WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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'The wheels of wealth will be slowed by an difficulties of transport at whatever points arising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs."—John Beattie Crozier.
London Bus Insurance.
• We are asked by Mr. V. N. Burton, secretary of the Association of London Omnibus Proprietors, Ltd. (we congratulate him, by the way, upon his recent elevation to that post), to deny a statement recently appearing in a provincial newspaper to the effect that London bus proprietors were not fully covered by insurance. The reason why this statement is totally erroneous is that every proprietor who comes within the jurisdiction of the Public Carriage Department of Scotland Yard must insure every vehicle against unlimited passenger and third-partyrisks. Hence, it would be impossible for any bus to ply for hire in the streets of the metropolis without having first been fully insured.
68 German Mode's by 26 Makers.
At the present time there are 26 concerns in Germany building commercial vehicles for goods transport—for loads of from 1 to 5 tons—and public-service work. Altogether 68 models are listed by the makers in question, all of which, with two (six-cylinder) exceptions, are fitted with four-cylinder engines. An analysis of the specifications shows that pomp water circulation is adopted on all but two models, and that of the engines 13 have detachable and 55 nondetachable cylinder heads. Engines with monobloc cylinder castings number 19 and those with cylinders in pairs 49. Cast-iron pistons are used in 41 cases and aluminium pistons in 22, the type in five cases not being stated. All but two models (three speeds) have four-speed gearboxes; the final transmission in 30 cases is by reduction gearing; 17 have bevel drive, 15 chain drive and 6 worm drive.
Sunderland's Trolley-bus Proposals Confirmed.
The proposed wholesale substitution of tramcars by motorbuses over the entire system controlled by the Sunderland District Electric Tramways, Ltd., which was referred to in a recent issue, has now been advanced a stage further, and has become a concrete decision.
At an extraordinary general meeting held some days ago a resolution was adopted to alter the articles of association of the company to run buses instead of trams, the result of which will be that the former type of vehicle will now be introduced over all routes where the substitution has not yet taken place. Already a fleet of 18 omnibuses is in use, and the proceeds of the sale of the tramcars and equipment will, be devoted to the purchase of additional road vehicles.
The Application of London's Traffic Act.
Lord Ashfield, just over four years ago, contributed a very interesting article to the "Nineteenth Century and After Review" on the subject of London's traffic problem, and, in the time which has since elapsed, has seen so many developments and changes that he has now, this year, considered it neces C20 sary again to go into the question and to show what has happened to confirm and, in some minor respects, to modify what was then written. As an exposition of the policy that underlies the provision of passenger traffic facilities in the Metropolis, his treatise is masterly and extremely informative—so much so that, to everyone interested, the pamphlet issued by Constable and Co., .Ltd., reprinting the latest article, must be invaluable.
Col. Fraser's New Post.
Col. Ivor Fraser, who has for some years undertaken .the management of the publicity of the Underground group of passenger transport services in London including the L.G.O.C., has resigned to take up an important position on the "Morning Post" newspaper. The work of the department has been transferred for the time being to the commercial manager, Mr. A. L. Barber.
Llanelly Considering Municipal Buses.
The question of instituting a municipal bus service in order to remedy complaints against privately owned buses, chiefly on the score of overcrowding and general lack of control, was discussed at a _meeting of the Llanelly Borough Council. The Chief Constable is to consult with members of the council at its next meeting concerning the wisdom of inaugurating such a service. London's Traffic Problem.
Mr. F. G. Bristow; the general secretary of the Commercial Motor Users Association, on Wednesday last addressed the members of the Farringdon Road Club on the subject of the new Traffic Authority for London. He went very thoroughly into the question of the need for such an authority and set out the arguments which have been advanced by advocates of its establishment, and then described the new Traffic Act and clearly explained the powers and duties of the Minister of Transport under the Act, and showed the advantages that can result if the provisions of the Act be put into force. Mr. Bristow's address was much appreciated.
L.C.C. and L.G.O. Agreement.
• The L.C.C. Fire Brigade Committee has made the following arrangement :— In the event of a vehicle other than a private motorcar belonging to tile London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., being damaged as the result of a collision with a brigade vehicle other than a private motorcar or vice versa, the undermentioned 'arrangements shall apply :—If the cost of repair to either vehicle does not exceed £25, each party shall bear the whole of the cost of repairing the damage to its vehicle ; in cases in which the cost of repair to either vehicle exceeds £25 bat does not exceed £50, each party shall bear its own cost of repair up to £25. The cost of repair in excess of this amount shall be dealt with by each party paying to the other one-half the amount of such excess respectively sustained by each. The arrangements shall apply irrespective of legal liability in the above-mentioned cases, but shall not apply in cases in which the cost of repair on either side exceeds £50. The arrangements are subject to determination by either party giving to the other onemonth's notice.
Seeking Driving Tests.
The Ministry of Health has recently sent a letter to the Manchester Watch Committee in which it makes it known that legislation is to be introduced at the earliest opportunity making it imperative that tests of driving capacity be instituted before licences to drive motor vehicles are issued.
The Manchester Watch Committee made a suggestion that a standard test should be introduced, and its action was prompted by the increase in the number of street accidents in which mechanically propelled vehicles are involved.
Freeing a Welsh Transporter Bridge.
A proposal of interest to Newport transport owners was made at the October meeting of the Newport (Mon.) Town Council, when it was suggested that the transporter bridge should be freed, and that the toll at present exacted from vehicles using it should be abolished.
The Ministry of Transport has tentatively offered to pay 50 per cent, of the annual maintenance cost of the bridge if it be freed, and it is thought that the general use of the bridge following the abolition of the toll would greatly relieve existing congestion in certain streets The gross loss on the working of the bridge last year was £7,046, which, after a Ministry of Transport grant had been made, was reduced to a net loss of £6,415. If the tolls be abolished the loss will be increased by £858.
The council is at present in touch with the Ministry on the matter.
Devon's Successful Buses.
In dealing with the enterprise of the Devon General Omnibus Co., Ltd., in a paragraph which appeared in our issue for October. .14th, we referred to the progress they had made since their formation, which was not two years ago as stated, but, actually, in the winter of 1919. The company were subsequently taken over by the Torquay Tramways Co., and the services run in conjunction with their fleet of vehicles, but the original title was retained, although the board of directors is the same for both companies.
Log Haulage by Tractor-lorry.
Logs of wood are notably difficult loads to deal with, but Messrs. 0. and J. Clapton, bobbin makers, Thornton Road, Bradford, have been rendered greater assistance in their work by a F.W.D. lorry with a Dyson semi-trailer. Up to the time this vehicle was bought the work was done under contract by horses, but it is stated that the tractor-lorry does the work of ten horses and does it with greater ease. Moreover, a. train of horses adds to the length of the wagon carrying the log or logs and, consequently, the operating area required is much larger than with a motorpropelled vehicle.
Messrs. Clayton often purchase timber in the plantations and it is necessary to haul the wood from the land on which it, is cut, where there are no roads. In this work, and in the storage yards, where the land often Cuts up very badly under traffic, the F.W.D. lorry is particularly useful as it does not " dig itself in " on account of wheel-spin, For rapid haulage from the station to the works and even about the timber yards, and from one yard into the works where the logs are cut up, the outfit has been found of great value as the turning space required is so small. The vehicle is illustrated on page 330.
East Midlands C M.U.A. Dinner.
The second annual dinner of the East Midlands Division of the Commercial Motor Users Association was held at Nottingham a few days ago, when Captain Davenport presided. Proposing the toast of " The Association,' the chairman referred to several works in progress in the neighbourhood which had fructified as a result of efforts Made bx the Commercial Motor Users Association.
Mr. Shrapnell-Smith said that the Association essentially set out to help the owners of vehicles, and that this could not be done without indirectly helping everyone connected with them. He said that the National Council attaches great importance to what was being done in Nottingham where there has been the maximum co-operation between labour organizations and the C. M. U. A.
During the evening the certificates awarded in connection with the recent parade of vehicles in Nottingham were distributed to the winners.
More Stringent Bus Reguiatons.
The licensing committee of the Harrogate Corporation has received instructions not to license any motorbus in future unless it is provided with a rear emergency door, which must be unobstructed, by seats, and the fastenings for opening the door must be readily available from the inside and outside.
The Woking Urban District Council has made a similar proposal, and has decided that after December 9th no vehicle which does not possess an exit at the rear shall be licensed. This period of grace is given so that vehicles which are not arpresent'provided with an exit at the rear can be adapted before that date to snit the new requirements.
Joseph Lucas Report.
The report of Joseph Lucas, Ltd., for the year ended August 31st last, shows that, after making due provision for depreciation and taxation, a net profit (including that made by the Lucas Electrical Co., Ltd.), of £137,584 was made which, with the balance (£88,427) brought forward from the previous year, gives a total of £226,011. Out of this sum, interim dividends on the preference and ordinary shares have absorbed £14,134, leaving a balance of £211,877.
A final dividend on the preference shares will account for £5,367, whilst one of 12A per cent, on the ordinary
shares will absorb £43,836, and a bonus of 5 per cent, on these shares will involve a further sum of £17,534. These deductions, plus £35,000 which is placed to the reserve account (it now stands at £210,000), as well as £10,000 allocated to the staff superannuation fund and certain other amounts, will account for £112,383, leaving a balance of £99,494 to be carried forward.
Inst. A.B. Dinner.
The annual dinner of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, which is to be held on November 19th, at the Connaught Rooms, should prove as successful as previous events, and many guests holding important positions in the industry have already expressed their intention of being present at this year's function.
A By-pass Road Scheme Abandoned. In view of objections which have been raised, the Ministry of Health has decided to abandon the construction of the West Wickham by-pass road which, if carried out, would, it is said, interfere with the amenities of the Commons of Wickham, Hayes and Farnborough. It is intended to substitute for this part of the original scheme the formation of a by-pass road round Farnborough, and the widening and straightening of the road between Bromley and Sevenoaks, as well as the extension of the Purfleet to Tilbury road.
British Buses for New York.
Thirty-five applications for motorbus franchises are at present before the Board of Transportation of New York City. These include petitions from a number of independent operators' and also from four big companies—the Fifth Avenue Coach Co., the Third Avenue Railroad Co., the Brooklyn-Manhattan
Transit Co., and the Service Bus Cor poration. .
The Fifth Avenue Co., propose the operation of 116 miles of new passenger vehicle services over 35 new routes, and increasing by about 600 the number of buses they have in service, which
• will bring the total of their fleet up to well over 1,000 vehicles. The Third Avenue Railroad Co., and the B.M.T. Co., both propose to add bus lines as feeders to their surface and rapid transit lines. The Service Bus Corporation is stated to have been organized to put into operation Tilling-Stevens petrolelectric buses; it is asking for a franchise to run vehicles over 125 miles of New York City streets.
Inst. A.E. Awards.
The council of the Institution of Automobile Engineers has made the following awards for papers read during the past year :—Crompton Medal, awarded to Dr. Aitchison for his paper entitled, "Light alloys for pistons and connecting rods." 'Utility prize (presented by Col. D. J. Smith for the paper of the greatest utility to the automobile ex. gineer), awarded to Dr. Aitchison for the same paper. Graduate's prize, awarded to Mr. R.. N. Aveline, of the Coventry Branch, for a paper entitled, "Carburation."
Darlington's Bus Provisions.
The town clerk of Darlington has neen in communication with the Ministry of Health with reference to the adoption, on the part of the corporation of by-laws requiring the efficient lighting of omnibuses, the provision of an emergency exit, etc:, on all vehicles plying for hire in the borough, and has received a reply that a series of by-laws is in course of preparation. The markets committee, which is responsible for bus regulation in the town, has, in view of this reply, resolved to consider such
c22 regulations so soon as they are issued with a view to their adoption by the corporation.
In the meantime, the committee is calling the attention of all proprietors of buses plying for hire locally to the necessity for equipping their vehicles with emergency doors, which should be easily accessible at all times, and has
also requested proprietors to make arrangements for effective lighting, and, furthermore, to avoid the necessity for filling petrol tanks during the course of a journey.
L.C.C. Ambulance Record.
The L.C.C. reports that the number of calls received by the ambulance service during the quarter ended September 30th, was 8,575, as compared with 7,722 in the corresponding period of 1.923, an increase of 853. The number of calls (3)002) during July, 1924, is the highest number, received in any one month since the inauguration of the service.
It is officially announced that the Nottingham Co-operative Society has decided to retire from the public transport business, and is disposing of its fleet of motor coaches.
Birmingham Street Accidents.
Birmingham Watch Committee reports that the number of casualties incidental to street traffic coming to the knowledge of the police authorities during the six months ended June 30th last was 2,449, as compared with 1,920 for the same period in the previous year. Tramcars, we notice, were involved in 1.62 accidents, whereas motor omnibuses were concerned in only 72. It is pleasing to note that motor coaches were not involved in street accidents in which persons or property were injured.
The number of persons fatally injured as a result of street accidents in the period was 30, the total number of persons injured, but not fatally, being 924.
Ensuring the Public's Safety.
It is remarkable the attention which has been focused on the safety of publicservice vehicles as a result of the accidents which have occurred of late, and it is satisfactory to know that most of the prominent passenger-vehicle companies, as well as many small owners, are directing attention to such subjects as emergency exits and the position of petrol tanks, in order to minimize risks to passengers.
The Trent Motor Traction Co., Ltd., who are always to the fore in developments affecting the public welfare, have lately affixed a card in the drivers' cabins of all their buses giving the following instructions to drivers in case of a fire :—(1) Leave the engine running; (2) turn off the petrol tap • (3) remove and use extinguisher (all the company's buses carry Pyrene fire-extinguishers); (4) if fire is serious, send the conductor to the nearest. fire alarm; (5) render help to passengers. A timely hint is given that water will not quench a petrol fire and that sand must be used if it be available.
Tribute to a Bus Company.
The National Omnibus and Transport Co., Ltd., who have recently completed their season of summer services at Weymouth and have notified their intention of re-instituting the services next May, have been accorded an expression of appreciation from the local watch committee for the way in which the services have been conducted, and of the manner in which the company have carried out the reguirements of the corporation.
Wandsworth's Purchases.
The special committee of the Wandsworth Borough Council appointed to consider recommendations for the purchase of a steam wagon, a petrol' wagon and other mechanical plant now reports that it made an arrangement for three steam wagons to be sent on trial, and for three days the vehicles were engaged upon ordinary haulage work as well as being subjected to certain special tests. The borough engineer reports that the most satisfactory wagon was a Garrett 6-ton three-way tipper, which gave excellent all-round service, and the committee, accordingly, gave an order for a vehicle of this make at a cost of £883. An order was also given for two 4-5-ton Carrimore three-way tipping trailers at £185 each. The committee also decided to purchase an S.D. Freighter at £560 from Messrs. Shelvoke and Drewry, and a 30-cwt. lorry at £440 10s. from the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co., Ltd. In connection with these purchases the Borough Engineer reported that he had found by experience that the fitting to each vehicle of an instrument which records the time the vehicle is travelling and stationary promotes a much higher standard of working efficiency, and it has been decided, therefore, to provide each of the new vehicles with a recorder at a cost of £9 lOs. per vehicle.
Consideration has been given to the question of the establishment of a repair depot, but this has been postponed, the view being that the new machines are not likely to require much attention for some time, and that, at present, a repair depot would not be an economical proposition.
A Volume on Research.
The Institution of Automobile Engineers inaugurated the 1924-1925 session by a most successful meeting at the Royal Automobile Club some days ago, when the new president, br. W. R. Ormandy, gave a most interesting address, dealing with the question of research. Probably one of the most interesting points brought out was the actual meaning to the automobile engineer of the results of the research work carried out by the Empire Motor Fuels Committee which have just been published as a volume of proceedings of the Institution.
A Request to the Ministry.
With a view to securing safe travelling facilities for residents of the neighbourhood, the highways committee of the Houghton-le-Spring, Urban District Council is requesting the Ministry of Transport to send an inspector to examine all motorbuses plying for hire in the district, and to report upon (1) the practice of filling up with petrol
when passengers are in the vehicles ; (2) the use of seats in front of the emergency door ; and (3) obstruction caused by passengers standing in bus gangways.
Irish Free State Imports.
The imports of commercial motor vehicles into the Irish Free State during July last numbered 26 machines' valued at £8,673, bringing the total for the first seven inceiths of the year to 267 vehicles, of a value of £88,874. Six of the vehicles, valued at £2,226, came from France, the remainder being credited as ports of shipment to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Sowerby's Second Thoughts.
A few weeks ago the Sowerby District Council decided not to grant licences to a Lancashire motorbus company to ply for hire in the district over which it exercises control. The company proposed to establish a bus service from Rochdale to Halifax. Members of the council now admit that failure to comply with the request of the company was a mistake, and they have decided not to oppose the operation of a service through the locality, so that Oldham and Halifax can be linked up.
Plying Without Licences.
• At a meeting of the Paignton Urban District Council attention was 'called to the proceedings taken by the Torquay Corporation against Mr. H. B. Ashcroft for plying for hire with omnibuses within the borough of Torquay without licences. Mr. John Hartley, the clerk, was instruct-td to communicate with the Torquay town clerk, explaining the views of the Paignton Council on the question of the granting of bus licences and suggesting that the town council should reconsider its decision.
Double-deck Buses on Country Routes.
At a meeting of the Woking Council's Licensing Committee the surveyor reported that a communication had been received from the London General Omnibus Co., Ltd., notifying their wish to install double-deck vehicles on their line of route between Kingston and Woking. When the route was arranged it was agreed -by the representatives of the bus company and the surveyor that the route was unsuitable for doubledeck vehicles, and the committee still adheres to its original view on the subject.
An Exide Luncheon.
On the occasion of a luncheon held by the Chloride Electrical Storage Co., Ltd., at the Clarendon Restaurant, Harrunersmith, a few days ago, Mr. D. P. Dunne, director and sales manager of the company, reviewed the achievements of the past year in battery development, and drew specific attention to outstanding features in the company's progress during the year.
The company have instituted during this period a system of technical letters to all garages and motor vehicle dealers in the United Kingdom. These letters give in simple terms, and at the appropriate time ef the year, suitable instructions in connection withbattery maintenance and upkeep.
The extent of the ramifications of the company can be gauged from the fact that there are now over 450 Exide service agents in the United Kingdom and over 7,000 throughout the world.
Mr. Dunne made reference to the Fact that the whole industry was much agitated a short time ago by the repeal of the MoKenna duties, but made it clear that circumstances seem to have carried battery manufacturers safely through the crisis.
He also pointed out that the battery in spite of being a vital part of motor vehicle, is most liable to misuse, and is subject to variation in condition due to physical, electrical and chemical causes. To counteract these influences, it must, he said, be designed and manufactured with the utmost care and skill.
Mr. Dunne considers that manufacturers in this country are gradually acknowledging the wisdom and economy of purchasing their electrical equipment in its component parts; although ho made it understood that the development of the process is a slow one.
Roadrail System in South Africa.
• It is stated that the first Roadrail system of transport on a practical scale in the .Union of South Africa has just been inaugurated, its aim being to solve the problem of economical road transport in the country. The system is being tried nut on the Pieters.bere main-line railway, 108 miles north of Pretoria, and the length of the route over which it is in operation is 20 miles. The institution of the system is the result of a series of exhaustive experiments which have been conducted.
New Zealand Import's.
According to official returns 94 motor lorries, vans and buses, valued at £32,894 were imported into New Zealand during the first half of the current year, together with 1,098 chassis valued at 229,085, thus indicating that the bodies for New Zealand industrial vehicles are mainly constructed in the Dominion.
Of the complete vehicles 38 came from the United States, 30 from Canada, 25 from Great Britain and one from Italy. Of the chassis, Canada supplied no fewer than 725, America being second in the list with 256, followed by Great Britain with 102, Italy with 12 and France with 3.
N.C.L. Taxicab Equipment.
We understand that the Midgely Car Lighting Co., Ltd., makers ot the M.C.L. lighting and starting sets, have appointed Auto-Sundries, Ltd., of 10a, Grosvenor Place, London, S.W.1, as sole distributors for the M.C.L. taxicab equipment. This equipment, which has been accepted by Scotland Yard authorities, possesses many attractive features, and the demand for it has been sufficient to enable the manufacturers to keep the price clown to a low level.
The Driving Age.
A proposal is under the consideration of the Adelaide Corporation, South Australia, for amending the motor bylaws to provide for the issue of lioeuces to persons of the age of 18 years and over for the driving of motor vehicles licensed to carry not more than seven passengers. The parliamentary COMmittee of the corporation expresses the opinion that drivers of motor vehicles licensed to carry more than seven passengers should not be under the age of 21, as fixed by the present by-law.
Motor Instruction for Naval Ratings. We illustrate on this page a 2-ton Vulcan lorry which has recently been purchased by the Royal Naval School of Motoring, of Portsmouth, for the purpose of giving instruction in motor lorry driving, etc. The Royal Naval School of Motoring was formerly operated by the Navy Employment Agency; but was transferred by deed to the administration of the lower deck in December, 1920, and has since been managed and controlled by a committee appointed by the local Portsmouth committee.
The school possesses a number of motor vehicles, as well as many component parts, which are ,nsed for
instructional and demonstration purposes. The premises and equipment of the school are most up to date, and the comprehensive syllabus issued in connection with the instruction of ratings undergoing the course, clearly shows that the subjects of driving and care and maintenance of vehicles (including running repairs) are dealt with in a thorough and practical manner.
Ruckstell Axle Agents Remove.
Alfred Dugdale, Ltd., who handle a range of implements for use with the Fordson tractor, and who are also sole agents in Great Britain for the Ruckstell axle, have decided to centralize their stores and office departments, and in future their address 'A rill be the London Aerodrome, Hendon, N.W.9.
The Albion Motor Car Co. Ltd.) inform us that the vehicle which we illustrated in our issue for October 7th, in
• the service of Heelits, Ltd., of Reading,. was supplied in chassis form to the company direct.
Local Proceedings.
West Bridgford Urban District Council has decided to purchase a motor vehicle for refuse collection.
West Bridgford Urban District Council has decided to install fire-extinguishers on all its motor omnibuses. Glasgow Corporation Cleansing Committee recommends the purchase of two Lacre street sweepers at a total cost of 1,150. Gosport Town Council has authorized the borough surveyor to purchase another motor vehicle for refuse collection.
Llandudno Urban District Council has purchased a 1-ton motor lorryfrom Messrs. A. Deacon and Son, at a cost of 33150.
Bolton Corporation has authorized the purchase of three additional motor omnibuses in order to extend the bus services.
Whitley and Moniseaton Urban District Council has called for quotations for the supply of a small type of motor fire-eneine.
Bombay Municipal Council has asked the Commissioner to make inquiries and report upon the Milnes-Dahnler system of refuse collection.
Whitley and Monkseaton Urban District Council has asked the surveyor to obtain quotations for the supply of a new motor ambulance.
Oldham Corporation Tramways Committee has accepted an amended tender from Leyland Motors, Ltd., for the supply of five motor omnibuses. Lewisham Council's Works Committee recommends the purchase of two S.D. Freighter lorries from Shelvoke and Drewry, at a total cost of £1,187.
Torquay Watch Committee has decided that in future no licences be granted to conductors of public-service vehicles who are under the age of 18 years.
The Pembrokeshire County Council has decided that the weights and measures inspectors must make periodical examination of all petrol pumps. in the area.
Glasgow Watch Committee has authorized, the purchase of a new MorrisMagisus motor turntable fire-escape, similar to the vehicle now installed at the Central Fire Station, at a cost of £2,500.
Mr. F. Parkins, the town clerk of Truro, reported that tradespeople in the city had petitioned with reference to the prohibition of horse and motor traffic in High Cross, Victoria Square, etc. It was decided to discuss the matter with the Truro Mercantile Association.
At a meeting of the Paignton Urban District Council the Devon General Omnibus and Touring Co., Ltd., asked the council to grant the proposed two licences for motor omnibuses for the whole year instead of during the summer months only. The council decided that, as the company are not prepared to accept the council's conditions, the proposed licences be not granted.
Rejected Appeals.
The Ministry of Transport has rejected the appeals of Mr. H. B. Ashcroft and Mr. G. H.. Marks against the refusal of the Torquay Watch Committee to grant them licences to ply for i hire with motor omnibuses n the borough on a regular service between Torquay and Paignton.
Swansea Hackney Charges,
The Swanses Watch Committee is experiencing difficulty in arriving at a scale of charges for hackney carriages that is acceptable both to the taxicab owners and the borough council. The committee has resolved to amend its previously drafted scale to is. 6d. per mile, or 9s. per hour, for the hire of taxicabs. Strong objection tothe increase has been made by Members of the council, although it has been elicited that the Ministry of Health agreed to it and was of opinion, that the previous scale was less than the average scale in vogue in other towns.
The proposed new scale was referred back to the committee for reconsideration.
The Colombian Tractor Market.
The number of tractors in Colombia is not large, and consists mainly of track-laying and small-wheeled machines. It is considered that these types are best suited to the country, as most of the farms are -of limited acreage. Petrol and paraffin are the only fuels at present used for tractors, but is is thought that steam tractors might be suitable for operation in the highland districts, where coal is both abundant and cheap.
The Ministry of Public Works is considering the use of tractors for railway construction. Machines of large size would be required for this work, which would involve the transporting of steam shovels and other heavy loads. Business in tractors is mainly handled
by motor dealers, whilst other agricultural machinery is obtained through hardware dealers,
A General Motors Resignation.
We understand that Mr. _Harold Fuller' has severed his connection with General Motors, Ltd., after having been associated with the company's interests in this country for about 12 years. During this period he has acted in the capacitico of business manager, secretary, assistant sales manager and acting salves manager.
Dodge Brothers Agents Dine.
Great enthusiasm was the keynote amongst Dodge Brothers agentsat the dinner given at the Savoy Hotel while the Motor Show was in progress. Mr. J. H.. Willson occupied the chair, in the place of Mr. F. J. Haynes, unavoidably detained in the States. The sale of vans, it is pleasing to learn, is rapidly extending.
A.E.C.'s Lancashire Agents.
R. Woodhead and Co., Ltd., 116, Dale Street, Liverpool, advise us that they have been appointed distributors for Lancashire for the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd., and that they have opened a service station at the address we have given, where a full range of chassis and a large stock of spare parts are being carried.
Efficient Ambulance Service.
The 1923 review of the Bombay Corporation states that the motor ambulance service presented by Bai Jerbai N. Wadia. for street and other aceidents worked satisfactorily during the year, and is becoming so popular that the demands made upon it are greater than can be met. There were 466 accident calls and 835 private hire calls during the year, and the total number of persons carried was 1,025. The distance run by the ambulances was 11,394 miles.
Children's Fares and Tramway Protection.
At a meeting of the Bolton Corporation Watch Committee the Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., intimated that they contemplated the inauguration of a scheme of cheap weekly tickets for school children travelling on their services. As , this proposal might be deemed to affect the arrangements with regard to fares existing for the protection of the corporation tramways, it was asked if the scheme met with the approval of the corporation. The committee decided to consider the matter at its next meeting.
Additions to the London Traffic Committee.
Sir George Hume and Mr. Charles, W. Matthews have been appointed representatives of the London County Council on the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee.