WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheels of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of fransport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crosier.
Dr. Porsche Disclaims.
The following letter has reached us from Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, of Stuttgart-Untertiirkheim, reproduced as received.
"Dear Sir : With reference to the article 'The Diesel Engine for Commercial Motors,' published in the edition of January 6th of your journal, I beg to say that I have been appointed technical director of the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft (Mercedes Co.) one and half years ago. Therefore, it is not true that I have invented and developed the cornpressorless Diesel Engine of Benz & Cie., Mannheim, this company being in concern with the Mercedes people about half a year. . " I would be much obliged to you if you would correct this error in your next edition.
"I remain, very truly yours,
" FERDINAND Poescum."
We are sorry for the error in the statement. Our information had come from a source that is usually quite reliable,
the error probably being due to the difficulty that has been experienced in obtaining full and accurate information, in these early days of the development of the Diesel engine for commercial vehicles.
Improvements on Ford Commercial Models.
It is interesting to note that the Ford Motor Co. (England), Ltd., are now fitting an improved rim, taking a 30-in. by 5-in. tyre, on the rear wheels of their T.T. commercial models. The rim has a detachable flange of spring steel, which is easily taken off with the special tool supplied, when the tyre can be removed and replaced with perfect ease. The size of the tyres on the front wheels of these models remains as before30 ins. by 311. ins.
The company's light delivery van will in future be supplied with four straightsided four-ply low-pressure tyres and five detachable rims. A slight modification has been made in the steering gear, the ratio of which has been changed from 4 to 1 to 5 to 1. The diameter of the steering wheel has been increased to 17 ins. The prices of the vehicles are not affected by these improvements.
Psycho-technical Examination for Pars Bus Drivers.
The directors of the Societe des Transports en Commun de in Region Parisienne—the company which runs the Paris municipal omnibuses—have decided upon a new form of medical PEamiriation for drivers. It is not that the buses are responsible for many fatal street accidents (eight people were killed by such vehicles during the whole of last yehr), but traffic crashes are of daily occurrence, and the total amount of material damage caused in a year must be very considerable.
The new examination for drivers will be similar to that which has to be passed by aeroplane pilots. A new laboratory has been installed at the omnibus works in the Rue Hainaut, in B20
which drivers will be examined with a view to ascertaining the degree of attention of which they are capable. The candidate will be placed on a dummy driving seat with steering wheel, pedals, levers, etc., in the usual positions, and surprise orders will be given to him. All the controls are connected to electrical appliances which register the response of the reflexes to outside influences.
Improving District Roads.
Colonel Wilfrid Ashley, Minister of Transport, speaking at the National Farmers' Union Dinner, at Romsey, last week, explained to his hearers the policy of the Ministry in respect of the improvement of Class 1 and Class 2 district roads, so as to bring them up to the main roads standard, in order that they could be taken over by the county authorities as county main roads.
Limiting London's Buses.
The Minister of Transport, under date January 12th, 1925, has issued an order in which a number of streets in. London, either in whole or in part, are declared to be "congested streets." The list is extremely comprehensive, and the net effect of the order is that the Traffic Advisory Committee has been able to direct that in certain of the congested streets the number of omnibuses operating therein may not be increased. The committee will consider the causes of congestion in each street, and will advise what further steps are required, and whether the number of omnibuses operating therein shoidd be diminished.
Frost Smith Fund.
Because the widow and children of Percy Frost Smith have been left unprovided for, a fund has been opened on their behalf to assist them over a period of need. Frost Smith was a man who never missed a chance to help others (in fact, it is asserted that, but for his great generosity, the appeal which has been issued would not have been necessary), and on these grounds it is felt that subscriptions may justifiably be asked for. They shoold be addressed to Mr. W. J. Sharp, Edward Sharp and Sons, Ltd., Kreerey Works, Maidstone, and will be acknowledged.
A New Krupp Chassis. •
It is reported from Essen, Germany, that the motor department of the big Krupp works in that town is engaged on the production of a new 30-40-cWt. commercial-vehicle chassis.
More Buses for Manchester.
It is stated that 16 new motorbuses are to be added immediately to the Man
chester municipal fleet. The vehicles are to be used as feeders to the trams and for linking up outlying suburbs with the city routes.
Thames Bridge Suggestions.
Following upon the 'recent consultation between the London County Council and the Commercial Motor Users Association on the subject of improving the traffic facilities over London's bridges, a deputation representative of all classes 6f users of motor vehicles was, last week, introduced to the Thames Bridges Committee of the London County Council, by Mr. E. S. Shrapnell-Smith, who explained the official views of the C.M.U.A. on the subject.
It was suggested by the deputation : (1) That the principle of acquiring Charing Cross railway station bridge as a traffic highway should be adopted ; (2) that consideration should be given to the possibility of a new bridge to connect Imperial Road, Fulham, with a point on the south side of the river to relieve Putney Bridge ; and (3) that a bridge should be constructed at Corney Reach to afford communication between north-west and south-east of Louden.
It was stated that the deputation was not attracted by the proposals for the St. Paul's Bridge so far as they were known at present, and it recommended the improvement of the lines of access from the city end to Southwark Bridge.
The opinion of the deputation was against the use of any of the new or widened bridges as tramcar routes.
Paris Motor Coach Tax.
Motor coaches using the roads through the Bois de Vincennes, the great public park on the eastern outskirts of Paris, are, in, future, to pay a tax such as is already levied in the Bois de Boulogne. The money obtained from this tax will be devoted to the upkeep of the roads; at least, this is the reason given for introducing the tax.
The roads in question are certainly subject to a heavy strain on race days, whilst throughout the summer "Seeing Paris" motor coaches ramble round the Bois de Vincennes with their loads of sightseers, just as they do in the Bois de Boulogne.
The municipal council has fixed the tax at a fairly low figure, the rate varying from 120 francs to 360 francs a year. This is not likely to cause much hardship to the char-A-banes proprietors, who reap a rich harvest throughout the whole season.
New Milestones for Arterial Roads.
The Ministry of Transport has under consideration the question of erecting on the new arterial roads under construction in different parts of the country a new and more effective design of milestone of uniform pattern.
The Ministry h,as placed before various local committees a design which it thinks will meet the requirements of users of the road, and it is hoped that a decision on the class of milestone to be used will shortly be reached.
About 160 miles of the new arterial roads under construction, which will bear these signs, are situated in the Home Counties. But how monotonous these uniform stones will be !
Sand Sprinklers for Paris.
The Paris Municipal Council has given favourable consideration to a proposal, coming from the chief of its works department, for the introduction el' motor sand sprinklers. The present sanding arrangements by spade and barrow are certainly inadequate for the needs of the city, as there are not nearly enough men available for the work.
The new vehicles are to carry about half-a-ton of sand, and it is estimated that they should be able to cover the whole of the grands boulevards between the Madeleine or the Opera and the Place de la Republique in the space of half an hour. This estimate is, presumably, for the , very early hours of the morning ; at any other time the traffic congestion in most of the thoroughfares in the city would render the operation much longer.
Improved Conditions in Switzerland.
Swiss lorry manufacturers did better business in 1924 than in the immediately preceding year as the result of an improvement in the economic situation. At the, same time the export line followed an ascending curve, despite the fact that the rate of exchange continued low in most of the importing countries.
The outlook for 1925 is also regarded as being favourable, especially as regulations governing the importation of foreign vehicles are likely to come into force.
Agents for S. and C. Tractor Wheels.
The Shrewsbury and Challiner Tyre Co., Ltd., inform us that they have appointed Alfred Dugdale, Ltd., of Hendon, London, N.W., as distributing agents in Great Britain and Ireland for the well-known Shrewsbury and Chu/liner patent steel-disc wheels for use with the Parasol' tractor. It may be known that Messrs. Dugdale have specialized for some time past in the supply of implements for use with this make of tractor.
A Chester Bus Co.'s Enterprise.
The Crosville Motor Bus Co., Ltd., whose headquarters are at Chester, have recently instituted their first passenger services in mid-Wales. The scheine received the sanction of the authorities concerned in December, and the serviees are now in operation between Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells (buses run five journeys each way daily) and between Kington and Llandrindod Wells. The service has linked up towns in Radnorshire hitherto unserved by a passenger vehicle service by road, and passes through Penybont, Llandegley, through the Radnor Forest to Llanfi hangel, Nantmeilon, New Radnor, Walton and Stannar.
During the month the company are to link up Llandrindod Wells with Newtown (Montgomery) by means of a bus service. The transit facilities in midWales have long been a subject for complaint, and, as the demands of the inhabitants have not been met by the services of the railway companies, the CrosvilIe Co. have stepped in and filled the breach.
Spares for Renault and Charron Cabs.
Owners of Renault and Charron taxicabs will be interested to learn that Messrs. R. Woodhead, Brixton Estate, 1-3, Brixton Road, London, S.W., have purchased the entire stock of the British Motor Cab Co.'s spare parts and replacements for these two makes of cab.
British Vans Overseas.
Although it is generally agreed that the American commercial vehicle, and particularly the light models, have secured a considerable measure of recognition in Colonial markets, there is little doubt that many British manufacturers are alive to the possibilities which these spheres offer for their NOducts.
Take the case of Morris Motors, Ltd., of Cowley, who have supplied a number of commercial vehicles, for various uses in different parts of South Africa. It is interesting to learn that a fleet of 25 vans built by this company is used by the General Post Office of Johannesburg, all of them being of &cwt. capacity. These machines, some of which are illustrated on this page, were supplied by the Magnet Motor Co., who have received repeat orders for Morris vehicles, not only from the Post Office of Johannesburg, but also from Pretoria and other centres. Morris vans and 1-ton vehicles are also engaged upon miscellaneous duties for the Government of the Union of South Africa.
A Newcastle Coach Opening.
Suggestions were made at a recent meeting of the Co-operative Wholesale Society in Newcastle that motor coaches should be provided every quarter so that delegates could be taken to see the various co-operative factories established on Tyneside. The directors have promised to give favourable consideration to the idea. Local owners of motor coaches should watch developments, as doubtless hiring contracts will be placed if the suggestion be approved.
A Goodyear Resignation.
The Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd., inform us that Mr. E. R. Preston has resigned his appointment as managing director of the company, and that he will be returning to the United States at the end of the month. His successor is Mr. C. P. Skinner, who, until recently, Was in charge of the company's interests in South Africa. He has been closely associated with the motor and tyre industries for a number of years.
German Industry's Growth.
Notwithstanding the reputed impoverished condition of the country, the past year has witnessed a notable development in the use of commercial motor vehicles in Germany. The licensing
returns recently issued show that there are now do., fewer; than 60,629 cemmerdel vehicles in use in the country, an in-, crease of 18,693 during, the past twelve months. As compared with 1914 the, number shows, more than a six-fold increase, only 9,071 vehicles being -recorded for the pre-war period. In addition there are 9,333 motorbusei and taxis in use, as against 9,044 at the end of1923.
Joint Bus Licensing.
As a result of the strong comments which have been made concerning the operation of unlicensed buses in the Ryburn Valley from Sowerby Bridge to Rishworth, it is announced that a meeting of the Ryburn Valley Joint Hackney Carriage Licensing authority is being held to consider the question of the control of local motor services, and the licensing powers of the four councils concerned have been delegated to this joint authority.
As a matter of fact, the joint board was established more than two years ago, but, as a result of certain difficulties which were encountered, its power to issue licences and to deal with bus matters generally was not turned to account.
A Pneumatic-tyred 4-tonner.
Although pneumatic tyres are now finding considerable use on all types of passenger vehicle, and even those of large seating capacity, it is somewhat unusual to find this equipment on heavy vehicles used for goods transport, and for this reason the Leyland vehicle illustrated on this page is of more than ordinary interest.
The lorry depicted is an example of the company's GH2 model built for 4ton loads, and it incorporates the usual 36 h.p. engine and four-speed gearbox, but in place of the double-reduction back axle a worm-driven unit is fitted. The tyres are Michelins of 1,085 mm. by B22 185 mm. dimensions, twins being fitted at the rear. The driver's cab is of the usual pattern and is protected by a fullwidth windscreen.
The bodywork includes a flat platform with hinged sides and a tailboard 18 ins, 'high. The lettering is carried
out in gold on a blue ground, which, With the wheels painted -red, gives a most attractive appearance to the vehicle. The, lorry VMS delivered by Messrs. Oswald Tillotson. of Burnley, who are the Leyland agents for East Lancashire and part of West Yorkshire.
Traffic Regulations in Wakefield.
_ Wakefield Watch Committee is discussing with bus proprietors a scheme for traffic regulation. A proposal of the chief constable provides for securing one starting place for a given route and abolishing duplicate starting points in the city from which buses run to the same destination, and, further, for a provisional time-table which, it is suggested, shall be observed by those holding licences.
A Record Taxation Cheque.
A few days ago a cheque was drawn by the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., for £334,533 payable to the London County Council in respect of motorbus licences for the current year. This cheque, together with a smaller one for £14,181, issued a little earlier for the same purpose, makes the total contribution of the company towards the upkeep of roads for this year £348,714.
It is estimated that over 14 million pounds will be received in 1925 in respect of payments for motor vehicle licences, and the London General Omnibus Co.'s contribution is easily the largest individual payment to be made, and, in fact, constitutes a record.
Inst. M.E. Meetings.
A general meeting of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers will be held at Storey's Gate, London, S.W.1, on January 23rd, at 6 p.m., when reports to the Cutting Tools Research Commit. tee oh the flow and rupture of metals during cutting, and on an experimental study of the forces exerted on the surface of a cutting tool, will be made.
At an informal meeting to be held on January 30th, what promises to be an interesting discussion on the alternatives to the clash-type of change-speed gear for motor vehicles will take place.
Public Appeal for Buses.
A petition, signed by over 4,000 ratepayers, has been lodged with the Tor-, quay Corporation, asking that licences may be granted to Mr. Ashcroft foe his buses to ply for hire over the TorquayPaignton route, as they are considered a great benefit to the general public. The corporation has referred the petition to a committee for consideration.
Alternative Routes for Day and 'Night Traffic.
Willesden Council's Works Committee has considered a petition regarding motorbus traffic through Sidmouth Road and the suggestion that this road should bear omnibus traffic during the day and Staverton Road the night traffic. The matter has been referred to the London Traffic Board for consideration.
Merthyr's Successful Buses.
In a report to the Merthyr Tydvil Town Council, the bus superintendent, Mr. Adey, states that, on the normal basis of expenditure, the bu,s services reveal a profit averaging £38 15s. per week for the month of December. The receipts in the period were £1,137, the passengers carried being 83,940, whilst in November receipts amounted to £949 and passengers carried. to 71,366.
The December figures were the highest for any month since the inception of the service. • A New Electric from Prance.
A new company has recently been formed in Paris (21, Avepue des Champs Elysees), with a capital of 300,000 francs, with the title La Societe pour l'Application des Vehienles Automobiles Electriques to manufacture industrial electric vehicles. Among the directors is M. A. Damisch, who is associated with the Compagnie Franertise Pour l'Exploitation des Procedes Thomson-Houston.
Glasgow's New Buses.
Glasgow's new motorbuses are maintaining their popularity, and, judging from the trend of town council discussions, a number of other routes will probably be served during the present year.
There is also an increasing demand on the part of companies running vehicles into Glasgow from outlying districts for permission to ply for hire in the city streets. This they have no power to do at present, except in one isolated case. The public is strongly in favour of this proposal, for it would gave time and trouble in going long distances to and from the bus stations.
Kenya Demanding British Light Lorries.
Accgding to East Africa's Nairobi corresflondent, a consignnient of 50 Morris one-ton lorries were recently sold by a local dealer whilst they were still upon the water. Another 50 vehicles of the same make were immediately ordered by cable.
It is asserted that East African settlers consider this British vehicle ideally suited for use in connection with farming operations as well as for ordinary safari work. Moreover, it is generally felt that this new demand indicates that American supremacy in the overseas lorry market is being steadily undermined.
Bowden Spring Seats in South Africa. A short while ago the Bowden Brake Co., Ltd., supplied a number of their spring seats to the City Corporation and Borough of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, for use on their buses, and it is obvious from a statement by the transportation officer of the municipality that these seats are proving extremely satisfactory in use.
After they were fitted to one of the municipal passenger vehicles, invitations were issued to the members of the town council to participate in a trial trip to Durban, The route of the run, which was over a distance of 104 miles, was chosen over roads in a very poor condition. In spite of this factor, the occupants of the vehicle expressed the utmost satisfaction with the comfort provided by the seats, so much so that it is said that all vehicles which are to be put into service in future will be equipped with spring seats of Bowden manufacture.
Upon arrival at Durban, the bus was inspected by members of the local town council, and, after a short trial run, the general manager of the kcal tramways undertaking decided to specify for Bowden seats on three new buses which are shortly to be put into service in Durban.
Rubber from Uganda.
According to a recently issued report of the Department of Overseas Trade, the past year has witnessed some revival of tapping of Para rubber in Uganda, but no corresponding move has
to be recorded of Ceara rubber in Tanganyika territory. It is stated that rubber has been exported from Uganda at prices which show a small profit and favour continued tapping, but, so far as Tanganyika is concerned, it seems likely that it is merely a matter of time before rubber cultivation is supplanted in favour of cotton, sisal and other products.
Sheffield Buys Private Bus Service.
Sheffield Corporation "Motor Con-unittee has decided to purchase the motor omnibus service, including vehicles at present in use, maintained by an established Dore proprietor between Eccles all tram terminus and Dore. •
A Dangerous Bridge.
The old bridge crossing the Teme at Bransford (Worcestershire) has been rendered .unsafe for traffic by the recent floods. Those persons using it do so at their "own risk. Canadian Tyre -Exports.
According to statistics which have recently been issued, the export of solid tyres from Canada during the month of November last amounted to 1,109, representing a value of $22,112, as-compared with 1,429 tyres of a value of $28.897 exported during the previous month. For the 12 months ended November last the total export of solid rubber tyres numbered 10,702.
During November. 47,943 pneumatictyre casings and 62,404 inner tubes were exported from the country.
An Employees Provident Seeley.
United Automobile Services, Ltd., whose headquarters are at Lowestoft, and whose bus activities extend to many parts of the country, inaugurated some years ago a Provident Society and Drivers' Legal Defence Fund for the company's employees.
The report of the society for the year ended September' 30th last shows that it paid out to members during periods of indisposition a sum of £1,236. Owing to the activities of the police, considerable sums had to be expended in defending members, and during the year a sum of £214 was paid out of the legal defence fund in fines and legal expenses. As the fund shows an adverse balance, the directors of the company have, on this occasion, made a special subscription so that a clean start can be made in the current year.
The central committee of management express the view that the society is meeting the purpose for which it was established.
Birmingham's White-coated Police.
The Birmingham police have been --equipped with white coats for use when directing street traffic. The coat is handed on from one constable to another at the end of a spell of duty.
A Popular .Chara-tipper.
W. and G. du Gras, Ltd., Acton, London, W.3, inform us that the combination churn-tipper which they manufacture, and which we described in our issue for. February 19th of last year, is achieving a considerable measure of popularity in Sheffield and the surrounding districts, where it is being used for carrying miners to the pits.
The W. and G. chara-tipper, it may be remembered, is so constructed that it can be used as a passenger vehicle or as a tipping wagon for dealing with such materials as coal and coke.
The company have secured many orders for this vehicle through their agents, 'Messrs. D. Fisher and Co., Killamarsh, near Sheffield.
Wool-carting in Australia.
A few weeks ago we published details of the activities of certain Thornycroft vehicles which are engaged in wool-carting in Australia. We have now received from the company information relating to the use of another
Thornycroft vehicle in a similar sphere of employment. The vehicle, which is illustrated on this page, is a Q-type 5-tonner, and with a loaded trailer is to be seen transporting 76 bales of wool, the approximate weight of the total load being 10i tons. The lorry had just arrived at Messrs. Elder, Smith and Co.'s wool store at Port Adelaide, after completing a run of nearly 100 miles in 7-1 hrs.—an extremely fine performance when one considers that many of the inland Australian roads are little more than dirt tracks.
It is satisfactory to learn that the use of Thornyeroft vehicles is extending very widely in Australia, where foreign manufacturers obtained such a firm hold on the market during the war.
Dundee Area C.M.U.A.
The annual meeting of the Dundee District Area of the Scottish Commercial Motor Users Association was held a few days ago. Amongst the matters which received the attention of the area committee during the past year are those relating to the question of registered 824 axle weights, the interim report of the Departmental Committee on the Taxation and Regulation of Road Vehicles, the Hours of Industrial Employment Bill and other problems of direct interest to commercial users.
The chairman of the local association is Mr. C. H. Marshall, the vice-chairman being Mr. 1Vt M. Burke.
Thanet's Coach Regulations.
The joint committee which deals with the issue of licences for motor coaches in the Isle of Thanet area has recently formulated some drastic regulations. It is stated that licences will not be issued to owners of closed buses which are r.ot fitted with pneumatic tyres, and which do not carry a conductor as well as a driver. Another regulation to be enforced relates to the prohibition of gangway seats on public-service vehicles.
Goodyear Tyre Terms Revised. The Goodyear Tyre and Rubber Co. (Great Britain), Ltd., Chelsea Wharf, Lots Road, London, S.W.10, ask us to state that the terms upon which Goodyear all-weather tread solid and cushion tyres are supplied have recently been revised, and that further information of the new prices can be obtained on application to the above address.
A Glasgow Bus Experiment.
Glasgow Corporation Tramways Committee has decided to suspend the tramway service in Finneston Street far three months whilst an experimental motorbus service is tried on the route.
Widening a Worcester Bridge.
A scheme has been placed before the Worcester City Council for the widening of the bridge over the Severn. The present structure is 32 ft. wide, and the new proposal is to widen it to 60 ft., thus giving a carriageway of 42 ft., at an estimated cost of £2,700.
We learn that Col. and Arch rman Sir Charles Wakefield, Et., has been appointed on the King's College Delegacy by the 'University of London.
Local Proceedings.
Blyth Corporation has decided to purchase a motor sweeping machine.
Glasgow Corporation Parks Committee has authorized the purchase of two motor lawn-mowers.
Wakefield City Council has appointed a sub-committee to prepare a scheme of municipal transport.
Bradford Corporation Cleansing Committee has inspected a street-washing machine in operation.
Bradford Education Committee has decided to purchase a motorbus for the conveyance of school children.
Glasgow Corporation has authorized the purchase of a 1-ton lorry for the water department at a cost of £200.
Chesterfield Watch Committee has deleted from its petroleum licences the clause prohibiting the sale of petrol after sunset.
Manchester Corporation Libraries 'Committee proposes the purchase of a motor vehicle for the department at a cost of £450.
Burtoa-on-Trent Corporation has authorized the purchase of a motor turntable fire-escape at a cost not exceeding £2,824.
Blyth Corporation has asked a subcommittee to consider the question of the purchase of motor vehicles in substitution for team labour,
Sheffield Corporation has recently accepted the tender of James and Co., Ltd., at £250, to supply a 1-ton truck for the watch committee.
Plymouth Corporation has accepted the tender of Mr. Walter Williams to supply a light motorvan for £235, for the use of the tramways department.
Sheffield. Corporation proposes the purchase of the premises known as the Stand Works, in Tenter Street, for use as a bus garagefor a sum of £4,750.
Chesterfield Tramways Committee has decided that members of the county police force in uniform be permitted to ride free of charge on the municipal buses.
Torquay Corporation has decided to purchase two motor lorries for refuse collection, at a cost of £580 each, and a Thornycroft lorry for general use at a cost of £609.
Bradford Corporation Tramways Committee recommends the inaugura tion of a service of railless buses on the Idle Road route, instead of relaying the tramway track.
The highways committee of the Marylebone Borough Council recommends the purchase of a low-loading type of vehicle at a cost of £650 for trial purposes in order to enable it to decide on the most suitable type of vehicle for refuse collection.
Manchester Corporation Tramways Committee has received a report front the general manager regarding the provision of a smoking compartment in the single-deck buses, and instructed him to snake the necessary alterations to the vehicles.
We have recently received from the General Electric Co., Ltd., Magnet House, Kingsway, London, W.C.2, a new catalogue which deals with a wide range of wireless supplies, insulating materials, dynamo and instrument wires and tools of various descriptions.
Petitioning for Buses.
A large number of signatures was recently obLined to a petition forwarded to the Halifax Town Council asking it to grant to the proprietors of the Hebble Motor Bus Services licences to ply for hire and run vehicles from Halifax through Holmfield, Bradshaw and Ogden, it would appear that the vehicles are supplying a long-felt need which is nut met by the tramcars or trains serving the district, The buses have proved a great boon during the period they have been in use, and if they are withdrawn the residents of Holm&Id, Bradshaw and district will suffer very considerably.
American Vehicie Dimensions.
At a recent meeting of the National Highway Traffic Association, in New York, Mr. George H. Pride, chairman Of the National Committee of Weights, Dimensions, and Speeds of Tractors, Trailers, and Semi-Trailers, recommended that the maximum width of such vehicles be limited to 06 ins., the maximum height 12 ft. 6 in., the maximum length of tractor and semi-trailer combined 40 ft., and the maximum length of tractor and four-wheel trailers 60 ft. No recommendation was made as to maximum weight.
Regulating Motorbus Traffic.
The conference of local authorities convened by the Chorley Rural Council, to consider the question of motor omnibus services in the district, has put forward some useful suggestions. Recoinmendations have been adopted, and are to be sent to the constituent authorities, with a view to ensuring that the services shall be run at times convenient to the public and at properly regulated intervals.
The conference also decided to recom•
mend that in no circumstances should any further licences be granted unless it be shown to the satisfaction of the authorities that the existing service over the route in question is inadequate. It is pointed out that any owner desirous of commencing a service in the area
should obtain the necessary licence from the local authority before arranging for the purchase of the necessary vehicles.
G.W.R. Petrol Depots. In connection with its motorbus services in South Wales, the Great Western Railway Co. have decided to erect bulk petrol storage centres at Neath and Ammanford,
Mann's London Office.
Mann's Patent Steam Cart and Wagon Co., Ltd., inform us that, owing to the sale of the premises they have until recently occupied in London, they will be Compelled to change their headquarters in the Metropolis, and that until a new address is given all communications should be sent to Mr: J. M. Dallas, 42, The •Avenue, Aluswell Hill, London, N.11. ;• Argentine Imports.
During November last 02 commercial vehicles were imported into the Argentine Republic. Of the total 54 came from the United States and only eight from European countries. ..