WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheel 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.
Nestle's Milk and Chocolate Co. hope soon to equip all their vans for coal-gas.
Over 1300 gas containers have been • already ordered from Lyon-Spencer. A " battery" of sewing machines is necessary for the work.
Messrs. Chas. Macintosh and Co., Ltd., of Manchester, have set aside a portion of their large works for snaking material for gas containers.
Mr. Bartgn, of Beeston, included in his original patent the driving of airship engines by gas. When he eventually struck that out the authorities instantly granted him a patent.
Casing-head Petrol.
The American natural gas is being squeezed and wrung more energetically to induce it to yield the petrol in suspension. The output of casing-head petrol, as it is called, during 1916 was over 104,000,000 gallons—an increase of 59 per cwt. over the previous twelve months. Nearly 600 plants are now in operation for the treatment of the gas.
, 1500 Tractors at Work.
The Government tractors are busy, 1500 machines now turning up 10,000 acres a week. Between 1600 and 1700 agrisnotors are available. The best. weekly performance yet recorded is 36
acres in six days, notched by a threefurrow tractor in West Sussex.
Increasing Mexico's Oil Output.
It is stated that the present output from the Mexican oil-wells could be increased to the extent of nearly 1,000,000 barrels of oil a day, if additional pipe lines could be laid down.
A New Competitor.
India is entering the motor .manufacturing industry. A well-known Calcutta firm has turned out a vehicle which has been built throughout in that city. Will India, with her cheap and abundant labour and inexhaustible supplies of raw materials, produce the Imperial rival to the ubiquitous Ford?
Leading London Business Houses and Coal-gas.
The British Rubber Manufactures, of Acton, advise us that they have supplied installations of coal-gas containers to the following well-known business houses:—Messrs. Harrods, Maples, Barkers, Whiteleys, Joseph Lyons, Swears and Wells. Many of the leading gas companies have also placed orders, as well as tram and bus corporations. The well-known motor house of John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., have also ordered the British Rubber Manufactures' equipments.
M.C.D. Reorganization.
The Machinery and Implement section of the Food Production Department, now the Mechanical Cultivation Division, is undergoing reorganization by Sir Arthur Lee, who will have the department under his immediate control. Lieut.-Colonel E. W. Allen is to be the new director of the organization superintending the practical ' operation of the scheme, with Lient.-Colonel H. M. Stobart—Lord Durham's principal agent—as new director at headquarters. Sir Arthur Lee intends to deal personally with every question concerning the policy or organization of the tractor issue.
Chinese Enterprise.
The Acting British Consul at Kiukiang (China), in a report recently received in London, says that a motor passenger service between Kiukiang and Lien Hua, Tung at the foot of the Kuling Hills was opened on June 1. The cquipany responsible for this service runs three cars, with seating accommodation for 16, 6 and 4 passengers, respectively. The journey across the Kiukiang plain, which formerly occupied 2 to 2i hours, is now covered in 25 minutes. The operations of the company are at present confined to the carriage of passengers.
Essex Bridges in Danger.
Essex has some wonderful old bridges reminiscent of the days when nothing heavier than the old stage coach crossed them. The county surveyor has lately been examining some of these old bridges, and as a consequence is calling upon the County Council for immediate votes of money to enable. him to. prevent some of them from collapsing... His report suggests that the imminent danger of collapse would have scared drivers if they had been aware of the fragile manner in which a few of the structures wereholding together. For instance, there is the Finehingfield Bridge, which carries the main road from Braintree and Wethersfield to Dunioow and Saffron Walden.. It was found desirable to take down and rebuild a brick parapet wall, which moved under slight pressure. The workmen, however, discovered that a portion of the arch had dropped into the river beneath, and only the mere crust of the road was carrying the main-road traffic over the defective part. The surveyor took emergency measures to reinforce the bridge. Concerning Liston Bridge, which is an old wooden structure carrying the road from Long Mefferd (Suffolk) into Essex, the surveyor admits that the Essex half of the bridgeg---a joint liability with the County Councils of West Suffolk and Essex—has been in bad condition for
some years. No serious expenditure has incurred, ncurred, it having been hoped that
arrangements would have been possible for substituting it with a ferro-concrete structure. However, four years ago West Suffolk spent a considerable sum in putting its half in order, and consequently is not anxious to share thecost of a new bridge equal to a travelling load of 35 tons for some time to come. Meanwhile, the bridge still stands at a maximum of five ton loads. The surveyor says his sole object in recommending an expenditure of £150 is toavoid disaster and to carry on the bridge for the next four or five years, in the 'hope that all parties by that time will agree on rebuilding it in ferro-concrete or other substantial material.
, Clay Bridge, Rayne, which carries the main road from Braintree to Dunmow' is 'hereto be patched up. What is wrong ere is that the old wing walla supporting the road approaches on either side of the bridge, have been pushed. *over, and there
is fear of the road slipping unless the walls are rebuilt.
Langford Bridge, Maldon, has long been "in doubt.' It is an old timber bridge carrying the main road from Chelmsford to Hey bridge and Tollesbury over the River Chelmer, and its condition has on previous occasions given the County Council some conceru. Three years ago there was a proposal for rebuilding in ferro-concrete, but the scheme was deferred. Evidently the surveyor knew something, for in the current estimates he allocated £300 in case the bridge actually broke down.
Honours in France.
The illustration we publish on page 151 shows an Albion vehicle which successfully competed in an Army show held in France a few weeks ago. All classes of machines were entered for the contest, and the approximate number which took part was 7000. The vehicles were judged on general appearance and re
suits of running under active service conditions. The competition was open to all machines in use by the 1a. Army. The Albion vehicle carried off first honours, and the prize, awarded to Corporal John Hume, the driver, was a case of silver liqueur glasses and tray and a silver medal suitably, inscribed.
Electrics for Glasgow.
Glasgow Corporation Cleansing Committee has decided to purchase an additional two Edison electric vehicles for refuse collection, at £1000 each.
Motor Haulage Over 1540 Miles.
The commercial vehicle has always been regarded as a possible competitor to the railway in short-distance traffic. So far as long haul is concerned it was ruled out as hopelessly impossible. With a view to disproving this assertion, the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. has inaugurated a scheduled service between its head factory and the Atlantic port of shipment.
The itinerary is definite. The car runs to the coast with a full load, either for despatch by sea or for delivery to the adjacent branches. Every care is observed to keep a full paying load aboard the vehicle during the whole or greater part of its run. To render the project as successful as possible, the car is run day and night continuously. To enable such a schedule to be fulfilled, special arrangements had to be introduced to meet the necessities of the crew. Immediately behind the driving seat is a small sleeping compartment. To nullify the disturbing effects of vibration and oscillation proved a somewhat difficult problem. But by skilful designing of vehicle springs, wheel tyres, and the appointment of the bunk, which being the full width of the vehicle is roomy and comfortable, the recumbent driver is afforded a restful conch. The two drivers constituting the C36 car crew act in relay—one sleeps while the other is at the wheel.
Special tyres are utilized. The front wheels are shod with tyres 38 by 7. inches, while the rear wheels carry large Goodyear pneumatic tyres measuring 44 by 10 inches. With these tyres the vehicle is able to cope with the maximum loads. The goods are carried behind the sleeping compartment. The car travels 1540 miles in making the round trip. The time occupied upon the journey is approximately 71days— an average speed of 8i miles an hour.
Air Raid Errors.
Thanks, mainly, to the disturbing effect of an air raid which interfered with the work of getting our issue dated 27th September to press, a few errors passed unnoticed in "The Inspec
tor's " article on "Over or -Undertype Steamers." On page 92 the reference in the third paragraph of the second column should be to a highbuilt engine. On page 93 the first paragraph of the second column should speak of the engine on the boiler. The last sentence but one of this paragraph should read "There are few enough designs in England or America to-daythere are more in France, of course—in which the retention of the bonnet has been hindered by the longer wheelbase and the smaller platform area." Regarding the invitation of the police to give its views as to the provision of wayside apparatus for supplying water, petrol, gas, etc., for vehicles, the Waltharastow Council expresses the opinion that licences for the erection or use of such mechanical fittings should be issued by a central authority, subject to a right of veto being regerved to thefl several local authorities.
More High Mileages.
A furthei illustration of the durability of the Clincher cross tyre is proven from a. letter received by the North British Rubber Co., Ltd., from Messrs. Spencers, general engineers, of Gravesend, who state that they have received a Clincher cross cover from one of their customers which, despite having done 11,760 miles on a. one-ton van, is still in good condition, the walls showing no signs of cracking. Another Clincher cover on the same van has done 11,885 miles.
Accessories from Japan.
An Indian writer hints that there is a possibility of Japan stepping in to handle the motor accessory trade of India, and expresses the hope that such enterprise may be displayed. Have our manufacturers ever contemplated such competition in their Eastern markets?
Recent Registrations.
Vulcan Farm Tractors, Ltd. to be motor tractor, plough and vehicle manufacturers, etc. Registered office is at 166, Great Portland Street, W.
Ernest Lyon Gas Equipment, Ltd., with a capital of 2,2000 in 21 shares, to Carry on the business of motorcar, motor engine and aeroplane makers and dealers, agents for motor equipment and accesSories, etc. Agreement with Ernest Lyon, Ltd. The registered office is at 4, Woodstock Street, W.
James Haulage and Traction Co., Ltd., with a capital of 25000 M 21-shares, to take over the business carriedon in Coventry by J. H. James as a haulage and general traction contractor.
. F. A. Jennings, Ltd., with a capital of 23000 in 21 shares, to be electrical, mechanical, marine and motor engineers, etc. Registered office is at Reno "Works, Rosslyn Crescent, Wealdstone.
Pinata, Son and Co., Ltd., with a capital of 213,000 in 21 Shares to carry. on the business of motor add steamWagon proprietors, etc.
A new company has recently been formed under the title of the Nottingham Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd., With its offices at 32, King Street, and Its works in Castle Meadow Road. The company is getting to work immediately on the manufacture of various classes of aeroplanes, and also sundry other specialities, such as aeroplane engines and electrical plant. The managing director is Mr. W. Pease, who has invented a most effective landing gear for attachment to aeroplanes generally, as well as a.svcial type of sparking plug for acre engines.
Companies Struck Off.
Notice is given that at the expiration of three months from 28th September last the names of the following companies will, unless cause is shown to the contrary, be struck off the Register of Joint Stock Companies, and the companies will be dissolved :----Anglo-Continental Motor Syndicate, Ltd. ; Armstrong Motors, Ltd. ; Brennabor Cars, Ltd. ; British Autocar Supply Co. Ltd.; British Carburetters, Ltd., Caithness Motor Co., Ltd. ; Cheetharn Motor and Garage Co.. Ltd.; Commercial Transports, Ltd.; Cooperative' Motorists' Agency, Ltd. ; Endell Motor Agencies, Ltd. ; General Omnibua Co. of Scotland, Ltd.; Greater Traffic Corporation, Ltd.; Indiana Imp elecars, Ltd.; Invicia Side Car Co., Ltd.; London General Carriers Co. (Parcels Express), Ltd:; Lonsdale Motor Garage Co., Ltd. ; Motor Trade Stock Exchattge, Ltd. ; New Motor Spirit, Ltd. ; Olympia Garage, Ltd. ; Osborne Garage Co.. Ltd. : Pawson's Motors, Ltd. ; Reliance Motor Co. (Manchester), Ltd. ; Turner Smith Motor Co., Ltd. ; Motor Wheels, Ltd. ; Nova Motor Co., Ltd. ; Rapid Motor Omnibus and Haulage Co., Ltd.
Heat Treatment of Steel.
Automatic and Electric Furnaces, Ltd., notify us that they have taken over the Wild-Barfield inventions relating to the hardening and other heat treatment of steel. The-company are now undertaking the manufacture and installation of complete equipments, including furnaces, quenching apparatus, etc., for carrying out precision hardening. The address of the company is 6, Old Queen Street, Westminster, London, S.W.
Salford Corporation Gas Committee recommend the acceptance of the offer of J. Blake and Co. for the supply of a 20 h.p. 3-ton Austin chassis fitted with end-tipping steel-line_d body complete for 2764. Halifax Corporation has cancelled the order for two Sentinel steam wagons at 2740 each, owing to difficulty of delivery. Essex C.C. is to spend 1000 on flu purchase of steam wagons, Rotherham Corporation is fitting a motorbus to run on coal-gas to Aston.
Bristol Guardians are to purchase a motorcar at an estimated cost of 2142.
Halifax Corporation is considering the purchase of an electric vehicle. Bath Corporation has accepted the tender of Messrs. Alley and MacLellan Ltd., for the supply of a 5-ten Sentinel steam wagon at 2970.
Burton-on-Trent T.C. has decided to charge the following prices at the municipal gas works for filling gas containers: 4d. per 100 cubic ft., with an extra is. for all vehicles dealt with before 7 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays, and before 7 a.m or after 1 p.m, on Saturdays.