The Wheels of Industry.
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This journal, dealing as it does with the "Chariots of War," no less than with the "Wheels of Industry," is now of national importance. Its interests embrace impartially the transport wagon and the parcelcar, the steam wagon and the ambulance..
The Trade and the War Depart
int nt.
At the last meeting of the Commercial Vehicle Committee of the S.M.M.T. the arrangements under which orders had been placed by the War Office were discussed. Whilst the view was held that the course which had been adopted was a suitable one in the emergency circumstances, it was resolved to make suggestions as to more convenient lines of procedure in the future.
Topical Contents.
This present issue will be found to sustain the interest which has been aroused by our State-of-War numbers. We again reproduce one of those interesting despatches from our own correspondents at the front. On page 62 we report the result of our investigation into the German solid-tire question. We conclude our " Care of the Cleassis " article, which deals with the Halley thre-e-tonner. Three pws are devoted to the interesting problem of how best to incapacitate a chassis in war-time, and we announce a similar competition in respect of steam wagons, which last will be found particularly appropriate in view of the statement we are able to make below concerning the Government's reported intention to employ steam wagons on a large scale.
Government to Employ Steam Wagons.
Amongst the most interesting developments to be recorded during the past week are the preliminary stages of the Government's intention to make extensive use of steam haulage. As we go to press, we hear that the output of at least one important steam-wagon works has been impressed on similar lines to those adopted in connection with the petrol-driven commercialvehicle factories. The War Department is also shortly to proceed with a modified form of impressment in connection with steam wagons of approved design belonging to private owners. As we write, the full intentions of the Government as to the nature of such employment cannot be made public, but we are permitted to say that steam haulage will play a very prominent part in connection with the transport are rangements for " Kitchener's Army," as well as for individual clunty units of the Territorial Force, As we are informed at present, it is not likely that machines of this class will be employed abroad by the Expeditionary Force. Instances are numerous of the sale of parcelcars to tradesmen who have had their horses commandeered.
We learn that Messrs. E. and H. flora, Ltd., is now building a batch of transport trailers, with artillery wheels and steel tires, for the use of the W.D.
At the meeting of the S.M.M.T. i on the 17th inst., t was decided not to hold the Olympia Motor Exhibition this year. The Scottish Motor Trades Association has also decided against the bolding of its annual Show.
Another Military Handbook.
A new handbook, entitled "Army Drill Made Easy," has been issued by Temple Press Ltd. It is written and illustrated by the staff of " The Regiment," and is intended to assist the training of the various forces which are now being massed. It is published at 6d. net.
5.5 lb. of Coke per Mile: The Secretary of the London Coke Committee notifies us of some interesting fuel-consumption tests, which have been carried out with one of the National coke-fired steam three-tonners. In ordinary average service this approxiniates 3.3 lb. of gas coke per car-mile. Average gas coke has a calorific value of about 12,000 B.T.U. per pound, so that the heat expended is equivalent to about 40,000 per car-mile. Assuming suitable coke delivered at 17s. 6d. per ton, 10.6 lb. will be obtainable for one penny. Welsh coal at 25s. would only yield 7.4 lb. for the same expenditure. A batch of Talbot 30 h.p. car chassis, fitted up as armoured cars, will shortly be despatched to the front. It is understood that these. are to be used in connection with certain naval depots. They will be armoured, and quick-firing guns will be fitted. They will operate in conjunction with the R.N. Flying Corps.
Signs of the Times.
The Borough Surveyor of Richmond Town Council reported to his Council that the Remount Department of the War Office had requisitioned six of the Council's horses, and that it was considered thera was a probability that the Government would make further requisitions. The Executive Committee of the Council has, therefore, given instructions for the Borough Surveyor to purchase from the Yorkshire Commercial Motor Co.' of Leeds, a steam motor wagon at the price of 2535.
Steam-wagon Distribution of Fuel Oil.
The Anglo-Mexican Petroleum Co., Ltd., advises us that it has inaugurated a system of distribution by mechanical transport to various inland centres. The machines are Yorkshire steamers, and are specially fitted as indicated M our photographic reproduction. The tank wagons and their trailers have a capacity of about four tons each, and are fitted with steam-heating coils, to facilitate delivery in cold weather. They are equipped with steam pumps, which discharge the contents in minimum time ; these are illustrated below.
Lacre Policy.
The Lacre Motor Car Co., Ltd., notifies us that, owing to the exceptional demand for commercial vehicles to take the place of large numbers of those impressed by the War Department, it has been decided to concentrate the Letchworth factory on the construction of heavy-type Lacres. At the same time, early delivery of the majority of the other types can still be given, that is to say, of machines to carry loads of from half a ton upwards.
Motor Transport, Army Service Corps.
An interesting point concerning the pay of members of the Motor Transport Branch of the Army Service Corns was raised in the House of Commons when Mr. Falle asked the Under-Secretary of State for War if he was aware that a number of men now at Aldershot enlisted in the corps, which service carrie4d pay at 6s. per day and for a period of one year or until the termination of the war, but that owing to the fact that the proper forms were net available, the men who enlisted had to use other forms and were sworn in on those forms, which bound them. for three years or until the termination, of the war at is. 2d. per day. Mr. Falle wished to know if the Under-Secretary would see that no advantage was taken of these men, and of the absence of proper forms, and that they were enlisted and sworn under the proper forms.
"The matter is under consideration," replied Mr. Tennant, "and if it is shown that a mistake in the form of enlistment has occurred it will be remedied."
Proposals and Purchases.
The Tramway Manager at York is to prepare specifications and obtain quotations for two electric buses.
The Brighton, Hove and Preston United Omnibus Co, has been granted a renewal of licences for 26 double-decked and 15 single-decked motorbuses.
Keighley Corporation is purchasing two new trolley vehicles from the Cedes Electric Traction Co., for 2806 Ws. each, and a second-hand vehicle from the same firm for 2400.
Tenders will shortly be invited by Tottenham U.D.C. for the supply of a petrol-driven motor ambulance. It is proposed to make a charge of 15s. for the first hour, and 10s. pert hour after to surrounding' districts for the use of the appliance when acquired.
Walsall Tramways Committee has accepted the tender of the Miriam Co., Ltd., for supplying four doubledeck and two single-deck motorbuses for 24,595. The Corporation is to purchase the six sets of tires direct from the Dunlop Co., at a cost of 2321 us.
el4
Brown Brothers, Ltd., informs us that its Unidran bright drawn steel, which is of American manufacture, is being extensively used by the motor trade,. it is especially suitable for rapid machining on highspeed automatic machines, and is largely used in the manufacture of repetition parts, nuts, bolts, etc. Brown Brothers carries an eaten
sive stock of all sizes of rounds, squares, and hexagons, and can give immediate deliveries.
Liga Tyres, Ltd.. and the Nelson Motor Co., Ltd., are to be wound up voluntarily. Messrs. F. T. R. Ives, of 26, Portugal Street, W.C., and T. M. Threlfall, of Nelson, are the respective liquidators. Recruiting and Training.
The North British Rubber Co., Ltd., Castle Mills, Edinburgh, which company has already contri
buted a fine quota of men for service with the Colours, has additionally formed a training corps amongst its older employees. Some 400 names had been handed in up to last week. The course of instruction in drill will be given by quali
fled men, whilst facilities -for rifle practice are also provided by the company. Mr. Alexander Johnston, the general manager, is personally interested in the developments.
Further information is to hand, too, with regard to the yield of men from the works of D. Napier and Son, Ltd., at Acton. No fewer than 205 employees had joined the Colours prior to the 10th inst., at which date recruiting was still going on briskly. Those who are left behind are showing a worthy spirit in contributing liberally to weekly collections in aid of the Prince of Wales's Fund.
Sheffield's Aid.
The Sheffield Corporation has lost many of its employees for war purposes. Nearly 170 men, or 11 per cent. of the employees of the branch, joined the Army from the Iiiqhways and Sewers Department, whilst the remainder in those divisions of municipal activities ha-7e authorized the deduction of 3d. in the g from their wages towards the Prince of Wales's Fund. Another 200 employees from the Sheffield Tramways Department have also joined the Army.
Overseas Thornycrofts.
Thornycroft lorries in not inconsiderable number are used for mail purposes in Overseas countries. The makers have received satisfactory representations concerning many of these machines, and particularly by a recent mail in respect of the lorry which we illustrate herewith. This is used as a mail van, at Karachi, by Messrs. Nusserwanjee and Co. It is a 11 h.p. vehicle, and its working has greatly pleased the local postal authorities. The work was previously done by mule-drawn vans, between the docks and the Post Office, but the Thornycroft lorry has beaten them by a handsome margin for a period of more than 18 months. It has never missed a journey on this work, has never yet cost anything for repairs, and has service to its credit aggregatieg at the moment close upon 15,000 miles.
Effect of the War in Toronto.
The last letter received from our Toronto correspondent states that business in that city is generally dead, as everybody appears to be so full of the war.
The Canadian International Exhibition opened on Saturday, the 29th August. and closed on 12th September. Many English ears and trucks were to have been staged this year, but it was understood that very few of them were able to be shipped from England.
Robins, Ltd., Toronto, is obliged to reconsider its decision as to the imminent commencement of motorbus services, of which particulars have already been given in our columns, as there has been considerable delay in delivery of th( necessary chassis from England.