Ltd., at a cost of £625,

Birkenhead Corporation Tramways Committee has accepted the tender of Mr. Joseph Davies for the erection of a motorbus garage at the Laird Station Depot for £11,645.

Leeds Corporation Tramways Committee recommends application for powers to run motorbus services on many routes outside the city with alternative powers in some cases to run railless vehicles.

Coach Fares in Lancashire.

The motor coach fare between Accrington and Blackpool, formerly so high as 10s., has -now sunk to 45. bd. Some of the Blackpool motor coach proprietors are announcing reductions in the fares for long-day trips, the most 'noticeable being to Keswick (from 10s. to lls.) and to Windermere (from'Els. to 7s.).