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WHEELS OF. INDUSTRY.

"The wheel of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by Me roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.

Petroleum. Stocks and Prices. .

In the House of Commons last week Major Glyn asked the President of the Board of Trade how many gallons of petrol were estimated to have been in stock in the United Kingdom on January let and February let of this year ; whether these figures show aelarge increase over the figures for the same dates in 1918 and 1917; and whetherehe will consider the possibility of eedueing the controlled price of motor spirit/since the trade and development of internalcombustion engines are bound to suffer at a time when cheap transit requires every encouragement.

Mr. Bridgernan: The trading stocks of motor spirit in the United Kingdom were 28,000,000 gallons on January 1st of this year, and 24,000,000 gallons on February 1st. These figures ishow a considerable increase over January, 19187,and some decrease as compared with February, 1918. No comparative figures for 191.7

are available. Some real:lotion in the price of motor spirit has been recently effected, and the prices now fixed are maximum prices, and not, as was formerly the case, fixed prices below which spirit Could not be sold.

Ransome's Report.

The report of Ransomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd., for the year ended December 31st, 1918, after charging depreciation and making provision for bad . debts, more particularly those affected by the war, as well as deducting interest on debenture etoek and deposits, shows a balance of profit of £92,289. After adding balance from the 191.7 account, i.e., £36,492, and deducting the preference dividend for 1918, as well as £50,000 appropriated to the reserve 'account, an available balance of £67,781 remains. The directors recomreend that of this sum £26,344 should be applied to the payment of a dividend on the ordinary shares of 8 per cent. per annum (free of income tax), leaving a balance of £41,437 to be carried forward.

• Scarcity of Taxicabs.

Mr. Sliortt ihformed Sir P. Goff (Cleveland, C.U.) that the present shortage of taxicabs was due to scarcity of material and labour. As material became availablemore and more cabs would be overhauled and put in service. The question of the using of other types, if approximately suitable, was under consideration. Sir P. Goff: Is the right hon. gentleman aware that there are several French firms ready and willing to supply vehicles at once as satin as the Government prohibition is lifted? Mr. Shortt: The question is whether they are fit for the traffic of the London streets. He added that the question of temporary licences was under consideration.

Replying to another question from Sir P. Goff, Mr. She'll said that the driver of a taxicab could not be compelled to drive for more than six miles, and he was therefore entitled to inquire the destination before accepting a hiring. If B24 the hiring was to be within the six-mile limit the driver must accept the first person who offered to hire him, and should he refuse he could be proceeded against by summons. The only exception to this rule was where a cab was standing on railway premises.

Mail Vans for Persia

The Persian Government has given proof of its progressive spirit iv the decision to motorize practically the whole of its mail service. For this purpose an order has been placed with the F.I.A.T. Co. for 50 motor mail vans.

An Esplanade Motor Road.

Portsmouth Council has had a plan made showing a 60-IL road alongside the Esplanade from the Clarence Pier to the Southsea Castle to be used for the perpose of motor traffic, and so to relieve the congested Esplanade. It is now recommended that this road be constructed at a cost of £2,500.

Dorman Developments.

At a meeting of the directors of W. H. Dorman and Co., Ltd., recentlyTheldeat their offices, Mr. C. J. Parker, of 139, Corporation Street, was elected a director of the company. Mr. Sandy, of Greengate, was also instructed to prepare preliminary plans for an extension of the firm's workshops on thellvacant plot of land in Marston Road, recently purchased.

White Bricks to Assist Traffic.

The Sydney Municipal Council, New South Wales, has arranged to lay a line of white bricks across one or two roads as an indication to drivers that when they are stopped at thecrossingsetheir vehicles must be brought to a standstill behind such lines. This is for experimental purposes to assist the police in traffic control. The idea came from the Inspector-General of Police.

No Italian Shows.

The decision has ber, taken by the Italian Automobile Manufacturers' Association to hold no motor shows in Italy during the.year 1919. "This decision has been taken in view of the large amount of work to be carried out in transform-. ing the industry horn .a war to a peace' basis. It is probable, however, that the leading Italian makers will exhibit at the Paris and London Shows to he held towards the end of the year.

Oil Imports.

According to the monthly trade return for February, 1919, figures of the imports of petroleum into the United Kingdom during that month were as under. The corresponding figures for February, 1918, are given for comparison:— February, 1919: 60,518,999 gallons, value £3,400,878.

February, 1918: 96,356,730 gallons, value £3,956,937. The decrease in February, 1919, as against February, 1918, amounted therefore to nearly 37:1 per cent in quantity and 14.0 per cent, in value.

Shell and Mexican Amalga mation.

Interesting news was published during the week concerning the acquisition by the Shell Transport and Trading Co. of the controlling interests belonging to Lord Cowdray. in the Mexican Eagle Oil Co.' a transaction which was hinted at in "One Hears" three weeks ago. The details, if they have been settled, have

i

been'lealously guarded, and it s not known what the purchase money is to he or exactly how it will be provided.It is assumed, however, that something like 15 millions will require to pass in order to complete the transaction. We think we are right in saying that a little while ago, whilst we were still at war, an attempt was made to secure the fusion of the Standard Oil Co. and the Mexican Oil .interests, but the Government expressed a desire that the deal should not be completed. The acquisition. of those interests by the Shell group makes the latter now probably the largest group of oil:controllers in the world. The effect upon the petrol market is a matter of great doubt, the Mexican oil not being very rich in the lighter oil fractions, being more valuable as fuel and lubricating

Straker-Squire's New .Factory.

Straker-Squire, Ltd., have recently purchased one. of the national aircraft engine factories. The factory is a new one, constructed within the last two years, and is situated. ateEdmonton. It comprises in all a site of 14 acres. The works adjoin, the Edmonton. passenger station, and are well equipped with railway sidings. 'The purchasers propose to transfer the whole of their manufacturing activities to the new works, where two standard models, one. a commercial vehicle and the other a. touring car, will be concentrated upon. According to present plans, it is stated that 2,000 complete vehicles will be produced from the converted factory during the first year of working. The price paid for the concern was £140,000; the works cost £133,000 to iild, so that the Disposal Board, which is entrusted with tho sale of all surplus Government property, can, therefore, show a, profit to the taxpayer of £7,000 on the transaction.

Progressive firms who contemplate business expansion will be interested to know that there are 14 other national factories in various parts of the country available for private enterprise. The entire factory will be organized on the lines of quantity production.

Industry and Educational • Reconstruction.

A conference on industry and educetional reconstruction will be held under the auspices of the Industrial Reconstruction Comma on Tuesday, March 25th, at 6 p.m., in the hall of the Institute of Journalists, 2 and 4, Tudor Street, E.C. 4. The chair will be taken by Mr. W. Peter Rylands, of Rylancle Bros., Ltd., 'Warrington, and the address will be given by Mr. F. W. Sanderson, M.A., Headmaster 'of Oundle School.

Alcohol Experiments.

The R.A.C. and the C.M.U.A. jointly have promised to make the necessary financial provision to enable a programme of research to proceed in the chemical laboratories of the Manchester University, under the direction of Professor Harold B. Dixon, F.R.S., concerning the behaviour of the vapour of alcohol and mixtures of alcohol with henzole and petrol and other fuels. The scheme of investigation will bear directly upon the methods to be oh-. served to obtain the maximum power with alcohol and alcohol mixtures in existing engines, and desirable modifications for the design of new engines.

The Industrial Reconstruction Council.

The following series of lectures have been arranged to take place at the Institute of Journalists, 2 and 4, Tudor Street, E.C. 4. There will be a different speaker at each lecture which begins at followed p.m., and is folloed by a discussion. April lat.—(1) The Determination of , Standards in Scientific Management. April 15th.—(2) The Planning Department in Scientific Mananiment.

April 291h.—(3) Incentives to Efficiency in Scientific Management. May 13th.—(4) Costing in Relation to Scientific Management.

May 27th.—(5) The relation of Welfare Work to Scientific Management. June 10th.—(6) The Benefit to the Workman of Scientific Management.

The Sale of Second-hand Lorries. Vendor's Liability.

One day last week there was tried in the Law Courts a very interesting case that shed some light on the moral aspect of trading in second-hand vehicles. The proceedings arose from an action brought by a firm of dealersagainst a haulier who had purchased from them a 4-ton Signal lorry. Defendant, having heard that the lorry was for sale, proceeded to the plaintiff's garage to examine' it; he took with him a friend to advise him in the inspection. After viewing' the vehicle and trying it on the road, defendant left the garage with his friend, and slibrtly afterwards wrote expressing his intention to purchase' the lorry. He further intimated that he would send his driver to fetch it the following day, and convey through the driver a cheque for £375 in payment of the price asked. To this the vendor replied that he had received defendant's

letter " chfifirming the purchase of the lorry as inspected."

The next development occUrred when .defendant's driver brought the lorry away from the garage ; on that journey, unfortunately, a fracture occurred in the gearbox at a place where it had previously been welded. In these circumstances, defendant promptly stopped payment of his cheque, and wrote to say that be would not settle for the vehicle until plaintiff had met the cost of repairing the gearbox. In reply to this defendant received a writ, which led to the recent action.

Plaintiff claimed payment of the agreed price of the lorry, £375. Per contra, defendant claimed £42, being the cost of repairing the gearbox, together with £125 damages arising from loss through the vehicle not being in use over a period of six weeks.

In support of his contention, defendant pointed out that four horse-drawn wagons were necessary to carry out the work of one 21-ton lorry ; and that, moreover, he had suffered because it had not been possible for him to secure the regular services of such vehicles, which were available only spasmodically. Plaintiff urged that the purchaser had no claim in respect of defects in. the lorry, inasmuch as the vehicle had been inspected on purchaser's behalf. On this. the case hinged.

Judgment was entered for defendant to the eatent of £125 damages, with legal costs; b 'edge disallowed the claim in respect o e repair to the gearbox.

Buses or Trams for Wakefield.

At a meeting of the Wakefield City Council it was reported that a conference had taken place between a sub-committee of the Council and the manager of the Yorkshire (West Riding) Electric Tramways Co. Regarding the possibility of a scheme of trams or buses to Alverthorpe and Flanshaw the manager said it was at present impossible. As to tramways, the cost at present was prohibitive. He gave instances of rails which used to cost £6 12s. per ton costing £17 10s. now, and only recently the Corporation of Sheffield had paid almost £3,000 for each new tramcar as against a pre-war price of about £900. The constructional cost per single track mile now worked out at about £8,000 to £10,000, as against a pre-war cost of about £5,000. With regard to buses, the manager said if the roads could be made suitable the company would be prepared to run buses at their own risk.

Apollo Horns.

The Apollo Manufacturing Co., Apollo Works, Moseley Street, Birmingham, advise us that they have recommenced the manufacture of the well-known and popular Apollo electric horn. This make of horn possesses a ' commanding note without in any way being offensive. It is made in two types, a. short type which is possibly preferable for commercial vehicles, and a long type, the price of the former being four guineas and the latter five guineas. Two and a half yards of armature cable, switch and bracket are also supplied inclusive. The company has at present a fair number of orders in hand, but they are getting well ahead with manufacture, and in all probability will be able to supply in about three weeks time. Further particulars and a leaflet describing each, type of horn can be obtained from. the address given above.

Sale of Government Motors.

Motervans and motorcars, together with a number of disused Army travelling kitchens and lorries, all in various stages of decay due to long exposure on the unsheltered Abbey Field at Col cheater, were recently sold by auction. For the costly travelling kitchens, now mere contraptions of rusty iron, £5 10s. was the top price paid. The motorVans . formed a gloomy spectacle, and a once powerful and handsome car was to be seen being towed away by a. fussy little Ford. A Clement-Talbot lied Cross ambulance went for £11 10s. ; a. Daimler (St. John Ambulance) for £15; an Aries motor lorry for £11 10s. ; a Minerva motorvan 81.4 10s.; whilst a car that was once a leVolseley made £7. An Armstrong-Whitworth ear met a better fate, selling for £95. A Dennis van went for £55, and a Napier van for £61. Having regard to the condition of the vehicles, it may be honestly said that good prices were realized.

Enterprise at Nottingham.

Challands, Ross and Co., Ltd., London Road, Nottingham, inform us that they are carrying out extensions to their business in order to be in a position to give efficient attention to all types of motor vehicles. This company has been appointed sole agents in the district for Thornycroft commercial vehicles, and they are making special arrangements to deal with the engineering and body-building requirements of all users.

EXHIBITS AT THE LYONS FAIR.

Our Paris correspondent writes :— Commercial motors did not play a very big role at the Lyons Fair, the leading exhibitors being Berliet, Bawer, VinotDeguingand, F.I.A.T., Aries, Unie and Renault. The latter was the only really new vehicle on show. After Renault had produced,his light Tank, during the war, some means had to be found of moving these weapons of war otherwise than under their own power. No petrol lorries being able to take a load of 6i tons, it was necessary to turn to steam, in the shape of Purrey-Exeleaw lorries. It was then that Renault decided to build a 7-ton petrol lorry to carry his own Tanks, and it was this model which was put on exhibition. So far as the engine is concerned, this new model does not differ in any essential from other Renaults. The cylinders, which are pair castings have a bore of 125 nem. and a Stroke Of 160 mm. In order to provide the necessary radiating surface with thermo-syphon cooling, the radiator, which is placed behind the engine, is Vshaped, the point of the V being towards the rear, and is composed of gilled tubes in place of the usual plain copper tubes. Left-hand steering has been adopted, with the change speed, brake, and differential locking levees in the centre. A change has been made in the rear axle which, so far as can be judged from an external examination, is of internalgear type, instead of having a double reduction in the differential housing as on other Renault lorries. The axle is banjo type, but the aluminium cradle only carries the differential and the first reduction, the final reduction being ob tained in the cast-steel wheels_ Rear springs are uriderslung, and have a width of exactly 6 ins. The tyres on this big tractor are 970 mm. by 180 mm. singles being fitted in front and dual; on the rear wheels.

Aries showed a standard type of 4-ton lorry with dual pneumatic tyres on the rear wheels and single pneumatics on the front. It is not believed, however, that lorries have actually been put into service with this tyre equipment. The F.I.A.T. exhibit consisted of the company's 4-ton enclosed-chain drive Armytype lorry, which was pushed into the hall two days late by a group of German prisoners. This did not cause much surprise, however, for German prisoners are seen everywhere in Lyons, working without any close guard.

In the agrimotor section the Austin tractor; the Alldays and Onions, and the Sannderson as built by the Paris General Omnibus Co., were to be found. Sir Herbert Austin was one of the visitors to the Show, and I understand that he decided his tractor should remain in France some time in order to take part in the public trials to be held near Paris next month. Mr. Fenwick was in charge of the AlIdays and Onions stand. Although the Fair was only visited by me during the opening days, and before the bulk of the visitors had arrived, the impression of the English -exhibitors was that good business would be done. The official of the Paris General Omnibus Co. stated that they were considerably behindhand with orders, and did not expect to catch up until they got into their new factory now being erected in the suburbs of Pam The •tractor was shown in

France for the first time, and was booked for a trip into Spain' for the Barcelona Exhibition, immediately on the closing of the Lyons Fair. All the well-known American tractors -were present.

The new French productions comprised the Peugeot track-laying tractor, which was exhibited in the motor ball instead of in the agricultural section. Renault announced a new track-laying tractor, but the actual machine could not be found. It is quite possible that • it was on exhibition, but as the official catalogue had not appeared when I left Lyons it was not an easy matter to find any individual firm among the 4,700 exhibitors who took part in this real live exhibition. The Renault tractor is the outcome of experience with the small Renault Tank, and makes use of the same engine. It weighs 53 cwt., and has a drawbar pull of 4,400 lb., a pressure of 400 grammes per square centimetre, and is listed complete at £1,120. It has four speeds and reverse, and travels from to 4i miles an hour.

First Scottish Oil Well.

S. Pearson and Son, Ltd., have begun prospecting work for oil in Scotland, and are building a rig in West Calder, Wept Lothian, in the neighbourhood of the Scottish oil shale district.

Removal.

Beck and Pollitzer, licensed wharfingers, carmen, forwarding and insurance agents, inform us that on and from March 28th their offices will be situated at 133-137, Queen Victoria Street, E.C. 4, where all communications should be addressed. The firm's telephone numbers, telegraphic and cable address will remain unaltered.

Motor Lorries versus Light Railways.

In the House of Commons last week, Mr. Joynson-Hicks asked the right hon. member for Cambridge whether he is proposing to institute trials between motor lorries and light railways, using for the motor lorry trials the three-ton Army petrol machine; and whether he is prepared to refer the whole matter to a committee on which representatives cf the transport trade shall be represented, in order that the trial may be a fair one, and embrace all kinds of motor lorries, steam as well as petrol? Captain Guest: My right hon. friend has no authority to take the suggested action.

A Government Auction.

At a Government auction, held last Friday at the Royal Agricultural Hall at Islington, 104 assorted cars and lorries were offered for sale. Amongst these were 15 heavy, lorries, which had been overhauled and passed again for service, a lot of new parts having been fitted. Eight Commers under this heading fetched prices varying from 585 to 805 guineas, the average, price being about 635 guineas. A Straker type C.I. fetched 620, and a type C.O.T. 720 guineas.. Two Dennis's fetched 605 and 610 guineas! The-15 repaired lorries fetched in all 9,595. guineas. There were also offered numerous other lorries in varying condition, Seabrooks at 100 to 200 guineas, Stars at 150 to 300 'guineas, Karriers at 100 to 140 guineas, and Strakers at 250 to 660 guineas. The whole 104 vehicles fetched 24,075 guineas

altogether. We understand another sale is to be held to-morrow (Friday), at the same place.

Does This Interest You ?

We know a gentleman just released from the R.A.F. who is open to an engagement as manager or salesman in a motor or tyre business. Previous to hostilities he had about 10 years reference in the tyre business, knows the London bus trade, and should prove an exceptionally useful man. Address, A.B., care of this journal.

Bus Tests with Benzole and Alcohol.

An important Government test is being carried out within the next few days on 20 London motorbuses which are to run on a mixture of benzole and alcohol. The admixture is to consist of 25 per cent, of the former and 75 per cent, of the latter fuel.

Omnibus Owners and the • Transport Bill.

The London and Provincial Omnibus Owners' Association (Incorporated) have given consideration to the Bill for establishing a Ministry of Ways and Communications. While the Association desire several amendments and additions to the Bill they would dissociate themselves from general opposition to the Bill, recognizing that transport must be considered as a whole, and not in its several parts. The Association approves the principle which brings together in one ministry all powers and duties of the Government in relation to roads and road traffic as tending to uniform administration. It is, however, essential that some provision:, whether legislative or administrative, should be introduced to safeguard the.interests of road traffic in any conflict with other means of trans port. A separate department of the Ministry and an advisory council of those interested in the matter would appear to be the appropriate course.

Parliament and Cippenham.

In the House of Commons last week Sir Arthur Fell asked the Prime Minister if his attention had been called to the situation at Cippenham; and if he would consider the suggestion that a Committee of Business Members of the House cf Commons should visit the works and report on the position and undertaking generally.

'Mr. Churchill'; Sir James Stevenson, the new Surveyor-General of Supply, has now visited the depot at Cippenharri, and is preparing his report on the subject. I expeet this will be in my possession very soon,: and will enable me to announce a definite policy to the House. I see no advantage at this stage of the visit of such an expedition as is proposed.

Mr. Churchill further said in replying to Sir A. Fell that the enterprise was pushed forward as part of our war effort. The question is Whether immediately to wind up the undertaking or consider whether it can be found a place in our peace organization.

Inst. A.E. Meeting.

At the seventh meeting of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, held on March 5th, Capt. G. W. A. Brown gave a most interesting paper in regard to the lubrication of the motorcar. Capt. Brown's ideas on this subject are teeming well known to those who are studying the post-war chassis, and may be briefly summed up in the desire to eliminate grease cups which the ordinary man never fills or if he fills never uses, and the substitution of complete lubrication for every part of the car.

The ballot for the election of new members of Council resulted in the election of the following nsensbers : A. E. Berriman, Sir Dugald Clerk, Cal. Crompton, L. H. Hounsfield, Col. J. S. Napier, Hy. Brearley, A. E. L. Chariton, J. H. Dickenson, L. A. Legros, Dr. W. R. Ormandy, S. Straker, Lt.-Col. Briggs, L. Coataleu, Dr. Hele-Shaw, T. Blackwood Murray, T. C. Pullinger.

Beiere the war the institution was in a position to place before parents who were anxious for their sow; to enter the motor industry, particulars of the facilities offered by the various firma throughout the country. The war has rendered most of these schemes obsolete, but the institution is about to recommence this important work, and is now obtaining information from the various firms, Which will put it in a position to give up-todate advice which, it may be added, is given free of charge.

A Central Conference.

Further efforts are being made to carry into effect the formation of a central conference for motoring and allied interests of the road, and conferences are new taking place among the representatives of the motoring movement and the motor industry to ensure the desirable end of unity without sacrifice of independence, coupled with some means for taking concerted action in such matters as those where unity is already reached.

1328 We.understand that the parties to these friendly discussions include the representatives of the Motor Legislation Committee (the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and the Automobile Association and Motor Union), the Royal Automobile Club, the Association of British Motor and Allied Manufacturers, and the Joint Committee of the Road. Transport Association, which latter, it will be remembered, is a group of 10 heav-transport bodies.

New North British Director.

The announcement is made that Mr. Alexander Johnston, J.P., general manager of the North British . Rubber Co., Ltd., has joined the beard of the company as managing director. This famous old company is one of those concerns which does not generally have a managing director, and the only previous holder of the position was Mr. William Erskine Bartlett, the inventor of the Leaded edge tyre. Mr. Johnston has filled all the principal official positions of the company during the last 14 years, having been secretary, works manager and general manager successively.

Hollings and Guest Appoint ment.

Hollings and Guest, Ltd., Thimble Mill Lane, Birmingham, have appointed Mr. Fred Evans, who has just been demobilized, as their engineering representative, and he is prepared to call on any firm desiring information with reference to the installation • of hydraulic tyre and wheel presses. Previous to the war, Mr. Evans was with Rolls-Royce, Ltd.

Retax Motor Accessories, Ltd., wish us to remind our readers that their head office and works is situated at Victoria Road, Willesden Junction, N.W. 10. The company is continually receiving correspondence and also goods addressed to Great Eastern Street, which premises they vacated three years ago.

Local Proceedings.

Flaxton R.D.C. is to consider the adoption of steam haulage.

Pershore R.D.C. is going into the question of steam versus petrol vehicles for transport.

ViTineheombe R.D.C. has appointed a committee to report on the purchase of a tractor and trucks. .

Derry Fire Brigade Superintendent has recommended the purchase of a motor fire-engine at a cost of £1,500.

Derry Corporation has made arrangements for procuring a fleet of motorbuses to replace the horse trains in the city.

Walthamstow Council Surveyor reports that he has now obtained delivery of the Clayton and Shuttleworth steam. wagon.

Plymouth Corporation Hospital Committee has appointed a sub-committee to consider and report on the question of the purchase of a steam wagon.

The Midland Motor Omnibus Co. in, forms Shrewsbury T.C. it hits a scheme for the futrther development of the undertaking in Shrewsbury by running motor omnibuses to and from the outlying districts.

Bradford Watch Committee, which has had correspondence with the Local Government Board on the subject of mud splashing by heavy motor vehicles, is now urging the Board to introduce nev. legislation without delay on the subject.

The Metropolitan division of the Motor Trade Association is holding a. peace re-union dinner at the Connaught Rooms, on Wednesday, March 26th, at 7.15 p.m. An excellent musical programme has been arranged and a pleasant evening is assured. The price of the ticket is 7s. 6d., and tickets can be obtained from Mr. E. W. Garnon, the Divisional Secretary, at 157, Great Portland Street, W. 1.