OVER 564,000 COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN USE.
Page 30
Page 31
Page 32
Page 33
Page 34
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
AT the end of May last, the number of licences current in respect of goods vehicles was 480,925, as contrasted with 470,511 at the end of May last year. This is the highest figure returned for this period, and has only been beaten on one occasion, when 483,865 licences were current in the quarter ended November 30, 1938.
So far as hackneys are concerned, 83,589 licences were current at the end of May last, compared with 81,514 a year earlier.
Death of Mr. E. W. Willis.
THE road-transport industry has lost a valued friend and we an honoured colleague by the death of Mr. Ernest William Willis, who died, at the age of 64, at his home at Bromley, on July 14, after a short illness.
In 1904 Mr. Willis helped to found The World's Carriers and Carrying Trades Review, of which he was appointed Editor in 1906. In 1907 he became a director of the Carriers Publishing Co., Ltd., and was appointed chairman and managing director in 1915, which offices he continued to occupy. He was a Member of the Institute of Transport and of the Worshipful Company of Carmen, and a Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Trade. He leaves a widow, daughter and two sons, to whom we extend our sincere sympathy.
German Concentration on " Fuel Gas " Vehicles.
I N a recent issue of the Bulletin of the Hamburg World's Economic Archives there appears a long article on the rapid development in the use of " fuel gas" for vehicles in Germany. The fuel takes the form of a mixture of butane and propane, originally obtained as byproducts of the nitrogen works and, later, from the hydrogenation of coal and lignite and from petroleum. a28 As compared with ordinary coal gas, fuel gas is claimed to have the advantage that it can be liquefied and stored at the low pressure of about 15 atmospheres, enabling it to be compressed into relatively light steel cylinders. Our contemporary adds that whereas, in 1936, there were about 4,000 lorries in Germany being run on fuel gas, to-day the number is in the neighbourhood of 22,000.
Many Carriers Amongst New Registrations.
QTATISTICS circulated by Jordan k....)and Sons, Ltd., 116, Chancery Lane, London, W.C.2, show that, in the six months ended June 30, 1939, 104 new public companies and 6,513 new private companies were registered, the aggregate capital of the former being 45,471,250 and of the latter £24,630,652, both returns in respect of number being lower than for the corresponding period of 1938, although the capital of the public companies was appreciably higher.
Amongst private companies there were 185 in respect of carriers, their aggregate capital being £508,950, whilst under the heading of " motors " there were three public companies and
335 private concerns. New registrations of oil companies include two of a public nature and 33 of a private character.
NEW PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY TO M.O.T.
ANOTHER change has been effected in the political control of the Ministry of Transport. Captain Austin U. M. Hudson, the Parliamentary Secretary, has been transferred to the Admiralty as Civil Lord of the Admiralty in place of Colonel J. J. Llewellin, who becomes Parliamentary Secretary under Mr. Burgin, the Minister of Supply.
The new Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport is Mr. Robert Bernays, Liberal. National member for North Bristol, who has been Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health for two years. Mr. Bernays, who is 37, was formerly
prominent in journalism. His political studies have not, hitherto, led him to take any conspicuous part in discussions of transport problems, although he is recognized as an able debater.
Captain Hudson has served at the Ministry of Transport as Parliamentary Secretary since 1935.
New Dennis 5-tonner as Oiler.
WITHOUT increase in unladen YY weight (50 cwt.), the Dennis 5tanner, introduced last month, has now been made available with an oil engine. The standard power unit offered, alternatively to the fourcylindered 75 b.h.p. petrol engine, is the Perkins P6; the Gardner 4 LK, however, can be installed if preferred.
A brief description of this chassis appeared in our issue dated June 9 and a road-test report a fortnight later. With the Perkins engine, which develops 85 b.h.p., the price of the complete drop-sided lorry, equipped with 34 by 7 tyres for loads up to the maximum permissible gross weight of 8 tons 15 cwt., is £627.
Another development is the production of this model as a 5-cubic-yd. tipper, equipped with Edbro hydraulic gear. In this case, the rear wheels may be shod with 34 by 7 tyres, without exceeding the 50-cwt. limit.
Winding-up Results from Hire-purchase Debts.
ON petitions by the Scottish Midland Guarantee Trust, Ltd., creditor, Mr. Justice Crossman, in the Chancery Division, on Monday, made orders for the compulsory winding-up of the Indiana Distributors (London), Ltd., and Dependable Transport Services, Ltd.
Mr. J. B. Lindon, for the petitioner, said that the debts were in respect of amounts due under hire-purchase agreements, on vehicles in each case, and that some of the vehicles were missing. The respondent companies did not appear and there was no opposition. HIGHER TAXATION RECEIPTS.
T" gross amount received in payment for road-vehicle licences issued during the six months ended May 31, 1939, was £29,814,484, compared with £28,631,758 in the corresponding
period of the previous year. The average receipt in respect of a wholeyear licence was £27 5s. 6d. for i n ternal-c om bu stion-engined and steamdriven goods vehicles, £19 8s. 6d. for electric goods vehicles, and £55 14s, 8c.1. for hac.lineys, Mr. Riches Thinks of the Newly-weds!
REFERENCE to the carriage of wedding gifts was made during the hearing of an application at Aberdeen, last week, by James Allan and Co. (Aberdetn), Ltd., for an extension of the delivery radius of its furniture van to cover Scotland. The London, Midland and Scottish and London and North-Eastern Railway Cos. opposed the application, which was dealt with by the Northern Scotland Licensing Authority, Mr. Henry Riches.
Mr, W. R. Gordon, a salesman of the company, said it was often asked to deliver furniture to other parts of the country, along with goods already in a purchaser's possession, such as wedding presents. It could not do this outside the area of the three counties, to which its radius was, meantime, confined.
Mr. Henry Riches granted the extension, the condition being that the company should carry goods only for people who bought furniture from it.
New Tractor at Yorks Show.
TWENTY-SEVEN Fordson dealers 1 in Yorkshire were associated in a display of Fordson vehicles and tractors, on a stand at the Great Yorkshire Show, which the Yorkshire Agricultural Society held at Halifax last
eek.
A new implement on view was Hud•son's motor mowing tractor, exhibited by Mr. Kenneth Hudson, engineer, of Elland, near Halifax. Features of this machine include a device whereby should the knife be obstructed while cutting,. the clutch automatically slips. The knife may be instantly stopped by means of the clutch lever. After haytime, the cutter bar can he quickly removed, the tractor thus being made available for general purposes.
Numerous types of tractor were exhibited at the show, such wellknown makes as Case, David Brown, Massey-Harris, International, Farmall, and Caterpillar being represented.
Is the Small Carrier Really in Danger?
ULTESIATEEY, the only form of competition would be in quality of service: there was no suggestion of any i■ooling arrangement, said Mr. A. E. Sewell (representing the railway side) at the first meeting of the NorthWestern Regional Committee, which was held on Friday of last week. They were trying to stop the fight between the two forms of transport that had been going on for 15-20 year but, whatever they did, there would be
nothing to injure the trading or agri cultural communities. Railways had agreements with canals and coastwise shipping, interests which might later be brought into the conference.
Me Roger Sewill, of A.R.O., who took the chair at the inaugural proceedings, said that State control was nowhere near so severe as in many other countries, and Great Britain was the first to attempt a solution by voluntary effort. The position of the small carrier had been questioned, but there was nothing in the agreement to prejudice him, so long as he worked efficiently and operated fairly.
Mr. H. G. Humphreys, L.M.S. Manchester district goods manager, was elected Regional Committee chairman and the meeting then went into private conference.
Modern Service Equipment.
WE have received from Tecalemit, Ltd., Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex, its latest catalogue dealing with a comprehensive range of special ized servicing equipment. An excellent, feat iir( of the publication is the manner in which each item is described, to leave no doubt as to its purpose and caial)ilities. Copies may he obtained cm application to the concern mc ntioned .
In a recent reference to Mr. Walter L. Hill, ot David Brown Tractors, Ltd., we referred to him as general manager of David 13rown, Ltd., whereas he is general manager of tip first-named concern. PERSONAL PARS.
MR. DAVID JOHNSTONE, an employee of the City of Perth Co-operative Society, Ltd., is taking up an appointment as organizer in Central Scotland for the Scottish Horse aud Motormen s
Association.
MR. J. H. STIRK, Traffic Commissioner for the East Midland Area, has been appointed a Commissioner of the Peace for Nottinghamshire (Nottingham Petty Sessional Division). He is already on the Commission of the Peace for the Birmingham area.
MR. C. H. HUMPIDGE, chief engineer. Portsmouth, as last week appointed rolling-stock superintendent of Nottingham Passenger Transport Department, in succession to MR. G. H. PULFREY, now transport manager at St. Helens. Mr. Hurnpidge is expected to take over his duties in about a month.
MR. JOHN WATKINSON, a member of the ambulance stall of the Leyland Chorley branch works and divisional superintendent of the Chorley branch of the St. John Ambulance Associas tion, has received the distinction of Honorary Serving Brother of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, and was invested with the honour in London, last week, by the King. Mr. Watkinson is the second member of the Leyland stall to be invested with this prized insignia. FROM OIL TO GAS ENGINE AT LOW COST.
IN experiments conducted by the
National Gas and Oil Engine Co., at Ashton-under-Lyme, means have been found for adapting existing oil engines, at little cost, to the use of gas, stated Col. Moncrieff Carr. managing director of the United Kingdom Gas Corporation, speaking in Yorkshire last week.
Colonel Carr was speaking on the occasion of the completion of the first stage of the West Yorkshire " gas grid," which is linked up with one of the largest coke-oven plants in the world, now under construction at Hemsworth. The importance of the grid, he said, was emphasized to-day when the Government and industry were seeking for the development of a fuel to replace petrol and oil in time of war.
Big West Riding Road Plan. DRASTIC changes in road plans for Lithe Goole and Thorne areas have been recommended by the highways committee of West Riding County Council. The recommendation provides for the scrapping of various projects for by-passing, widening, and bridge construction, estimated to cost £500,000. and the construction of a complete new road-system instead,
RESERVE VEHICLE NECESSARY TO BIGGER FLEETS.
ON the plea that road operators were entitled, equally with the railway companies, to have reserve maintenance vehicles, Mr. IIenry Deckhouse secured for Clivetham Robinson and Co., Ltd., Ardwick, Manchester, an addition to its fleet of 20, of one vehicle. Mr. Joseph Ferndale, North-Western Deputy Licensing Authority, in granting this concession. last week, specified the condition that it was for maintenance only In this case, the vehicle concerned had been in the possession of the applicant for some time, but the company found it an inconvenience to apply to the Licensing Authority for permission wider Regulation 15 every time it was wanted in substitution.
Big Depot for London-Wales Operator.
1 N the near future Andrews Transport, Ltd.. Albion Chambers, Swansea, one of the biggest contractors on the London to South Wales route, will take possession of a new vehicle-maintenance and operating building at Gendros, Swansea. The building provides a banking and loading space of 4110 sq. ft.. repair shops, and a large group of general offices.
Our Inquiry Bureau.
WE would point out that, whilst our technical, legal and costs consulting departments are always willing to give advice gratis, the huge number of inquiries we receive involves us in con siderable expense for postage. We would, therefore, draw readers' attention to the stipulation (published on our pages devoted to " Opinions and Queries ") that each inquiry must be accompanied by a stamped and addresseil envelope. Failing this, answers may be delayed.
Six Months for 13 Driving Offences.
A'amazing series of road offences was revealed at Paisley Sheriff Court on Monday, when James Murphy was sentenced to six months' imprisonment on two charges of fraud and 11 contraventions of the Traffic Act. The Deputy Procurator-Fiscal, Mr. J. J. Ballard, stated that the two charges of fraud related to having induced two men to give the accused their driving I icence and heavy-goods-vehicle licence, respectively. Four of the charges under the Road Traffic Act resulted from the fact that accused had been stopped after speeding. He was uninsured, had used another man's licence, and had driven while disqualified, having been convicted and disqualified last year.
Three of the other charges resulted ate' a lorry which had been used at the new Royal Ordnance Factory at Hishopton, had been found missing. Accused had been identified as the man who was seen driving the vehicle. He was again driving while uninsured and disqualified. The other four charges resulted from an accident at Linwood, in which accused had involved another vehicle. He had been passing himself
off, all the time, under the name of Merit:barn, which was on one of the licences obtained by fraud.
In tion to the sentence of imprisoneneat, Murphy was disqualified from driving for five years.
New Authority Takes Over Tasmanian Transport Control.
FROM July 1, 1939, the management and cperation of the Tasmanian ra il ways. %% as transferred from the Commissioner for Railways to a newly constituted Transport Commission, comprising a Commissioner for Transport and two Associate Commissioners. This body also takes over the control of the
registration of motor vehicles, the licensing of drivers, the licensing and control of commercial road transport and the determination of the road policy, all of which were previously in the hands of entirely separate authorities.
This change-over was effected under the Transport Act, 1938, which also brought all ancillary vehicles, except those used in agricultural pursuits, within the scope of licensing. The Commission also has a limited control over commercial aircraft operations in the State, and thus, with the exception of municipal passenger transport and inland and coastal shipping, has complete supervision of all transport in the State.
The Commissioner for Transport and Chairman of the Transport Commission is Mr. M. W. S. Wilson, who was formerly Adininistrative Assistant of the Department of Road Transport and Tramways in New South Wales. The Associate Commissioners are Mr. F. P. St. Hill. who was formerly the Commissioner for Railways in Tasmania, and Colonel J. E. C. Lord, the present Commissioner of Police in Tasmania. Amongst the executive appointments made by the Commission is that of Mr. A. W. Newton as Administrator of Road Transport.
The Commissioner's offices are at Argyle Street, Hobart. PROPER DATA PLEASE THE AUTHORITY.
TII E North Western Licensing Authority, Sir William Chamberlain, last week, complimented Topham Bros. (Manchester), Ltd., on the way in which an application had been presented, and granted the company three 2i-tonners in place of one 6/-ton -steamer and trailer. Remarking that exchanges were too often a matter of guesswork, he said, I feel, in this case, that I am being relieved of all guesswork." He had been presented with figures not only for what the steamer and trailer had done, but for what three 21-tonners were doing on this class of work.
In the result, the applicant was getting 25 cwt. added to his tonnage, but Sir William thought it was fair to allow the same class of vehicle to which the company was gradually turning over. No doubt the railway companies would remember that 25 cwt. on the next application.
Trailers Used with Private Cars.
IN the footnote to a letter amongst our
" Opinions and Queries," in our issue of July 14, dealing with the use of trailers with private cars, we should have stated that the car must not travel at more than 30 m.p.h. ; also that if a trailer does not exceed 1 ton unladen, or 2 tons where it is not constructed or adapted to carry any load other than plant or a special appliance or apparatus which is virtually a permanent fixture, the brakes may be brought into action automatically on the over-run. The brakes must also be capable of being set so as to prevent at least two of the wheels from revolving while the trailer is stationary, whether it be attached to the drawing vehicle or not.
Palace Transport Makes South Wales Application.
I T is learnt that Palace Transport Co., Ltd., Dudley Street. East Canal Wharf, Cardiff, has made an application, in the South Wales Area, for a new A licence. This is for five vehicles (totalling 22 tons 9 cwt.) and is for the take-over of the business of Messrs. Wheale Bros., Swansea.
Grant of A Licence for Livestock.
AST week, before Mr. Henry Riches, Northern Scotland Licensing Autho rity, an application by Mr. Robert Smith, Friockhcim, for an A licence to carry livestock, grain, agricultural crops and general goods in Angus, Perthshire, and Kincardineshire, was opposed by Mr. William Weir for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Co. Objection was on the ground that the district was already well served with railway and road services.
Mr. W. Nairn Hay submitted 21 letters from farmers, auctioneers, and other business men in support of the application.
Mr. Riches granted a licence limited to the carrying of livestock in Angus, with Brechin and Forfar excluded. REMEDY FOR DELAY IN CATTLE TRANSPORT.
THAT they had sometimes to wait so 1 long as a week for the consignment of their cattle to local marts was stated by several farmers from the Hatton district of Aberdeenshire when they gave evidence before the Northern Scotland Licensing Authority, at Aberdeen, last week, in support of an application by Mr. Colin Chrystall,
Mr. Chrystall has, at present, a licence to carry cattle and sheep on Thursdays and Fridays. His request for an extension to cover the rest of the week was granted by Mr. Henry Riches, the Authority.
Back to the Horse in War?
LEEDS Chamber of Commerce has La been asked to assist in organizing horsed transport in Leeds and district, in connection with the wholesale and retail distribution of food supplies in the event of war. For the purpose of
securing a complete return of all horsedrawn transport used for food distribution in the district, the Chamber has sent out a questionnaire to various concerns and has requested the help of organizations connected with the food and allied trades.
Any owner of a horse-drawn vehicle used for food transport in the Leeds district who has not already been approached on the matter is asked to communicate with the Secretary, Leeds Chamber of Commerce, 26 and 27, Park Row, Leeds.
A Take-over in Peterborough.
TN the Eastern Traffic Area an appli1 cation has been made which indicates the take-over of a fleet of 14 vehicles, totalling 52 tons. It is that of G. and B. Watson, Ltd., Inham's Road, Whittlesey, to continue the A licence granted to Emerald Transport, Ltd., with the modification that all vehicles are to be based at Peterborough.
PLANS FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC EXHIBITION.
LANS are in progress for the holding of a large International Traffic Exhibition in Cologne, Germany, during 1940. For the motor industry a large special building is to be erected. It is expected that the first of the new German types of vehicle, built in accordance with the official specification of the State Controller, will be shown.
Shipping Guide for Hauliers.
THE following is the number of ships . arriving at the London docks, wharves and jetties named, from July 21 to 29 inclusive :—Docxs : King George V, 9; Royal Albert, 11; Royal Victoria, 5; Surrey Commercial, 6; East India, 1; West India, 5; SouthWest India, 1; Tilbury, 12; Tilbury Stage, 6; Millwall, 6; Royal, 1; London, 2. Wnseves : Hays, ; Tilbury Jetty, ; Royal Canal, 1; Butler's, 2.