WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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The wheeta 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 Beanie crosier.
Exhibitors at the Yorkshire Agricultural Show.
We give below a list of the names of most of the important exhibitors of interest to our readers in the implement and machinery section of thA Great Yorkshire Show, which takes place in Halifax from July 18th-July 20th, the figures in parentheses being the stand number of , each concern :—Albion Motor Oar Co.' Ltd. (132) ; Bean Cars, Ltd. (133) ; Curtis Automobile Co., Ltd. (192) ; Dodge Bros. (Britain), Ltd. (156) ; Electromobile, Ltd. (44) ; Vodens, Ltd. (9) ; Wm. Foster and Co., Ltd. (8) ; John Fowler and Co. (Leeds), Ltd. (11) ; Thomas Green and Son, Ltd. (92) ; International Harvester Co., of Great Britain, Ltd. (47) ; J.P. Super Lawnmowers, Ltd. (228) • . Mann's Patent Steam Cart and Wagon Co., Ltd. (15) ; Marshall Sons and Co., Ltd.
(25) ; and H. IVIcLaren, Ltd. (10) ; Charles H.Pugh, Ltd. (226)4 Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd. (50) ; Ruston and Hornsby, Ltd. (23) ; Stanley Fire Engine CO". (60) ; Sohn I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd. (126) ; Messrs. Vincents (222) ; Willy, Overland, CroSsley, Ltd. (16) •, Yorkshire Patent Steam Wagon Co. (13). In each case these are makers which are directly represented, but a number of agents for prominent makes of commercial vehicles will also have representative examples of goods and passenger-carrying vehicles displayed on their stands, these including Frank H. Dutson (Leeds), Ltd. (131) : Thos. Greenwood and Sons, Ltd. (17) ; Park Motor Co. (127) ; Pelican Engineering Co. (Sales), Ltd. (57) ; Sandon Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd. (128).
A Monmouthshire Licensing Conference.
A conference was recently held of representatives of the Abergavenny, Panteg, Pontypool, Blaenavon, and Tisk Councils to consider uniform conditions for the issuing of bus licences.
Certain of the more important recommendations, which have been adopted, are briefly as follow :—That an expert motor engineer he appointed jointly by the council to examine all buses in respect of which licences are sought; that all the existing concerns in question shall, when application for the renewal of licences is made, provide proof of being fully insured against accidents in which their vehicles may be involved, and that, in future, licences be issued for periods of six months instead of 12 months, as at present.
Aluminium for Bus and Coach Bodies.
The use which is made of aluminium In the construction of passenger-vehicle bodies is referred to in a booklet which has recently been issued by the British Aluminium Co., Ltd., Adelaide House, King William Street, London, E.C.4. -In a brief review of the subject, the company stresses the fact that the introduction of all-metal bodywork for buses and coaches has led to a great saving, estimated at 32'i per cent., over the more conventional type of body. This has been made possible by• using aluminium for the floor, roof and panels C20 and a framework if channel and angle sections in aluminium alloy.
The merits of aluminium for passenger-carrying bodies are enumerated and the booklet contains a large number of illustrations showing complete vehicles finished in aluminium and certain constructional details.
A New Vickers Concern.
• We are advised that Vickers, Ltd., has floated a subsidiary company known as Vickers (Crayford), Ltd., to take over its works at Crayford, Kent, for the manufacture of motor bodies, variable speed gears, agricultural tractors and other engineering products. The registered offices of the company are at Vickers House, Westminster, London, S.WJ, and the directors are Sir Robert McLean (chairman), Mr. G. G. Sim, C.S.I., C.I.E., and Mr. Franklin E. Smith, the secretary being Mr. H. H. Duvall, A.C.A.
In a Line or Two.
Reading Corporation is to spend £2,500 on a municipal bus garage.
Morecambe Corporation is considering the purchase of land for the purpose of a public parking ground.
On March 81st last there were in use in Ceylon 2,157 motorbuses, 1,995 lorries and vans, 1,377 motorcabs, 73 trailers and 20 tractors.
During last year 2,269 new commercial vehicles were registered in South Australia. With the Ford off the market, the principal sales vgge of Chevrolet vans.
At Watford a proprietor has been prosecuted in four cases for permitting his hackney carriage to ply for hire without a licence, the fine in each case being £2. The driver of the vehicle was also fined 5s. iii each of the four cases.
Mr. T. H. Thomson, the bus superintendent of the Merthyr Corporation, reports that he has adopted a method of maintenance whereby each motorbus will be examined for defects after running 3,000 miles, dock overhauled after 6,000 miles and completely overhauled after running 50,000 miles.
Lancia's New British Sales Arrangements.
New arrangements are announced for the distribution of Lancia commercial vehicles in this country. As from the beginning of this month Lancia and Co., of Turin, have opened their own depot in England to deal with all Lancia sales and servicing. By courtesy of the Curtis Automobile Co., Ltd., the Lancia depot will, for the time being, be carried on at Curtis Buildings, Park Royal, London, N.W.10, pending the formation of a new company in England, which will take over new works now in course of preparation.
Mr. W. L. Stewart, who has many years' association with Lancia products, is to take charge of the new Lancia enterprise in England, which will be conducted under the title of Lancia and Co. (England). It should be clearly understood that the business activities of the Curtis Automobile Co., Ltd., will continue to be carried on at Park Royal.
A.E.C. Dividend. ,
The directors of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., have declared an interim dividend of 4 per cent., free of incomo tax, on the ordinary shares ef the company, for the six months ende,:i June 30th last. A similar dividend was paid. in the corresponding period tat 1927.
A Ministry Prohibition.
An Order has been made by the Ministry of Transport prohibiting or restricting the driving of heavy motorcars and locomotives on the Parade, Walton-on-the-Naze, between Newgate Street, And Old Pier Street, on th.1 ground that the road is unsuitable for use by such vehicles.
Docks Read Construction.
With reference to the proposed Victoria Dock Road, the Ministry of Transport is inviting the City of London Corporation to give the scheme financial assistance, in view of the importance of the docks to the city and the ad-vantages to be derived from the improved access thereto by road.
A Limited-stop Service Between Newcastle and Hull. .
Another interesting addition to the north-country's chain of long-distance limited-stop services is that which has just been inaugurated by the General County Services, Ltd., between Newcastle and Hull, via York, a singlejourney distance of about 120 miles.
A Chance for Demonstrating Buses.
The tramways committee of the Manchester Corporation has signified its willingness to make arrangements for a demonstration of motorbuses on the occasion of the Annual Conference of the Municipal Tramways and Transport Assodiation, which takes place in Manchester from September 12th-14th next. Makers desirous of demonstrating their vehicles should get into touch with' Mr. Henry Mattinson, the general manager and chief engineer of the Manchester Corporation Tramways, 55, Piccadilly, Manchester.
New Touring Maps Free.
Motor coach proprietors and others will be interested in the unique series of maps now being presented in The Motor. The first appears in to-day's issue and covers the touring district of North Wales. These maps, apart from showing every road, including the new roads, indicate by means of colours the recommended touring roads, the picturesque roads, and the best view-points. They are printed by Bartholomew, of Edinburgh, on a scale of four mike to the inch. Next week's map will deal with the Lake District and the one after 'with the Highlands of Scotland.
Agents for Commers.
We learn that Messrs. Foster and Seddon, Broad Street, Pendleton, Man
ehester, have been appointed sole distributors for Commer vehicles for Lancashire, Cheshire and North Staffordshire. They are handling all models on the goods side from the well-known 30-cwt. chassis to the 6-tonner, and on the passenger side, bus and coach chassis up to those built for carrying 32-seater bodies, arranged for either the forward or the normal form of control. A special display is being made of the • lightest goods-carrying models.
Fireproof Blankets for Motor Vehicles.
Merryweather and Sons, Ltd., Greenwich Road, London, S.E.10, has recently placed on the market an applience in a handy form which should be kept in readiness wherever there is a risk of fire in which oil, petrol, celluloid articles and other highly inflam
mable materials may be involved. It consists of a stout blanket woven from asbestos yarn, and it is available in two sizes, measuring I. yd. and' 2 yds. respectively. The blanket can be rolled up for storing in a cylindrical container with an open end, and is suitable -for hanging up in a convenient position in a garage or on a vehicle. A rectangular container with a weatherproof lid is also available for fixing to the running board of a motor vehicle.
Hartlepool's Bus Profits.
In the past municipal year the West Hartlepool Corporation's transport undertaking had a suceessfed year, and the loss of £7,577 which was incurred in the previous year on the transport services was reduced to 158. A profit of £6,380 was made on the operation of the buses and a loss of £317 on the trolley-bus system, but as the corporation had decided to accelerate the liquidation of the old tramway debt by increased annual payments, the sum required in the year under review was £6,121, the net result being the small deficit already mentioned.
Commercial Car Hirers Creditors.
A meeting of the creditors of Commercial Car Hirers, Ltd., was held on Thursday last and they are required. to send full particulars of their debts or claims in connection with the company to Mr. j. If, tire, 11a, Hart Street, London, W.C.1, the liquidator of the company, on or before July 19th.
Official Orders for May.
Amongst the contracts for commercial motor vehicles given out by Government Departments during May last the G.P.O. authorities gave out one for lorries and van chassis to Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., and divided another for van bodies between Bonnallack and Sons, W. H. Perry, Ltd., and W. and T. Robson. The War Office placed an order for steam wagons with Clayton Wagons, Ltd., and divided one for medium,size
wheeled chassis between Guy Motors, Ltd., Crossley Motors, Ltd., John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., Karrier Motors, Ltd., Leyland Motors, Ltd., and the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd. The Air Ministry ordered a number of Trojan chassis from Trojan Motors,
Ltd., and bodies from W. J. Reynolds.
The Crown Agents for the Colonies gave out orders for motor road rollers to Barford and Perkins, Ltd., and Aveling and Porter, Ltd., and divided one for lorry chassis between Guy Motors, Ltd., Morris Commercial Cars, Ltd., and the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd. The Metropolitan police authorities also ordered two prison van bodies from the Royal Motor Body Corporation, Ltd.
Tenders Invited in Egypt. Tenders for the supply of motor lorries, motor tractors and trailers are required by the Director-General, Tanzim Department, Cairo, by September 15th. C21
The Loss of Air from Pneuthatic Tyres.
Some laboratory and road tests conducted recently by the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co., Ltd., have led the company to the opinion that the normal loss of air pressure from a tube as the result of diffusion can be said to be an average of 10 per cent, per week. The subject is one of considerable interest to all users having commercial vehicles equipped with this form of tyre, for, although the tests were carried out with high-pressure and low-pressure tyres used for private cars, still the results would probably be practically the same in bigger tyres, as in many of the giants the pressures are correspondingly higher.
It is interesting to note that as the pressure decreases due to leakage, so the quantity of air lost also diminishes, but the amount is still 10 per cent, of the pressure.
Apart from the diffusion leakage, which it is impossible to arrest, there is always the question of that from the valve, and this is often far greater than should be the case. Each time a tyre is inflated the plunger seating or seal has to be broken to permit the entrance of air and, in some eases, a small particle of dirt mixed with grease is admitted or becomes lodged upon the rubber gasket and prevents the valve from seating correctly; of course, if proper valve caps be employed and kept tight this should have no effect upon the amount of air lost.
A Licensing Question Settled.
There was a very satisfactory outcome to a Ministry of Transport inquiry, held at Pontardawe, into the refusal of the Pontardawe Urban District Council to grant licences for service buses owned by Messrs. James and Son, of Ammanford, ia respect of the Ystalyfera-Gwann-Cae-Gtirwen route.
Mr. Atkinson was the Ministry's commissioner, and Mr. J. T. Richards, of Cardiff, represented the bus company, whilst Mr. Haydn Thomas, clerk to the council, represented the municipal authority.
c22 On hearing the case for Messrs. James and Son, the commissioner suggested the possibility of a compromise, and an agreement , was entered into between the various companies and the council, whereby Messrs. James and Son receive the licences.
More Bus-service Tenders Wanted.
The Societe 'Nationale des Chemins de Fer Vivinaux, of Brussels, has just invited offers for the establishment of motorbus services between Tongres and Orey, Tongres and Hecrs, and in the Merckem district.
Worcester Bus Results.
The results of the first month's operation of the municipal bus services at Worcester have been detailed to the city council's traffic committee, affirmed by the council, and passed as a satisfactory indication of the future of the service.
Passengers carried numbered 572,526, giving an average for the month of June of 17,417 passengers per day. The gross mileage was 49,595, and the traffic receipts were £2,965. The average receipts per bus-mile were 14.35d., the lowest yield per bus-mile being 104.
For Polishing and Preserving Fabric Bodies.
Since introducing Oilit to the market, C. C. Wakefield and Co., Ltd., 30 and 32, Cheapside, London, E.C.2, has been conducting exhaustive tests with this product for polishing and preserving fabric bodies, and the company tells us that it has been found most efficient for these purposes. Oilit is a light lubricant which is put up in a 4-oz. tin having a screw-capped spout, and sells at is. 3d. per tin.
Metealfes' Sports Meeting.
A very successful athletic meeting was held recently by Metcalfes' Sports Club, which is composed of members of 'the staff of Metcalfes (London), Ltd., the well-known bodybuilders. The contests were particularly keen in the diallenge events. There were 19 athletic events in addition to several motor imd motorcycle contests.
Better Bus Results at South Shields.
A decided improvement in the working of the municipal bus system is shown in the annual report of the transport department of the South Shields Corporation, which has just been issued for the year ended March 31st last. The bus department made a gross profit., of £1,571—the first gross profit made for Many years. The total receipts were £13,110, and working expenditure amounted to £11,538. After meeting sinking-fund charges, amounting to £2,443, and allowing for interest on capital expenditure there is a net deficit of £1,536 on the year's working.
In a commentary on the result the . manager states." It is many years since the bus-operating account showed a profit, and this gratifying result leads one to expect that in the near -future the bus service4 will become selfsupporting."
Pontypridd Bus Decisions.
A recommendation by the legal and parliamentary committee of the Pontypridd Urban District Council that the council should promote in the next Parliamentary session a Bill to obtain powers for operating buses in 'and outside the urban area has been approved by the council.
With regard to the previous decisions of the council, anent Upper Boat and Pontypridd bus services, under which Humphries Garages, Ltd., Pontypridd, and Mr. J. A. Cox, Treforest, were re fused licences for further services, the council has reviewed its previous decisions. Mr. Cox is now granted additional bus licences, and the application of Humphries Garages, Ltd., for sanction to inaugurate services has been referred to the transport committee for reconsideration.
Macinlop Rubber Products.
In future, the industrial rubber products of Charles Macintosh and Co., Ltd., are to be marketed under the name of Macinlop, this term serving to indicate the fusion of interests between the company and the Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd. The new name Macinlop will be applied to a wide range of industrial rubber goods, including pneumatic upholstery for motor vehicles.
A Commer Engine Booklet.
We have received from Commer Cars, Ltd., a neat booklet in which are excellent reproductions of power charts ot the latest Commer engines together with descriptive matter. Copies of it will be forwarded on application to the company at Luton, Beds.
World Motor Vehicle Statistics.
Of the 29,687,499 automobiles, motor lorries and buses in service on January let this year the Department of Commerce of the United States estimates that 26,597,186, or nearly nine out of every ten, are ef American make.
The position occupied by the American motor vehicle is also shown by the number operated on American and Canadian roads. At the beginning of 1928 there were 24,211,687 such vehicles, or 81.5 per cent, of the world total—a proportion that includes 83.9 per cent, of the world's private cars and 68.4 per cent. of its lorries and buses. Five years ago a census showed a total registration of 18,212,702 vehicles; the increase from January 1st, 1924, to January 1st, 1928, was thus 63 per cent. The increase in the number of registrations in the United States during that period was 52 per cent., but at the same time the net increase in motor vehicles used throughout the rest of the world was 129 per cent, on the 1923 total of 2,831,407.
The figures show that the use of the commercial vehicle is increasing faster than that of the private car. During 1927 the latter increased by 7.1 per cent, on the 1926 total, whilst lorries and buses increased by 10.1 per cent. on the figure for 1926.
Lincolnshire Toll-bridge Receipts.
Interesting figures concerning the takings at the Gainsborough (Lincolnshire) Toll Bridge are contained in a statement for the past three months (April, May and June). This was the bridge which was purchased at the end of October last by the Lindsey. (Lincolnshire) and Notts County Councils and the Gainsborough Urban Council, which put a reduced charge for tolls in force.
The total amount taken in tolls was £2,807. Light cars provided the major portion of the -revenue (£1,665), this representing 26,618 vehicles as' having . crossed the bridge, whilst the heavier vehicles brought in £789. The sum of £2,690 was taken in the previous five months, so that• the amount taken in reduced tolls up to June 30th totals £5,587.
Thornycroft's Recent Orders.
Amongst the many repeat orders which have recently been received by John I. Thornyeroft and Co., Ltd, for motor vehicles, the names of two railway companies figure prominently. The Great Western Railway Co. is buying seven 4-tonners and 81 30-cwt. chassis, whilst the London and North Eastern Lailway Co. has indented for six 4tonners and six 80-esst subsidy-type chassis.
Many orders have been placed for War Office subsidy-type goods-carrying vehicles by users in different parts of the country. Overseas orders call for the shipment of various types of chassis to Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and British Columbia.
Cardiff to Withhold Licences, The Cardiff City Council has decided to refuse to renew the licences for bus services operated on the Cardiff13ridgend-Cowbridge-Porthcawl routes by the South Wales Commercial Motors, Ltd., one of the leading East Wales proprietors. The council alleges that, in May of this year, the company instituted a through service of buses from Cardiff (Westgate Street) to Barry Island, via Sycamore Cross, and that buses were withdrawn from the South Glamorgan routes of the company to enable this to be carried out. This, it was contended, was a violation of the licensing conditions of the Cardiff Watch Committee and of the Barry Urban District Council.
L.G.O. 'Co.'s Dividend.
The directors of the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., have declared an interim dividend of n per cent., free of income tax, on the ordinary shares of the company for the six months ended June 30th last. This is the same as for the previous year.
Colchester's Latest Buses.
The tramways committee of the Colchester Corporation recently received a summary of tenders for 48-seater and 32-seater buses and, after considering them, recommended that three Dennis chassis be purchased, one for a 32-seater body and two for 48-seater bodies. The bodies are to be purchased from Messrs. Strachan and Brown, the 48-seaters being double-deckers.
A Goodyear Appointment.
Mr. C. D. Wailbank has been appointed as manager (manufacturers' sales) for the Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain, 1927), Ltd. The appointment has been made in view of the development of the company's business resulting from the new production facilities at the Wolverhampton works.
Motors In Essex.
Statistics reveal a large increase in the number of motor vehicles in the county of Essex. Last year 25,086 annual motor licences, as against 23,686 for the previous year, and 40,980 quarterly licences as against 32,743 were issued. Horse-drawn vehicles numbered 2,823, compared with 2,858 in the previous year.
Municipal Bus Results in Important Centres.
In the year ended March Slat last the Birmingham Corporation made a gross profit of £130,731 on the operation of its motorbuses and £7,043 on the working of its trolley-buses.
The report of the general manager of the Burnley Corporation reveals a debit balance in net revenue amounting to £845, after charging the buses with -11,351 for services rendered by the tramways department.
The report of the general manager of the Glasgow Corporation Tramways has just been issued for the year ended May 31st last, and this shows that, in the operation of the motorbuses, traffic revenue amounted to £45,290 and working expenses to £36,724, the latter being increased by amounts for the sinking fund, depreciation end interest on capital, resulting in a deficit being carried to the tramways appropriation account of £997.
Wolverhampton Corporation has just issued a report for the year ended March 31st last dealing with the work of its transport department. The revenue accounts dealing with the motorbuses and trolley-buses show balances of £29,622 and £39,502 respectively, these amounts being carried, in each ease, to the net revenue account.
in subsequent issues we hope to be able to refer to each of these reports at greater length and to analyse certain of the financial and statistical returns.
Kaye Oil Feeders and Oil Cabinets.
Joseph Kaye and Sons, Ltd., Lock Works, Leeds, has just issued a new illustrated catalogue dealing with the oil feeders petrol funnels and oil cabinets which it manufactures. The oil feeders are of the serrated, seamless type, the serrations giving considerable strength at the joints. The latest types of Kaye oil feeder have an automatic slide-feed aperture, a cylindrical-valve thumb button and a solid-steel riveted handle. A Trailer for Use with the Farmer's Car.
A handy, two-wheeled trailer for farm use has recently been built to the designs of Mr. E. P. Stark, junr., of Clack Farm, lieslington, Yorks. The appliance is provided with slatted sides and is mainly intended for the carriage of small stock, such as pigs and sheep, to market. The trailer is used with a light Citron two-seater private car, thus providing a means of rapid transit for small numbers of animals. The car, naturally, is provided with a means for the attachment of the trailer drawbar, but citherwise appears to be standard. Disc wheels are used with the trailer, and the whole outfit is of specially strong construction in order to cope with the hard usage which is associated wigt all forms of farm transport.
The Melbourne International Show.
Certain British manufacturers with Australian interests may like to take advantage of borrowing a catalogue of the International Motor Show held in Melbourne from May 3rd to May 12th, which the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1, has available. Those interested should quote reference AX6531 when communicating with the department.
A Vulcan Social Gathering.
A very successful social gathering of the Vulcan departmental managers, foremen and friends was recently held at Southport. The duties of chairman were performed by Mr. W. Macdonald, a director and general manager of the
company, and supporting him were Mr. S. Charlton, sales manager, Mr. W. G. Rita-tier, secretary, Mr. T. Rimmer, works manager, and Mr. U. Williams, of Messrs. Williams Bros., of Lytham, Who are Vulcan agents.
Mr. Williams made a short speech and referred to the cordial relations which existed between his firm and the Vulcan concern, which they had represented for many years. Mr. IL Yates, the cleansing superintendent of Lytham St. Anima, spoke enthusiastically on the merits of Vulcan products.
A Converted Dennis.
An illustration on this page shows a standard new 30-cwt. Dennis on giant pneumatic tyres which has been converted to a rigid-frame six-wheeler by VVilliam Hurlock, Junr., Ltd., 55, Effra Road, Brixton, London, S.W.2, the conversion set being of the company's own deraign, in which all the wheels are interchangeable.
The equipment includes a special rocker arm between each pair of rear springs at each side of the chassis, thus providing a compensator which ensures that stresses upon the individual springs are transmitted to the others, so that the actual spring movement is reduced and the weight equally distributed between the rear wheels. The drive is taken through the second axle.
The conversion costs £95 and permits a platform length of 14 ft. 6 ins, behind the driver, the width being 6 ft. 10 ins. This type of conversion can he adapted to almost any make of vehicle, whether on imenmatics or solids. Newcastle's Municipal Bus Stations.
The Newcastle Corporation's pro-. pose's for the erection of large municipal bus stations has now been advanced a stage farther by the acceptance of a scheme prepared by the watch committee for the almost immediate construction of the first station at Marlborough Crescent, at an estimated outlay of £4,600. When the scheme was put before the council, the committee also submitted a list of charges which, it is computed, will bring in a total sum of not less than 15,000 per year.
The proposed scale of charges is as follows :—Vehicles using the station regularly and for more than one journey per day, 10s. weekly; buses using the station for one journey only each day, 9d. per day; vehicles using the station at odd intervals, 1s. 6d. per day.
Tenders are being invited for the erection of the station.
A Guy Outing.
The male staff of Guy Motors, Ltd., recently had its annual outing, being conveyed in the company's coaches from Wolverhampton to Evesham. Mr. Sydte y S. Guy, chairman and managing director, Mr. J. Bean, a director, and other leading officials of the company accompanied the party.