WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheel of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier,
Petrol Price Protest : An A.A. Petition.
Instituted by the Automobile Association and. Motor 'Union, a monster public petition to the Prime :Minister on the subject of the exorbitant price of petrol isbeing prepared.. A number of iiistitutions connected with the motor movement, and others connected with various trades and also with ‘vorkere' organizations, have signified their cooperation and support
. The promotion of legislation for increasing the production of benzoic and power alcohol and the desirability of convening a national conference on the subject of price regulation, distribution and many other points of importance to the nation • are being -urged in the petition.
May we ask that each reader -will tear out the form which appears immediately after the last page of reading matter in this journal, and set to work to obtain all the signatures possible
Halley's Engine.
An unintentional slip occurred in the note on "The Inspector's" page, referring to the Glasgow Show. Mentioning the interesting vehicles on the stand of Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd., he included a four-tonner with an Argyll sleeve-valve engine. The three Halley vehicles shown were all the new sixcylinder type P chassis for 3 to 31 ton loads, the only model being produced by the company. Halley's are not using the sleeve-valve engine, and have no inten tion of doing so. .
Improving Traffic Conditions.
The Advisory Committee on London Traffic is proving to be quite a live and active body and, if it only keeps going on its present lines, an appreciable speeding-up of London traffic and an improvement in traffic conditions generally ought to result. In the district of the docks and extending up into the City, a strong effort is being Made with the assistance of motor mounted police, to keep slow-moving vehicles near the kerb. Hitherto the police have signally failed to effect this simple and obvious reform. It is to be hoped that, so soon as the --need has been impressed on drivers of horse vehicles for keeping to the near -side and thus not blocking two lines of traffic, stronger measures will be instituted so as to make these obstructive methods punishable.
A further experiment in the direction of instituting defined stopping places for motor omnibuses is now being made.
The Roads and Transport Exhibition.
Mr. A. F. May, business manager of the recent lioad5, and Transport exhibition organized by the County Councils Association, has presented his report on the exhibition to the Association. He states that 90 firms were represented, and declares that the results were in every way satisfactory. The turnstiles registered 24,259 admissions.
DIO He was informed by the exhibitors that the business transactions fully justified the expense incurred by them and that they greatly apprecietect the opportunity provided by the Association. During the exhibition he received from the exhibitors a large number of inquiries as to the holding of a future exhibition, and he consequently issued a questionnaire on the following lines:— Has the exhibition been satisfactory from your point of view ? Would you be in favour of an annual exhibition if it could be arranged on similar lines?
• • Would you prefer an exhibition only once in two years?
To this questionnaire be received 66 replies of which 40 were in favour of an annual exhibition, 18 every two years, and six did not vote. With the exception of two, all replies were satisfactory
to the question as to whether the exhibition had been satisfactory from their point of view.
New Sentinel Company.
The issue of 200,000 721 per cent, cumulative participating preference shares of 21 each at par have been issued by the Sentinel Waggon Works (1920), Ltd., which has been formed with a. capital of 2600,000 to take over the freehold land, works, plant, machinery and other assets of Sentinel Waggon Works, Ltd., of Shrewsbury.
The shares: carry a right t5 a further dividend of 1 per cent, in any year when the profits earned are. sufficient to pay a dividend of 10 per cent. (whether distribated or not) on the ordinary shares, plus an additional 1 per cent. on the preference shares; 200,000 ordinary shares have been allotted to the vendor company in part payment of the purchase price, and. the balance of the authorized capital, 100,000 71 per cent, cumulative participating preilerence shares of 21 each, and 1001000 ordinary shares-of 21 each, will be available for future issues as required for the purposes of the company. If not already closed, the subscription list will be closed today.
We reproduced on page 678 of our last week's issue an illustration ehowing Garner lorry. This was described as a 15 cwt. chassis, but the correct description should have been a Model.15 chassis with a gross carrying capacity of 36 cwt.
The Unobstructive (?) Tramcar.
To draft the advertisements acclaiming the merits of the tramway system, the London County Council has engaged the most cheerful optimist one could imagine. We have chuckled ever since he told the world, in a recent notice; that the most obstructive factor on the road is the pedestrian, because of his capacity for moving in any direction and stopping suddenly. The taxicab and the motor omnibus are less obstructive, but "last and least from the point of view of obstructivity ia the tramcar." Delidone is it not? We are blasidly told that, although one of the largest vehicles on the street, the tramcar is -specially constructed. for rapid starting and stopping and, further, that, the certainty of-its line of movement renders it the safest unit. What 'a real gem of pharisaism! •It was settled years ago that the electric tramcarsystem was by far the most. obstructive, because of the hulk of the vehicle, its' inability to manceuvre, it propensity for involuntary stoppages and its habit of packing up on such occasions into a great terrace of obstruction. The tramcar has its merits —one can name cities in this and other European countries wherethe tramcar system is excellent, the service being dependable and breakdowns rare—but one could not go a' day along London's tramrailed roads without observing perhaps half-adolen eases of tramcar trouble. The trarns are not intelligently driven—far from itand there is too much talk and too little action when even only a simple trouble occurs. On another page our artist: gives his version of the lack of obstructivity of the tramways—for our cheerful optimist of an advertiser overlooked the fact that the pedestrian, taxicab and motor omnibus need no rails that wear and call for constant repair
Halley Capital Increase.
The directors of Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd., propose to increase the nominal capital cif the company from 2150,000 to 2750,000, and to make an immediate issue of 140,000 -ordinary shares at a premium of 5s, per share. It is also proposed that 270,000 from the reserve be distributed free of income tax to shareholders bythe allotment as fully paid of 70,000 of the -uelseued 21 shares' to rank for dividend as from April 1st in the proportion of one new share for every two shares held.
An extraordinary meeting of the company is being held to-day (Tuesday), when the necessary resolutions for carrying out the proposals will be submitted.
Antwerp Exhibition.
During the Olympic Games, which will he held in Antwerp this year, an international exhibition for motor vehicles will be arranged. From June 26th to July 25th the exhilafte, will be confined to commercial motors, agricultural motors, motor boats and aviation engines. Inquiries for space should be sent to the Comite des Fetes, Antwerp, befall March 15th.
Nottingham Roads.
Further substantial works of road improvement have been lately carried out .in Nottinghanerhire, to the great benefit of drivers of .cornmercial motors as of other vehicles using the highways, which trend towards Yorkshire upon one side and into Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, and Derbyshire in other directions. Heavy and colliery traffic in the neighbourhood of the -coal pits in which the county now abounds has not tended to minimize the task of. the authorities, but the work carried out upon .a compreheasive basis has been excellent•ly done, it tieing reported at the last meeting of the County Council that further progress has been made with the operations on the Mansfield, Derby, Neviark-Lincoln, Nottingham, Hacknall, and NottinghamBawtry roads. The amount received from the Ministry of Traneport on account of 'the work has been £40,000. Various companies supplying materials. to the Council had notified that prices would be
increased to cover higher charges for freightage, the total increase in the .cost being estimated at £9,000 a year.
• Weather Forecasts for Road • Users.
"A highway-weather bulletin, containing both the prevailing cenditione of roads and a week's forecast of probable conditions ha s beeninaugurated by the United States Weather Bureau as an aid to motor-vehicle users throughout New England.
For several weeks past otoe-vehicle 'mere about to start on long trips have been Able to learn through this bureau what sort of weather they were going to expect in the varione sections, the depth of snow, presence of ice, whether roads are passable or detours necessary, etc. The service hes been so 'successful that it is expected it will be extended to other sections of the country on the same broad stale.
The system of road information. contained in. the New England Highway Weather Einem is based on a plea used in France during the war for the benefit of army motor convoys. The idea was tried in a small way in Western States i , but New England. s the first section to be included in a geperal forecast, and survey.
The informal-ion supplied is very helpfill, for a lorry contractor who may undertake to 'move a load from Boston to Bangor can learn whether there is Much or little snow on the main made, if they ae'e in .a condition for a quick haul, or if weather changes are likely to help or hinder the trip. The amount of snow in the several sections is indicated by a map with varied shadings arranged to show where the snow blanket is less than 3 ins., between 3 ins. and 6 ins.; or over 6 ins, deep. In the spring the presence of, frost or mud will be indicated, And in summer rain conditions and road repairs. Observers are posted at 200 placesthroughout New England, from which they send in weekly reports.
Appointing Agents.
Palladium Autoearse Ltd., of Felsham Road, Putney, S.W. 35, are at the present time appointing agents throughout the entire country and various parts of the world for Palladitun commercial motor vehicles. The company will be pleased to have inquiries from agents of standing in territory where they are not at present • represented. On account of the large and increasing production, im mediate delivery can be g,iven of the four-ten ehassiee whilst it is hoped to be able to give delivery of the 50-eivt..and 30 cwt, chassis later on in the season.
Motorbus Seasons. •
After considering a report with reference to a deputation from the Eckington Parish Council With reference to the institution of a system of weekly fame on the Faillgt011 motor 0111thbllg route, the Sheffield Corporation Tramways and Motors Committee has decided to issue weekly tickets available for two journeys per -day on six days a week at the following rates :—Befween Eckingtee and Intake, 7s. 6d. a week, and 'between Mosboro' and Intake 5s. a. week.
Standard Tenders for Motors.
At a meeting of the Executive Council of the County Councils Association, • consideration was given to A letter from the A.B.M.A.M., inquiring whether the Comity Councils Association would be prepared to discuss the question or advisability of pesparing a standard tender form for use in connection with the supply Of motor vehicles to highway authorities: The Exceptive Council decided that in View of the great diver.gency in the requirements of highway authorities in regard to motor vehicles, it-did not consider that a standard form of tender would serve Any useful purpose. The trade, of cemeee, thinks otherwise.,
Personal Pars.
Congratulations to the Autemolede Association arid, in particular, to its see retery, Major Steition Cooke, upon the fact that all previous records of membership' have been broken, the 100,000 mark being reached a week ego. A six-figure membership has never before been attained by any motoring organization in the world.
It is pleasing. to note that amongst the new members is H.R.H. the Prince of Wales.
Mr. B. F. Baker, the energetic foreign representative for the Packard Motor Car. Co., arrived in this country a few days ago in order to determine the per• nianent future connection for the distribution of Packard lorries in this country. Mr. Baker is firmly convinced that there is tremendous scope over here for the Packard lorry. He states that already the volume of business in sight in the.British Isles for the coming year is enormous, and even the high rate of exchange is not materially affecting demends for vehielee-produced by his company. Ceetainly the company cauldinot have selected ainiore able man for the job, as Mr. Baker combines courtesy and tact with ms tedoubted business ability.
One of thereasons for the euecees attained by Mr. Shave, the manager for maintenance to the L.G.O.C., is, his ability to come to .a rapid decision,and the possession of the strength to act upon it.
In 1915, when he was loaned tothe Associated Equipment Co., at Walthamstow, in order to help bring up the output of lorries. for Army use, he Was one night awakeued fromsleep by a telephone call, and was told that the police had entered the works and had placed uniformed men in charge of the stores, the order having come from Sir -Francis Lloyd that, from that moment, the company were not to draw on the stores for further construction work. At noon the next day eight lorries, in charge of a sergeant, Came to take away a large stock of indictor tubes. Of course, this would have stopped the whole of the output. Then Mr. Shave acted. He refused in allow the material to be moved, and in subeequent conversation over the telephone with the adjutant who had given the instruction, the latter confessed that he did not knew that the Associated Equipment Co. were making lorries for the Government, and he was not interested all he had, to do was to take away the radiator tubes (it afterwards transpired that the tubes were going to be used for fuse work). Mr. Shave stated that he .shouIrl resist, and advised the adjutant to get into communication with the Chief of the Mechanical Transport, then Colonel (now Sir Capel) Holden. It is significant that within 10 minutes the police received orders to withdraw, and within 15 minutes the lorries were taken away. The Ministry of Munitions then. acted in a sensible manner and asked if 6mail quantity ef the tubes could be spared for a. pressing need,. and this, of course, was arranged, but if Mr. Shave had caved in to the high-handed action, output would have been held. up at e very critical time.
The Fuller Ignited Electric Works, Ltd., have transferred their sales departmeet from Chadevell Heath to Iddesleigh Home, Caxton Street, Westminster, the change baying been rendered necessary by increasing bue;iness.
Hove Bus Arrangements.
Instead of establishing municipal notorbas services, the Hove Corporation s arranging terms with Thomas Tilling, Ltd., and a draft agreement has now been prepared for final approval by the corporation and the company. This provides that, for a period of seven years from July 1st last, the company will Pay the corporation an annual sum of £40 per bus in respect of a minimum of 50 buses to be licensed by the corporation and 820 per annum for each bus licensed over that, number.
The company is to provide a service of buses over routes specified, and such others as may be from time to time agreed upon. The times and fares will be as at present, but may be altered as agreed from tune to time, and material increases and decreases in costs of run
ning are to be deemed to be good causes for increasing or decreasing the fares as the case may be, subject to arbitration in case of disagreement. No compensationis to he paid to the company by the • corporation on the termination of the agreement.
The corporation undertakes that it -will not, during the term of agreement, exercise its running powers, nor lease them to any other party, but is not prevented from licensing other parties to run motor omnibuses to places outside the borough, other than Brighton, Patcham, Rottingdean, Portslade and Southwick, at fares exceeding the company's fares.
Bus Side-guards : Law Case.
At a, meeting of the Sheffield Corporation Tramways and Motors Committee, the general manager reported that be had received notice from the solicitors acting on behalf of Messrs. Bannard, Hawkesworth. and Burden that the aide. guards in use on the motorbusee infringed their 1912 patent. He also reported that an appeal was now pending in the House of Lords between the patentees and the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., with regard to the use of
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this type of guard, and that he had communicated with the solicitors of the company, who had stated that several motor omnibus users had been threatened with action and had expressed a willingness *o contribute towards the cost of the appeal, and asking if the Sheffield Corporation would also agree to contribute towards the cost.
The committee decided to bear a portion of the cost of the proposed appeal in proportion to the number of buses owned and fitted with this type of guard.
A 5s. Reward!
Westminster City Council reports that in many cases, owing to inability to obtain information, it cannot recover the cost of making good lamp posts, guard posts, and other street works damaged by collision of vehicles. Thinking it
likely that if an inducement were offered in the shape of a reward the council would be more often enabled to track persons CA-1160.g damage, it is now proposed to offer Os. to any person who will give information as to persons causing such damage—a new occupation for London's unemployed—watching the post.
The Southend Bus Proposals.
Recently the Southend Corporation Light Railways Committee suggested postponing till September the consideration of a scheme of motorbuses to various districts. At the request of the Corporation, however, the committee has again
into to the question of the provision of motorbuses, or trackless trolley vehicles, and now reports that a proper system of trackless trolley vehicles, which are economical to work," or of motorbuses should be provided to connect up Shoeburyness, fLacileigh, Rayleigh and Rochford, etc.
The committee accordingly suggests that the corporation should approve in principle the proposal to provide a service of trackless trolley vehicles, and, or, motorbuses and take steps to secure the necessary powers.
Taxation of Heavy Traffic.
The annual report of the Executive of the CountyCouncils' Association states that the promised Joint Select Committee on the subject of the liability of motorbus companies to contribute to the cost of road maintenance has not yet been appointed. The establishment of this committee, however, has to a certain extent lost its significance by reason of the fact that the Minister, of Transport has set up a committee to consider and report upon the question. of the taxation of and regulations affecting road vehicles. The executive welcomes this Ministerial recognition of a principle which. the County Councils' Association has urged continuously since heavy motor traffic assumed considerable proportions, and which it considers fair and reasonable both to the road maker and the road user.
Leylands for Mars!
We have received many comments on the unique method of " advertising adopted by Leyland Motors, Ltd., in their advertisement in our issue for February 10th. Many of our readers will rerraember that it referred, to a "message from Mars decoded H!" The following letter, however, is indicative of such praiseworthy ambition that we feel it should he made public :—
Re Message. from Mars Decoded !!!
Should you decide to supply Leyland lorries to Ministry of Transport, Mars, please accept my services as as driver, first convoy pre-ferred. I have made many fruitless applications on this earth, so hoping for better results on the far off Planet, and success to the Leylands.
I am, Yours truly,
OUT-OF-WORK DRIVER.
The enthusiastic correspondent, however, failed to give his name and address in his letter, but should this catch his eye, the company ask him to provide them with these details in case they may , he able to use his services in other directions pending the transaction of Martian business.
Inst. A.E. Meeting.
The next meeting of the Institution of Automobile Engineers will be held on March 3rd, at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Storey's Gate, St. James's Park, S.W., at 8 p.m., when Mr. P. J. Worsley will read a paper entitled "Gears and Gear Cutting.
, Application for cards of invitation to the riveting should be made: to the Secretary, Institution of Automobile Engineers, 28, Victoria Street, S.W. 1.
106 Per Cent. Saving by Motor Gulley Emptier.
The Poplar B.C. Works Committee is considering the purchase of a vacuum motor galley emptier at a oast of £1,275. The present cost of emptying gullies in the borough is 22,186 per annum, which works out at 9s. 7d. per gulley. The estimated cost of emptying by means of the VarC1/11111 emptier, Maul:hog depreciation of the machine, is £1,499 per annum, or 4s_ 9d. per gulley. Working upon these two figures, the committee is convinced that the use of the machine would be economical, and, therefore, has suggested that a vehicle be obtained on trial, and, if satisfactory, subsequently porchaaed.
U.S.A. Petroleum.
The United States has produced more than 61 per cent, of the world's crude petroleum since its discovery, and the latest reports show that that country was producing more than 69 per cent. of the world's annual supply. Compilation of production statistics issued by the geological survey shows that from 1857 up to and including 1918 there were produced throughout the world 7,503,147,138 barrels of crude petroleum, of which the United States supplied 4,698,571,719 barrels. Russia furnished nearly 25 per cent, of the whole.
According to 1918 statistics, the United States produced 355,927,716 barreLs, whilst Mexico furnished more than 12 per cent., and Russia. 8 per cent.
Subsidy for Lorrybus Running.
Mr. Neal, in reply to a question from Mr. Gilbert, said in the House of Commons one day last week that no arrangement& were made with the L.G.O. Co. to guarantee or pay them any grant or subsidy when lorrybuses were put on the London streets to relieve the oongestion of passenger traffic. The company have, however, made representations to the Minister of Transport with regard to certain expenditure to which they have been put, and the matter is at the present time the subject of discussion.
Firestone Tyre Works in Canada.
An announcement was recently made oy the President of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co., of the formation of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. of Canada., • Ltd., with a capital of 5,000,900 dollars. According, to the an.nouneemelit the factory which will be erected at Hamilton, Ontario, will commence operations in five months' time, with a daily capacity of 3,590 tyres of all types. Approximately 2,000 persons will be employed. The company has purchased 135 acres of ground at Hamilton, and upon one half of this they will build modern factory buildings -with a floor space of 320,000 sq, ft., whilst upon the other half the company intend to carry out a housing plan for employees.
• Mr. A. R. Atkey, M.P., and Road Transport.
Speaking at a meeting of the Nottingham Chamber a Commerce ono day last . week, Mr: A. R. Atkey, M.P. for the Central Division of the City, whose association with the motor industry is well known, pointed to the paralysing effects of the Government control in relation to railways, as a potent argument against nationalization of industry. He wondered what were tho feelingsoi those who were responsible for running railways when they saw another form of traction, represented by road transport, rapidly and successfully coming into opposition. Whilst from one point of view it was satisfactory to learn that the railway companies did not look upon the road transport schemes of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce and of analogous organizations as being in the nature of opposition to them, the present position of railway transport affairs was, he considered, scandalous.
The chairman (Mr. R. Edwards), had been able to announce, at an earlier stage of the meeting, that-the motor transport arrangements adopted by the Chamber had proved a pronounced success. In 1919 the railways were more congested than at any period during the war, and the relief from difficulties which is now being afforded by the motor transport plan has transcended all expectations.
Lincolnshire Road Improvements.
The condition of many of the main roads in Lincolnshire lias not been such hitherto as to afford unqualified satisfaction to users of motor vehicles. It is gratifying, therefore, to learn that at the last meeting of the Kesteven County Council, held at Grantham, the authority taking within its scope a widelyextended area of which that town is the centre decided to carry out improvements for the year ending March 31st, 1921, entailing an expenditure of £54,938 as against .41,708 for the current year and L'27,106 in 1914, although the e.sti mates only made provision for about the earns quantity of materials as in the latter year. The computation was based upon the present price of materials and labour, and could not, it was stated, be considered final, as since it was arrived at notices had been received of increases of prices of materials varying front is. to 2s. 6d. per ton.
Highway Laws.
Being of opinion that the consolidation and amendment of the highway law is a matter of urgent necessity, the County Councils' Association has appointed a sub-committee to report on various amendments of the law which have been suggested.
More Motorbus Levies.
County Councils continue to fix terms in regard to motor omnibus services, the latest proposals being as follow : — Berkshire,—Capital payment of £10 per route mile per annum and 2d. per mile run by each omnibus, credit being given for the capital payment. Cheshire.—Threepence per bus mile. Glamorgan.—Twopence per bus mile. Staffs.—Threepence per bus mile. West Sussex.—Threepence per bus mile.
Packards for Britain.
One of the personal pars. which we publish this week refers to Mr. B, F. Baker, of the Packard Motor Car Co. This gentleman has arrived in England in order to organize on a thoroughly sound basis the connection for the distribution oi the Packard lorry, which incidentally, is one of the best prOdueed in America.
The company are now producing sufficient lorries, not only to meet the home market, but also to be able to make immediate deliveries in this country, and, -as a matter of fact, a large consignment of these vehicles is actually under way.
Some interesting innovations are being made.One of them is the provision of three models which are designed expressly for running on pneumatic tyres, and for loads of from 1),z to 3 tons. These lorries vary in several. important details from the standar. d, including special rear axle ratios and. engines. Another change of interest is that in future all the models will be classified alphabetically, and not by the loads which they are designed to carry. When a person wishes to buy one or more vehicles, an inspecting engineer calls upon him and after going into the question of the work to be done, advises him which lorry to purchase. If the buyer wishes to alter the class of loads which he is carrying, he gets in touch with the service department, which at once advises him as to the suitability of his vehicle for the particular class of work with which he wishes to cope. In addition to this, every vehicle bought is examined once a month by inspectors.
Although the year is not advanced very far, since has heginnii g 38 lorries, of various capacities have been sold by the Packard Co. outside America.
Motor Mails in India.
The South Indian Railway Co. are reported to have placed orders for three motor lorries to be used for speeding up mails on the Mettupalayam-Ootacamund Chant. They are expected to do the journey in 31. hours less than the railway.
Production in America.
Some very interesting figures were given in a recent number of the Scientific American on the wonderful growth in the production of motor lorries in America from 1904 to 1919. The composite drawing, which we reproduce, shows the comparative production since the year 1909, the sizes of the vans being proportionate to the production. The figure of 150,000 for 1919 is only an estimate of the Troduction, accurate figures not being available at the time the article was printed. It will be noted, however, that the estimated figure is somewhat below that of 1918, the reason being that the output was accelerated beyond
the normal rate of increase during the last year of the war.
In 1904 lorries were being turned out at the rate of 400 per year; five years alter the annual production' hadsonly increased to 3,255, but after that the increase was rapid, until in 1917 the preduction reached 128,157.
It is interesting to note that the production of lorries up to 1918 was approximately one-sixteenth the production of private ears; in. 1918, however, the ratio was altered to one lorry for every four cars.
Mexican Fuel.
A message from Tampico, Mexico, states that wellsdrilling operations on a considerable scale have been resumed in the different oil -fields of that region as a result of the suspension of the decree issued by President Carranza prohibiting the starting of new wells. Operations are being pushedforward by 'different companies for enormous increases in the production, transportation, and marketing of petroleum.
Another important feature of the oil industry in Mexico is the erection of
additional. storage tanks. Practically all of the larger companies are, either erecting more tanks or are planning to do so as soon as the necessary materials cap be had. The Mexican Aguila (Eagle) Oil Co., formerly owned by the Lord Cowdray mterests, b-ut now a subsidiary of the Royal Dutch-Shell interests, is receiving bids for the erection of 18 steel storage tanks, each to be of 64,000 barrels capacity, and which, when finished, will add 1,162,000 barrels to the storage capacity of this company in the Mexican fields. These tanks will be the largest ever built there, the Capacity of the standard steel tanks heretofore used being 55,000 barrels.
It is noticeable that the marketing of Mexican petroleum is being rapidly widened. Daring the month of December, 1919, exports were made to Great Britain, South America, Central America Cuba Holland, France and the United States. Of course, the bulk of the exports were to the United D20 States, but the Ag,uila (Eagle) Oil Co. sent more of its product to England than to the 'United States during the last month.
• The Westbury Rim.
In view of the number of American cars arriving in this country with a tyre equipment of the straight bead type, and the fact that traders, owing to the doubtful demand for these tyres, will not purchase them for stock, the need for rims which can be made serviceable for both types has become apparent.
A neat device by which these requirements are fulfilled has been produced by Mr. A. G. J. Westbury and Mr. R. F.
Holmes, both of the B. F. Goodrich Co., Ltd.
The device takes the farm of a special rim consisting of three parts; a cylindrical ring having approximately the same width as the felloe forms the base
the rim, proper and is secured in position so as to present a flush outer surface to the rim. The other two parts consist of circular flanges, one of which fitssover the rim base and,abuts against-a flange at the inner side of the latter' whilst
n n the other flange is of sufficient breadth to abut against the edge of the base ring. This outer flange is secured by a number of bolts passing through the felloe.
The two flanges are so made that when turned in one direction they acooramo
date tyres of the beaded edge variety, and when reversed are suitable for tyres of the straight-sided type.
Buses for Lincoln.
Lincoln City Council has authorized the Tramways Committee to take immediate steps to provide eleven motorbuses for the city and district, and to arrange the necessary garage accommodation.
Suribury--on-Thames U,D.C. has accepted the tender of Merrysveather and Son, Ltd., at £1,045, for the supply of a motor fire-engine. Messrs. Merryweather's was the lowest of four tenders received; the highest was £2.572.
Local Proceedings.
At an approximate cost of £1,280 a Foden steam tip wagon is to be purchased by Liskeard R.D.C.
The purcba-se of a steam tip wagon at an estimated cost of £1,323 has been agreed to by Durham R.D.C.
Walsall Corporation Gas Committee has purchased a second-hand 20 h.p. Vulcan motor van at a, cost of £450.
Chester Corporation Public Health Committee has been authorized to purchase a motor ambulance for the isolation hospital at an estimated oast of from £500 to £600. _ The Edison Accumulator Co., Ltd., are to supply Torquay T.C. with two 2-ton electrically driven lorries at £1,372each.
Southend Corporation has obtained the consent of the Ministry of Health to-borrow £1,585 for the purchase of a motor fire-engine.
The Ministry of Health has sanctioned the borrowing of a loan of 21,445 by the Newcastle-under-Lyme Council for the purchase of a motor fire-engine.
The Government Surplus Disposal Board has notified an urban council that it has not any motor fire-engines on hand and is not likely to have any. Dunswell Bridge and lags Bridge, both on the Hull-Beverley main road, and unsuitable for present-day traffic, are to be widened by the East Riding County Council.
Wlsall Corporation has had a letter from the 'Eseington, Parish Council expressing appreciation of the inauguration of the motor omnibus service through Essington. .
Bradford Corporation. Streets Committee has purchased from the Yorkshire Motor Co., of Brighouse, a Harrier tipping lorry for £795 and a ClementTalbot light lbrry for £550.
The widening of Priest Bridge, Upper Richmond Road, is suggested. A recent traffic census showed that the vehilar traffic averaged 10,472 tons per day. The carriageway is only 21 ft.
The Associated Equipment Coe Ltd., have supplied to the Edinburgh Corporation, through their Scottish agents, the Peric Motor Co., of Edinburgh, two tipping wagons—one hydraulic and one hand tipped.
Boston R.D.C. has decided to spend 3,750 for the purchase of steam tractors and wagons for haulage purposes. It is eStirnatecl that mechanical traction will effect a saving of 21,000 a year on the carting of road materials.
The Chesham. Supply Co., Ltd., is amalgamating with Unic Motors, Ltd., and for this purpose is going into voluntary liquidation.