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NEWS of the WEEK

BETTER LIVESTOCK RATES CALLED FOR THERE is still some dissatisfaction 1 amongst livestock hauliers, operating the larger types of double-deck vehicle, concerning the maximum rates embodied in the Ministry of Food schedule, which was published in our isstie dated June 15. We understand that .a recommendation has been submitted to the Ministry of Food, asking it to improve the scale of payments in connection with the use of such vehicles.

Furthermore, Mr. Sewill, in a letter to area managers of Traffic Movement, Ltd., has pointed out that any area or district may apply for a special rate in cases where the national standard operates inequitably. It is understood that double-deckers of the largest type may reasonably be cited as examples of such inequitable operation.

In any event, the schedule of rates is to be brought forward for revision at the end of the preliminary period of three months, and if a case be made out there is no doubt that the payments to operators of large double-deck vehicles will be increased accordingly.

New Wages Machinery

JN order to have a ready means for discussing wages questions unofficially, without setting in motion the official machinery of the Central and Area Road Haulage Wages Boards, Central and Area Wages Consultative Committees have been set up. They will not usurp the functions of the official Wages Boards and it is proposed that they shall consist of not more than three representatives of each side, in order to keep them compact and businesslike. They will deal with difficulties which may arise and will be in a position to advise the official Board and make recommendations to it.

Employer-operators are invited to make the fullest possible use of this new machinery to solve their difficulties. Inquiries should be addressed to the Wages Board, or to the local secretary of the A.R.O.

Trailer Sales Not To Be Controlled

WJE referred last week to the plan VV to introduce a control system covering the sale of new goods and passenger vehicles under the Emergency Powers (Defence) Acquisition and Disposal of Motor Vehicles Order, 1940_ We have ascertained that although a trailer is a goods vehicle in the strict sense of the word, it is not intended that the Order shall cover the disposal of this type of vehicle.

Priority of Military Traffic

TN Parliament last week Sir J. 'Anderson, in reply to Mr. Granville, who asked if he would. take steps to see that drivers of civilian vehicles gave the right of way to all military traffic, particularly in controlled areas, said that under the Traffic on Highways Order, 1940, made by the Minister of Transport under Defence Regulation 70, Regional Commissioners had been empowered to issue directions which would ensure that military traffic, or other essential transport, was given such priority within their regions as might from time to time be necessary.

A.R.0.—A.G.M.

THE annual general meeting of Associated Road Operators will be held on Monday, August 5, at the Royal Empire Society, Northumberland Avenue, London, W.C.2, at 2.30 p.m. The meeting is. of course, open only to members. They are advised to enter the building by the Craven Street entrance. RESERVED OCCUPATIONS: A PROBLEM SOLVED SOME confusion and not a little misunderstanding have been brought about by the fact that there appear to be two age limits in the Schedule of Reserved Occupations relating to commercial-vehicle drivers. Drivers of heavy and light vehicles are, according _ to one schedule, reserved at 18 years of age, and, according to another, at 25 years for heavy goods vehicles, and 30 years for light goods vehicles.

The explanation is that provision is made for the calling tit, of drivers of light vehicles between the ages of 18 and 30 years and of heavy goods vehicles between the ages of 18 and 25 years, but only if they be required in their trade or professional capacity. That is to say, drivers between these limiting ages who are called up will continue to serve as drivers under military control.

Delay in Obtaining Spare Parts

ItAEMBERS of A.R.O. Eastern Area 1V1Who are having real difficulty in obtaining spare parts, should send full particulars to the area office. it is pointed out that some delay is inevitable, because no one can expect the same service as in peace time. Unreasonable delays in the supply of spares, however, should be reported, so that some action can be taken.

It is understood that no priority certificates are required for spares. Licences are, however, required by those who purchase raw materials, both timber and steel, with which to make their own spares and do their own repairs. As an instance, a ball race cannot be dbtained from a manufacturer of ball bearings without a licence.

Sugar-beet Prices Raised

HAVING in mind the discussions which are proceeding regarding the haulage rates for sugar beet during this year's campaign, it is of interest to note that the farmers' price for beet is to be raised by 3s. 9d. per ton. This payment is an interim addition to the `basic prices; it implements the Government's undertaking to adjust them if the increase in costs over 1938 be not fully covered by the rise in the prices fixed under the contracts for 1940.

In making this statement, the Ministry of Agriculture pointed out that the increased costs of production of sugar beet will not be known until after 1941. Presumably, any further increases will justify an addition to the extra 3s. 9d.

It will be recalled that when we reported the meeting between A.R.O. and the N.F.U., to discuss the subject of sugar-beet haulage rates, it was suggested that the schedule of rates then put forward by Mr. H. Scott Hall (S.T.R., The Commercial Motor costs expert) should be reconsidered and the N.F.U., if satisfied that the basis of assessment'be a just one, would put the rates forward to the Ministry of Agriculture in justification of an increase in the price the farmer was to be paid for his beet.

PERSONAL PARS

•

Mn. W. H. ,...rAU NT, 0.B.E., M.Inst.T., distribution manager, J. Lyons and Co., Ltd., has succeeded Mr. F. Smith as Director of Transport and Warehousing, Ministry of Food. It will be recalled that Mr. Smith resigned eshort time ago.

MR. GASTON VINCENT, the indefatigable public relations officer of the British Road Federation, has obtained a commission in the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. Thus will he add to a most interesting and varied career, in which transport in many forms has figured so largely. We xvish him every good fortune.

MR. HORACE WYATT , Director of Publications of Associated Road Operators, is somewhere in Jersey. He went there a few days before the Germans occupied that territory, to see Mrs. Wyatt, who was recuperating after an illness. Since the German occupation nothing has been heard of him. A.R.O., through the British Red Cross, is making all inquiries, and it is to be hoped that there will soon be some good news and information as to his wherea hoots.

Release of Specialist Transport Staff Creates Problem IN all, 160 engineers employed in 'Glasgow Transport Department are among the 600 municipal employaes who have now been transferred to war industries, in response to the I ppeal made to local authorities by the Government for the release of men who have had engineering training. There are about 750 engineers with the necessary qualifications in the transport department.

The transfer of the engineers, combined with the enlistment of 1,400 bus and tram employees, have left the department so short-handed in staff that there is a reluctance to part with any more men.

The retention of adequate staff for the transport services is important for munitions production as well as for public facilities, and the need for reservation of the man-power in the department is being recognized by Government officials who have been co-operating with the corporation conditions of service committee in the redistribution of labour.

The situation was reviewed at a conference last week between a sub-committee of the corporation and local representatives of the Ministry of Supply.

Gifts of Ambulances from Scottish Bus Operators THE glIt of two fully equipped ambulances to supplement the A.R.P. and military ambulance service in Stirlingshire and Clackmannan, is announced by Mr. Allan Hannah, joint ambulance transport officer. The vehicles are being presented to the St.

Andrews' Ambulance Association by Mr. Walter Alexander, Snr., and staff and employees of W. Alexander and Sons, Ltd., the bus-operating concern.

Mr. Hannah is hopeful of inducing more companies and workers to become interested in his scheme for providing ambulances for the two counties. • A.R.O. Sub-area Secretary's Address

THE address of the honorary secretary (Mr. W. R. Hughes) for the Western Sub-area, Metropolitan Area, of A.R.O. is now care of Burn Transit, Ltd., 131, Fountain Road, Tooting, London, S.W.17.

EXPERT DRIVERS SCARCE

THE successful operation of commercial vehicles, particularly of the heavier types, depends largely upon the efficiency of their drivers, and already there is grave danger of a 'scarcity of such men. Steps to deal with this situation should he taken immediately, so that trainees can have at least a few months' experiente before they have to face the severe black-out conditions of driving.

For the light and medium classes, there is no real reason why women should not be employed where they show the necessary adaptability. Some have already proved their worth in this connection, but, of course, they cannot be expected to give effective help in loading and unloading, except in the case of the smaller items.

When Unlicensed Vehicles May Be Used

ATTENTION is drawn by the Minister of Home Security, to a new Order, the effect of which is that unlicensed vehicles may be used on the roads when engaged in the carrying or drawing of personnel or equipment for exercises, training or other specific duties in connection with A.R.P. or A.F. Services, including the training of drivers.

Bradford Haulier Doubles Depot Space

THE Bradford haulage-contracting concern of Henry Long and Sons (Manningham), Ltd„ has approximately doubled the size of its depot buildings in St. Paul's Road by the erection of a brick-built extension, costing some 42,000, in the depot yard. In addition to providing accommodation for about 14 vehicles, the extension houses a repair shop.

Centrally heated, the new building is being largely used flit the handling of artificial-silk traffic which the company carries for Courtaulds, Ltd., between the Midlands, Bradford and Lancashire.

An interesting feature of the company's arrangements for local collections and deliveries is the use, of a Fordson tractor for towing trailers.

One of the oldest road-transport businesses in Yorkshire, the concern was founded in 1865 by the late Mr. Henry Long. His sons, Mr. John Long and Mr. Fred Long, and his grandsons, Mr.. Norman C. Mansley and Mr. Cyril Whitley, are directors of the present company, TIME SPENT SHELTERING DURING AIR RAIDS

QT.JESTIONS have been raised as to whether drivers must be paid for the time which they may spend sheltering during an air raid. The matter has been taken up with the Minister of Labour and National Service by Mr. R. W.' Sewill, National Director of A.R.O. The reply is that the Minister has no power to give authoritative decisions on questions involving the interpretation of the Road Haulage Wages Act, 1938, or of Orders given therein: Such decisions can be given only in the courts.

Subject to this reservation, however, it is stated that the Minister has said that an employer, or road-haulage worker, whose remuneration is governed by the provisions of the Order R.11.4, is not under any obligation under the Road Haulage Wages Act to pay wages for the time during which work is stopped by reasons of enemy action.

Accordingly, such time cannot be counted as a period of work. This, however, does not affect a regular worker's right to pay for a week of 48 hours, as indicated under the provisions of R.11.4. We understand that this matter will be discussed by the Central Wages Board at its next meeting on July 25.

• . -A.R.O. Official Listed as Missing AMONGST members of the B.E.F. who arc listed as missing is Lieutenant Frank G. 1-libbings, Royal Engineers, who before the war was licensing officer to the 'Yorkshire Area of A.R.O., and, .previously hid been area secretary. 'A native of Plymouth, Lieutenant Bibbings rose. to •commissioned rank in the Ai-My during 'the

1914-18 war. • Hi Sodation with road transport began, through the old Yorkshire Stage .Caftiage_ Operators' Association, of which:lie was secretary until its fusion in' the Yorkshire Area of A.R.O.

. A Time .and Wages Book

THE latest publication of the Charnwood Publishing . Co., Coalville, Leicester, is a time and wages book, which is intended especially for the use of the haulage trade under the 'Road

• Haulage Wages .'Act, 1940.: It is issued in book form. A specimen sheet which we have examined covers all the requirements of employer and employee. There are 60 leaves to each book priced at 8s., and 120 leaves to the book sold at 12s., in both cases postage being included.

The Charnwood Publishing Co. issues a variety of forms and record books which assist operators and enable legal conditions to be met.

Government Encouragement for Mechanized Agriculture

REFERRING', to the mechanization of agriculture, in the course of a recent debate in the House of Commons on home-grown food supplies, Mr. Hudson, the Minister of Agriculture, recalled that, in 1914, we had between 300,000 and 400,000 more men on the

land than there are to-day, although hardly any tractors were in use. In June of last year there were about 53,000 tractors in use on British farms. Since then the number had increased by 20,000, although one can assume that 2,000 of these were for replace. ment purposes. Not only had the Government made + arrangements for an increase in the number of light tractors, but it had also arranged for heavy track-layers to be obtained from overseas for use, by county agricultural committees, on derelict and other difficult land.

Nottingham Haulier Changing H.Q.

THE well-known road-transport contracting concern' of Donaldson Wright, Ltd„ is shortly removing to Triumph Road, Lenton, Nottingharti. Its present address is 11, Smithy Row. Nottingham.

DEATH OF A LEADING YORICSI-IIRE HAULIER 'THE haulage industry in Yorkshire 1 has lost one who did much useful work on its behalf by the death of Mr. Walter Smith, a director of the O.K. Carrier Co., Ltd., of Leeds. He w as 47 years of age, and had been associated with road haulage since 1919, when he and his step-brothers and fellow-directors, Mr. J. Routh and Mr. A. B. Routh, founded the O.K. Carrier Co. after their demobilization from the Army, following service during the 1914-18 war. They began with one lorry; to-day the company owns 30 vehicles, and has branch depots in Birmingham and London.

Mr. Smith's service to the industry included membership of the Yorkshire wages boards set up successively under the old National Joint Conciliation Board and the Road Haulage Wages Act. He was oue of the founders of the Road Haulage Association, a member of the North-eastern Committee of the C.M.U.A., the Council of the Federation of Yorkshire Road Transport Employers, and the Road Transport Section of the Leeds Incorporated Chamber of Commerce.

New Scottish Bridge Opened

THE new bridge across the River Kelvin, on the Glasgow-Stirling road, .via Kilsyth, which has been erected at an estimated cost of £10,000, has been opened to traffic. The old bridge was the last of the hog-backed type on that route, The cost is being borne jointly by Dumbartonshire and Stirlin gsh ire.

RESERVED OCCUPATIONS: A.R.O.

HELP IN recent conversation with Mr. J. L. 'Kinder, Assistant National Director, A.R.O., he told us that he is busy helping members to solve problems arising out of Army calling-up notices. He is taking care that fair treatment is received by all those who, by reason of their position in the industry, should, for the time being, be kept in their peace-time occupation. He stressed the importance in cases of this kind of bringing them forward promptly.

He cited an instance where an operator who had entered a plea of personal hardship and had been given three months' postponement of his calling up, did nothing at all until the termination of that period when, of course, it was too late to assist him. It is important to bear in mind that once the enlistment notice is served on a man, nothing whatever can be done.

In this connection some misunderstanding has arisen in respect of the position of owner-drivers, some of whom have been inclined to claim exemption on the ground that they are managers of businesses, or for some similar reason. It appears that it is laid down that an owner-driver, insofar as enlistment is concerned, is regarded as a driver pure.and simple.

Mr. Kinder recommends all operators, when called up, to be most careful in filling up their registration form as the whole of the proceedings thereafter turn on the method of registration.

Metropolitan A.R.O. Finance IN conversation with Mr. S. H.

1 Jardine, secretary, Metropolitan Area, A.R.O., it was gathered that he is particularly pleased with the progress which his area continues to make. This is best indicated by the fact that the revenue from members' subscriptions for the three months ended June, 1939, was well into four figures, whilst the corresponding results for 1940 are still above the four-figure limit, and actually not so much as 2100 lower than the returns for the previous year.

This is particularly gratifying having in mind the difficult situation through which the industry is passing. Above all, it is an emphatic indication that the Metropolitan Area, A.R.O., is rendering efficient services to its members.

Petrol Allowances for Special Classes

REPLYING in the House of Commons last week to Sir J. Mellor, who criticized the number of cruising taxicabs in London, Mr. Lloyd said that as most hirings were of a single journey, unbired travelling could not altogether be avoided, but there had been an appreciable reduction Of it and the position was kept under constant review.

Inc. Groves asked that the petrol allowance for the British Red Cross Society should be increased from two gallons a day per vehicle. He was informed that no general ration had been fixed. Each application was examined by the Society's organizatYei in the light of knowledge of the amount of Red Cross work done by the vehicle and sent, with a recommenda tion, to the Divisional Petroleum Officer, A Society's Liaison Officer had been appointed in each region. Ile understood that the Society was well content with the working of the scheme.

To another question from Sir J. Mellor, relating to petrol allowances for commercial travellers, Mr. Lloyd said that representatives of businesses certified to be engaged on work of national importance were given special consideration but, as regards commercial travellers, it would be impracticable to differentiate between classes of merchandise. The main consideration was equality of treatment. The rates of allowance were settled only a few months ago in consultation with the commercial travellers' organizations and he saw no sufficient reason for modifying them.

Brockhouse Capital Expansion • THE Treasury ban on new capital issues has apparently been relaxed, for J. Brockhouse and Co., Ltd., the well-known engineering concern, has received permission to raise 2225,000 from stockholders. Ordinary holders will be offered a 21 share at 21 10s. for every 25 of stock held, or of 215 ref convertible stock.

Morris Savings Group Shows the Way THE commodious works canteen at

HE

was crowded to capacity when Lord Nuffield drew the first winners in the 21,000 national savings ballot for the Morris group of coinpanies. Employees joining the savings group receive free certificates to this value, The vice-chairman of the company, Mr. W. M. W. Thomas, introduced Sir Arthur Nelson, K.C.I.E., 0.B.E., chairman of the Oxford Committee of the national savings movement, who congratulated the Morris Motors savings group on the excellent results achieved.

It is interesting to observe that between April and June the monthly figures increased fourfold, and now total no less than 216,000. At the present rate of progress, at a conservative estimate, the figures for the Morris group will reach 2100,000 for the year. FORD AGRICULTURAL-TRAINING PLAN

APLAN submitted on behalf of Mr. Henry Ford to provide free training for boys who wish to make farming a career has received the support of the Minister of Agriculture. Students will train at the Henry Ford Institute of Agricultural Engineering at Boreham, Essex.

The aim is to provide a nucleus of young men who will be expert in the newest farming methods and will be the key men of the future in this connection. The plan will be put into force as soon as circumstances permit, and scholarships valued at about 2175 a year will be granted to youths nominated by the competent authority. They cover tuition, board -residence and laundry; pocket money will be paid both during terms and holidays, and an allowance provided for special clothing and boots.

At present the number of scholarships provided for is 40, 10 known as the " Henry Ford," will be for three years; another 10 for two years, known as the " Edsel Ford "; and there will be 20 one-year scholarships under the name of "Perry."

The Fordson Estate Farms comprise 4,000 acres devoted to corn crops, intensive market gardening and a fruit section with gas storage. Livestock includes 2,000 pigs, 700 sheep and 200 dairy cattle. There will be a onemonth probationary course, during which entrants will receive free board and lodging and 5s. per week pocket money. Applications should be addressed to:—The Principal, Henry Ford Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Boreham, near Chelmsford, Essex.

Exchange of Petrol Coupons

rOMPLICATIONS caused when com

mercial-vehicle drivers present, at garages, petrol coupons for larger quantities of fuel than can be accommodated in the tanks of their vehicles, and which arise from the fact that it is illegal to supply petrol either before or after the presentation of the coupons covering it, have led to correspondence between the Bradford Section of the Motor Agents' Association and the Petroleum Board.

At a meeting of the Bradford Section last week Mr, Rupert Lindley, secretary, reported that, in reply to an inquiry as to the procedure to be followed by operators wishing to exchange coupons for others of smaller denomination, but covering the same aggregate quantity, the Board said that they should apply to local officials of the Ministry of Transport. The issue of coupons to commercial consumers, added the reply, was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry's Regional Transport Commissioners, through the local transport officers or vehicle-group organizers of which these coupons were usually issued.

Concerning the section's recent suggestion that spare parts should be sold by only the distributors of the make of evehicle for which they were required, it was reported that pressure of war

work precluded vehicle manufacturer,' from dealing, at present, with the suggestion.

WAR DAMAGE TO AGENTS' PREMISES

AS a safeguard against the possibility of the destruction of buildings by enemy action, the Motor Agents' Association has suggested that its members should deposit with their bankers an •• up-to-date valuation, accompanied by plans, of their premises. These documents, it is pointed out, would provide a basis on which to make any claim for compensation in the event of damage.

The Yorkshire Divisional Committee of the M.A.A. has recommended the adoption of this suggestion in the county—a recommendation which was endorsed at last week's meeting of the Bradtord Section.

Soft Fruit Suffers by Rail

THE secretary of the Eastern Area of A.R.O., Mr. G. %V. Irwin, asks that anyone who has information of cases where fruit has been rendered unfit for human consumption by reason of the

fact that it was sent by rail and not by road, should let him know at .once. Full details should be given, including references as to date, grower, quantity and type of fruit, destination, and any other particulars. Communications should be sent to the Eastern Area Office, 17, Hills Road, Cambridge.

Under New Management

WE are advised that Messrs. Dundee Express have taken over the management of Messrs. Mackie's Express, Dundee and Broughty Ferry carriers.

Designing the C. and W. Gas Producer

OUR recent description of the C. and W. producer-gas plant omitted to mention that the actual design of the existing plant had been undertaken by Mr. G. Cheswick, of Messrs. Cheswick and Wright. As stated, Mr. Shorrock, wbo has been concerned with . the C. and W. gas producer from the beginning, is interested from a technical and development standpoint.

ARE FURNITURE REMOVERS PROFITEERING?

THE Government has apparently taken a serious view of the exploitation by some furniture removers of the position created by the removal of many families from east and southcoast towns. Sir John Reith, the Minister of Transport, intimated in Parliament that any reports of exorbitant charges would be investigated.

Recently, the National Association of Furniture Warehousemen and Removers was called into consultation at the Ministry of Transport, and promised to co-operate against any attempts at profiteering.

In considering charges for presentday removals, one has to take into account a number of vital factors, including higher wages, increased fuel costs, and higher charges for paper and other packing. In addition, evacuation removals constitute one-way traffic, and, invariably, return journeys have to be made empty.