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LETTERS FROM OUR READERS.

"Much More Work." Messrs. Kench and Sons, Millers, of Warwick, under date the 10th inst.,

write.—" We have one Sentinel ' wagon, which we bought in May, 1907, and it does much work that horses could not do, with an average load of five tons. The weekly mileage varies very much, and we have at, no time found ally goods to be damaged through the use of motor transport."

"Replaces Three or Four Horses."

The Manager of the Bingley Co-operative Society, Ltd., writing on the 11th inst., tells us, in reference to hie " Kar• rier " car.—" The vehicle was purchased on the 31st August., 1909, and it has re, placed three or four horses. We carry three tons, and we average 100 miles ti week. It is too soon to say how much we have saved, hut we have never at any time found goods or parcels to be damaged by this mode of conveyance, whilst the increase of frequency in deliveries, and of the radius of direct delivery to customers, varies between 30 and 50 per cent."

"Half the Cost of Other Means."

Mr. A. P. Coppinger, the Manchester manager for P.G.R. spirit, writes to us, under date the 19th inst.;—" We bought our Leyland four-tormer in June, 1909, and it does the work of four horses. It seldom travels less than 400 miles a week ; it works at about half the cost of any other means of transport. None of our

packages have ever been damaged in transit, and our radius of direct delivery has been increased tenfold. It is used to supply our depots at Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds and other towns, and it has been a great factor in helping me to secure the present wide use of P.G.R. spirit, the consumption of which has enormously increased during the last year, and of which good supplies are well assured."

"Motors Invaluable."

Mr. J. E. Gill, traffic manager of the Co-operative Wholesale Society, Ltd. (Newcastle Branch), writes to us (dated the 14th inst.).—" I am sorry we have no photograph with the whole of our fleet of motor vehicles; we sent you a photograph last year (20th April, 1909), with a part fleet of our Halley vehicles loaded up with boots and shoes for Ryhope Co-operative Society, which you reproduced.

" We bought our first motor in March, 1901. We now have: Petrol goods vehicles, 12 Halleys, 3 Albions, and 4 Arrol. Johnstons ; petrol travellers' cars, etc., 5 Albions, 5 Allda.ys, and 1 each ArrolJohnston and Daimler ; steam motors, 2 Yorkshires, 1 Foden, 1 Thornycruft and 1 Londonderry.

" With motor transport, we give deliveries where it would be impassible for horses to go; we consider a two-ton motor can easily do the work of three horse-vans. The petrol vehicles average two-ton loads; the steam vehicles aver

ag3 five-ton loads. The petrol vehicles average 250 miles per week; the steam vehicles average 120 miles per week. " We have no doubt increased our business, by giving prompt deliveries, for such goods as greengrocery, provisions, etc. The motors have been invaluable, as our customers now receive the goods fresh, and consequently no railway delays. There is no doubt that there is a considerable saving of wrapping and packing, etc. The frequency and radius of delivery is lip ' by 100 per cent."

Big Savings Over Railway Transport,

Greenall, Whitley and Co., Ltd., of Wilderspool Brewery, Warrington, in a letter dated the 9th inst., advises us as follows :—" We have pleasure in sending a statement about our two 'Sentinel ' six-tonners, made by Alley and MacLellan, Ltd., of Glasgow. The first of these was purchased in October, 1907, and they are worked in competition with the railway company. The maximum load is six tons on the wagon, and another four on the trailer, outwards ; empties back are 2, and 1,1i tons, respectively. Each wagon averages 200 miles a week, approximately, and, after all expenses have been accounted for, including depreciation at 20 per cent, per annum, and in terest at 5 per cent, per annum, there is a saving against the railway rates of £150 to £180 per annum. There is, too, much less damage to the barrels, and the beer arrives in better condition."

"An Unprecedented Increase of Trade."

Mr. C. M. Love, director of Gregory Love and Co., Ltd., Grocers, Provision Merchants, etc., of 175, Friar Street, Reading, writes, under date the 9th inst. :—`• Our first van was purchased in August, 1908; vse now have three 10 11.1). single-cylinder Adams in use the approximate nomber of homes replaced by the three vans is nine; two of the vans are geared to carry a maximum load of one ton, and the smaller express van, which is, of course, geared higher, will carry about. 5 to 6 cwt.; the approximate weekly mileage of the two heavy vans is 250 miles each—the express car we have only had just recently, and up to date have not read the mileage record; owing to the fact that we still have a number of horses, it is difficult to state in figures what has been the exact saving by adopting these motor vans, hut, by reducing the number of horses, we have been able to reduce the number of men employed regularly at our stables, though, unfortunately, as our stables are not suited for the motor vans, we have them now only about half filled, and have to rent other premises for our motors the stables being our own property ; this will be remedied eventually, when we dispense entirely with horses. " We have effected DO saving for payment of outside carrying, as the motor vans are only replacing work previously done by our.43iien horses; we have not found the motor transit. damage the goods or parcels, any more than the horse transit; we have nut, so far, increased the frequency of our deliveries, but have extende4 tlie;r raelho; considerably, and, as a proof of the odravtage$ of motor transit over horses, we would mention that on one day of the week one of the motor vans dues two journeys, and covers the ground, and delivers goods, which would have taken three vans, four horses, and three men to do, had we adhered to horse transit. The express car has, on another day, enabled us to do in ig hours what previously took 8.

" To our mind, the principal advantages of tins motor vans are the saving of time, the larger radius in which the firm is able to deliver goods, and furthera point which is often overlooked

the advertising advantages. Since we have adopted the motor vans. our trade has increased in an unprecedented manner. May we, in passing. remark that we consider the 10 h.p. single-cylinder Adams HU ideal van for retail grocers."

Equal to Five Horses.

Mr. E. Staight, of 42, Clarence Street, Kidderminster, writes, under date the 14th inst." I enclose photo of • Karrier mar used by me for the delivery of motor spirit, coal, etc. The vehicle was delivered int 5th July, 1909, and it is capable of doing the work of five horses with ease. My loads range from 15 cwt. to 2 tons 5 mt., and the radius of direct delivery is from 12 to 14 miles; the roads are very hilly—on one journey the gradient is 1 in 5, but I regularly take a load of 30 cwt. up this. The car Oily only one) is a 20 h.p.. for 30-cwt.-u).2-ton loads. I have found it very strong and reliable, giving no trouble. and more than fulfilling the claims of the makers."

Railway Road Extensions.

Mr. E. A. Clear, the assistant goods manager of the Great Central Railway, writing to us on the 17th inst., states.— " I enclose an unmounted print of one of our Leyland machines. This company bought its first motor un the 16th January-, 19135, and it now owns: two !dilliesDaimlers, two Hyknields. and three Leylandsof the petrol type; three Robes, wo Hercules and four Yorkshiresof thii steam type. The machines are not replacieg horses, but. are used for working long-distance traffic where we could oat make use of horses. The load capacity of each machine is five tons, and the ATFAIllerS also take trailers. No goods or p::rc'els have at any time been damaged through their conveyance by road motor."

A Nine-year-old.

Messrs. Parke, Davis and Co., In:mutat:Luring chemists, of Beak Street. Regent street, London. W., on the 16th

■ .ist.. sent this letter to us.—" We regret

say that we have no tabulated particulars about our Midnea-Daimler vehicles. Ours are used only, or chiefly, for transport between our works on Hounslow Heath and one warehouse at 50, Beak Street—say, a journey of 12 miles each way, or 24 miles for each round trip. " Our first lorry was a nominal 2i-ton 8 h.p. steel-tired vehicle; we believe it was the first one of that size commissioned in this country, and, barring difficnIties due to poor drivers during the first two or three years, it served us very well for nine years, and will be useful for years to come. During the latter portion of the nine years, this vehicle was rather badly treated in the way of overloading, over three toils frequently being carried. But, of course, it only operated on a fairly-good and level road. We estimate that, for the greater portion of the time, it would have required at least four horses, and their attendants, to do the same work.

" Our present machine is the latest type of Milnes-Daimler vehicle—a 35 h.p. enclosed van, to carry a nominal load of five tons, which it does with the greatest ease. This has only been running a she rt time, but is giving every satisfaction. It can quite easily make two trips per day-48 miles. We have not attempted to estimate the saving that these vehicles have effected, but they are much more aatiafactory than horse vehicles. We have not had any trouble with breakages of parcels." , Three Ryknields. Mr. H. A. Couchinan, chief engineer of Bass,Ratcliff and Craton, Ltd., of Burton-on-Trent, writing.to us on the 16th inst., states:—" We have three five-ton Ryknield lorries, the first. of which was purchased in December, 1906, One has rubber tires on the front wheels, and steel tires on the rear wheels, with a trailer having rubber tires; the other two run on rubber tires. It is impossible to say the number of horses replaced, as the wagons are to a considerable extent, doing work which was previously done by rail. The average load is from five to 51 tons, and the average weekly mileage from 250 to 300 miles."

All Outside Hiring Abolished.

Mr. .1. Frost, chief of the Traffic Department of the Barnsley British Cooperative Society, Ltd., writes, under date the 14th inst.—" You may recollect that you published in THE COMEIERCIAL MOTOR, about May, 1909, photographs of our fleet of motor vehicles. The first was a Foden steam wagon, purchased in 1903 (and still working); we now have three five-ton Fodeu steam wagons, one two-ton Mann steam wagon, one three-ton 35 h.p. Dennis lorry, one two-ton 35 h.p. Dennis van, two two-ton 12-15 h.p. Arrol-Johnsten lorries, and one 35 h.p. Dennis landaulet (used for shop visiting). It is very difficult to state how many horses have been displaced by the introduction of motors, for this reason: in 1903, when the first motor was introduced, we had over 60 horses, and our receipts amounted to £733,327 17s. per annum, but our trade has increased from these figures in 1903 to £855,573 6s. 10d. in 1909, and our horses have been reduced to just onehalf, viz., 30. The system of delivery has been re-organized altogether. Our Forlen wagons average 130 miles per week, weather permitting ; under ordinary conditions, our petrol motors travel about 300 miles each per week, but, during the new potatoe season, holiday periods. Christmas week, etc.. it is no uncommon thing to travel 450 to 500 miles per week with one—in fact, at these times, the vehicles have to work practically night and day, and, during the last six weeks, during which time we have had so much frost and arrow, the steamers having to lay up in the sheds simply useless, the petrol vehicles have been successful in maintaining ma regular calls and deliveries. They have also been of great assistance in conveying goods of a fragile nature, which could not be sent per rail. At times like these, the petrol motors commence work at 6 a.m.. and do not finish until between 11 and 12 at night. Some would say this is impossible, hut it is not: we are doing it, yet the secret of it all is keeping the vehicles fit by proper anticipated adjustments.

"All outside hiring has been abolished during the last three years, that is since the traffic department was re-organized; previously to that time, the outside hiring bill was of a considerable amount. We do not find any special packing necessary; in fact, the reverse is the case with us. The vehicles being well sprung, and with the addition of rubber tires, we find the goods arrive in sound condition. Our leakage account under this heading is practically nil, and we convey some hundreds of cases of eggs in a year by petrol motors, also bread, confectionery, sweets, etc., in glass jars. We also avoid all leakage by pilfering, by carrying the goods ourselves by road; we have had no complaints of ' smell ' from the exhaust.

" Increased frequency of delivery is a most-important question. Before the reorganizing of our traffic department and the introduction of petrol motors, our branches (108 in number) were only called upon twice per week, but now, with the increased facilities afforded -by quick motors, all our shops (with a few exceptiuns, these being in isolated parts of the area covered) are visited five times per week, and the more-important ones receive daily deliveries. Now, we claim that it is these extra-facilitAed conditions of delivery that have caused our receipts to increase to the extent that they have done ! We could not possibly continue our present deliveries with horses, for the simple reason they could not get to the outlying districts early enough with the perishable goods in the mornings. I could say a lot on this point, but do let me say this—that it does not do to take into consideration too much the cost of this means of transport, which, if found to be a little more expensive, is amply repaid by the convenience it provides, and the means it places at, the owner's disposal of meeting his competitors. As regards radius of delivery, we are enabled now to undertake journeys (and do so regularly) of 70 to 80 miles distant."

After Six Years.

Mr. T. Brockbank, manager of the Wolverhampton Steam Laundry, Sweetman Street, Wolverhampton, writing on the 15th inst., advises us.--" We have three Milnes-Daimler vans now. The first was purchased six years ago; two are 8-10 h.p., and one 17 h.p. The load capacity is one ton to 25 cwt. The first van is still in regular work. We do not. find that goods are damaged, if properly loaded,

"I am sending you an old photo of our first mutorvan, but I am afraid that this is not clear enough to be of much use to you. I am sorry it is the only one I have."

About a Lotis.

Mr. Ellis Evans, wholesale confectioner and grocer, of Gloucester House, Llanelly, writing to us on the 17th inst., -statee :—" I have one Lotis van, which

bought in July, 1908, and 1 find that it can replace three horses. The load is 15 cwt., and the average work done .about 160 miles weekly. Nothing that I. have sent out in the van lute ever been eiamaged."

Taxicab Chassis to Replace Carrier-tricycles, ; Messrs. Bourne and Hollingsworth, of 72, Berners Street, W., whilst informing us that they are just ordering three more light vans on taxicab chassis, to supersede carrier-tricycles, write (under date the 15th inst.) :—" We have 'six Halley vans, and the.first was bought in December, 1908. The average load capacity is 15 cwt., and the average weekly .journeys come to 300 miles per van. The vans cost more than our older methods of delivery, but they have increased out radius of direct service from three miles to 15 miles."

Does the Work of Six Horses.

Mr. Thomas Welch; Calico Printer, of Green Vale Print Works, Westhoughton, near Bolton, writes to us, dated the 14th inst.: "I purchased a Karrier Car on the 12th October, 1909; it would require six horses to do the same work. The average load is 56 cwt., inwardly and outwardly, and the weekly mileage 310 miles. 1 cannot give a correct estimate of the saving, as we have not had the car long enough to calculate wear and tear, hut the goods are always delivered in good condition : mar delivery is increased by 100 per cent., and our journeys are direct from here to Manchester, -which is a distance of 15 miles each way. We can now send into Manchester twice -each day, with a two-ton load, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., delivering and collecting in Manchester each journey. A pair of herses would have to leave here with the same load ut 1.30 a.m., and would not get back until

p.m., doing only one journey each .day."

An All-round Improvement.

The Assistant General Manager of William Hancock and Co., Ltd., the Brewery. Cardiff, writing to us on the 18th inst., gives the following information :—" This company purchased its first .stream wagon in ,June, 1901, and its first petrol vehicle in February, 1905. We now have seven Mann steam wagons, two Milne s Daimler petrol lorries, two Dennis petrol lorries, and two Ryknield petrol lorries. Each lorry does the work of four horses, and carries five tons. For last month, each steamer averaged 525 miles, and each petrol vehicle 745 miles, We have. never found goods to be damaged, and our frequency of delivery is fully 100 per cent, more than It used to be, whilst the radius of direct delivery from the brewery has been increased from 12 to 30 miles."

"Greater Expedition."

The Secretary of the Patent Steam Carpet Beating Co., Ltd., of 196, York Road, King's Cross, N., under date the 15th inst., informs us.—" We bought our bust van in 1902, and we are now using three Miines-Daimlers and six Laeres. The number of horses replaced varies with the round on which each vehicle is employed, but each motor does the work of three or font' horses. The load capacity is two tons per vehicle, and the mileage varies from 130 to 150 miles per week. Nothing has ever been damaged on the motors, and we have not altered our radius of delivery, except that the work is done with greater expedition."

"Very Much More than We Ever Anticipated."

Iliessrs. Evans, Sons, Lescher and Webb, Ltd., of Liverpool and London, dated the 14th inst., write.—" We may say that our use of motors for goods delivery is purely tentative, and quite in

the nature of tun experiment We may .say, however, that we pmchaeed the one [Joie 10-12 h.o. van which we own, es an experiment, for the delivery of small parcels, in place of a single horse-van which we had running. We expected it, of course, to do a largelyincreasing week, hut we. are glad to say it has done very much more than we ever anticipated. In fact, it has been put on ta other work—heavier and of larger scope' than what it was bought for. If we. were going over the ground again, we should now purchase a larger machine. We should also profit from the experience gained, that pneumatics are not. suitable for commercial vehicles."

"Considerable Saving."

Messrs. J. and W. Campbell, of 137, Ingram Street, Glasgow, writing to us on the 17th inst., with regard to their Albion motor vehicles, state.—"We bought the first machine in May, 1907, and we now have three. Each machine approxi mutely replaces 3i horses, and carries 24 cwt. of load. The average weekly mileage is about 200 miles, and a considerable saving has been effected by the use of these motors. There has been no damage to any of our goods, and not a single case of theft from the motors ; there were cases of stealing when open vans drawn by horses were used. Our radius of delivery has been increased by three miles in each direction. We also have a traveller's broligham, which is also of Albion make."

At Whiteley's.

William Whiteley, Ltd., of Westbourne Grove and Queen's Road, London, W., dated the 16th inst., advises us :—" We bought our first motorvan in November, 1908; wo now have 1 Dennis, 1 Unic, 2 " Commer Cars," and 22 Lacres. Each motor does the work of five horses, and each carries 25 cwt. The average mileage is 400 a week per motor. No goods or parcels have been damaged, and our radius is roughly 30 miles." Less Damage in Cartage.

Mr. W. W. Gibb, chief engineer of the South Metropolitan Gas Co., in a letter dated the 16th inst., states.—" This company bought its first commercial motor on the 7th July, 1904; we now have in use 10 Miines-baimlers, one Lacre, one Dennis, and two rebuilt chassis. Each van approximately replaces three horses, and carries three tons on the average; the average weekly mileage is about 170 miles per van. The damage to goods carried is rather less, if anything, than by any other means of delivery."

Likely To Last 14 Years.

Mr. Arthur Ellis, M.I.Mech.E., city electrical engineer and manager, Cardiff, writing on tho 16th inst., states.—" We use Milnes-Daimler motor vehicles in connection with our tramway system. Their use is limited to the overhead construction work, tower wagons being mounted on the chassis of the vehicles. We have been able to dispense with four horses, which we previously had to keep for breakdown purposes. These machines are in a remarkably-good state of repair, notwithstanding the fact that they have been in regular service for practically seven years, and they are likely to last another seven."

Lyons's 36 Machines.

Mr. Geo. W. Booth, director and secretary of J. Lyons and Co., Ltd., of Cadby Hall, Kensington, W., under date the 15th inst., writes.—"The use to which we have put our motors is entirely new, and they hav4 not, therefore, replaced any horses ; nor are they delivering goods for which we previously had to pay other carriage. We have in use and in process of construction at the moment six do Dion, eight Renault, 14 Lacre, and eight Albion chassis. The average load capcity is one ton, and the average mileage 250 miles per week."

For Work and Play.

Messrs. A. Wilson and Son, wholesale hosiers and haberdashers, of 6, Hales Street, Coventry, in a letter to us dated the 18th inst., give this informa tion We shall have had our Lotis van 12 months on the 4th June next. It carries an average load of 11 cwt., and has replaced two horses, but it can carry another 4 cwt. extra. The distance run is about 100 miles per week, for business purposes, and it is a great advantage over the horses. With the tour. ing body on, we can carry four up ' and luggage, and can travel to places such as Blackpool at week-ends."

Average Load Over Seven Tons.

Mr. L. F. Haydock, of the Maypole Dairy Co., Ltd., Godley, near Hyde, Cheshire, writing on the 12th inst., states:—" We bought our first wagon in September, 1907, and we now have five Foden wagons. The average work dune is: Nu. 1 motor, 203 mike per week, and 7 tuns 4 cwt. 2 cir. of load per run ; No. 2 motor, 255 miles per week, and 7 tons 16 cwt of load per run ; No. 3 motor, 214 miles per week, and 6 tons 10 cwt. of load per run ; No. 4 motor, 212 miles per week, and 6 tons 19 cwt. of load per run ; No. 5 motor, 240 miles per week, and 7 tons 17 cwt. of load per run. Each hauls a trailer.

" All goods are much cleaner, and none are ever damaged; our radius of delivery is 50 miles." Quick Delivery.

Mr. NV. J. Nuttall, the manager aid secretary of the Eccles Provident. Indsstrial Co-operative Society, Ltd., writes : —" We have one Halley van, which we bought in January, 1908. We think it is equal to about 21 horses; it carrirs SO cwt., and travels 210 miles a week. We du not think there has been much saving, but we get an advantage in quick delivery, and no goods or parcels have at ally time been damaged."

Better for the Cartage of Fruit. Messrs. J. W. McCahey and Co., Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, id 36, Market Square, Lisburn, dated the 17th inst., write :—We bought our Lotia machine on 14th August last. It carries 25 cwt., and travels 360 to 400 miles per week. It is used occasionally for domonstruLiug purposes.

" Having carried for a -number of fruit contracts for jam ma.nnfacturers, we are informed that. fruit arrives atthe factory by motor from the fruit districts in a great deal better condition than by any other means of transit ; that the. fruit Is always whole, which is a great matter in the manufacturing of jam."

A 150-mile Radius from London.

Mr, G. W. Eshelby, of Messrs. Steinway and Sons, Steinway Hall, Lower St!ymour Street, W., writing to us on the 17th inst., gives the following information :—" We bought our first 'MinesDaimler van in January, 1903, and we now have three of that make. We should say each replaces about four horses, and the average load is two tons. Each 16 h.p. vehicle averages 250 miles per week, and each 8 h.p. vehicle 125 miles per week, we have two of each.

"We cannot say what saving has been effected, as the radius of our direct delivery is so much greater than it was before. We do know, however, that this method is not more expensive than our previous methods of delivery, which included sending by rail. No damage has at any time been done. We occasionally go as far from London as 200 miles, and delivery is effected much more quickly than it would have been under the old system. Our regular radius of direct delivery is from 100 to 150 miles."

One Motor Equals Four Horses.

Mr. H. Forsyth, of the United Cooperative Flaking Society, Ltd., of 12, M'Neil Street, Glasgow, writing on the 16th inst.. gives the following testimony :—" We bought our first commercial motor on the 19th August, 1907, and we now have five Halleys, four Albions, and three Belhavens; one of the

11:lhaven vehicles is a steamer. We reckon that we can do the work of four

Instruct your Newsagent to supply "THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR" each Thursday.

horses with one motor, whilst some of the motors take up work which was formerly done by rail. The load capacities vary from 24 cwt. to three tons; say, an average of two tons. The average mileage is 280 miles per week per vehicle, and we have effected a small saving in respect of expenses, whilst the goods and parcels dispatched arrive in somewhat better condition than by earlier modes of conveyance. We have doubled the frequency of our deliveries, and increased our radius to 50 miles." Increased Frequency of Delivery.

Aft. Henry V. Hart Davis, writing from the Bridgewater Offices, Walkden, Manchester. on the 15th inst., states.— " Motor lorries: We have purchased two motor lorries (viz, a three-ton and a onetun) from Commercial Cars, Ltd., of Luton, and the following information will, no doubt, interest you Date of purchase of first lorry, 20th October, 1907; date of purchase of second lorry, 10th July, 1909 (both of these lorries are now in use); number of horses replaced by the three-ton lorry, five (the one-ton lorry was purchased for new work, for which we had not previously employed any carts); approximate average weekly mileage per lorry, 250; no goods or parcels have at any time been damaged by this mode of conveyance; we have increased the frequency of deliveries, and the radius of direct delivery, by quite 50 per cent."

In the Service of a Country Factory.

Mr. A. C. Anderson, managing director of the " X " Chair Patents Company, Ltd., of Hayes, Middlesex, dated the 17th inst., writes :—" We have three Halley vans running now, and will have one more in April, making four in all. The first was purchased in December, 1908. About three horses have been replaced by each motor van; the average load is about 20 to 25 cwt., and our weekly mileage is about 250 to 300 miles.

" It is impossible to state the saving effected by them, as we had our factory in London before we took to motor vans, and, since we got to Hayes, which is about 13 miles from London, we have been using nothing else. Wrapping and packing is as necessary in the motor van, with our goods, as it, was with the horse vehicle. Had we ever been running horses from Hayes to London, of course we could have stated the saving effected. We have not found any goods damaged through conveyance by motor. " The percentage in deliveries from here would be increased 100 per cent., as the horse vehicle could only go the trip from Hayes to town once a day, while we do two trips, and sometimes three with each car from Hayes, and deliver at the various London stores. We might mention that we are extremely pleased with the Halley ears."