Answers to Queries.
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Benzol for Edinburgh.
[2107] "AGENTS " write —" In a recent issue of your publication, you gave as suppliers of benzol, the names of Messrs. Ross and Co., and Messrs. William Baird and Co. The former state that they cannot supply, and the latter only at 1s. 2d. per gallon, exclusive of duty."
ANSWER.—We do not understand your reference to " exclusive of duty." No duty on benzol is yet sanctioned. We are sorry to hear that you cannot get benzol from one of the parties whose names were given; they were supplied to us by the Secretary of the Scottish Automobile Club. Benzol prices have hardened about ltd. per gallon since the end of December. Further, the railway companies charge iota below one ton (say 220 gallons to the ton gross) as though it were one ton, so that any inquiry for smaller lots, if quoted carriage paid, would be so affected. Although Messrs. Ross manufacture, we find that they have given an undertaking to the Excise officers not to sell for motor use, as they are also manufacturers of petrol, and we suppose there is some idea that they might mix the two, and get rid of some petrol as henzol. You might get a favourable quotation by writing to Messrs. Judge, Brand and Co., Gateshead-on-Tyne.
Exercising the Mind of a Laundryman.
[2108] "PROPRIETORS" write :—" Will you kindly give us information on the following points :— " (1) We are running a commercial motorvan, and, on claiming for the rebate, we were informed that the amount is only 1.A. per gallon. We were under the impression that this was 3d. Apparently, there are some users who can claim 3d. What is the distinction?
"(2) We have received a complaint from the drivers that the tins of petrol vary considerably in the amount contained, and are carefully testing a number of tins to see if this is so.
(3) Is this the cheapest method of buying petrol—that is, in two-gallon tins
"(4) We are contemplating doing away with our horses (five) by degrees and replacing with motors. The one we have running at present is second-hand. This will necessitate our building a garage or some building for them as shelter. Can you advise us as to the plan of building, and also material for same ? We had some papers sent us some little time back, but, unfortunately, must have destroyed them, respecting quicklyerected buildings, apparently substantial enough for the purpose, and at small cost. This was other than corrugated iron, and we believe perfectly fireproof. We are enclosing a rough little plan of the building we propose, showing access to the road, and how the building will be situated on our ground."
ANSI-VER.—(l) Private motorcars pay 3d., and commercial-motor vehicles lid., by way of petrol tax, per gallon. No commercial-motor vehicle is allowed
a rebate of the full 3d. Only users who employ petrol for stationary engines, lighting purposes, or cleaning purposes, can get the full 3d, per gallon allowed. (2) We doubt very much that the contents of petrol tins vary, provided they are sealed on receipt, and you should accept no petrol tins which are not so secured at the opening with a piece of wire and a lead seal. (3) You can frequently buy in steel barrels at Id. per gallon less than in tins, but many consumers find that the additional losses by evaporation more 'than balance the saving in the first cost. (4) Boulton and Paul, Ltd., of Norwich, supplies portable garages, and that company may supply examples of a large enough size to meet your requirements. Second-hand Chassis.
[2109] " MANCUNIAN " writes :—" I should be glad if you will inform me if you think it advisable to use new or second-hand chassis for tuition purposes. I have tried second-hand ears, but, owing to the incompetency of the pupils, I have to keep renewing various parts at a large expense. I have been ad vised that it is cheaper to buy new cars, say a as they save a great deal on petrol, tires, and the occurrence of the various breakdowns.
"I use, at present, along with other cars, a 40 h.p. —. It is on the road continually for eight hours per day, and the wear on the tires is extremely heavy. The car has Challiner detachable rims, and I have been recommended resilient 'K.T.' solid tires. I have heard that these tires can be used on private ears, and it struck me that they may be suitable for use on our cars, as they are only used by the pupils, and the loss of resilience makes no difference."
ANSWER.—It is difficult to advise you as to the better course with regard to chassis on which to train drivers. Second-hand cars will obviously provide your pupils with more experience than will new ones, as with a modern new model very little should happen. It is obvious that your pupils will be benefited by their observance of mishaps. The term " second-hand car" is such a very broad one, however, and includes the veriest scrap-iron, that we should prefer not to advise you definitely, but would suggest that your own judgment and experience in regard to teaching should guide you most suitably. You will certainly do well to try the " K.T." tires for training purposes. These have been used with considerable success by certain London cab companies in connection with their training vehicles.
[2110] " PETERBOROL Gli " write : —" We thank you for yours of the 1st inst. in which you refer us to Messrs. Blenkin and Son, Hull, for benzol. We have received a reply from them quoting us for 50-gallon lots at is. id. per gallon. Can you inform us of a firm which sells it at a cheaper rate than this." ANSWER.—Benzol (90 per cent.) has hardened in price by lid. a gallon since the end of December. You might get Messrs. Blenkin to reduce the quotation by taking larger quantities, and by inquiring as to the cheapest form of package. We believe railway companies charge any lot below one ton gross (say 220 gallons) as though it were one ton.gross, and that, of course, brings up the price per gallon considerably when small lots are bought.