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WHEELS of INDUSTRY "The wheels of wealth win he 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.

London Omnibus Proprietors' Dinner.

The dinner given last Wednesday at the Holborn Restaurant by the Association of London Omnibus Proprietors was a most interesting and successful function, the guest of honour being the Minister of Transport. Mr. A. G. Partridge, the president of the ..A.ssoelation, was in the chair.

After the loyal toast, that of "The Association" was given by Mr. P. B. Showan, the reply being made by the chairman in a speech which might better be termed an oration. He strongly upheld the importance of maintaining the Independence of the members of the Association, and alluded to tho fact that it is the small capitalist who has been responsible for the successful building up of so many businesses, and it appeared to be the policy of the authorities to force him out of existence. He stated that the absorption of the independent-bus concerns would undoubtedly lead• to a considerable increase in unemployment. At present their employees were well looked after.

Mr. W. F. Mallender proposed the toast of "The Visitors" and coupled with it the name of Mr. Herbert Morrison, the tenor of whose reply was that all parties would receive fair play. He said that he would not be coerced in any particular direction, and each case would be treated on its merits.

Training Young Automobile Engineers.

The Institution of Automobile Engineers has for some years been giving advice to parents as to how their sons can enter the automobile industry. This practice has been elaborated and the Institution is now in a position to inform parents as to the exact possibilities of apprenticing their sons in works in their own neighbourhood. No charge is made by the Institution and parents may consult the staff by appointment on making written application to the Institution, at Watergate House, Menial, London, W.C.2.

A Visit to a Northern.Cottchworks.

, On Tuesday last a party which included a number of large operators of commercial vehicles paid a visit to the works of Charles Roberts and Cu.; Ltd., at Horbury /unction, near Wakefield, to view the works and to see the coaches for the Scottish Show in course of construction.

Originally the company's activities were confined almost entirely to the construction of wagons for the various railway undertakings, but now a separate department has been established for the construction of commercial bodies.

At the time of the visit the Scottish Show vehicles were almost in a finished state. A Calder single-deck service-bus body, with a capacity for 32 passengers, mounted on an A.J.S. chassis, and a long-distance 28-seater single-deck saloon-bus body, mounted on a Commer Avenger chassis, showed that the n20 company has a clear idea of the requirements of modern road transport.

After an enjoyable lunch the chairman and managing director of the company, Mr. Duncan Bailey, 0.B.E., made reference to -the type of work which the concern had done in the past, and said that the entry into the passenger and goods road-vehicle body industry was a serious attempt to keep abreast of the times.

Liverpool Traffic Club Meeting.

At a meeting of the Liverpool Traffic -Club held at Liverpool on November 3rd to discuss the Road Traffic Act, 1930, this Act was described as a millstone around the necks of road transporters.

Mr. L. B. 0. Heilbrun undertook to interpret the clauses of the Act dealing with excessive speed, the possible apprehension of drivers by civilians and plainclothes policemen, and drivers' hours.

During the discussion it was stated that the ambiguity of the clauses will undoubtedly be the undoing of many commercial road transporters and private owner-drivers. It was felt that the Minister of Transport should be made to define the clauses more lucidly, and it a future meeting resolutions Will be put forward and representations made to the Minister to afford some better guidance to users.

An Important Weymann Development.

We draw attention to an interesting and important announcement in the advertising columns of this issue by Weymann's Motor Bodies (1925), Ltd. This company is DOW manufacturing orthodox coachbuilt bodies for commercial vehicles, in addition to those built on its well-known patented system of construction. A recent visit paid by one of our representatives revealed the fact that a large order for Green Line Coaches, Ltd., is being executed in the company's up-to-date shops, which are ideally equipped for single and doubledeck bus-body work. The bodies are 29-seaters of the latest coachbuilt type and they are being mounted on A.E.C. Regal chassis.

Weymann's Motor Bodies (1925), Ltd., is to be congratulated on its broad-minded and progressive policy, which has resulted in this important contract being secured. We feel sure in saying that the established name the company has in the coachbuilding world will -bring success in its train. It will certainly repay those interested in modern types of coachwork for pa'ssenger-cartlying vehicles to visit the Weymann works at Addlestone, Surrey.

A Progressive Transport Concern.

Mr. Philip Blythe, governing director of Blythe and Berwick (1928), Ltd., the well-known Yorkshire transport-contracting concern, has become a director of Leeds. Goole and Hull Transport Co., Ltd., of Leeds.

The company is able to offer good transport service, either by road or by water, at attractive rates, efficient transport and distribution being provided between Hull and Goole and the industrial areas of the West Riding of Yorkshire and Lancashire. During 1929 a total of 125,000 tons was dealt with.

Larger Tyres on Commer Models.

We are advised by Commer Cars, Ltd., that its G2 (40-45-cwt goods) and Invader (20-seater) chassis are being equipped with 32-in. by 6-in. tyres for the 1931 season, in place of the 33-in.

by 5-in. tyres previously fitted. The models at the Seottish Show have, of course, the new equipment.

, A Lecture on Road Problems. Colonel C. H. Bressey, C.B., C.B.E., • E.S.I., is to give a lecture on "Some of Our Road Problems," on NoveMber 21st, in the lecture ball of the Surveyors' Institution. 12, Great George Street, London, SAVA.

Bodies for Next Season.

Messrs. Bonallack and Sons, 268, Romford Road, Forest Gate, London, E.7, inform us that although they are at present working at full pressure, they are in a position to accept quantity orders of bodies for delivery commencing in the New Year. An Improved Emergency Exit for Double-deckers.

An improved emergency door for the upper deck of double-saloon buses has recently been introduced by Park Royal Coachworks, Ltd., Abbey Road, Park Royal, London, NAVA°, and it will be one of the special features to be seen on a Daimler CF6 bus built for Glasgow Corporation, which will be demonstrated at Glasgow, although it will not actually be in the Show.

In this design of exit the centre portion of tho upper-saloon front bulkheed is hinged at the bottom. The door when fully open extends to the centre of the radiator, so that it is fairly close to the ground. The usual guard rails are replaced by a heavier pattern, incorporating a non-slip tread, so that when the door is lowered they become rungs of a ladder which leads to the ground. The width of the opening is 3 ft. 2 ins. The door is checked in its descent by cables attached to spring loaded plungers coneealed in the front panels. The locking system for the door can be operated from three points, one inside and two outside the vehicle. The inside operating lever is protected from mischievous abuse by a glass panel, which can easily be broken.

The door can be opened from street level by a lever under the canopy on the near side, and it is easily accessible in an emergency, although not liable to be tampered with. A third lever, on top of the doorway, provides an accessible release from outside in the event of the bus overturning on to its side.

Ford Tractor Prices Lower.

The Ford Motor Co., Ltd., announces that the price of the Fordson industrial tractor has been substantially reduced. The twin-tyred industrial model now sells at £230, and less wheels, but including brakes, silencer and automatic hitch, the price is £185. When the tractor is supplied without wheels, brakes and silencer the price is £170.

A New Seammell on • Pneumatics.

Several improvements have been embodied in a new six-wheeler that has just been produced by Scaminell Lorries, Ltd., High Holborn House, 52-54, High Holborn, London, W.C.1. This vehicle is in some respects similar to the Seammell articulated six-wheeler on solids, which has been well known for many years, but one of the chief modifications is the provision of single pneumatic tyres all round.

A four-speed gearbox is also incorporated in the design, whilst the frame of the trailer chassis has been made stronger and deeper. The engine has been modified in certain respects and it now develops 80 b.h.p.

Scan:midi Lorries, Ltd., tells us that the performance of the vehicle is most satisfactory, an average speed of 20 m.p.h. being easily maintained with a petrol consumption, with a 12-ton gross load, of a gallon per 63-7 miles. Full details will be published later.

An Are-welding Prize Competition.

Designers and engineers in every industry where iron and steel Are used are provided with the opportunity for participating in a prize competition organized by the Lincoln Electric Co., of Cleveland. Ohio. The competition is open to persons in any part of the world, and prizes will be awarded for the 41 best papers dealing with advantages of are-welding construction, the idea being to stimulate the use of arc welding in every branch of industry. The first prize is $7,500, the second $3,500, and the third $1,500. The closing date is October 1st, 1931.

Sir Herbert Austin on Heavy. oil Engines.

Interesting comments on several phases of road motors, their design and possible improvements were made by Sir Herbert Austin, K.B.E., in his presidential address to the Northern Branch of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, which was held a few evenings ago at the Engineers' Club, Manchester, under the chairmanship of Mr. John 0. IL Norris.

The address had already been given to a London meeting of the LA.E., but Sir Herbert varied it with certain inter, jections and rbplied to many questions.

The question of heavy-oil engines was opened by Mr. Minder, He premised that cheaper fuel costs were not the only ideal. He went on to say that there is a definite advantage when consumption is cut down. 50 per cent and, at the same time, the engine has only half the weight of fuel to transport. He had, he announced, run a car in Germany on heavy oil, and, apart from the knocking of the engine, it ran quite satisfactorily.

Sir Herbert replied that he had been keen on trying to use the Diesel-oil principle, and had investigated an enormous number of engines, including the industrial types, which, he said, were satisfactory. Where there were constant load and speed, say, on a motor boat there were no difficulties, but for the average vehicle he had yet to see the engine he would adopt in place of that they were using at present.

Further Capital for "Hants and Dorset Services."

As a result of the expansion of the company's business, the directors of Hants and Dorset Motor Services, Ltd., have decided to raise further capital by the issue of 150,000 preference shares of £1 each. In the first instance, these are being offered to the shareholders at par. The money will be partly used for the erection of a bus station in Bournemouth, and for the construction of additional garages.

Southampton's New Coach Station.

We are informed that Grosvenor Square, Southampton, and the adjacent land, covering about an acre, has been acquired for a motor coach station for long-distance traffic. Up-to-date in every respect, the new station will be equipped with waiting and refreshment rooms, luggage department and inquiry office. Provision will be made to accommodate comfortably more than the number of long-distance vehicles that now makes Southampton one of its destinations. Additions will be made as the traffic increases.

Another " Straight-eight" Bus.

The Fargo Motor Corporation, of Detroit, one of the associated concerns of the American Chrysler Co., has just brought-out. a new 21-seater bus having

" straight-eight " engine, which has a bore and stroke of 3-k. ins. and 5 ins. respectively and is nominally rated at 39.2 h.p. The vehicle, which has a wheelbase of 14 ft. 4 ins., has final transmission by under type worm gear ; hydraulic servebrakes are fitted.

Satisfactory Free State Tractor Trade.

The value of the tractor parts imported during the eight months ended Augtist last into the Irish Frei:State amounted to 1806,278, as compared with £451,570 in the corresponding period a year ago. Miring the eight months the exports of tractors from the Free State increased from only 1,976 (1206,872) in 1929 do 14,516 (11,511,991) this. year, whilst during the same periods .the value of tractor parts which were exported advanced from £567,398 to 1787,997.

A 6,400-ft. Bridge Over the Humber?

A Bill is in course of preparation to sanction the construction of a road bridge over the -Humber.' It is understood that the Bill will be promoted by Hull Corporation, which, in conjunction with Lindsey County Council and other local authorities, will make contribations towards the cost thereof. Details are not yet available, but the Parliamentary Committee of Notts

B22 County Council understands that the Ministry of Transport will make a grant towards the construction of the bridge, and that it is proposed to raise a considerable sum by way of tolls. The proposed bridge would be 6,400 ft. from bank to bank, with over 20 piers.

German Vehicle Registrations.

According to the recent census of motor vehicles taken in Germany, there were in use on July 1st 488,838 passenocr vehicles (excluding buses) propelld by internal-combustion engines, there being 432 similar vehicles pronelled by electric or other means. At this date there were 11,984 motorbuses in service, 157,432 motor lorries, 23,934 internal combustion engined tractors, 1,968 tractors propelled by electric or other means, and 4,045 motor vehicles for road-sweeping and fire-brigade use. The total of 1,410,870 also includes 731,237 .motorcycles.

Extensive Road Works in Lincolnshire.

At a recent Meeting of Lindsey (Lincoln) County Council firiaticialtropesals amounting to 1200,000 for expenditure on a programme of special highway workS were approved.

The, county -surveyor stated that the dotal estimated cost of the suggested works, which. ipcinded .the 1100,000 .already approved by the county council, was•Althorpe to West Riding. boundary, 190,000; ,Brigg by-pass,, 7 £55,000;. Laceby, 137,000; and improvements ;at Wrawby, Melton Ross and Great Limber, 118,000.

A. Fuel-oil .;Competition.

In connection with the growing use of oil engines, the German Tar Products Sales Union and its affiliated associations have decided to organize a prize competition for processes for recovering fuel oil-from German coal ; the fuel must be suitable for use in oil engines and particularly in small power units.

Three prizes of 1500, £250, and 1150 respectively are being offered in connection with the competition, full particulars of which can be obtained from the Verkaufsvereinigung fur Teererzeungnisse, Essen, Germany.

Public to Choose Its Transport. Sunderland Corporation, which for some time past has been endeavouring to solve the problem, whether trams or motorbuses are best suited to the townfs passenger-transport needs, has now resolved upon the interesting solution of allowing the public to make its own choice. To this end, new-typo highspeed trams are to be run in competition with municipal buses. It is said that whichever form of transport is best patronized will be retained and the other withdrawn.

Firestone Factory Extension.

When one hears so much talk or-trade depression, it is interesting to learn of unusual works 'activity. For instance, the Firestone Tyre and Rubber Co:, Ltd., is working 24 hours a day, with relief shifts, at its factory at Brentforcl. The company has recently completed a 50,000 sq. ft. extension to the factory, ad interesting feature of-the nevi' section being' the provision of two sets of normal-gouge rails, actually running through the factory. • Assisting the Traffic Commissioners.

A matter worthy of note by bus Proprietors is that op and down the country a number of local authorities is compiling comparative records on the observance ot time-tables and regulations and of the standarel, of cleanliness of

vehicles. These reports are intended for the guidance -of the Traffic, Comsioners.

Halley's 193l Range.

The range of vehicles which is being marketed by Halley Motors, Ltd., Yoker, Glasgow, for 1931 consists of seven goods models and four passenger models, in addition to fire-engines, municipal and special-purpose vehicles.

On the goods side there are the following chassis: — W20 two-tonner, £485; Talisman 2A-tonner, £575; DP2 three-tonner, £610; POE four-tonner, £825; EF2 four-tonner (arranged for forward control), £835; EF2 fivetonner (forward or normal control), £910; FI83 eight-tonner (six-wheeler), £1,320.

So far as passenger models are concerned, there are the following :—Talisman 20-24-seater, £605; Conqueror 3036-seater, 1950; Chieftain 30-36-eater, £1,015; and the Challenger 40-seater (six-wheeler), £1,270.

Regulating Fuel-supply Stations.

At a meeting of the highways committee of Rotherham Corporation the borough engineer submitted a survey of the borough showing areas in which petrol-filling stations should be prohibited and areas in which filling stations should be controlled. The committee approved the survey and authorized the borough engineer to confer with the Home Office on the question of the adoption of by-laws for the regulation of such stations.

Modification in Liverpool's Bill.

The clause in the Liverpool Corporation Bill, empowering the corporation to run trolley-buses up to "a radius of 12 miles from St. George's Hall, in the city, has been altered to take effect over a radius of seven miles. No such services are, however, to he run without the sanction . of the local authorities concerned.

Scammell's Demonstrating in Scotland.

Although Scanamell Lorries, Ltd., is not exhibiting at the Scottish Show, in Glasgow, it has arranged a special demonstration tour to run Zoncurrently with this event. A representative selection of Scammell models is being taken on a tour of Scotland. During the period of the Show the vehicles are in Glasgow, being garaged at the new Scottish sales and service depot of the company at 68-70, Paterson Street, Glasgow.

The vehicles will be in Edinburgh from November 17th to 19th, subsequently proceeding to Stirling, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Perth, Dundee and Aberdeen. On December 2nd the convoy will start from Aberdeen for the south and, after staying in Glasgow from December 4th to 6th inclusive, will continue via Greenock and Kilmarnock, the run being brought to a conclusion on December 12th at Dumfries.

Saloon Car or Traveller's Brougham.

Herbert E. Taylor and Ca., Ltd., Cringleford, Norwich, the well-known maker of • Coachwork sold under the trade name Eaton, is converting standard Morris saloon ears into useful commercial-travellers' vehicles, and the manner in which the conversion is carried out is indicated in accompanying illustra tions. • •

It will be seen that the whole bark panel is hinged so that it can be lifted. The removal of the back seat and squab enables a-good supply of samples to be accommodated. When business duties are coinpleted, it is the work of a few minutes to replace the squab and cushion and shut in the back panel, when, to all intents and purposes, the vehicle" has the appearance of a standard saloon car.

Thornyerofts for Railway Service.

The London and North Eastern Railway Co. has ordered 17 30-ewt. and 2ton Thornycroft vehicles, whilst the Great Western Railway Co. is buying a 10-ton six-wheeled chassis of this make.

A Goodyear Appointment.

We learn that the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain. Ltd., has recently appointed Mr. D.. M.. Green-. shields as its manager for Ireland.

A Long Trek.

Under. the name of Trans-African Motor Safaris, a. company is now running a public service all the Nay from Juba to Cap, with suitable halts at the most interesting places ; the whole journey actually occupies a period of eight weeks: • Automatic Vehicle Lifts.

• In a leaflet recently issued by Brown Brothers, Ltd, • Great Eastern Street, London, E.C.2, details and illustrations of several makes of 'automatic vehicle lift are given. These are operated by compressed air and electricity, as well as hydraulically, and both run-on and wheelfree types are supplied, the latter being particularly suitable for garage and service stations specializing in tyre and brake service.

Conductorless Buses for Paris.

The Paris transport undertaking hopes to put into service early in December a fleet of one-man buses, but the driver will not, as in other similar systems, do the conductor's work. Passengers must insert their tickets in a special machine and this win cancel a number of sections corresponding to the distance that they wish to travel. Books of tickets will be distributed by automatic machines. The division of the seats into first and second-class, employed on all dr:: existing buses, will be abolished.

If this system be successful it will probably be extended throughout the service.

An Appeal at Caerphilly.

On behalf of the Ministry of Transport, Mr. Carol Romer, barrister, recently conducted an inquiry at Caerphilly into the appeal of Mr. Edgar Davies, a bus proprietor, of St. Bride's, against the refusal, of the Caerphilly and the Bedwas and :Aachen Urban

District Councils to grant licences applied for on three occasions in con-nection with the route between Caerphilly and Newport, via Bedwas.

It was stated that since the last refusal was made the councils had granted an application made by another concern, and it was stressed that Mr. Davies had, since 1925, been operating between Newport and St. Bride's. More recently the Newport Corporation granted four licences to ply between Newport and Caerphilly, but the other councils did not license such a service. On behalf of the councils in question it was stated that the concern to which licences had been granted had applied originally in September, 1928, and was, therefore, the first applicant. The decision will be announced later. • Another "Green Line" Licence Application.

The health committee of Northfleet Urban District Council has received an application from Green Line Coaches, Ltd., for licences in respect of 211 vehicles for operating an express service between Gravesend and London, in conjunction with Maidstone and District Motor Services, Ltd. The committee is of opinion that the route is already adequately served and it has referred the matter to the council for further consideration.

This trio of Vulcan refuse collectors has recently been supplied by Boon and Porter, Ltd., of Cctstelnau, London, S.W. The vehicles are all low-loaders with Eagle patent bodies, one being of 35-cwt. capacity and the others three-tonners. America's Shrinking Exports.

Although it is fairly generally known that this year there has been a marked decline in the overseas demand for American commercial vehicles, the extent of the shrinkage can be realized only when it is pointed out that so far this year the exports of vans, lorries, buses and chassis from the United States show a falling off of over eight millions sterling—£8,183,098 to give the exact figure.

The latest returns available are those for August last, during which period only 5,318 commercial vehicles (f740,860) were shipped from. the United States, bringing up the total for the eight months to 54,410 vehicles (.£8,631,130), these figures contrasting with 149,870 and £16,824,228 respectively in the corresponding period of a year ago.

The retnrris show that 25,253 of the vehicles had carrying capacities of under a ton, 25,926 were in the 1-21-ton division, and 8,231 in the over 21-tort category. They also show that the average value of the whole of the shipments was about £134. At the present time the principal markets for American vehicles, in the order of their importanee, are Australia, Belgium, the Argentine, India, Sweden, Mexico and Spain.

Official Orders in September. Oiily a relativelyInnen number of orders for motor vehicles was given out during September last by Government Departments. The most numerous contracts were those of the G.P.O., which" ordered vehicles, bodies or parts from Duple Bodies and Motors, Ltd., Messrs. Donallack and Sons; W. Harold Perry, Ltd.; the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd.; the Armstrong Siddeley Motor Co., Ltd.; Morris-Commercial Cars, Ltd.; and Shelvoke and Drewry,. Ltd. The War Office gave an order for Morris-Cotinnercial six-wheelers and the Crown Agents for the Colonies one for Albion lorries.

The Halley Offer. .

With reference to the offer recently made to purchase a controlling interest in Halley Motors, Ltd., Yoker, Glasgow, we learn from the secretary of the_ company that a sufficient number of shares has been offered by the shareholders to eneble the scheme to be carried through.

International Association to Extend Its Activities.

At a meeting of the Bureau Permanent des Construeteurs d'Automobiles (an association representing motor manufacturers in all countries) bald in Paris during the course of the recent motor exhibition in that city, it was decided to extend its activities by giving attention to competition between road and .rail transport, traffic problems and road construction.

MUNICIPAL PURCHASES AND PROPOSALS. .

Gale and Barclay, Ltd., is supplying two motor vehicles, at a cost of 1532, to GLASGOW Corporation.

The Dock Lane Engineering Co. is supplying a 30-cwt. lorry costing 1248 to SHIPLEY Urban District Council.

A S.D. Freighter for refuse collection has been ordered by FINGHLEY Urban District Council; the cost is 1713.

The fire-brigade committee of SOUTHEND Corporation recommends acceptance of the tender for the supilY_of a Dennis fire-engine costing £1,350.

BELFAST Corporation requires a 2-ton lorry, and tenders haVe to be sent to the -general manager, Tramways Office, Sandy Row; Belfast, by November 18th.

The highwiys committee of SEAHAM HARBOUR Urban District Council is in favour of purchasing from Mr. K. Martin two motor vehicles at a cost of £525.

The transport committee of ROTHERHAM Corporation has accepted the tender of Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., for the supply of another trolleybus.

The. clerk to SRAITAM HARBOUR Urban District Council is to furnish further information as desired by the Ministry of Health with respect to the loan of 1664 for the proposed purchase of an ambulance. HOUGHTON-LE-SPRING Rural District Council has decided to purchase an ambulance at a cost of 1661.

MAIDENHEAD Fire-brigade Committee has suggested that application be made fOr sanction to borrow •€285 for the purchase of a new ambulance.

The tramways committee of Hum, Corporation recommends the purchase of four Dennis four-cylinder buses at 11,587, and four Leyland six-cylinder Mises at 11,650 each.

The highways committee of the Narrs County Council recommends the provision of two Barford and Perkins 2i-ton petrol rollers, for footpath and tar-spraying work, at a cost of 1268 each.

The tramways committee of CARDIFF • City Council is to consider tenders for six six-cylinder single-deck buses, or six chassis having six-cylinder engines, and a similar number of 32-seater single-deck bodies.

The highways committee of GLOTICES. TER County Council is prepared to receive tenders for the supply of petrol, oils and miscellaneous stores for lorries and motor rollers, as well as for highways works, for the year ending March 31st, 1982. • Tenders have to be delivered by November 22nd. Full particulars can be obtained from the county surveyor.