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 bp the roughness of the roads over which it runs. '—John Beattie Crosier.
Progress at Cippenham.
In the House of Commons last week, Sir C. Henry asked the Seeretary of State for War what was the acreage that is being utilized in the Cippenham scheme • how many mew are at present engaged on the works; whether they are being carried on by contractors or by the War Office ; and, if by contractors, will he state the names of the firms who are engaged on the work?
Captain Guest: The acreage utilized at Cippeeham amounts to over 600 acres. The number of men, including the staff, at present employed is 3,400. The building work is being carried on by a contractor—McAlpine and Sons—with certain minor sub-contracts. Separate contracts for special services are let as follows :—Langley and Johnson—Sewers; Robinson and Co.—internal railways: Thomas Matthews and Sons—well sink: ing; Herbert Morris—cranes; Babcock and Wilcox—boilers; Fraser and Chalmers—transporter gear; Brush Co.—elec. trical plant;. Davenport Engineering Co. —cooling tower; Haden and Son—heating.
Sir Charles Henry asked the present position of the work that is being carried on at Cippenham, and whether it is the intention to continue the original scheme?
Captain Guest: It is proposed to continue the original building scheme at Cippenham, omitting tbxee large store sheds. About 25 per cent, of the work is completed, with liabilities for materials up to 50 per cent. Some temporary work is in hand to clear the Kempton Park Depot, and to enable repairs to commence at Cippenham.
Death of Sir Guy Calthrop.
The news of thesleath of Sir Guy Calthrop, Bart. (Calthrop Guy Spencer Calthrop), the Controller of Coal Mines, at the age of forty-eight, has caused general regret. He had been suffering for a fortnight from pneumonia following upon influenza, and died on Sunday afternoon. He had had more than 30 years of railway service. There can be no question but that his department was exceedingly well managed.
Tyre Guarantees Abandoned.
An announcement has appeared in the motor Press to the effect that the, following tyre manufacturers have agreed to abandon the guarantees given on the purchase of solid tyres, the reason stated being that the .tyres branded with their names are guaranteed, value for money-iAsioCiated Rubber Manufacturers, Ltd.; Avon India Rubber Co.; Ltd. W. and A. Bates, Ltd.; Dunlop gabber Co., Ltd.; Grimston Tyres, Ltd.; W. T. Henley's Telegraph Works Co. Ltd. ; Leyland Rubber Co., Ltd.; Midland Rubber Co., Ltd. • North British Rubber Co., Ltd.; Rdfern's Rubber Works, Ltd.; St. Helens Cable and Rubber Co. Ltd.; Geo. Spencer Moulton and Co.,^ Ltd.; Wallington, Weston Co. Ltd.; Wood-Milne, Ltd. The guarantee ceases from March 1st.
The manufacturers will meet their customers in relation to any tyre which during the course of relining exhibits any sign of defect in manufacture.
n2.1 In contrast to this combined action, it is of interest to recall that Chas. Macintosh and Co., Ltd., of Manchester, and the Shrewsbury and Challiner Tyre Co., Ltd., of Manchester, increased the guaranteed mileage of their solid tyres from 10,000 to 12,000 from January 1st of this year.
Disposal of American War Lorries.
The French motor trade have been very much troubled over the statement that France was to be forced to absorb the 85,000 lorries and cars now being used by the American Expeditionary Forces, It Ls difficult to ascertain who was responsible for having put this report into circulation, but the statement having been made, it has been persistently. repeated and widely circulated. All misunderstanding on this point has now been cleared up by a definite statement which has been made to meby General M. L. Walker, director of the Motor Transport Corps of the A.E.F., to the effect that no Army motor vehicles have been sold in France and that no decision has been taken with regard to the disposal of the vehicles in France.
Roads to the Eastern Counties.
Since 1914, the traffic in Essex—mainly mechanically propelled—has greatly increased, with the result that 160 miles of highways require reconstruction, including all the main roads from London to the Eastern counties. The Essex County Council estimates the cost at £800,000.
Armistice Accidents.
• The annual report of the London "Safety First" Council states that street accidents returns for 1918 will be somewhat inflated as a result of the rejoicings held on Armistice Day. In the four days, November 11th to 14th, 600 injured persons were picked up in the streets of the metropolis and conveyed to hospitals by L.C.C. ambulances alone.
Motor Exhibition for Glasgow.
A committee of the Glasgow Corporation has considered a letter from Rennie Motors, Ltd. Grant Street, offering a rent of £1000 for the use of the exhibition building in 13unhousie Ground for a period of two to three months for the purpose of holding a motor vehicle exhibition in January, 1920. The committee recommends acceptance of the offer.
New Dunlop Mills..
The Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd., are erecting at Castletein Gales, near Rochdale, at a cost of £1,500,000, the largest mills in the world for making cotton cloth for their tyres. Al] the spinning and weaving will be carried out by electrically-driven machinery estimated to produce 18,000,000 lb. of cotton yearly. Over 3,000 employees will be engaged.The capital for the new venture has been subscribed privately. The shareholders in the old concern, known as the D.R. Cotton Mills, have been bought out for £683,000.
Motor Research.
The publication of the customary legal notices indicates that the actual forma tion of the Research Association for the British motor industry is now almost, if not quite, an accomplished fact. The
title selected for the new body, is "The Research Association of British Motor and Allied Manufacturers," which evi
dently indicates a somewhat close conneetion with the existing association formed for more general co-operative objects.
It was known some time ago that several leaders of the industry, including certain important commercial vehicle manufacturers, had given a definite pledge to support the principle of com bined research. Thus, the finances of the new association will doubtless be on a sound basis from the start. It is, how
ever, to be hoped that the membership, which is presumably open to any bonafide British manufacturer within the industry, will be an extensive one.
In many respects the smaller firms can get better value than the large ones out of a movement of this kind. A very big concern can afford to run a well-equipped research laboratory of its own, yid so is more or less, though not completely, independent of .co-operation. A comparatively small firm cannot expect to do much research work except by combine. tion with others.
We understand that subscriptions are to be based on the wages bills of the firms participating. Thus, a smaller concern, whitel getting in theory an equal benefit, will undoubtedly be paying less for it. In practice, this basis of sub. scription should be a fair one, because, while, as already stated, every member is in theory equally entitled to benefit, the fact remains that a big concern with a large output can really make more use of any improvement resulting from re
search than can e small concern. The use that can be made is just about pro
portional to output, which may be assumed to be roughly proportional to wages paid. • The Research Association will receive valuable Government support, both practical and financial, inasmuch as the Research Department will help to pre vent undue overlapping by the various research associations of different industriee, and to divide up the expenditure entailed by investigations of interest to a number Of allied industries. We hope that general support will be given to the movement, and that the results will fulfil expectations.
Auctioned Lorries and Purchasers' Profits.
A statement was made in the House of Commons one evening last week concerning the sale of Government motor lorries at auction moms, but a news agency has circulated a report that no confirmatory evidence has as yet been supplied to the Ministry of Munitions. It will be remembered that it was alleged that the purchaser of nine motor lorries, before he left the auction moms, disposed of four of them for the price which he paid for the nine..
Future Oil Supplies.
Speaking at a. meeting of the Institution of Petroleum Technologists last week, Mr. Montagu Summers said that, in the opinion of some American experts, the supply of crude oil in the U.S.A. • would cease soon after 1930. This might be a pessimistic estimate, but it had to be considered, all the more so as many oil properties and much oil were destroyed, during the war, in Russia, Ru.."
• mania and Galicia. The positiOn of future oil. supPlies gavetris_e to serious consideration.
Life-guards for Lorries.
The value of side life-guards for attachment to .heavy Commercial vehieles as a means of preventing accidents to pedestrians and other road users was emphasized at a, recent inquest "held oy Dr. Waldo, coroner for the City of London and Borough of Southwark. It is a curious fact but most accidents to pedestrians occur through their falling between the front and rear wheels. •
The inquest was held concerning the death of Mary McCulloch, age 61, Nvlio was knocked dawn and pinned to the ground by the hind wheel of a heavy Army motor lorry loaded with 40-50 soldiers. The soldiers were on their way to the Y.M.C.A. hut in Temple Street, which gave sleeping accommodation to between 1,200 and 1,400 soldiers and. sailors, weekly, who were conveyed there in heavy Army and Y.M.C.A. lorries
• -:: ithout sideguards. Temple Street is only 14 ft. wide, and in a densely crowded district. 'The jury, in recording a verdict of accidental death, added the following unanimous rider; viz. : We think the accident might have been prevented had side life-guards or fenders been provided for the lorry which caused the death of the deceased, similar to those in compulsory Use on all motor omnibuses.
The coroner inoswnming up said this was one of several similar cases investigated by him in which the absence of side guards on heavy motor Army and commercial vehicles, such as panteehni. cons, laundry and brewers' lorries, had mainly led to the death of pedestrians. The L.C.C. had power under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1882. re bye laws and regulations for the good rule and government of the county, to insist upon the use of side guards in such cases, but, so far, have remained inactive. He was pleased to see that Mr. Bassein Saperintendent of the Police, of the Public Carriage Department at New Scotland Yard, agreed with him that the action of the side guards on the London omnibuses has proved successful in life saving, and that he saw no objection to making such guards compulsory on all heavy motors. The expense was small, also the upkeep, and as Mr. Beast= has told the Department Committee at the Local Government Board at their investigation into the subject—side lifeguards are not detrimental to the working of heavy motors of any description.
Paper on Lubrication.
The seventh meeting of the session of the Institution of Automobile Engineers will be lield on Wednesday, March 5th, 1.919, as the Royal SocieLy of Arts, John
Street. Adelphi, W.C., at 8 p.m., when Capt. G. W. A. Brown will read a paper entitled, "The Lubrication of Motorcars." Cards of invitation to the meeting may be obtained on application to the secretary of the Institution.
Mr. Selby Faers is now in charge of Dennis Brothers' Publicity department.
Ford Brake Shoes.
We have received from Morris, Russell and Co., Ltd., one of -their Ford brake shoes of latest pattern. Some interest attaehes,to the method of fixing the linings, the:ends of which are bent to accommodate themselves in slots cut to a depth of about .& in., at a slight inclination to the radial. The fabric is then made fast by small pins, registering half in the metal of the shoe, and half in the space formed by the displacement of the fabric itself. To detach the lining, it is only necessary to remove the pins: no rivets •are used. The price is 25s. per pair.
Petrol Storage.
We are given to understand by Mr_ A. P. Coppinger, of Union Petroleum Products Co., Ltd., Lloyds Bank Buildings, King Street, Manchester, that the Liverpool Corporation Tramways have placed an order for a 20,000 gallon petrol installation on the hydraulic system. In Man." cheater installations cn this system have already been carried out at the premises " of Messrs. Macintosh, Messrs. Mandleberg and Co., and Levinstein, Ltd. It is noteworthy to record that the Admiralty has installed the hydraulic system of petrol storage at all their nrincipal stations in Great Britain—a fact which emphasizes the advantages of this system.
Removals.
The, Chloride Electrical Storage Co., Ltd., are at present removing their London vehicle battery depot from 70, Romney Street, Westminster, to more commodious premises at 18, Hereford Road, Bayswater, London, W. 2.
Morris, Russell and •Co., Ltd., state that their French office has now been removed to 131, Avenue de Villiers, Paris. This new office is conveniently situated near the offices and works of many
French vehicle manufacturers. The company's Paris office is under the management of Mr. A. E. W. Gwyn.
The Agricultural Organization Society has decided to undertake a 30 weeks' propaganda, in order to explain" to the agri, cultural community the advantages of combination.
Are Trams Doomed ?
Recently The CoMMercicil Motor recorded the tendency on the part of tramway authorities to establish motorbus services rather than extend their tramways. Now,-' a report of the Sheffield Corporation tramways manager suggests reesons—which. are applicable to all tramways—why omnibuses are going to prove a formidable competitor to the tramcars.
In the first place he deals with wages, although the burden of increaSe in this respect appeals equally to the case of motor omnibuses. Nevertheless, in Sheffield, if tho new demands are met, it will 'mean a total increase of £200,000 per annum for wages alone over pre-war figures.
The real grievance of the situation in regard to tramwaye is the cost of vehicles, which is double the pre-war cost.
Sheffield had tenders for 50 cars in December, 1916, but the order was quashed by.:the Ministry of Munitions. The price then was £1,066 per car (withOut electrical equipment). Now, the price is £2,050.
Working expenses have increased from
8.7d. per car mile in 1915 to 16.7d. in December last, an increase of 8d. per car mile. The revenue has •increased; but not sufficiently to meet the rising casts. The revenue was 10.66d. per car mile during the year ended March 25th, 1916. Now it is 16.45d., an increase of 5.7d., compared with an increase of 8d. in working expenses.
Moreover, this increase in revenue is dm to overcrowding of cars, which cannot. always be permitted, and that means more ears without a corresponding increase in receipts.
"Safety First" Meeting.
The second annual general meeting of the London "Safety First" Council is to be held, by permission of the Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor of London., at the Mansion House, B.C., on Friday, February 28th, at 5 p.m., when Lord Sydenham of Coombe, G.C.M.G., G.C.I.E.' F.R.S., will preside, and be supported by Lord Downham of Fulham, P.C., (vice-president). The adoption of the first annual report will be moved by Mr. JoynsonHicks, M.P., and seconded by Sir Edward Smith, J.P., L.C.C.
L.G.O. Meeting.
Mr. H. A. Vernet, presiding at the seventh annual general meeting of the L.G.O. Co., on the 21st inst., in the absence of the chairman, Mr. C. J. Cater Scott, gave some very interesting facts regarding the present position of the company in regard to London passenger services. He stated that when the war started the company possessed a fleet of
2,742 omnibuses. Of these, 1,093 had been sold—nearly all of them to the Government—arid 230 had been replaced, leaving a diminution of the fleet of 863. Due to their age, the extremely hard service that they have had, and the conditions of the roads during recent years, the fleet is worn oat, and is to be replaced at the earliest possible moment by new vehicles.'
It is estimated that the total 'cost to replace the whole fleet, that is, 2,742 matorbeses, is not likely to be less than £2,775,000. Mr. Vernet stated that the cost per vehicle will ,not be less than £480 above the pre-war cost of the same vehicle. The company expects to run a type of omnibus superior to that now in use and more economical in operation and renewal.
The number of buses ran by the company and the companies associated with it is now about 2,050, as compared with about 3,070 previous to the war. The diminution in numbers and the difficulty of maintaining, let alone adding to the fleet, under war conditions, account for the discomfort and overcrowding to which the public have submitted. The company are at present at work on a first instalment of 250 new busts, and have extensive plans laid down for the provision of further vehicles as fast as they cart he manufactured. One himdeed additional vehicles are stated to have been put on the road on Monday last.
During the past year 90 per cent, of the shares of the Associated Omnibus Co., Ltd., have been purchased, and that company is now in process of liquidation, with a view to complete amalgamation with the L.G.O. Co.
The company's coach factory has been engaged in the supply of lorry bodies during the war, and has been turning out sonic 30 such bodies per week.
Reference was made to the series of experiments carried out with coal-gas and her alternative fuels, in the course of which it was stated that valuable knowledge and experience had been amassed.
Carter ,Paterson and Co. arc advertising for sale a number of their Foden 5-ton steam vehicles.
The East London Rubber Co., 29-30 Great Eastern Street, London, C. 2, inform us that Mr. W. C. Barker (Ipswich), who represents the company for the Eastern Counties, and Mr. Claude J. E. Ford (Rugby) who represents them for the South Midlands, have both resumed their activities.
With great regret we have to record the death of Mr. Edward Powell, chairman of lumbers, Ltd., and for four years (June, 1914, to June, 1918) president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. He died at `.the age of sixtyeight. By Profession' a solicitor, he was a shareholder in lumbers, and on hia election to the board of directors he showed great administrative and finarek cial ability.
Parliament and Petrol.
In the House of Commons last week Sir J. Hope asked the President of -the Board of Trade when it will be possible to remove the limitations in amount of petrol allowed for motoring on trade or business purposes?
Mr. Bridgeman: The limitations as regards the amount of petrol allowed to users of motor vehicles were removed at the end of last year.
Mr. Joynson-Hicks asked the President of the Board of Trade how many petrol licences are now in currency ; and for what amount of petrol per month?
Mr. Bridgman : In view of the recent announcement that the vouchers of motor spirit licences may he used for obtaining supplies during any month, I am unable to state the exact number of licences current at the ,present dale, or the number of gallons which may he obtained per month. Thc number of licences current on February 15th is estimated at 270,000, the corresponding amount of petrol being approximately' 10,000,000 gallons per month.
Cartage of Meat.
Though some Smithfield firms have incroduced motor vehicles for meat delivery, others despatch consignments in old horsed vehicles. The Stoke Newingtcin Food Committee recently called the attention of the Ministry of Food to the insanitary manner in which meat is. carted through the streets in uncovered vans. The Food Ministry states that it is calling a conference, so that the subject can be discussed.
The Industrial Reconstruction Council.
The fifth leecture of the series arranged by the Industrial Reconstruction Council will be held, in the Saddlers' Cheapside, E.G. 2, Wednesday, March 5th. The chair will be taken at 4.30 by Sir George Riddell, Bart., and a lecture entitled "Industrial Changes Caused by the War" will be delivered by 'Prof.. A. W. Kirkahly, M. Com., University of Birmingham.
Inst. A.E. Matters.
At the council meeting of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, held recently, Mr. Thos. Clarkson, of the National Steam Car Co., Chelmsford, was elected president of the Institution for the session 1919-1920, and will take office on the retirement of the present president, Mr. A. A. Remington, in 1919. The new vice-presidents are Mr. L. It Pomeroy, Mr. H. G. Burford and Mr. Watson.G.
The election of members for council will take place during the next few weeks, and it is hoped that members will make their influence felt by carefully scrutinizing the list of candidates and returning the ballot papers before the meeting on March 5th.
Plans are on .foot to bring members into closer touch with each other, and it is hoped that arrangements may be mado for a special session during the Olympia Show.
• 'f lie election to the grade of honorary members of the Institution has been very closely guarded, and the list until recently consisted of only two names—Mr. Howard Marmon, who was president of the Society of Automotive Engineers on the oaraaion of the visit of the Institu
Con to America in 1913, and Major W. G. Wilson, to whom so much credit for the design of the Tanks is due. Honour has now been paid in two other gentlemen who names are well known iu connection with theinternal=comhustion engine, and Dr. Watson, W. Watson,
and Prof. H. L. Callendar, M.A., LL.D., F.R.S., have now been elected honorary members.
New Companies.
British and Colonial Motors, Ltd., was registered as a private company on February 15th, with a capital of £1,000 in £1 shares, to be manufacturers and dealers in motor vehicles, engines, tractors, etc. The first directors are J. J. Russell and W, Dewis (director of the British Mercedes Motor Co., Ltd.).
Dennis Portland, Ltd., was registered as a private company on February 18th,
with a capital of 80 shares, to carry on the business of manufacturers, exporters arid importers of and dealers
in motor vehicles, tractors, etc. Time first directors are : A. R. Atkey, H. R. Dennis, A. N. Moblas, T. Norton, S. Norris and G. N: C. Mann,
Local Proceedings. •
Nelson T.C. is to purchase a motor wagon.
Tat-afield (Durham) U.D.C. has decided to purchase a motor ambulance.
• The Watch Committee of Berwick T.C. has under consideration the purchase of a new ambulance.
The Town Clerk and Borough Engineer of Luton are making inquiries with the object a purchasing a motor ambulance.
Whitchurcb U.D.C. is in communication with neighbouring councils as to the possibility of developing motorbus services, for country districts.
The manager of the Edinburgh Corporation Tramways recommends that the cable tramway system in that city be .entirely abolished and overhead electric traction substituted.
In view of increasing cartage charges the Westminster City Council Works Committee reports in favour of the Council providing its own transport facilities by the purchase of More horses or motors.