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.
.What is "Plying for Hire "' ?
The old problem as to what is actually meant by the phrase " plying for hire " is now before the magistrates in London, and there is some hope that, by way of appeal, a test case can be taken to the higher courts, although it would be better still if a clear dividing line were drawn between actual plying for hire and the hiring of a vehicle or separate seats in a vehicle, where the vehicle does not stand or ply for hire,by the offering of its seating accommodation in the market place. A case was before the Bow Street Police Court last Thursday, and at the same time a summons was being heard at the Westminster Police Court, in which Chars-a-bancs (London), Ltd., of High Street, Clapham, who had hired the vehicle, and Mr. Cayley, its owner, together with the driver, were summoned for plying for hire with an unlicensed carriage, the facts being that the whole of the accommodation on the char-abanes had been booked at the office of Chars-a-banes, Ltd., tickets had been issued to the passengers, and the latter had been given the option of being picked up either at Charing Cross or in Grosvenor Gardens. Three passengers having entered the char-a-banes at Grosvenor Gardens, the police took action on the ground that the vehicle was thus plying for hire. There was no dis• pute about the facts, and there was no question of the driver picking up passengers who had not previously booked; the only point was that the vehicle had not been licensed by the police under the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act of 1869 (Chapter 115—sections 4, 6 and 7). Engall and Crane, solicitors, acting for the defence, had briefed Mr. Bernard Campion as counsel, and the police decided, after evidence had been .given on both sides, that they would prefer to have legal assistance, and the case, therefore, was adjourned for a fortnight.
Engineering Dispute Ends.
With the acceptance by the engineer-. ing workers of the wage reduction proposed by the employers, the last of the great industrial disputes comes to an end.
The labour troubles since the war were only those that were expected by farseeing men, and, although they have been unusually severe, they have been shorter in duration than might have been expected. Considerable harm has been done to British • trade, but., if everybody will buckle to, we have ample confidence in the ability of this country to recover the foreign markets which were lost -during the war and in the period subsequent to the war.
Trade always commences to boom on rising markets, for the obvious reason that it is a sound principle to buy when prices are going up. For some time prices have been falling, or have been threatening to fall, and, until some confidence is felt that bottom prices have been reached, it, is not at. all possible for big buying to be expected, people living in such circumstances,, as the saying goes, " from hand to mouth."
C8 The argument., .therefore, is in favour of cutting prices now, taking advantage of the reduction in wages and getting the price of raw materials down to the lowest possible level. In such circumstances, trade 'must assuredly go ahead.
The Highland Show.
The Highland and Agricultural Society's Show takes place at Stirling on Tuesday (26th inst.), closing on Friday. A large and important entry has been received in the machinery section, agrimotors and other implements, ploughing machines, traction engines, farmers' carts and country carts being shown by the leading manufacturers.
Coach Charges Dropped.
The York Markets Committee recently considered the resolution of the council fixing a charge of 3s. for each motor coach standing in certain streets in the city, and they deputed the market superintendent and his assistant to collect the charge as a temporary measure for one month with a view to ascertaining the working of the arrangement and the revenue likely to be derived from this source.
Considerable dissatisfaction has been expressed by char-it-bancs owners a,t, the charge being made, and the committee ' have been assured that a number of cars have, since the imposition of the charge, either passed through the city without stopping, or have prcneeded to their destination by other routes, so as to` avoid the payment of the charge. The amount collected during the trial month was only £29, and having regard to this comparatively small revenue and to the above-mentioned circumstances and the cost of appointing a special collector of the charge, the committee are of opinion that it is not• expedient to continue the charge, and they have, therefore, recoanmended the council to rescind so much of their resolution as relates to the levying of such charge, the standing places for the vehicles being, however, continued., The British Automobile Traction Co., Ltd.., which was established in 1905, and which with its subsidiary companies now carries about 50,000,000 passengers per annum operating over 2,500 miles of roads, will shortly make a public issue.
Battle Rural District Council have completed the conversion of a roller into a tractor, and have decided to carry out the haulage of 14.000 tons of stone with the vehicle. The cost is estimated not to. exceed 6s. per ton, whilst the prices of the tenders received for the work ranged from 9s. 6d. to 14s. per ton.
The annual report of the, general manager of the L.C.C. tramways states that the distribution , of materials to the roadway gangs has been greatly facilitated by the acquisition of seven additional steam wagons, and, he adds, that the flushing of the conduits by means of motor vehicles fitted with water jets under pressure has shown a marked im provement, combined with a reduction an cost.
Railways and the Road.
In the consideration of the Railways Bill now before Standing Committee B " of the House uf Commons, a clause was last week tabled byMajor Hills and other members ' of the committee intended to enable railway companies to provide and operate unlimited road transport services subject only to such provisions as regards rates and fares as are to be applied to railway carriage under Part Three of the Bill, but the new clause was .kangarood by the chair' man of the committee. It is not unlikely, hosvever, that. the clause will be reintroduced at the report stage. This matter is being very closely watched by the Motor Legislation Committee, and . opposition will be made to the introdtiction of any such clauses..
Parliament and Passengers.
In the House of Commons last week, in reply to a question, the Minister of Transport said that the sum obtained from the taxation of vehicles licensed to carry passengers was £1,576,400, for the period from January 1st to. .May 31st. Major Glyn asked the Minister whether, in the interest of public safety, he would obtain powers to insist that all motor vehicles licensed to carry passengers should fulfil the following requirements, namely, that. the driver be seated in a separate compartment inaccessible to passengers, that an attendant be ca.red, seated at the rear, and able to coin municate with the driver to warn him as overtaking traffic or the need to stop, and that the length of the vehicles be limited in order to facilitate turning, mad that. in no, case shall the full bade weight he too great for the capacity of the brakes. The Minister replied that these matters would demand fresh legis
lation. •
Avon's New London Premises,
On Thursday last we were present at a gathering at the new Avon building opened quite recently in Euston Road The building has a very imposing ex tenor, which is justified by the artistis scheme of interior decoration.
The entrance hall is paved with black and white marble; the Main staircase is of white marble, and leads to a reception hall panelled in oak with oak block flooring. Excluding the basement, the building has five floors.
During our visit we had an opportunity of watching the fixing process foi solid tyres. The wheel is placed on a hydraulic press, its circumference packed with sacking, and it then rises to meet the metal, rims supporting the tyre, which is pressed on under a pressure of 2,000 lb. per sq. in. Another interesting item we noticed was a special non-skid wheel for the Glasgow Fire Brigade vehicles, which has twin solid tyres,. 720 mm. by 120 ram., with very deep serrations on account of the slippery nature of the Glasgow Raving in unfavourable. weather.
Nottingham's Motorbus Needs. .
With the termination of the vexatious period during which tramway arrangemeets in Nottingham were crippled, through the coal strike, increasing attention is being directed to the necessity of the provision of an adequate fleet of motorbuses. The matter is being considered by a committee of the corporation, and the hope which is generally finding expression locally is that the archaic ideas of those responsible for tramway traffic may no longer be permitted to prevail to the exclusion of alternative forms of transport. The fact that, there are only three buses at present in commission under corporation authority is regarded as being little short of ludicrous in an area so widely scattered as that which falls within the Nottingham municipal confines. Experience during the period of the recent mining trouble demonstrated the value of private enterprise in the matter of chars-i-bancs and motorbuses which were allowed to run within the city after tramway traffic had ceased at shortened, • hours of the day. •
. Don Linings.
The Don brake lining, which was marketed by Hays, Standen and Co., Ltd., has always, we believe; been made by Small and Parkes Ltd., of 71, Southwark Street, London, S.E. 1. We are now informed that Small and Parkes, Ltd., have taken over the whole of the control of the Don brake and clutch linings, Mr. P. J. Hays having joined that firm with the intention of furthering the interests of this product.
Tractors for Netherlands East Indies.
There is a great deal of discussion in the Netherlands East Indies, says the Netherlands Indies Review, as to whether the producing costs of tea, rubber, and sugar estates would or would not be reduced by the adoption of trac• tors—a discussion which has been aroused by the recent demonstration of the capability of a British tractor on a typical rubber estate in Malaya. Up to the present we have not heard of any definite inquiries having been received by British firms for tractors for the Netherlands East Indies, but the success of the trials has created an excellent impres siono and 'there is, little doubt that a little enterprise and initiative, coupled with a series of definite demonstrations
where planters could see the tractors actually at work would result in a large crop of orders. • Planters are anxious to cut down costs as much as possible, and as the tractor would cut out a great proportion of the labour and rice costs—both big items on all estates—they would welcome a machine which, under test, proved itself suitable for the work they asked of it. This is a matter which is well worth further investigation, and the Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands Fast Indies will gladly give details of the peculiar tractor requirements of the country upon application.
Tractor Trials in Turkey.
The official conditions governing the tractor competitions which are to be held under the auspices of the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture in September next near the factory-of Zeiton Bournou have been received from the Commercial Secretary to the British High Commission at Constantinople, and may be inspected by United Kingdom firms interested on application at the inquiry room of the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, Westminster, S.W.1.
Mr. Arthur Bennett Joins Fellows Magneto Co.
Mr. Arthur Bennett, who has joined the Fellows Magneto Go., Ltd., as the sales manager and head of the publicity department, has for many years been known in this country in connection with the magneto industry. It was he who, when war broke adt. disclosing the weakness bf this country in the production of a key product, was able to show, that tho British magneto could be manufactured in large quantities. He has always been must popular in the motor trade, and he carries with him into his new appointment the good wishes of all who know him.
Municipal Transport.
The West Bromwich Motor TransportCommittee report, in the annual accounts which have lust -been issued, that the total income for, the previousyear amounted to £9,475, as compared with £6,036 for the previous year, an increase of £3,439. There was a gross profit of £749 on the working account for the year. After charging loan charges (interest and sinking fund), together with the charge for purchase of buses, lorries and light cars,there is a total deficiency for the year of £2,141 as compared with a deficit of £2,199 for the previous year. "
Glasgow Coach Stances.
The Glasgow Magistrates' Sub committee definitely decided, a few days ago, to disallow motor coaches taking up their stances in George Square. The or der, which came into effect on July 9th, was communicated to about. 20 'representative char-a-bancs proprietors who interviewed the sub-committee, It was also agreed that Carlton Place, from Stockwell Bridge to Jamaica Bridge, with a space of 25 yds. on each side of 'Gorhals Parish Church should, on Sundays, be the future stance for motor coaches. Vehicles which arrive in the city from places beyond Glasgow must discharge their passengers in Great Clyde Street, between Dixon Street and Stockwell Bridge, whilst a part of Cathedral Street is to be set apart felt' coaches carrying on a regular service to districts outside the city lsoundary_. It was intimated that the char-A-banes owners would appoint a sub-committee of their members to meet the magistrates to discuss further points.
Perthshire Roads.
Last year, the Western District Committee of Perth County Council spent £28,928 on the maintenance of roads, and the estimated cost for the current year is I.±34,092. Management expenses account for £1„640 of the proposed outlay, and there is a debit balance of .g7,127, making a total estimated expenditure of £.42,860. The income is expected to amount to £17/185, leaving
25,375 to be raised by assessment. Pending more information with respect to Government' grants, the committee have delayed consideration of the rate to be levied.
.Stockton Bus Service.
At a meeting of the Stockton Town Council the manager was requested to see that buses ran in accordance with the advertised services, so as to save inconvenience to passengers; and he was also asked to report on a suggestion to vary the route of the Hartburn services so as to ply down Northciyte !Street, Bowesfield Lane, and Parliament Street.
It was stated that all vehicles would he fitted with indicators, which would be illuminated at night.
The council were surprised to bear that the Seaton Carew service was not paying, -nacl that the only service doing so was that to Yarni.
Ti was pointed out that the past three months had been the worst period Stockton had ever experienced, and that the services should establish themselves in time. Mn Warters considered that it was not advisable to take buses off the town routes, and another member thought that when lighter vehicles were put on these routes, the driver could also take the fares and so right matters.
Weight and Breadth of Motor Vehicles.
The Dumbarton District Committee has decided to make an application to the Ministry of Transport with the view of debarring all vehicles exceeding 2 tons 10 cwt. in weight and 6 ft. in over-all width from being driven on the Loch Lomond and Glen Falloch road between Tarbet and Inverarran.
The petition is supported by the plea that the heavier and larger motors overtax the strength and capacity of this highway, and that, they can only use it at considerable risk to themselves and to other traffic. .
Adjoining authorities are making similar representations, but they fix the maximum weight at 2 tons 15 cwt. ;_and the Perthshire Road Board has adopted maxima of 3 tons and 6 ft. 3 ins. as applicable to all the roads within its jurisdiction.
Liverpool's Generosity.
Liverpool City Council have agreed that ex-Service men who have' lost a leg or the use of one leg owing to their war service shall traVel free on the city tramcars and motorbuses. The chairman of the tramways committee said the concession will cost the ratepayers £10,000 a year, although other members of the council ridiculed this statement.
Star Report.
The report of the Star Engineering Co., Ltd., for 1920, which has only just been issued, sholvs a trade loss on the year of £7,200 as compared with a profit on the preceding year of .14,000. The loss is turned into a credit balance of about £10,000 by including balances from E.P.D. and income-tax accounts which' apparently cover the estimated refund on KP.D. In these circumstances the directors do not recommend any dividend on either ordinary or preference capital, the former amounting to El70,000, anti the latter to £70,000.
Lights on Vehicles.
Sir Arthur Holbrook, M.P., has recently directed the attention of the Ministry of Transport to the continuance in force of the war regulation fixing lighting-up time at half-an-hour after syinset, He asked that it .shoold be fixed at one hour after sunset as in pre-war days, to which the Minister of Transport has replied that the question is being considered by the Departmental Committee an Lights and Vehicles, who have recommended that lighting-up time for all vehicles should he fixed from half-anhour after snnset until half-an-hour before sunrise during the winter months, that is to say, from the autumn equinox to the winter equinox, and during the remainder of the year from one hour after sunset until one hour before sunrise, It is proposed to take the' necessary
• steps to give effect to this recommendation at the earliest opportunity..
The Birmingham Parade.
The second annual parade of commercial. motor vehicles organized by the West Midland Division of the C,M.U.A. was held on July 9th in Queen's Drive, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. About 120 petrol, tears and electric vehicles were on parade, and prizes to the value of £150 were offered in the various classes. The premier award, consisting of a challenge trophy, value £100, presented by the Dunlop Rubber Co., was secured by Shell Mex, Ltd., for the best team of three vehicles of. any type or age..
The list, of awards was as follows :— Champion Team of Three Vehicles.-Shell-Mex,•Ltd. (Albion, Leyland 2). Best Three Vehicles of same type in any one class.-1 and 2, Ansell's Brewery Co. .(Leyland); 3, Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Co. (TillingStevens, F.W.D., Thornycroft). Best Single Vehicles.—Ford ; 1, Alfred Bird and Sons; 2, Parker,Winder and Achurch; 3, Gas Light Improvement Ca. One-tonners (cistcluding Fords) ; 1, Cadbury Bros. (Leon-Boles); • 2, Kendall and CO. (Overland) ; 3, Dunlop Rubber Cu. (Napier). Two-tonners : 1, Richard Lunt, Ltd. (Albion) ; 2, Chamberlain, King and Jones (Albion) ; 3, T. E. Wright (Daimler). Three-tonners : 1, Shell-Mex. Ltd. (Leyland) ; 2, Birmingham Co-operative Society (TillingStevens) ; 3, Gas Light Improvement Co. (Garner). Four-tonners : 1, 2, and 3. Ansell's Brewery Co. (Leyland). Fivetonners ; 1, Alfred Bfird and Sons (PierceArrow) ; 2, and 3, Dunlop Rubber Co. (A.E.C.), Oldest Vehicle, built prior to 1915.1. R. Lunt, Ltd. (Overland, 1914) ; 2, Chamberlain, King and Jones (Albion, 1912) ; 3. Cadbury Bros. (Thornycroft, 1910).
Makers' Class.—Daimler : 1, T. B. Wright. Electric vehicle ; 1, Dunlop Rubber Co. Garner : Gas Light Improvemtnt Co. Leyland: 1, Shell-Mex.i 2 and 3, Ansell's Brewery Co. Thornycroft 1 and 3, Cadbury Bros. ; 2, F. Smith, Ltd. Vulcan: 1, Shaw and Carter, Ltd.
• Oldest Dri-Ver of Commercial Vehicle. —A. J. Smith (16 years), Birmingham Co-operative Society.
Long Service.—Callow (20 years), Parker, Winder, and Achurch.
Freedom from Accidents.—J. Greenway (14 years), Kendall and Co.
Clean Licence.—A. E. Stanley (17 years), Cadbury Bros.
Glasgow Taxi Fares Increased.
Taxicab fares in Glasgow are at the rate of Is. 6d. per mile and 9d. per mile for the return journey.For some time Lack the owners have found that this rate is too low, and in this view they have been supported by the city corporation. Accordingly, they lodged a petition with the sheriff for the county for an increase, and it has now come up for hearing and been decided in their favour.
Addressing the bench, Mr. G. S. Fraser, of the town clerk's department, pointed out that the amended by-law meant to fix the charge for a taxicab at is. 6d. per mile for the outward journey and, where the hirer returns An the
ls. 6d.Der mile for the inward run, instead of 9d. as at present. He presented a statement which showed that, in comparison with the prices ruling in 1913., the cost of petrol had increased
200 per cent.; of lubricating oils, 328 per cent. ; and of tyres, 17.6 per cent. -rhe wages of drivers had increased from 25s. a week to 45s., and the average cost of minors from £400 to about £750. It was well known that some firms were paying as much as £1,200 for taxicabs, Mr. Fraser thought that the small increase asked for was reasonable and just, and he requested his lordship to approve the amended by-lass, which he did.
Petrol Storage.
The convenience of the pump system of petrol storage and distribution and the labour-saving value of this type of installation are well known, whilst one of its greatest advantages is its safety from risk of fire or explosion. The Bowser Co., of Indiana, TJ.S.A., pioneers of the pump system in America, have been instrumental in introducing the
piston-type measuring pump on the Continent, as well as in this country, where it has met with gratifying success, and there are distinct possibilities of the pump system of delivery completely ousting the older methods cif distribution.
A New Garage Venture.
The Rochdale and District Co-operative Society, Ltd., of Millett Street, Bury, is an interesting, if not unique, venture in garage `finance, the company being consituted of a nuniber of co-operative societies who have combined to enter the motor industry and run a garage. A suitable building has been taken over and fitted up to deal thoroughly and quickly with any class of work, from a simple adjustment, to a complete overhaul of any type of vehicle, and work Will be carried out for any user whether in the cooperative business or not.
The management of the business is in the hands of Mr. Chas. Baxter, Meeh.E., A.M.I.A.E.
Local Proceedings.
Runcorn Li.D.C. has received sanct on to borrow £4250 for a steam wagon.
The tender of Messrs. Metcalfe, of Romfortl, for a motor chassis and body at £617 has been accepted by the Romford Fire Brigade.
A S'pecial sub-committee of Salford TJ.D.C. is to arrange for the early provision of suitable motor vehicles in order to expedite the work of refuse collection.
Permission has been given to the British Petroleum Co., by the Alnwick Council, to construct an underground petrol tank with a capacitly of 29,000 gallons.
The Watch Committee of the Thincass ter Town Council has recommended for acceptance the tender of Leyland Motors, Ltd., for a new fire-engine at a cost of 22,083.
For converting a horse-drawn fireescape to a motor-driven vehicle Sheffield Watch.Committee.proposes to accapt the offer of E. W. Hatfield to do ..ha. work for £1,337.
The L.C.C. has accepted the offer of Matthews and CO.' and ;John Pegg and Son, to supply, on hire, steam lorries for the tramways department, for six months.
Residentsin parts of Lower Wyche, Malvern,. having complained of traction, engine traffic, the Streets Committee of the District Council are taking the matter up with the owners.
Weybridge Council has -reversed its decision concerning buses and has decided to grant licences to the L.GaO.C., permitting them to traverse a new route between Esher and Ryffeet.
Sheffield Electricity Committee has reported in favour of ordering two 5-6 ton steam tipping wagons, one fitted with cable haulage gear and jib crane, for £1,135 and £1,235 respectively, from the Yorkshire Commercial Motor Co., Ltd,.
Lincoln Buses.
The Liecoln Corporation are finding the motor omnibus services in the city a heavy financial burden and the source of much controversy. At the last council meeting many complaints were made regarding the discomfort to passengers on certain routes through the bad condition of the roads, and while it was maintained that the roads were responsible for a considerable amount of :wear and tear to the buses, it was also argued that the 'heavy bus traffic was causing considerable damage.'
One bus route along Carholme Road has • recently been discontinued on accouna of the meagre patronage received. Certain members of the council called upon Mr. Iloggard, the traffic manager, to give an explanation of this action. He said the. principal reason was the bad returns—that when that service was in operation they were los• tog is. 3d. Per mile. Immediately trade improved and people had money to spend on buses the route would be aeopen ed.
Glasgow Newspapers and Motor Vehicles.
The Gaasgov; newspapers are well provided with motor vehicles, and are able to serve a much wider district than they possibly could have done when depending on horses and railways. The Evening News—which is edited by the disLieguished Scottish writer, Mr. Neil Vfuero—publisfies four issues on five days of the week and six on Saturday. For distribution, it has a splendid fleet of 12
motorvaus—all of the same make and capacity. For compactness and elegance, they are the admiration of the whale city, and they certainly represent and embody the latest ideas with respect to the' lighter class of vehicles. r The Glasgow Herald and the _Evening Citizen are also provided each with a goodly number of smart arid useful conveyances, drawn from several of the leading motor factories in England rind Scotland. Ford vehicles are, well in evidence, and so are Vulcans :rod Aria,iJohnetons.
Speed Limits.
Carlisle Council has received a reply from the Ministry of Transport to the effect that as the whole question of speed limits of vehicles has been referred to a Departmental Committee for coneideratieri, it does not propose to take any further action on the council's application for a speed limit on Eden Bridge and Bothchergate, and London Road, until the Ministry has had an opportunity of reconsidering the question.
Queensferry Rates.
A few days ago Dunfermline District Council agreed te support the movement inaugurated towards the reduction of what were described as the excessive ratbs for the transport of motor vehicles and merchandise by the North and South Queensferry steamer. The view of the District. Council is that North and South tatieensferry being linked up by main roadways the laical authorities on each side of the ferry should be responsible for the service.
Soft Fruits by Road.
Mn, A. B. Cartwright, manager of the publicity department of the National Federation of Fruit and Potato Trades Associations, Ltd,, who addressed the members of the fruit trade in the city of Newcastle a few days ago, stated that as regards the distribution of fresh fruits, for the first time in the history of the fruit trade strawberries had been carried from Southampton to London by motor transport. This was owing to the attitude of the railway companies, whilst increased freight had made it imperative that some other means of transport eboulel be relied upon. The National Federation has raised 'sufficient capital to ensure the transport of fruit and vegotables by road, in order that the public shall get the commodities at a reasonable price and in good condition.
Paying Electrics.
At a recent meeting of the Bootle Town Council, Mr. James Scott (chairman of the motor vehicle and cartage committee) submitted an elaborate statement to the effect that the electric motor vehicle enterpriee of the committee had yielded in the first year a 6 -per cent, net profit; which, in other words, meant that the motors were considerably cheaper than horses for the transport ailork of the corporation. A lengthy discussion followed this statement, in which various menv tiers disputed the figures given, although the borough treasures. took an opportunity of proving that the figures had been misinterpreted by several speakers.