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 carricto is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
Highland Reconstruction Schemes.
In no part of the country is the question of transport receiving more earnest attention than in the Highlands. Meetings for the promotion of local schemes are beingfrequently held, and the Ikl.P.s are being called upon to press the proposals upon the Government.
The Argyllshire projects include (1) a light railway for Kintyre, (2) a railway for Ardnarnurchan (3) new roads for Moidart, and (4) enlargement of the Crinan Canal. The opinion expressed at the various meetings are to the effect that much of the future of rural develop
ment lies with the roads. It is submitted that railways al-e out of the question in many districts where the population is small and scattered. Motor transport would be of greater utility, both on account of its increased mobility, and of its low cost as compared with the railway. The roads must be made fit to curry motor traffic, but this will be cheaper than constructing railways. In any caee,, it is.universally felt that the northern' highways muse be prepared to cope with the motorcar and the, motor Jerry which, "in the immediate future will be put into almost unliihited Use."
In view of the low valuation of the Highlands, it is urged that the reconstruction of roads in that area so as to meet newer requirements will be a fair charge upon the national exchequer. The County Councils are determined that the Road Board's treatment of the Highlands will in future be somewhat more generous than it has been in the past.
Shortage of Agricultural Drivers.
Ire the -Houee of Commons last week Mr. Joyn.son-Hielre asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he was aware of the scarcity of engine drivers for agricultural purposes throughout the country, and that the position in regard to threshing and steam ploughing, etc., was becoming very serious:, and what steps he proposed to take in the matter.
Sir A. Boscawen: The scarcity of engine drivers to take charge of threshing and steam plough engines has received the attention of the Board for some considerable time, and the release of a munber of such men from the Forces had been arranged before the date of the Armistice. Practically all such drivers who are known to be with the Forces have been applied for to be demobilized as "pivotal" men. The War Office are not yet able to furnish the Board with definite information as to the number of these men who have actually been released.
Can You Help
Lieut. H. Cfiilman advises us that he is organizing some workshops at the 2nd Western General. Hospital, Grangethorpe, Manchester, for the purpose of giving disabled soldiers interesting curative treatment, and would be extremely grateful for any drawings, blue-prints, models or parts of articles, in which our
c28 readers are interested and for which they have no further use, for demonstration purposes in the various glasses. Technical journals and other similar reading matter will also he welcomed.
Iron Prices.
The Minister of Munitions gives notice that the maximum prices for home sales of bar iron, marked bars, rolled edges iron strip, sheared iron tube strip and iron plates and sheets will be advanced 30s. per ton as team' March 6th.
A.E.C. Repeat Order.
We are informed by the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., who, it will be remembered; received an initial order fee 30 buses of the single-deck type for the Liverpool Corporation, that they have recently received a repeat order for a like number of vehicles.
Non-ferrous Materials.
The following particulars are published. of the stocks (exclusive of old metal and scrap) in this country in possession of the Minister of Munitions on March 1st : Copper, 51,373 tons; spelter (g.o.b.), 27,444 tons; spelter (refined), 8,860 tons; aluminium, L3,004 tone; soft pig-lead, 100,063 tons; nickel, 2,332 tons; antimony regulus, 4,325 tons.
Does This Interest You ?
We know of a Captain in the MT., R. A.S. C., shortly • being demobilised, who prior to the war held an important position supervising the running of a large fleet of commercial vehicles and who desires to obtain a similar situation or one 'connected with a hiring business. He is well known, is highly qualified and. experienced, and is capable of rendering excellent service. :fetters addressed M.D., care of the Editor of this journal, will he forwarded.•
Air Insurance.
The Aviation Insurance Association Las been formed to accept at home and abroad all risks in eonnection with both, heavier and lighter-than-air craft. The association consists of underwriting mem rss of Lloyd's, the Eagle, Star and British Dominions Insurance Co., Ltd., and the Excess Insurance Co., Ltd. The business will be controlled by a committee of five, consisting of Messrs. W. C. Campbell, J. E. ' Duder, and George Simmons, all of Lloyd's, Sir. Edward M. Mountain, chairman of the Eagle, Star and British Dominions Insurance Co., Ltd., and Mr.sCuthbert E. Heath, of Lloyd's, andchairman of the Excess Insurance Co., Ltd. Offices have been opened at No. 1, Royal Exchange Avenue, E.C.
The formation of the as.sociation is the result of an increasing demand for aviation insuranee, and underwriters consider that this will be best served by a strong association having the resources necessary to create an expert and world wide organization. No effort will be spared in producing forms 'of policies and rates of premiums to meet trade and other requirements.
Petrol Supplies and Red Tape.
Islington -borough Council has had Under consideration a report from the borough engineer as to the requirements of the Customs and Excise authorities respecting the use of petrol for the propulsion of the council's motor sweeping machine. At the present time the full duty and the cost of the spirit are paid by the council to the merchant who supplies the spirit, and a rebate of one-half the duty is subsequently recovered upon application being made to the authorities by the borough treasurer. To simplify this procedure the authorities suggest that a bond to ensure the proper use of the spirit should be entered into by the Mayor and two other members of the council, to which document the seal of the council must also be affixed. This will enable the council to obtain petrol motor spirit from the merchant at the market price plus one-half the duty, and so obviate the necessity for the borough treasurer making application for one-half the rebate.
The Coming Bumper Char-a
. bancs Harvest.
The illustration on page 50, which -might at first Sight appear to look .something like a boat-building yard, is in reality a section of the eteaohlanilding shops of Leyland Motors (1914), Ltd. The • piatere, which W 49 taken a few days ago, shows a batch of char-a-bancs bodies, 'of which large numbers are being pushed through the works in readiness for the oncoming holiday season, which, from many points of view, is likely.to be a bumper one so far as pleasure trips are concerned.
In addition to thesesnew in-dies, a certain number of -similar bodies 'filet have been lying-by during the period of war are being renovated and well be fitted to brand new chassis that have been ordered to replace those which were takers over by the military authorities in the early days of war impressineut.
Fordson Tractor Rearing.
In last week'siissue. we had occasion to refer to a couple of safety devices which had been designed with a view to preventing the Fordson tractor from rearing, one in which the pull is transferred to the front axle, the other being a lever arm corning in contact with the ground. It will interest our renders to hear of yet another device designed with a similar purpose in view. • The effectiveness of the device can be judged from the fact that the Food Production Department purchased, we are given to understand, several thousand of them about a year ago. The principle of the device is as follows t—A stub draw pin is attached to the original draw bar of the tractor, and ehou3d the tractor rear over 2 ft the coupling of the implement, which is drawn from the stub pin, must slide off, and the load is therefore in
stantly released. We are advised by John Wallace and Sons, Ltd., of Paton Street, Glasgow, that the cost of the device is about 30s.
Petrol .Stocks Available.
In the House of Commons last week Mr. Joyn.son-Hicks asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he would State the total quantity of petrol now in this -country, and the amount available
for use in motor vehicles? , Mr. Bridgeman: Apart from aviation spirit and motor transport spirit held by the War Office, there were in this country on February 24th, 20,000,000 gallons) of petrol which were imported during the period when the Government were the sole importers, and this amount is available for Use in motor vehicles. There are, in addition., stocks of petrol imported by trader's since the Government ceased to be the sole importers. '
• Surplus Lorry Sales.
At the Agricultural Hall, to-Morrow, Friday (March 14th), a number Of commercial vehicles will be included in a sale arranged on behalf of the Mechanical Transport Section of the Surplus Government Property -Disposal Board.
Of those which have recently been repaired under Government inspection there are 9 Cominercars, 5 StrakerSquires, 2 Dennis, 1 Saurer and. 5 Siddeley-Deasy. Among the vehicles which have not been repaired are 2 AlIdays, 2 Bristol, 12 Seabrook, 10, Star, 7 Karrier, 2 Laere, 11 Straker-Squire, and 3 Dennis, and in addition to the above, the condition not being known, are 1 Buick, 1 Panhard, 1 Wolseley and. 2 Siddeley-Deasy.
Scientific Management.
An outstanding feature of the industrial conference held on February 27th was the demand of Labour for shorter hours and higher wages. Lord Lever: hulthe and other broad-minded employers believe that this can be done without lessening Output. Appeals are made-to the working man to abandon the ca'cannyattitude and other -means of restricting output, and it is pointed out to them that the average output per man. in America is three times that of a man in England
working under similar conditions. . But the working man is not to blame for this. We musa have in all industries greater efficiency based not so much on individual effort as on scientific management.
." Tho Industrial Reconstruction Council, 2 and 4, Tudor Street.; have taken up the matter, and at a public meeting recently held at the Institute of Journalists elected a sub-committee to arrange a series of fortnightly conferences whieh would deal with this subject in all its bearings. Further particulars may be obtained from the organizing secretary, 1.R.C., 2 and 4, Tudor Street, E.C. 4.
British and U.S. Rubber ' Production.
Mr. P. D. Porritt, chief chemist Lu the North British Rubber Co., Ltd. in the course of a lecture at the Royal Society of Arts recently, said that while Great Britain still retained a predominant position in the rubber world, it .was as a rubber producer and not as a maimfactnrer that this country was in. the forefront. In ten years, the United
States has increased its consumption of etude rubber from 24,000 tons to 177,000 tons, while Great Britain, the next largest man.ufacturerij inoreased from 14;000 tons eto26,000 tons.
Endorsement of Driving Licences.
In the House of Commons last week Lieut.-Colonel Moore-Brabazon asked the President of the Local Gcreernment Board whether a Bill had been prepared by his department to give effect to the recommendations of the Royal Commiselan on on Motor Cars which reported in 1906, and in particular Recommendation No. 19, with regard to the endorsement of the licences of drivers of motor velddes • and, if so, when the Bill would be
introduced? .
Dr. Addison; No Bill on this subject has been prepared. Under the Bill recently introduced it will, I apprehend, fall to the Ministry of Ways and Communications to deal, with the question of the control of motorcars.
Road Transport Control. ,
The National Council of the: C.M.U.A. has decided to support Mr. JoynsonHicks's Parliamentary Road Transport Committee in pressing the Government not to place roads and road traffic under the same departmental control as rail
ways. The Council has unanimously adopted the following resolution:— " This Council, whilst in favour of the principle of improvement ofways and communications, having considered the text of Bill No. 11, is of opinion that road-making and road-using interests for the development of agricultural and industrial transport should be entirely independent of the Ministry charged with railway control, and for this purpose should be placed under a separate department of the Government."
Prospects in Morocco.
There is a growing field in Morocco. for the use of motor lorries. Some are at present in use on the roads construe ted by the French administration. The country has at present rio, real railways except the narrow-gauge line from Casa Blanca to Rabat, Sallee and Fez. The field for motor lorries, particularly for shifting the agricultural pnxiii,e, is very extensive.
Avon Activities.
Solid tyre users in the west will, we feel sure, be glad to know that Mr. F. G. Dixon, who was the solid tyre representative for the Continental Tyre Co. at the outbreak of war, has been demobilized after seeing active, service in France, and has now joined the staff of the Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd. He will be representing their Bristol branch, anti will be working .South Wales and the West of England district. Mr. A. T. Sydee, who was for many years in the works of the Avon India Raibber Co. Ltd., has nonowbeen demobilized, Wind is representing the company in Portsmouth, Southampton and Bournemouth districts.
Boosting Electrics.
At South Shield Corporation meeting the Borough Engineer reported that at present two electric refuse vehicles are being used and a third is expected shortly. These vehicles are taken to the car sheds for boosting purposes, but the plant there is not quite sufficient for the present requirements.. The vehicles must be boosted up at mid-day and in the evening, and the more frequently the machines are boosted the better. Hu poinled out that if the boosting were done, in the Corporation yard there would be a considerable saving in wear and -tear and supervision, and estimated the cost of providing four generators at £1,450. The interest and sinking fund. on that, for 10 years for the machinery and 20 for the house, brings the annual cost to 192 7s. 7d., and he estimated a saving in current of £267 14s. 6d. The Corporation has decided to provide this. boosting plant.
The Industrial Reconstruction Council. •
The sixth lecture of the series arranged by the Industrial Reconstruction Council will be held in the Saddlers' Hall, Cheapside, E.C. 2, on Wednesday, March 1911. The chair will be taken at 4.30 by the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor of London, Sir Horace Marshall, LL.D., and a lecture entitled "The Functions of Government in Relation to Edtication " will be delivered by the Rt. Hon.. H. A. L. Fisher, M.P., President of the Board of Education. Applications for tickets should be made to the -Secretary, I.R.C., 2 and 4, Tudor Street, E.G. 4.
U.S. Exports.
Automobiles exported from the United States since the beginning of the industry in that country have exceeded 700,000,000 dollars in. value. A compilation by the National City Bank of New York shows that the total value of pasFencer automobiles exported from 1902, the .first year in which the exports were recorded by the Government. down to the present time is 293,000,000 dollars, commercial vehicles 190,000,000, dollars, parts of automobiles 132,000,000 dollars, tyres 70;000,000 dollars and engines 18i000,000 dollars.
Prior to the war, it is stated, the bulk of the automobiles exported waneprs-enger cars, and, in fact,-the value of c28
commercial cars was so small that the Government did not state them sepal.atelY prier to the fiscal year 1913, in which year the total value of commercial vehicles exported was 1,737,000 dollars. In the fiscal year 1915, however, the demands of the war brought the total of commercial lorries to 39,141,000 dollars. In /916 commercial vehicles were valued at 56,806,000 dollars.
The total number of machines exported since the beginning of the Government's record in 1902, is :—Pas senger vehicles 316,629, commercial vehicles 71,615. A very large proportion a the commercial vehicles expected went, of. course, to Europe, and largely for war purposes. Of the 21,265 commercial lorries ,exported in 1916, the high record year of the exportation of machines of this type, 8,500 went to the United Kingdom, 5,681 to France, 3,909 to Russia in Europe, 1,170 to Russia in Asia, and only 2.000 to all other countries of the world. In 1918 of the 12,199 commercial vehicles exported, 5,252 went to Great Britain, 2,754 to France, and 406 to Russia, while the number to other countries was 3,785, indicating a growth in the movement to the countries other than .those engaged in war.
Taxicab Law.
In the House of Commons last week, Sir Park Goff asked the Home Secretary if he can state whether a .taxicab driver plying the streets for hire with his flag up is entitled to demand from a member of the public the, .destination before accepting the hiring; whether, on arrival at the destination, he is entitled to demand his discharge; and whether, for the public information, he can see his way to publish a full statement of a licensed driver's obligations towards the public and the remedies to be taken by the public for a breach thereof?
Mr. Shartt: As the driver cannot he
compelled drive for more than six miles, he is entitled to inquire the destination • but if, the destination being within that limit, he attempts to 'bargain, the passenger has hi a legal remedy. On arrival at the destination, if the contract is fulfilled, the driver can claim his discharge. A full statement is contained in the "Abstract of Laws Relating to Proprietors, Drivers and Conductors of Public Carriages," which is on sale to the public, but the subject is so complicated that it would be difficult to compress it within smaller limits. If any member of the public who is aggrieved communicates with the Commissioner of Police, every assistance will be given him to assert, his rights.
Commer Car' Dinner.
In the works canteen entertaipment hall the heads of the departments of the Commer Car works met last week, under the chairmanship of their managing director, Mr. H. C. B. Underdown. A remarkably good dinner was put on by the works caterer, and the hall had been decorated and illuminated by the works staff. The usual toasts were honoured and speeches made. The chairman drew attention to the feet that over 50 per cent, of those present had been with the company since its formation in 1905. This, together with the absentee of labourtroubles, speaks volumes' for the prevailing "esprit de corps" at Luton. The evening terminated with a pleasing and wellarranged smoking concert.
Railway Eectric Costs.
We have had occasion in the past to deal with the running of the electrinvehides operated by he Midland Rdilway C.o. Some running costs are now available for these machines, which range from a 15cwt. van to a 5-ton lorry. Exclusive of drivers' and attendants' wages, the cost per mile on a 10,000 gross basis—except. ing the 15-cwt. size, which is given a 5,000 gross mileage baths—is stated to ba as follows :-15-cwt. van, 4.61c1.; 30-cwt., 3.95d..;2 tone with Ironclad-Exide batteries, 5.73d.; 2 -tons with Edison battery, 5.3d. ; 3& tons with Ironclad-Exide battery, 6.74d., and with Edison battery, 6.76d. Tyre upkeep for the same gross mileage averages per vehicle, £6 88., 15
• cwt. van; £16 5s., 30-cwt. van; £22 10s., 2-ton van; and £32 for the 31-ton ve
hicles. Repairs in the same order are assessed at : £9 113., £16, £20, and £25, and maintenance and attention to batteries, £4 6s., £4 6s., £10 (Edison battery 2-tanner),, and £11 (Ironclad-Exide 2-tanner), and £11 (Edison battery 31tonner), and £12 (Iron clad-Edebattery 3A-tonner). As there is a disparity in the above prices relative to battery upkeep, the Midland Co. reports that either type can be relied upon 'to give satisfactory results.
Larger Bodies for Ford Vans.
It often happens that delivery vans have to handle loads bulky by comparison with their weight ; especially is this so when the goods are of a. peculiar shape or unduly long. Having these conditions in Wind, Morris, Russell and Co., Ltd., have introduced the Eros van body, which, though of about the same height and width as the standard Ford van body, is a foot longer. One of these bodies may be seen at the company's showrooms in Great 4'ortland Street; it is made of steel panels, framed in hard wood, and protected in the interior of the van by wooden slats.
At the rear is a double door with two windows, and glass side lights are provided in the side panels by the driver's teat. The whole is finished externally in lead-grey, and presents a neat and
businesslike appeaaanee. Morris, Riusell and Co., Ltd. are able to give early delivery of these bodies to intending purchasers.
Britain's Super Triplane.
It, will doubtless interest, our readers to hear that Great Britain's super triplane, the largest aeroplane in the world, will shortly be ready for its trial flight. This machine, evolved by _Mr, W. g. Tarrant and Captain T. P. Rawlings, D-.S,C., will be fitted with six Napier acre engines giving a total horsepower of 2,700. This aeroplane was designed to carry 10,000 lb. of bombe for non-stop flights of 1000 miles, and possesses all the elements for the large
• commercial machine.
Mr. F. A. Ogilvie Laing, of Corbridgeon-Tyne, has presented a motor ambulance to the South Shields Corporation.
Leyton Urban Council's Hig,hways Committee, suggests that the borough surveyor should be authorized, in his ells, erotical, to purchase surplus Government motors. 6hould opportunity serve.
Local Proceedings.
Bolton 'CorporationCleansing Committee has purchased a motor tipping wagon.
Halifax Corporation has under consideration the purchase of a motor tower wagon.
Ilford U.D.C. is pressing the General Vehicle Co. for the delivery of two electric vehicles on order.
Leamington T.C. has allocated £1,000 to the surveyor for the purchase of motors (or horses) as he deems fit.
Kendal Corporation has asked the chief constable to inquire as to the likelihood of being ahle, to obtain a second-hand steam fire engine.
Leeds Watch Committee has accepted a tender of £450 for builders' work in connection with the establishment at the fire station of a workshop for motor vehi• de repairs. .. . .
Kendal Corporation Gas Committee cannot recommend the purchase of a 30cwt. -motor lorry, owing to the ,short dietepees to be covered and the small amount of traffic.
Peterhead T.C. has accepted a motor ambulance offered by the TransportOfficer of the Aberdeen Branch of the Scottish Red Cross Society. The council will be responsible for its maintenance. and supervision: Glasgow Corporation Health Committee has had offers for the supply of rims and tyrea for the front wheels of a motor van, and recommends that thefollowing offers he accepted, these being the lowest: (1) S. .Stevenson and Co. for Warland rims (amount 216 17s. 3d.) ;. and (2) Wood-Milne, Ltd., for tubes and covers (amount, £33 4s. 11d.).
Glasgow Corporation and Excessive Traffic.
A sub-committee of the Glasgow Corporation has further considered' the question of damage to streets by the haulage of boilers and machinery of exceseive weight. The committee has now heard the views of a deputation from the North-Western Engineering Trades Employers Association, but nevertheless now reiterates its opinion that the Town Clerk should be authorized to proceedings against the firms conceaned for -the recovery of the damage done to the streets.