OPINIONS and QUERIES
Page 50
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"Some Designers Regarded as a Necessary Evil." The Value of Thermostatic Radiator shutter Control Alleged Breach of Agreement for Haulage: Prospects of a SuccessJul Action in the County Court
THE MAKER BEHIND THE PRODUCT.
• The Editor, Tim CommERCIAL MOTOR.
[4230] Sir,—I would like to make a few remarks re letter No. 4222 published in the December 15 issue of The Commercial Motor.
This letter is a criticism of a 30-cwt. vehicle which the driver has just taken over. He also remarks that he believes some designers have an idea that lorry drivers' time and efforts are of no consequence.
The fact of the matter is that the designers in some companies are handicapped because they are looked upon as a necessary evil.
The foremost thought in the minds of those in control appears to be to get the models oft the drawing board as quickly as possible with a minimum of staff, and in many cases they reduce the staff immediately the drawings are made. The consequence of this policy is the production of certain vehicles lacking in that detail perfection which one rightly has grown to expect in modern products.
To my mind, a point to find out for oneself when purchasing a vehicle, and one equally as important as the price, is what sort of a concern has made it. Is it a
real engineering company? L. K. JONES. G.P.O., Birmingham.
THE VALUE OF HEAT CONTROL FOR THE COOLING WATER.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[4231] Sir,—I was very interested to read the letter on thermostatic radiator-shutter control from " Perranwell, Cornwall, published in your issue dated December 8.
Your correspondent may be interested to know that this method of shutter control has, for some time past, been the subject of investigation by at least one manufacturer, and was fitted by this company as standard equipment three years ago.
Adequate and controlled heat, especially at this time of the year, is highly desirable if the operator wishes to obtain good fuel consumption with reduced engine wear.
With correctly designed and adjusted thermostatically controlled shutters, it is considered that a temperatureindicating device in the radiator cap is superfluous.
F. J. HUGHES, Service Manager.
For T. S. Motors, Ltd. (late Tilling-Stevens Motors, Ltd.), Maidstone.
Maidstone.
e40 A LORRY AND WORK PROMISED,
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[4232] Sir,—As I am a regular reader of The Commercial Motor, I am writing for your advice. I was out of work for a considerable time, and as the result of answering an advertisement a contractor called on me and offered me lorry work ; also guaranteeing me work for five years or more if I could lay down £15 deposit on the lorry, the balance of £50 to be paid at the rate of £1 per week from my wages. He promised to pay the first month's expenses in connection with the operation of the lorry.
I paid him £15, and the first day I went to start work I was unable to do so, because he wanted another £8 for insurance, tax, etc., for which he had promised to pay. As I had already 'parted with every penny I had I was unable to start, and I am sure that you will appreciate my position.
The contractor still has the £15, and explains to me that I can have this back if I can find a purchaser for the lorry, but I am unable to do so and have not a penny to help me to live. Can I claim the return of this £15? Incidentally, I have heard from a certain source that he has the vehicle in operation.
WORRIED.
London, S.E.26.
[The legal position, from the facts stated in your letter, is not entirely free from doubt, but it appears probable that if you were to sue the contractor in the County Court you would be successful in securing the return of your £15. This would depend to some extent upon whether there is any document which the contractor has signed undertaking to give you work for five years. The general rule is that an agreement which is not to be performed within a year must be in writing, and it appears from the facts stated in your letter that the agreement to find you work and your agreement to buy the vehicle must be treated as one agreement. If you cannot get the money from the contractor we suggest that you should arrange with a solicitoi to write to him on your behalf. If you do not know of a solicitor who will do this we will, if you wish, ask our solicitor to communicate with the contractor on your behalf, if you will let us know his name and address, and send us any written document which you have in connection with the transaction. Alternatively, you could ask the Poor. Persoth Department of the Law Society to take up the matter on your behalf. In that case you should write to the Secretary, Poor Persons Department, The Law Society, Chancery Lane, W.C.2, setting out the whole of the facts, where the matter will receive careful considerstion.—En.]