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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 it runs"—John Beattie Crozier,

A World's Transport Congress.

The National Automobile Chamber of Commerce, the body which is responsible for the American automobile shows, is organizing a world congress in connection with mechanical road transport, to be held'at Detroit, Michigan, U.S.A., from May 21st-24th inclusive.

The aim of the congress is to show owners how to get the best out of their vehicles, to show Makers ho W to improve upon standardization, service, etc.

No fewer than 300 delegates are expected.. from Austnalia, including representatives of motoring institutions and of the trade, and a large number will be coming from South American States, South Africa, China and elsewhere. So Tar, acceptances from Europe have been few, but they are expected to increase as the result of a visit to this country of Mr. Birger Jacobson, who is placing all the facts before the motoring and trade institutions of the various countries.

We believe that the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders have a large amotnt of information in connection with this congress, although we ourselves will be prepared to reply to any inquiries for further information.

Mr. H. E. Blain Forsakes Transport.

The position of Principal Agent to the Unionist Party Organization, vacated by Vice-Admiral Sir Reginald Hall, haa been filled by the appointment of Mr. IL E. Blain, C.B.E., joint assistant managing director of the Underground Railways and the London General Omnibus Co., and chairman of the London " Safety First " Council. Mr. Blain will, by the time these lines appear in print, have taken up his position, Lord Ashfield having agreed to his immediate release from his present business obligations, and his office in future will be at Palace Chambers, Westminster, London,

This is a highly important post, because the chief agent of the Unionist Party. is primarily an .executive officer, 'responsible for the direction of a large staff and for the widespread activities of a national political organization.

Whilst Mr. Blain's experience has, so far, been devoted to transport and pasFenger traffic, he is essentially an organizer. He was horn at Liverpool and was in the service of the corporation of that city until 1903, at the latter part of the time being principal traffic assistant of the tramways system. He was then appointed tramways manager to the West Ham Corporation, London, and the extreme efficiency of that system brought him and his capabilities prominently before the notice of the directors of the London General Omnibus Co., who, in 1913, offered him the post of purchasing agent for the underground group and the L.G.O.C. So efficiently was his work carried out that in the following year ho Was appointed operating manager, and since 1921 he has been joint assistanl. managing director (the chairman and managing director of the group being the Rt. Hon. Lord Ashfield, and the other assistact managing director Mr. Frank Pick).

B20 Mr. Blain was the founder and chairman of the London "Safety First' Council, and founder and vice-president of the British Industrial Safety First Association, hon. secretary of the Insti tote of Transport from its foundation, and since 1919 a. vice-president thereof, and he is joint author with Mr. Dicksee of a work on office organization.

He is 'nearly 54 years of age, and has that peculiar quality of "making friends. His appointment to his new position has been well received. in the 'ranks of the Unionist Party, and whilst those connected . with transport will regret his loss to that movement they 'wish-him the greatest success in his new sphere.

No Commercial Show in 1924.

It is announced by the management committee of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders that, following upon a joint meeting of that committee and of the commercial vehicle (petrol), electric and steam vehicle committee, it has been decided not to organ • ize a. commercial vehicle exhibition during the present year, particularly in view of the arrangements which have been made in connection with the British Empire Exhibition. In September *a further joint meeting of all the interests concerned will be held for the purpose of discussing the question of the Society's policy for 1925.

Steam vehicles will be allowed to be shown at four agricultural shows, including the Smithfield Show, in addition to such exhibitions as may be approved by the Society.

Paris Automobile Salon.

The date for the commercial-vehicle section of the Paris Automobile Salon to be held in Paris in the autumn, is October 22nd-31st inclusive. Applications for space must be received by the Commissaire General, 51, Rue Pergolege,

Pars, by Monday, March 31st. • -Holding Up Traffic at Tram Stops.

In connection with the Manchester Corporation Bill now before Parliament, in which there appears a clause which would restrict the free passage of road vehicles in the city in relation to the operation of the tramways, a petition is being presented to Parliament by the. S.M.M. and T. and the various motor Organizations. '

Kerbside Pump Removal.

A deputation to the Minister of Transport is being organized in connection with the question of the removal of kerbside petrol pumps. The Motor Legislation Committee (which, we understand, is shortly to be reorganized upon a slightly different and more•comprehensive basis) is very closely watching this quest ion.

Supplementary List of Exhibitors at Wembley.

In our last issue we gave the names of a number of companies who are to exhibit at the forthcoming British Empire Exhibition, these being supplementary to the original list published in our issue for January 15th, but we omitted to mention that the following manufacturers are exhibiting in the engineering section, and not, as stated. in the Motor and, motorcycle ,section' of the Exhibition :—Allen, W. H., and Sons, Ltd. ; Bentall, E. H., and Co., Ltd. ; Drummond Bros., Ltd. ; Pullet's United Electric Works, Ltd. ; Ferodo, Ltd. ; Fowler, John, and Co. (Leeds), Ltd. ; Merryweather and Sons, Ltd. ; Oriental Tube Co., Ltd. ; Boston and Hornsby, Ltd. ; Serck Radiators Ltd.; Valor, Ltd. ; Wakefield, C.C. ;

W. H., and Co., Ltd.

Single-seater Taxis at Last !

Towards the end of September -last the immediate appearance of a number of single-seater taxicabs was announced with a great flourish of trumpets in the capital of France. During the ensuing five months the Paris newspapers have published paragraphs and articles practically every week on the subject of these cabs, excusing their non-appearance on the streets, and stating that the vehicles would be seen in service in the course of the next few days.

Until a few days ago, however, not a single cab of this type had appeared, although tw.o or three of them have At last made their debut. The Monoplace Cab Co. intend catering especially for business men with these vehicles, and for this reason they will only run during the basiness hours in Paris and not at. all on Sundays.

Ambulances for Use of Householders.

In a St. David's Day message to a meeting of the Priory if Wales (Order of St. John of 'Jerusalem) recently held at Cardiff, the Prince of Wales said that it was " to be hoped that the motor embulance service (of the Welsh Priory) that had proved such a boon to the colliery and industrial districts may be extended."

Lord Kylsaut, who presided, said thatin the past year there had been marked developments iii the Priory's motor ambulance service in Wales, particularly in North Wales' and it was announced that the scheme by which a motor ambulance is at the service of every householder upon payment of a small weekly contribution, which is already being tried in Cardiff, was being steadily developed, and it was proposed to concentrate upon similar efforts being made in other towns.

Transport Ministry's Concession.

An important c.oncession, affecting public authorities generally, in relation to the wages allowed to be paid under the Ministry of Transport arrangements in connection with relief road, works, was brought under notice at the last meeting of the Nottingham Corporation. The Town Clerk explained that a communication had been received from the Roads Department of the Ministry stating that where a local public body undertakes such operations by direct labour, the wages paid must not exceed the local authority's rate to its own men engaged on similar classes of work, or the recognized district rate where such exists, if that is lower. This takes the place of the provision by which the rates as a rule could not exceed 75 per cent. of the rates paid to regular workmen. It was determined, therefore, to give instructions to the officials in charge of corporation unemployment relief road works to pay the rate given to the council's men engaged on similar classes a work.

Satisfaction from Saurers.

Messrs. Watts Bros., of Lairgafe, Beverley, Yorks., purchased their first Saurer three-way tipping wagon in April, 1922, and in a recent letter to the manufacturers they clearly state that the vehicle has done remarkable service since that period. both the wagon itself and the tipping mechanism having given no trouble whatever. It was only after the expiry of a period of two years' service that it was deemed advisable to overhaul all parts, and when this was done it was found that the 'only replacements needed were a piston ring and a pump transom, which are, of course, very minor details, the cost of the materials used in replacement being only 4s.

The company also use a second Saurer three-Way tipping wagon, which was purchased in April, 1923, and this has done equally good service.

No better testimony to the satisfaction which this user has derived from Saurer vehicles Could be sought than the order for a third vehicle which was enclosed in a recent letter to the company, particularly when it is taken into account that the vehicles are being used for the transport of road-making materials, which is admittedly work calling for the utmost mechanical reliability.

Personal Pars.

Alderman Forrester Clayton has been appointed to fill the vacancy on the directorate of the Rover Co., Ltd.

Mi. Cecil S. Windsor, a director of James Bartle and Co., Ltd., has, for nearly a month, been lying seriously ill

at his home. Fortunately the earlier diagtineis proved inaccurate.

A new limited liability company. known as Strom berg Motor Devices, with offiees st 173-175, CleVeland Street, London, W.1, has been formed • by Sir P. L., D. Perry, Mr. A. H. Black and Mr. R. Philip, to market and also ultimately to manufacture the Stremberg carbuietter in this country.

Mr. Sidney W. Lewis. who was' formerly works manager of Fiat Motors, Ltd., has for some time been established as an agent for any make of vehicle (with Fiats as a speciality) at Kingswriv House, Kingsway, London, W.C.2, and has made a distinct success in his new sphere. His knowledge of all makes is extensive and his advice on the purchase of chassis and vehicles for commercial uses is well worth obtaining.

A Bus Station for Brighton.

Tillings, Ltd., are to contribute £2090 towards the cost of improving the approach to theCentral Railway Station at Brighton, and a rental of #.1150 per annum for 20 years for the privilege of constructing a bus shelter arid station for the use of passengers.

American Exports of Solid Tyres.

Official figures just published show that the United Kingdom was far and away the most important absorber of American solid tyres last year, with a total of 31,381. Australia followed with 10,628; Japan, 10,275; Cuba, 7,369; New Zealand, 5,609; Philippine Islands, 4,574; Spain, 3,536; Dutch East India, 2,450; India, 2,180; Canada, 2,160.

For Carrying Timber.

We publish on this page an illustration of a. Leyland lorry which has recently been built to the order of Howell J. Williams, Ltd., builders, of London Bridge, S.E.1. The chassis is the -company a standard 3-ton ,nkodel, fitted with 30-32 h.p. engine, and the body is of the frame-sided type, the sides being 18 ins. high. In order to protect the driver's cab when long tim

bar is being carried it is fitted with a forward gantry. ',This is constructed of angle-iron, the sides projecting 18 ins. above the cross-bar in order to.prevent lateral slipping. The central bolstervis stoutly constructed in trestle form and is secured to the floor with four iron brackets; it is thus'easily 'removable in case of uninterrupted loading space being required. The . vehicle is very attractively finished, the chassis being painted red and the body in cream relieved with black lettering.

South African Power Alcohol.

A report was recently issued by the South African Industrial Alcohol Committee dealing with the possibilityof Making the U Union independent of ins ported petrol. It recommended that knolasses, maize and sweet potatoes can hest be utilized for the production of power alcohol. This spirit, it is said, should cost about 5d. per gallon to produce, plus 8d. per gallon for packing, etc., and can be sold profitably for 2s. 6d. per gallon. The committee is of opinion that, even if sold at 3s. per gallon, this substitute could oust petrol. which at the present time retails at 3s. 3d. per gallon.

Attractive Road Proposals in Scotlard.

Cameron of Lochiel has brought forward an enticing scheme for joining Glasgow arid Inverness by a new road passing through F. magnificent stretch of country embracing the west shore of Loch Lomond, Glen Falloch, Blackmount, the western fringe of the moor of Rannoch, Glencoe, Lochaber, and along the chain of lochs -connected by the Caledonian Canal. This highway would pot only relieve the overtaxed PerthInverness road of much of the traffic which it at present carries, but would also shorten the distance between the Clyde and the Moray Firth by something like 15 miles.

The proposal is being received with pluch favour by the various local authorih22

ties, and it is probable that it will soon be brought under the notice of Sir Henry Maybury-.

Another project which is assuming a more definite form, and is being strongly supported by the district committees directly interested, is that of forming a road between the Spey and the Dee. This is really to be a work of reconstruction, the idea being to follow the lino of General Wade's road, made in A New Road in South Wales.

A further conference of local authorities in Glamorganshire and Carmarthen shire has been held in connection with the proposal to construct a new road from PontarduLais to A.nmanford. The Ministry of Transport was represented. It was intimated at the meeting that the Ministry would make a .grant of 50 per cent, towards the cost of construction, and it was agreed to proceed with the work and to construct the road and bridges-30 ft. wide instead of 40 ft., as was first projected.

It was agreed that, failing mutual understanding as to the apportionment of costs to each authority, the Ministry of Transport was to be the final arbiter.

A Dunlop Retirement.

An interesting function took place in Amsterdam a few. days ago, when Mr. W. T. Whann, who for 16 years has acted as director of the Dunlop Rubber Co.'s interests in Holland, retired from service. During his long residence in Holland Mr. Whann made himself very popular in the motor and allied trades, and he was the recipient of a very handsome gift as a souvenir of his long service.

Cline Bus Returns.

During the 12 mouths that the municipal omnibus service . between Colne and Earby has been in existence, 405,742 passengers have been carried on the vehicles plying on this route. The receipts amounted" to £4,669, and the net profit on the service is shown to be £844. The average number of passengers carried per week during the period was 7,850, so that the-original-estimate of the council of 8,000 passengers per week has proved to be substantially correct.

Improving the Great North Road.

To the great advantage of users of motor vehicles further important improvements are rapidly approaching completion in regard to a vital artery of traffic—the Great North Road. The latest development relates to extensive repairs which have been effected in connection with the quaint series of structures known as the Northborough Nine' Bridges between Peterborough and • Market Deeping, a portion of the parapet wall of which collapsed during the heavy .flood of last year.

The Peterborough County Council decided to reconstruct . the• south end of the viaduct and also to strengthen the existing •arches with a ring of eoncrete. Replacing the former undesirable switchback on the road, an even gradient has now been established; a concrete kerbing is to be placed on the side and the road

will be surfaced with tarmac. .

The thoroughfare over the bridges was closed to traffic for a considerable time, and the improved conditions to be rendered shortly available will be received with general satisf n ction.

A Novel Danger Signal.

A novel danger signal has recently been erected at Beaumont Cross, Newark, which is said to be one of the most dangerous points in the country. Road users generally will be interested to know that this signal consists of a 300 c.p. /amp suspended over the roadway at a height of 18 ft. Encased in red glass, bearing the word " Danger," it throws .a beam of light on the constable on point duty below. The constable is dressed in a white rubber coat, and his traffic signals, the Royal Automobile Club inform us, are clearly visible frem a considerable distance.

The Scottish General.

It is stated that the Scottish General Omnibus Co., whose headquarters are at Falkirk, are about to extend very considerably their efficient passenger vehicle services. The company's services already cover the whole of the road from Linlithgow to Bridge of Allan (21 miles) and from Denny to Atka and Tillicoultry (17 miles). They run about 60 up-to-date and commodious vehicles of various types. The company now pro pose to link up Stirling and Falkirk with Gleneagles, Perth and surrounding villages, which will mean an additional distance of about 40 miles to their total route mileage. The road at certain points—,partieularly at Blackford—is far from being good, and the new motorbus traffic which 19 now proposed will necessitate not, only the re-surfacing, but the reconstruction of large sections of this highway.

Bolton Char-a-bancs Stand.

Balton Watch Committee has further coneidered a letter from the secretary of the Bolton and District Char-a-Banc,s Owners' Association asking that the stand for motor coaches in Churchgate should be closed and. that the committee should allow in substitution therefor a stand for four vehicles on the north side or the west side of the Town Hall.

A deputation from the association, censisting of Messrs. J. B. Crumbleholme, A. Christy, T. Wilson and J. Gresenhalgh (secretary), attended, and were heard with reference to the application made by the' association, but the committee refused to accede to the request.

Blackpool's Successful Buses.

The Blackpool Corporation buses are carrying an average of about 27,000 passengers a week—or 3,750 a day. The North Shore service is the most remunerative. Since the service from Talbot Road Station to the Gynn, via Pleasant Street. and Egerton Road was inaugurated early in January, 2,500 passengers e day have been carried by the buses plying on this route. From January 3rd to February 14th (43 days) the bus 'mileage on this route was 7,424, passengers numbered 110,449 and the total traffic receipts amounted to £431, averaging nearly 1s. 2d. per b-us-mile. Duringthe month ended February 14th: the total number of passengers who used the local motorbus services— Devonshire Road and North Shore routes—was 96,468, the receipts being 2392, equivalent to 114-d. per bus-mile. From the period covered by April' 1st of last year to February 14th (320 days) the local buses travelled 94,384 miles,

carried 401,618 passengers, who paid 21,879 in fares, equivalent to 100. per bus-mile.

During the same period of 104 months the buses on the Cleveleys and Thorntou routes covered a mileage of 42,632, and carried 208,590 passengers, who paid 22,340 in fares, equivalent to just under is. 10. per mile. During the 28 days ended February 14th this service carried 11,086 passengers, and the receipts were £125, New Lancashire Bus Project.

The Colne Town Council, which has approached the Barnoldswick Urban Council on the question of inaugurating a service of motor omnibuses between the two towns, has found its proposal greeted with a mixed reception. Barnoldswick thinks that if it is likely to pay the Colne Council to run its buses to and from Barnoldswick, it would be an equally paying proposition for its own council to run buses to and from Colne.

The town of Colne already has a highly successful omnibus service running to Earby, and the town council would'inerely be concerned with extending the existing service. Barnoldswick, on the other hand, would be faced with the initial costs of the venture. There is an alternative suggest-ion that the two towns run their own vehicles, arrange a joint service and share the profits or Josses, as the case might be.

Satisfaction from Henley Tyres.

"Some Evidence ''is the terse little title given to a booklet which wehave inst received from Henley's Tyre and Bobber Co., Ltd., 20-22, Christopher

Street, London, E.0.2. As might be imagined from the title, the booklet forms a collection of testimonials which speak in laudatory terms of the qualities of Henley solid and cushion tyres. The letters of appreciation come from all Parts of the country, and give evidence of the excellent mileage stauding to the credit of many tyres of this make.

A Copy of the booklet can be obtained on application to the address given above.

Roads in Argyllshire.

The County Council of Argyll is faced with a difficult problem in bringin ge the roads of Glenfalloch and the neighbourhood of Arrochar into line, as regards surfacing and stability, with those of Dumbartonshire, which are always kept in an exeellent state of repair. The Argyllshire highway in this district was-never meant for heavy traffic, as it passes through a stretch of country which is practically uninhabited. It is now an avenue for a large amount of motor traffic, but in many parts it is so narrow that, two vehicles catmot pass one another without the utmost difficulty. The road has a poor bottom, and can scarcely be made tolerably substantial by any amount of resurfacing.

For the last three years the county council has been carrying out extensive improvements with respect to these roads, and it now has in hand a large scheme of widening and straightening. Liberal grants are expected from . the Ministry. of Transport, but necessarily the work can only be executed in limited. sections—two or three miles at a time.

£100,000 for Street Repair in Glasgow Mr. Hamilton Brown, convener of the Statute Labour Committee of Glasgow Corporation, has just intimated that, in view of the immense street repair work -required to be done forthwith, he is adding R100,030 to the coming budget to enable his committee to undertake necessary work of this kind.

Fares in Lancaster and Morecambe.

At a meeting of the Lancaster Watch Committee a communication was submitted from the Corporation of Morecambe with respect to an application it had received for the revision of the hackney carriage fares at present in force •within the boroughs of Lancaster and Morecambe, but the Lancaster committee was of opinion that no evidence of the necessity for any change in the scale of fares at present in foece has been shown.

Warwickshire Haulage Costs.

In the report which has just been issued by the county surveyor of Warwickshire, certain details are given of the working of 11 steam wagons owned by the county council. During the year 1922-23 the cost of working this fleet amounted to 7,181, or an average of £2 17s. 8d, per working day, this figure including the wages of a driver, two loaders, fuel, oil and repairs,-. but no sum for depreciation, interest on capital, etc.

The comity council purchased these machines from the War Department in 1919, and, in spite of their age and the strenuous service to which they have been subjected, the vehicles have shown an appreciable improvement in working clueing the year, as is revealed by the fact that they hauled 37,920 tons of material, as compared with 23,449 tons in the previous year.' The cost per ton of Material ,hauled and delivered to the scene of road works has been reduced from 5s. 11d. to 3s. 90.

Vulcan Buses•for Latvia.

The illustration on this page shows a group of four Vulcan 26-seater buses which have recently been shipped 4.o Latvia by the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., where they are 'intended for public service on the streets of Rigs.

These vehicles have doors at the front and the rear on the near side ; the rear

door can be lockea to enable the bus to be under the control of one man_ The . front entrance is provided with a special safety arrangement and steps which automatically fold up when the door is closed.

The body is divided into two compart• ments by a sliding door' and in order to ensure complete comfort and convenience for the occupants in severe weather, the exhaust gases are utilized for warming the interior. Electric lighting is provided both for interior and exterior illumination, and each of the buses is fitted with a driving mirror.

A Co-operative Fire-brigade. Ripon Rural District • Council and Wath Rural District Council are making strenuous efforts to secure the coevocation of the Ripon City Council in the purchase of a motor fire-engine for joint use of the three authorities. As the position stands at present, the two authorities pay a retaining fee to the corporation for the use of the existing engine and brigade, which are controlled by a joint committee ; but, as this is a second-hand machine, the rural councils point out that something more modern B24

is necessary properly to safeguard the district, and contend that the present engine, constructed for horse haulage, was liable to break down, and was not suited for use behind a motor vehicle travelling at a speed of 20 m.p.h. or over.

On the other hand, the city council is of the opinion that the roads in the district are not suitable for use by a heavy fire-engine, and it has, therefore, deferred its decision for a future meeting.

. Motor Coaches on Tram Routes.

Torquay Corporation has asked its Gcneral Purposes Committee to deal with a letter from the Torquay and District Motor Coach Owners' Association with reference to motor coach services OD

tramway routes. • Halleys of All Types.

Most of the types of vehicle which have been prodeced by Bailey's Industrial Vehicles, Ltd., of Yoker, Glee

• gow, are referred to in the company's latest catalogue, which has just been issued. This production is a considerable advance on any of the company's

i former catalogues in so far as t includes practically all the details required both by home and export buyers. It is profusely illustrated, and a complete range of all the company's models, from 2-tonners to 7-tonners, is shown pictorially. The use of the company's

vehicles in various branches of muncipal activity is given proper attention, whilst -passenger-carrying vehicles have not been overlooked.

The Durant Van Reduced in Price.

The Pytchley Autocar Co., Ltd., 216, Great Portland Street, London, W.1, inform us that the price of the Durant van, for which they are distributors in North London and the counties of Middlesex, Bucks., Berks., Oxon., Northants, Leicester, Rutland, Bedford, Herts. and Essex, has been reduced to £165.

"Safety First" Report.

The London "Safety First" Council has just issued its seventh annual report and statement of accoimis for 1923. Much of the material which' this contains has already received adequate treatment at our hands, but for those of our readers particularly interested in the part played by the council in an endeavour to reduce traffic, accidents, we think we cannot do better than refer them to the article which appeared in our issue for February 26th, in which many informative statistics are given.

Local Proceedings:

West Bromwich Town Council proposes the purchase of a motor ambulance.

Bournemouth Corporation is considering the purchase of a new motor ambulance.

Ripon City Council is considering the question of purchasing a motor fireengine.

Ondley Town Council is considering the question of the purchase of a motor ambulance.

Merthyr Town Council has adopted a recommendation in favour of municipal bus services.

Leek Urban District Council has decided to invite tenders for the supply of a motor fire-engine. • Hull Corporation has authorized the City Engineer to invite tenders for the supply of a steam wagon.

Watford Town Council is considering the question of introducing mechanical vehicles for street sweeping, etc.

Blackpool Corporation has decided to increase the number of motor vehicles in use by the cleansing department.

Birkenhead Corporation Tramways Committee has decided that it is not practicable to reduce motorbus fares.

West Bromwich Corporation proposes to extend some of the bus routes and to start a new service as an experiment.

The works committee of the Poplar Borough Council recommends he purchase of a petrol street-watering wagon.

Lancaster Town Council has authorized the engineer to obtain particulars as to the cost of a 40-seater motorbus.

Bolton Corporation has purchased a motor vehicle from Bromilow and Edwards, Ltd., for the cleansing departcount.

Leeds Watch Committee has empowered a. eub-committee to purchase a motor fire tender at a cost not exceeding £1,200.

Eastbourne Corporation Motor Bus Committee recommends the purchase of five Leyland double-deck motorbuses at £1,190 each.

Rotherham Corporation invites tenders for two 20-seater one-man-controlled motorbuses, and tenders must be delivered not later than March 14th.

The Bridgend Urban District Council has resolved to borrow £1,350 for the purchase of a motor fire-engine, and the necessary sanction to the loan has already been sought.

Joseph Kaye and Son, Ltd., Lock Works, Leeds, have just received an order from the Director of Army Contracts for the supply of 2,400 half-pint seamless serrated steel oil feeders.

£12,000 for Buse. •

The Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council is to expend .£12000 upon the purchase of single-deck motorbuses in order to initiate municipal services.

The council received a deputation of the Chambers of Commerce of Merthyr Tydfil; Troedyrldw, Merthyr 'Vale and Ahergau, which protested against the municipal venture.. On the other hand, a deputation from local labour organizations requested the council to hasten the institution of its service, advice that was accepted and will be acted upon without delay.

• Tramway Regulation.

In reply to a joint letter from the Association of Municipal Corporations and the Municipal Tramways Association on the subject of the regulation of traffic at tramway stopping-places, the Ministry of Transport has written stating that such regulation would. not be likely to operate in the interests •either of public safety or of public convenience, and that in the circumstances it ZailaId not favour the introduction of legislation with a view to regulations of the kind suggested being enforced.

A Chance to Win £50.

Humber, Ltd., have presented B&CI to the Institution of Automobile Engineers as a prize for the best paper which may be submitted by anyone, whether he be a member of the Institution or not, dealing with the points necessary in the design of a car to meet Colonial concommis. The presentation is made to mark Mr. H. G. Burford's year of office as president of the Institution. The paper which is awarded the prize will be read at the joint conference held by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and the Institution of Automobile Engineers at the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley in June. The paper may deal with the motorcar, commercial vehicle or with machines of the track-laying type.

We'learn that the Institution cf Automobile Engineers is now repre sented by Dili. H. G. Burford and Dr. T. Blackwood Murray on the main committee of the British Engineering Standards Association.

Cresswells' Come to London. .

Cresswells', Ltd., whose head offices are at Wellington Mills, Bradford, in form us that they have opened a London depot for the distribution of Chekko semi-metallic pure asbestos brake and clutch linings to the motor trade and to private users. The depot is centrally situated at 27, Percy Street, Tottenham Court Road, London, W.

The General Motor and Tire Co., 7-7a, Caledonian Road, King a Cross, London, N., inform vs that the fire which occurred at their premises some days ago has not in any way affected the general working and rout:ne of the business, and that they are in'a position to execute all orders as usual. Glasgow and Speed Limits.

Sir John Lindsay, town clerk of Glasgow, reminds the public that there is no speed limit for vehicles using the thoroughfares of the city. The reason is, he states, that it is assumed that the general traffic will control the rate of progress essayed or maintained by motor vehicles. Any police charge made against a road user must he tor reckless driving, but action by the authorities is not precluded, because there is no speedqimit, "for," Sir John adds, " a man ,mav be driving recklessly although he is only going ten,miles an The Motor Trade of Canada.

The Department of Overseas Trade inform us that a confidential report on the motca trade and vehicle industry in -Canada has been received from 11-./vI. Commissioner at Toronto. Further in:formation can be obtained from 35, Old Queen Street., London, S.W.1.