WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheels 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 Crozisr.
The Smithfield Show.
Our next issue will contain a folly illustrated report of the mechanical vehicle exhibits at the Show of the Smithfield Club, which opens at the Royal Agricultural Hall on Monday, December 4th. Certain new vehicles will probably make their debut at this Exhibition, and one of them is, as a matter of fact, briefly decribed in this issue.
A list of the exhibitors who will show vehicles of particular interest is as follows :—William Allehin, Ltd.; Austin Motor Co., Ltd. ; Aveling andPorter, Ltd. ; Barford and Perkins, Ltd.; Blackstone and Co., Ltd.; British Hart Parr Co.; Chas. Burrell and Sons Ltd.; J. I. Case Threshing Machine do. ; Clayton Wagons, Ltd. ; Todens, Ltd. ; Faster and Co., John Fowler and Co. (Leeds), Ltd. ; Richard Garrett and Sons, Ltd.; International Harvester Co., Ltd. ; Mar hall, Sons and Co., Ltd.; Maetin's Cultivator Co., Ltd.; J. H. Meharen, -Lle■• . Melchior, Armstrong and Deesau ,(London), Ltd. ; Noyes, Stockwell and Co., • Ltd. ; Aansomes, Sims and Jefferies, Ltd.; Robey and Co., Ltd.; Ruston and Hornsby, Ltd. ; Sauaderson Tractor and rm.plement Co., Ltd. ; W. Tasker and Sons. Ltd. ; Wallis and Steevens, Ltd. ; Wallace (Glasgow),
Ltd. • This is the latest list available at the time of going to press, and any additions will be included in our report of the Show.
Courses in Highway Transport.
We have received a copy of the schedule of the 1922-23 graduate shortperiod courses in highway engineering and highway transport, which wil be offered by the University of Michigan, America, during the winter period, December-.Karch. The schedule will probably interest many of our readers, nr view of the fact that this University is the only institution offering such valuable courses towards advanced • degrees. It is satisfactory to know that the attendance at these courses has steadily increased during the past three years, as is indicated by the following figures.-1919-1920, 29 men ; 1920-1921, 45 men ; 1921-1922, 94 men.
The Rule of the Road and the Pavement.
A considerable number of scholars from the elementary schools of Greater London were present at the Kingswa.y Hall recently when the prizes in this year's essay competition' were awarded.
Lord Newton presided, and, in dealing with the question of "Safety First," said that when it was realized that 700 persons were killed annually in London and 44,000 injured it was clear that there •
was room for improvement. Experience, he eaid, had shown that a large proportion of the accide.nts which had occurred in-London were due to the fact that we had one rule for the road and another for the pavement. A change had been recommended by House of Commons Committees, the London County Council,
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and Associations of Borough Councils, whilst the Ministry of Transport was in favour of the reform, the only real and responsible opposition being from the City Commissioner of Police, who was supported by the City Coroner. Lord Newton said he had been told that. the Home Office, with which the matter rested, were waiting for the chief contables of the country to give their opinion, and that they had now met and passed a resolution in favour of the change which the London " Safety First" 'Council suggested.
The profits made by Dennis Bros., Ltd., for the year ended September 30th amount to £73,676, which, together with the amount brought forward, i.e., £18,567, makes a total of £92,243. The directors of the company have transferred £10,000 to general reserve, leaving for disposal £82,243. An interim dividend of 3 per cent, has already been paid, and the directors now recommend a final dividend of 7 per cent., as well as a bonus of 3 per cent., which, when they have been paid, will leave a balance of £17,137 to be carried forward.
One-man Buses for Birmingham.
John Buckingham, Ltd., Bradford Street, Birmingham, have recently received an order from the Birmingham Corporation for eight one-man-operated buses. The bodies will be mounted on Leyland chassis and embody several ingenious features which make for comfort and ease of operation. The construction of the bodies is now well under Way, and a more detailed description will be given in a later issue.
A New Design of Piston. .
A patent piston has recently been introduced by the Gwynn T.W. Co., 100, Alexandra Road, Gorseinon, Glam. Inside the piston, above the gudgeon pin, is fi,xed a conical diaphragm, which prevents any lubricating oil striking the underside of the piston, head ; thus no carbon can be formed which will break off and clog the filters or damage the bearings. This results in a cleaner.and cooler running engine,
Personal Pars.
The subject of the portrait which we reproduce on this page is Mr. E. Genius, the managing director of L.V.L. Motor Vehicles, of whose interesting new production we give the first published particulars elsewhere in this issue. Although this is the first time that Mr. Germs has personally supervised the production of a commercial vehicle chassis, he has had a long connection with the motor trade and has been on the sales side, first of the Sunbeam Motor Car Co., Ltd., and then of Guy Motors, Ltd. He was also well known at one time as a racing driver, and achieved considerable success in this connection with Sunbeam. vehicles. I. e wish him every success in his new sphe..st of activity.
Mr. C. M. Benjamin, the son of Mr. H. Neville Benjamin, well known in connection with the activities of the Anglo-Saxon Petroleum Co., and one of the directors of James Bartle and Co., Ltd., was married on November 16th to Miss Peggy Creser, the youngest daaghter of Dr. and Mrs. Creser. A representative gathering of the oil and motor trades was present at the reception.
We are pleased to hear that Mr. C. S. Windsor, one of the joint managing directors of Jas. Bartle and Co., Ltd., Western Iron_ Works, Notting Hill, London, W. 11; who was taken seriously ill in the early part of June; iS now completely restored to health, and has again resumed his business activities.
We learn with sincere regret that Mr. Cuthbert Burnett, the principal of the Burnett Motor Tyre and Rubber Co., of Yerbury Rubber, Mills, Trowbridge, passed away on November 16th, in his 77th year, after a long illness patiently borne.
The directors of Leyland Motors, Ltd., have recently created the new post of genes-al sales manager, and the first appointment to this position is Mr. A. Whalesby Windsor, M.B.E., M.I.A.E., A.M.I.Meeh.E., who for some years has been business manager to the company.
We are informed that Mr. E. S. Shra-puell-Smith, C.B.E., M.Irlst.T., has been appointed a director of the Aldershot and District Traction Co., Ltd.
'Ware Rear Lights.
We understand that the police are busy in the Farnirigham (Kent) district stopping motor vehicles of all types for defects in rear lighting. They are proceeding against drivers whose rear light, while showing a red light to the rear, does not clearly illuminate the number plate.
German Lorries in Mexican Market.
The United States Department of I Commerce reports that Krupp commercial vehicles of 5-ton capacity and prewar type are being offered in Mexico City for 6,000 pesos. Although this is a very low price, and less than American prices, it is said that the Vehicles lack post-war improvements, and will not constitute serious competition.
• Somerset Haulage Costs.
Mr. Edward Stead, the
surveyor to the Somerset County Council, has recently issued his report for the financial year ended Manila 31st, and in it he includes certain interesting statistics relating to the cost of working the council's steam wagons and road rollers. The Somerset County Coancil owns 18 steam wagons, seven of which are Fodens (all 5-tonners, with one exception), the -remainder being Sentinel wagons. The average cost per working day for this fleet is given. by the county . surveyor as 23 3s. 4.84d., other outstanding figures in relation to its operation being average cost per loaded mile, 56. 3d. ; average cost per mile travelled, 2s. 80. ; average cost per ton carried, 3e. 11d.; average wet per ton-mile, 12.85d. These figures are inclusive of maintenance of the sleeping vans.
Eleven rollers are included in the counta's fleet of mechanical road vehicles, nine of these being steamers and comprising eight 10-ton A veling and Porters and one Fowler 10-tonner, the other twe being the product of Barford and Perkins, Ltd., of Peterborough. The working costs of the steam rollers are given as 42 17s. id. per day, and of the petrol rollers 22 5s. 7d. per day.
Grease for Gearboxes.
The correct lubrication of gearboxes is not much less important than engine lubrication. When oil is used it sometimes runs out, especially when the gearbox warms up ; ordinary grease is often cut into grooves, and, though the box has all ample supply within it, the gears begin to run. dry. .A special grease which has none of theist' objections has of late been under
going ;some very searching tests. It was put into the gearbox of a motorbus vhich had been leaking badly and giving rouble. This bus ran a distance of .,5,000 miles, and at, the end of the time aoth the grease and the gears were in perfect condition. There had been no replenishment of grease during the whole If the run, and the box had not leaked. his greaselhas also been tested on the paddle shafts of a steamer, which, in the ordinary course of things, require. rebushing every few months. The boat
ran for the entire season, and no rebushing was required.
As the grease is not affected by heat up to 400 degreese Fehr. or mere, nor by any cold met with in England, it would seem to be ideal for automobile lubrication, and it is also suitable for all kinds of gearing, overhead shafts, etc.
We understand that a small company is being formed to make this grease, and should think it would be a very profitable investment.
• £2,000,000 Road Scheme.
In connection with the 22,000,000 scheme for the construction of new arterial roads in Essex, it is interesting to note that, with the exception of surfacing, the eastern avenue out of London is completed. It is not expected that the new Government will interfere with the progression of the work, the major part of which is now being concentrated on the new road from Lenders to Southend, winch will absorb three quarters of the e expenditure. The road, it may be known, is to be 100 ft. wide, and the greater part of the work is providing 5,000 London men with employment, the workers being conveyed each day to the scene of operations hr special trains.. This road, it is anticipated, will be open to traffic during the course of 1923.
Kingston By-pass Road.
Local authorities concerned are considering the proposed Kingston by-pass road. The plan Show a continuation of the Kingston outer hr-pass by means of a new road 80 ft. wide, from Kingston Road, across Richmond Park, to the point in Roehampton Lane, where that lane turns in an easterly direction, and the widening of Roehampton Lang to 80 ft. from that point to the upper Richmond Road
The Minister of Transport has been asked by the Surrey County Council to impose a speed limit in Sutton High Street.
We learn that Bartle trailers are being sta.n4ardized for the fleet of heavy vehicles owned and run by Harrods Ltd.
Sentinel Trading,,
It is 'announced by the Sentinel Waggon Works (1920), Ltd., that negotiations are still in progress with the authorities in connection with excess profits duty, and that it may be some time before they are completed. In view el unexpected delay, the directors have theught it fair to advise share holders of the position. Ip spite of trade depression, the company's business has been well maintained, and the usual interim dividend was paid on September 1st out of profits earned during the first half of the year. It is stated that,' under less unsettled conditions, output has improved since June with a beneficial result on profits.
Seven Fire-engines for the L.C.C.
The L.C.C. fire-brigade committee invited tenders from selected manufacturers for the supply of seven motor fire-engines, and has considered those from the undermentioned makers :— One Three Four Seven engine, engines. engines. engines.
Denhis Bros., 1,45e 4,1135 5,820 is,fie Leyland Motors, Ltd. 1,614 4,626 6068 10,444 The makers also submitted conditional offers far the purchase of the aid engines that will be displaced.
The committee has accepted the tender of Dennis Bros., Ltd., for three engines, amounting to 24,365, less an allowance of 21,200 for old engines•in part pay
ment; and the tender of Leyland. Motors, Ltd., ,fer four engines, amounting to .6,168, less an allowance of 21,300 .for
old engines in part payment. The total amount of the contract is, therefore, 48,033 net.
Compulsory Pneumatics in Devon?
At, a meeting of the Devon County Council a proposal was made that after March 31st, 1923, nfl motorbuses and chars-a-bancs, either plying for hire or touring, should be 'fitted with pneumatic% tyres, and that all vehicles canrying ter or more passengers should be fitted with dual pneumatic tyres, or tyres of double width. The matter, however, was referred to a committee to investigate, several members being of the opinion that the proposal would have the effect of driving some valuable services off the roads.
London's Old Cabs.
In a recent report the General Purposes Committee of the London County Conned states, with. regard to the prevention of the use of old and worn-out taxicabs on. the London streets, that "The liceesing of taxicabs in London rests with the police, and we have no information regarding the number of unserviceable cabs. It appears to us that the proper course to be adopted is for persons using such vehicles to make any complaints direct to the Commissioner of Police."
Llanelty Roads and Traffic.
The Llanelly Borough Council has appointed a special committee to go into the question of traffic regulations and read finances. The council has in hand elaborate road-improvement schemes, including the rebridging of the Lledi River. This alone is estimated to cost 430,000.
Brick Roads.
f_ltaffordshire County -Council has arranged for an experimental brick road.
Although brick paving is somewhat of an innovation in this country, elsewhere it. is nothing new. Some of the States of America have several examples, and the first brick-paved street—in Charleston, West Virginia—has been in existence for 27 years-and is still in first-class condition.
Just recently an Ohio banker bequeathed to the municipality a bricked thoroughfare by way of a memorial which would be serviceable to the community.
Where brick Streets have become worn, authorities have been able to -carry out cheap repairs by coating with asphalt. Europe has some outstanding examples of brick thoroughfares, notably Holland, which paved some streets with bricks a hundred years ago.
A New Albion Depot.
Arthur G. FeuIds, Ltd., of Edinburgh, who are the concessionnaires in Edim • bargh and district for the sale of Albion vehicles, have recently opened a very fine service and repair depot at Dunedin Street, Broughton Road. A large Stock of Albion spare parts is being carried, and this, together with the fact that one of the directors, Mr. Foidds, was for many years associated with the Albion company's staff at Sctitstoina, ensures thorough and efficient service being given i
Nottingham Traffic Problems.
• Nottingham Corporation proposes to .epply for powers in the ensuing Session ,of Parliament to remedy the present entirely unsatisfactory conditions in regard to the control of motor and other traffic. The paohlena has :become one of increasing seriousness, by reason of the inability, except at almost prohibitive cost, to widen Main avenues of leoemotion in the heart of the city. Ultimately much relief is designed to be afforded by the
elongation of a new arterial route, supplying an alternative means of ingress and egress from southernmost parts, of which the bridge crossing the Trent forms the apex of triangular roads.
The Bill, of which statutory notice has new been given, proposes, by one of its many clauses, to authorize the corporation to make orders as to the routes to be observed at all times by vehicular traffic in certain parts of the city, and what is more essential, to enable the authorities to require that in eertain streets traifii shall pass in one direction only.
It is a partial palliative for ills which in narrow and congested thoroughfares have led to an undue proportion of accidents in Nottingham, with its increasing volume of motor traffic.
Buses for Belfast.
Belfast Corporation proposes to seek power to run motor omnibuses within a ten-mile radius of the city.
Trial Buses for London.
The police authorities have sanctioned the operation of. 30-seater single-deck buses tw the London General Omnibus Co., Ltcl., on the Clanton and Lee Green route for a trial period (id three months.
Trailers for Johannesburg.
Concluding that the cost of transport Of road metal ca-n be still further reduced by the . use of a trailer to each steam wagon, the Johannesburg Municipal Council has arranged to hire two trailers at £1 each per day for one month on trial.
. Setting a Precedent.
On General Election polling-clay the Caerphilly Urban District Council arranged a special service of motorbuses from the outlying districts to the various centres. The fares were specially reduced for the occasion, and as a, consequence local deputations are to wait on the council asking that the eon-cession fares shall become the standard charges.
Durham Roads.
During the course of a meeting of the general committee of the uorthern branch of the Royal Automobile Association, held in Newcastle a few days ago, the engineer and surveyor te the Durham County Council (Mr. Albert E. Brookes, M.I.C.E.) presented a statement .of extensive road repairs to be undertaken by that authority.
He told the -assembly that, with the aid of a loan extending over the next five years, the Durham County Council had decided to spend all the money that would normally have been spent on road maintenance and improvements during • the next two years. Making allowance for the loan interest and the failing price of labour for dealing with the roads bearing the heaviest traffic within the years 1922, 1923 and 1924, which his estimate provided for, would have the effect of securing a saving in the ultimate. expenditure. Further, he added the roads would be made suitable and adequatein the shortest possible space of time for the _heavy traffic they had to carry. According to the estimates the sum of £440,000 would be spent on the roads during each of the next two years, of which sum Mr... Brookes said the Ministry of Transport would contribute about 50 per cont.
• Mr. Brookes is in favour of a triangm lar red light on all level-crossings.
Remarking upon the Newcastle highlevel bridge, which is now closed for the purpose of having tramlines laid across to connect up Newcastle and Gateshead, Mr. Brookes said that that road was the only main read over the Tyne, a fact which had been brought to the notice
• of the Ministry on several occasions, and it was a privately owned bridge.
"The Storage and Handling of Oili " is the title of a little booklet just issued by the -Dowson and Mason Gas Plant Co., Ltd., 3. Manchester Street, London, W. 1, which gives much valuable and explicit information relating to bulk storage, particularly in reference to the Beardmore system.
A Point of Law.
The question of whether or not .a steam-propelled traction engine comes within the scope of Roads Vehicles (Licensing and Registration) Re,Tulafilms has been raised at Newport (Mon.), mid so much doubt is apparently entertained on the matter that the local magistrates have adjourned decision .in the case in point, until the exact position in law has been ascertained.
T,he application of the Regulations was questioned in a case in which the owners of a. traction engine were summoned for not having the registered unladen weight inscribed on the vehicle, and the registered axle weight of each axle inscribed upon a trailer. Further summonses were in respect of failure to have the particulars as prescribed by the Regulations upon it and for not haring a person upon the trailer to apply the brakes. Only in the case of failure to have the licence carried upon the vehicle wee guilt pleaded.
Counsel for the defence pleaded that the steam vehicle was not a motorcar, and did not come tinder the scope of the Act. As stated, the legal position is to be investigated prior to a decision being announced.
Interleaving for Springs.
We have just received from Ferodo, Ltd., Sovereign Mills, Chapel-en-leFrith, a copy of the booklet dealing. with the. company's new patent fabric interleaving for vehicle springs. • It has been the company's aim to supply a material that will produce and maintain., for indefinite periods, the exact degree of frictional resistance reeoired. The material which they have placed on the market prevents harsh action due to the extremely high friction that occurs when the staring leaves become rusty, whilst the use of the material eliminates the unPleaaant bouncing action which results from springs being too freely greased or oiled. The interleaving material is supplied in rolls up to 50 ft., and it would appear to overcome the existing difficulties in connection with spring lubrication.
For Motorcyclists.
All readers interested in motorcycles and their equipment should not fail to secure a copy -of this week's Motor Oycling. which will be the Special Show Report Number, containing the first and fullest description of all exhibits of motor-cycling interest at Olympia, profusely illustrated With photographs and drawings. An exceptionally fine—issue, it will also contain signed articles by technical. and sporting notabilities of the reotbr:eroling world. A handsome, coloured •'-cover distinguishes this issue, which, despite the fact that it will be enlarged to nearly four times its usual size, remains at twopence. It will be on sale stall newsagents to-morrow (November 29th), and at. Mater Cycling, Stand No. 134; at. Olympia..
For the Opportunist.
We know of a vacancy for a thoroughly competent. garage foreman-manager, of first-class experience, with a good knowledge of running costs and capable of taking charge of a. mixed fleet of coaches and lorries totalling about 40, and who is able to handle men and supervise repair v:ork generally. Complete information has not been given to us in time for this issue, but we believe the job is ia ,London. We shall be pleased to pass letters from applicants for such -a post to the firirr concerned.. Letters should be
addressed to care of the Editor.
Tyres on Offer.
Mr. H. Matthews, 97-99, Stockwell Road, London, S.W. 9, informs us that he has purchased direct from the Disposals Board a most comprehensive stock of unused solid-band tyres. These tyres, he says, are brand new, have been recently manufactured, and are all in perfect condition. The tyres which are on offer are by well-known makers arid they are suitable for fitting to the front and rear wheels of most of the prominent makes of petrol and steam vehicles.
Governing Vehicle Speed.
&moo (1920), Ltd., Coventry, point out that for many years there has been a constantly expressed demand for some means whereby the speed of a. vehicle can be governed mechanically. By this is not meant the engine speed, but the speed of the vehicle itself, the device needed to meet these requirements being one which prevents the'vehicle from exceeding a set speed rate, so that in districts where they are excessively strict on speed limits any. restrictions imposed can be properly observed.. The device which the company are offering to effect this end is known as the Cut-Speed 'truck controller, which has been specially designed for Use on the Ford termer. This instruMent does not give a check. on the power., but a check on speed, the engine being governed ; from the rear end of the transmission shaft, and not from the engine shaft. The device, it. is said, is giving satisfaction on a number of vehicles.
The final draft of a new Peruvian tariff has recently been Completed, and introduced into the Peruvian Senate. It provides for lower import duties on motor vehicles, parts and tyres with special concessions for commercial vehicles, and parts for them.
Local Proceedings.
To effect economy in the stores department, the L.C.C. proposes to purchase a light motor wagon.
The Carmarthen Town Council has under consideration the purchase of a new motor fire-engine.
The Highways Committee of the Essex County Council recommends the purchase of two 6-ton end-tipping trailers.
Bradford Board of Guardians has decided to purchase a motor which can be used alternatively as an ambulance and for ordinary purposes.
Stretford Urban District affincil has accepted the tender of the North British Rubber Co., Ltd., for the supply of Clincher tyres for a 2-ton Cornmer Car lorry.
The Manchester Corporation is recom• mended by its public health committee to purchase an additional ambulance and a motor bedding van at an estimated cost of 2850 each.
Wakefield City Council has considered a letter from the chief constable recommending that standards should be erected at various points in the city warning drivers of vehicles to drive slowly, and the city surveyor has been directed, to obtain quotations for the standards and also for direction signs.
Petrol and Steam in Heavy Transport.
We have been asked by W. H. Cooper, Ltd., to point out: that, it is not their practice to overload their vehicles, to which we referred in an article entitled
Petrol and Steam in Heavy Transport," which we published, last week, but. from Mr. Symon's personal observations, he is quite sure that the Maudslay chassis is of such sturdy construction that it could carry loads considerably in excess of those authorized, for, when carrying 44 tons, which is their average load, the springs show no indication of undue stressing.