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WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

"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 Crozier.

Road Fund Finances.

The accounts in respect of the Road Fund for the year ended March 31st, 1925, were issued last week, showing that the income was £16,067,607 16s. 9d., of which £15,563,043 15s. came from motor vehicle and, other duties, the balance being principally from interest on investments.

Works under the special programme in certified unemployment areas totalled £3,804,059. Paid-in grants for • the maintenance and improvement of Class1

end Class 2 roads ..ad bridges were £8,298,685, whilst grants for general purposes amounted to £2,475,126. Administration expenses were £131,502, iusel £288,257 was paid to local authorities for expenses of collection. There was a balance to the good of £864,275, and this, added to the accumulated funds, brought the total thereof at the end of the year under review to £18,140,386. There are, however, to be set against this balance liabilities to the extent of over £36,000,000 on account of commitments on road works.

Proposed Bus Restriction in London.

With regard to the proposal of the Minister of Transport to reduce the number of buses on certain tramway routes in London, the Association of London Omnibus Proprietors. Ltd., organized a protest meeting at Caxton Hall on Tuesday of last week, when a resolution was passed pledging those present to support the Association in fighting the new regulations, and pro

test meetings were arranged to be held at Trafalgar Square on Sunday last and at Westminster Central flail' „on Saturday next. It was agreed to organize a fighting fund by meailsfiof a levy of £1 per omnibus.

A letter has since been issued by the Association explaining that, the decision arrived at by the London and .1.1onie Counties Traffic Advisory Committee was, of course, not a unanimous vote, because it was the decision of the ordinary members only, the additional members, who are representative of the aarious interests, not being called to the meeting in order to discuss the question.

It is the feeling of the Association that the proposed new regulatiqns are aimed at the independent omnibus owners.

French Military Subsidies for Motors.

A new scale of subsidies applicable to Industrial motor vehicles which are suitable for military purposes and purchased since January 6th last has just been introduced by the French Ministry of War. The following table show st the premiums now offered:— British Concrete Roads.

It is announced that the permanent International Association of Road Congreases will hold this year's gathering in Milan in September. The following have been appointed by the delegates of Great Britain to report on concrete roads:—

Mr. W. S. Richmond, C.M.G., A.M. Inst.C.E., Divisional Road Engineer, Ministry of Transport ; MT. A. Hardaon, ALInst,C.E., borough engineer and surveyor, Southwark, . London; Mr. j. B. L. Meek, M.Inst.C.E., city engineer, Manchester ; and Mr. W. P. Robinson, county surveyor, • Surrey County Council.. The London Parade.

As already announced in our columns, the annual London Motor Parade, organized by the Commercial Motor Users Association, will take place in Lincoln's Inn Fields on Satur

day, March 27th. This is the 20th event of • its kind, and, as in recent years, the parade will be limited to teams of three vehicles, except in the electric class, where single vehicles may be entered.

The Commercial Motor Challenge Cup will be awarded to the owner whose team of vehicles is adjudged to be in the best condition, having regard to the class of work upon which the vehicles are engaged, whilst the drivers of the winning team will be presented with the "Shrapnell-Smith " Challenge Cup, and will each receive a cash award and a souvenir medai. The driver of each vehicle in the team classed as " runners-up " will receive a cash award and a souvenir medal, whilst drivers of the 3rd to 40th teams, inclusive, will either receive a cash award or be highly commended.

The British Electrical Development Association is co-operating with the C.M.U.A. in connection with the thetric vehicle section, and special prizeil will be awarded to the drivers of the winning vehicles in this class.

Mirrors on Motor Vehicles.

The desirability of issuing regaintions-enforcing the fixing of mirrors on all motor vehicles where the driver is seated under any covered-in struct.ire is being considered in connection with the forthcoming Road Vehicles Bill,

Vulcan's Profits.

The report of the Vulcan Motor anti Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., for the year ended August 31st last shows a trading profit of £37,414, less interest amounting to £18,450, so that the net profit is £18,964. With the sum standing to the credit .of the debenture redemption account 135,000 is available, which is devoted in writing off certain items in the balance sheet, leaving £2,593 to be carried forward. No dividend ha a been paid since 1919-1920. The directors announce that sales for the year showed an increase, whilst the export business of the company continues to expand.

Canada's 1925 Exports.

During the past year the exports of motor vehicles from Canada showed "a .good increase over those for the previous year, whilst a considerable expansion of that country's export trade

was recorded. The total nuMber of commercial vehicles exported during 1925 was 16,146, as against 12,772 -a year earlier, the actual shipments during Ihe last month of the year being 1,373 vehicles of this type. The total value of the goods-carrying vehicles shipped from Canada in. 1925 was $5,250.002.

Amongst the 37 countries into Which Canadian-built commercial vehicles wore imported, British ,India and the Dutch East Indies were the largest buyers, although Australia and the Straits Settlements also figured prominently.

War Office Buying Albions.

Amongst the recent . orders which have been received by the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., Scotstottn, Glasgow' is one from the War Office, which has placed a contract for a number of 3tonners. The company hiform us that nearly 6,000 of the earlier models of this type were supplied to' the War Office during the war, and that since the war several large contracts for both 30-cwt. subsidy models • and others have been received.

Compulsory Splash-preventers in Paris.

Under a finding-of the special traffic committee which met at the Prefecture of Police in Paris a few days ago, splash-prevention devices will be obligatory in future on all industrial vehicles in use in the Erench capital. This is ittlier surprising in view of, the poor results obtained from such appliances at the official gplash-prevention trials which have been held in Paris intermittently during the past 16 years.

The new regulations announced by the traffic committee are as follow :— "It is obligatory upon every driver of a vehicle to take all possible precautions in order to prevent the projection of

Muil upon buildings or passers-by. " industrial vehicles must be provided with an efficient arrangement for the prevention of mud projection in all circumstances."

Having wearied of trying to find an efficient splash-preventer by the peaceful means of competitions, the committe has evidently decided to throw the. responsibility upon the commercial motor user.

Aron Taximeters.

In our recent Special Passenger Vehicle Number we published an illustration of a taximeter in connection with our article entitled "" Cab Operation as a Business," and we are asked to make it clear that this instrument is the property of Aron Taximeter, Ltd., 60, Sainsbury Road, Kilburn, London, N.W., and not as stated. A later type of Aron taximeter than that which we illustrated is available.

Personal Pars.

Weare sorry to learn that Isar. A. Goodwin, of C. A. Vandervell and Co., Ltd., has not made the recovery after his severe breakdown in health which was hoped, and it has now been decided that he shall take a prolonged rest from business in the expectation that his health will be completely restored.

We publish on this page a portrait of Mr. H. Kerr Thomas, who has recently been appointed general manager of A. Harper, Sons, and Bean, Ltd., the manufacturers of Bean commercial vehicles.

Mr. Kerr Thomas is president of the Institution of Automobile Engineers (he has also been elected president of the Institution for next year), and is, therefore, amongst the few who have occupied the presidential position on more than one occasion.

Mr. Kerr Thomas's first experience with the motor industry was in the workshops of J. and E. Hall, Ltd., of Dartford, in connection with the Hallford commercial vehicle. He went to America in 1909 on behalf of D. Napier and Son, Ltd., and later became associated with the Pierce-Arrow Co., of Buffalo, New York, remaining with the company for ten years in the capacity .of general factory' manager. He returned to Englandin 1919 and became resident director of the Associated Equipment Co., Ltd.

Mr. Kerr Thomas becomes., identified. with A. Harper, Sons, and Bean, Ltd., in the Centenary year of the company, and his extensive experience should ensure the continuance of a progressive policy in connection with Bean motor vehicle products.

Vulcan Activities.

We are informed that during a recent week the Vulcan Motor and Engineering Co. (1906), Ltd., Crossens; Southport, dispatched 30 vehicles of their manufacture to Australia, South Africa and the Malay States.

Amongst recent orders received by the company are those from Joseph Lyons and Co., Ltd., for four 30-cwt. machines, and from A. Edge, of Longsight, Manchester, for two vehicles of similar capacity. A passenger vehicle repeat is from Mr. K. E. Tanner. of York, who is purchasing a Vulcan bus.

AT. Dividends.

The directors of the British Automobile Traction Co., Ltd., recommend, subject to audit, the payment of a dividend of 10 per cent, on the ordinary shares of the company for the year ended December 31st last, and the payment of an additional dividend at the rate of 2 per cent, on the cumulative 8 per cent, participating preference shares, making 10 per cent, for the year.

C.A.V. Battery Service.

The Auto Electrical Service Co., 519, Green Lanes, Goodmayes, Ilford, advise us that they have been appointed service agents for C.A.V. batteries, and that their business has been started to give the trade and motor vehicle users in the Romford, Ilford and Woodford districts efficient service in connection with electrical equipment. New Bean Prices.

A. Harper, Sons, and Bean, Ltd., Dudley, Worcs., have just issued a new list of prices for their various commercial vehicle models, the figures being slightly increased, consequent on recent advances in the cost of tyres. The Bean vehicle, which is built to carry 25-cwt. loads, sells, in chassis form, fitted with 32-in. by 41-in. tyres, at £280. The price of the lorry is £313, and with drop sides and tailboard £322, whilst the tipping wagon is listed at £335. The Bean van now sells at £340 and the enclosed van at £370. So far as passenger models are concerned. the char-kbancs is marketed at £505 and the light omnibus at £517 10s., in each case 33-in.. by 5-in. tyres being included in the equipment of the vehicles. The price of the Bean ambulance depends upon the type of body which is fitted, and it Is listed at from £515.

Crown Agents Order More Guy Lorries. •

Guy Motors, Ltd., Fallings Park, Wolverhampton. inform .11R that they have just .received a repeat order from the Crown Agents for the Colonies for six 25-30-Cwt. lorries for service in gierra Leone. The previous batch of vehicles of this make supplied to the order of the Crown Agents has seen much service under trying conditions in that part of Africa which is apProm-thing the equatorial line.

The Montreal International Show.

His Majesty's Senior Trade Commissioner in Canada has recently forwarded to the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W., an official programme of the International Motor Show held in Montreal from :Tanuary 23rd to 30th.

This programme, together with the Motor Show supplements published by two well-known Montreal papers, will be forwarded on lean, in order of application, to British manufacturers who are interested.

We published ,brief details of the exhibits of two prominent British commercial motor manufacturers in our issue dated February 16th.

Thornycrofts in Demand.

Amongst the batch of orders for motor vehicles received by John I. Thornycroft and Co., Ltd., Thornycroft House, Smith Square, London, SAVA, (luring the week ended February 13th, were included one for five type-J 4ton chassis, this being a repeat order from the Director of Army Contracts; another for six type-Al long chassis from the company's Calcutta branch, the vehicles being for n22 the Calcutta Tramways Co.; a third for two type-BX 21-ton . chassis for Ceylon; and another for three type-Q 5-ton chassis for Australia.

Included in more than 30 vehicles delivered during the same period, one of particular interest is a type-Q 6-ton hinge-sided lorry for hauling a 2-ton

binge-sided trailer which has been supplied to Shell-Mex, Ltd. The vehicle, which is for service at the company's Fulham depot, is equipped with 40-in. by 8-in, pneumatic tyres, those on the trailer wheels being of 36-in. by 6-in. dimensions.

American Exports.

.Export of, goods and passengercarrying vehicles (electrics excepted) from the 'United States during December last totalled 8.901, valued at 5,:390.757 dollars, the number of vehicles being 7,155 in excess of those exported in December, 1924. The principal purchasers of American vehicles in this month were : Italy, which took 1,668; . Australia-, 1,396; Brazil, 747; United Kingdom, 727 Mexico, 523;' Argentina, 458; Den mark, 439; Belgium, 388.

Repeat Order for Halley Subsidy Models.

Halley's Industrial Motors, Ltd., Toker, Glasgow, whose 30-cwt. subsidytype vehicle successfully passed the War Office tests on October 27th last, have just received from the War Office a third repeat order for such vehicles. A London Traffic Inquiry.

Having from time to time received rep-resentations from local authorities and other bodies to the effect that travelling facilities to and from East London are inadequate, the Minister of Transport has requested the London and Home Counties Traffic Committee

to investigate the matter and to report to him. After a preliminary review of the position, the committee has decided to ascertain to what extent the present facilities are inadequate, and to see whether they are capable of improvement. It has, accordingly,appointed certain members to hold a public inquiry, and this will take place in the Council Chamber, Guildhall, London, S.W., on March 15th, and those who desire to make representations on the matter should communicate with the secretary of the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, 7, Whitehall Gardens, Loudon, S.W., on or before March 8th.

New Depot for Nottingham's Passenger Vehicles.

Existing arrangements at Nottingham for the accommodation of the municipal tramcars and motorbuses having proved entirely inadequate: it is proposed by the tramways committee, subject to the approval of the corporation at its next meeting, to accept the tender of a local firm for the construction of a new depot at a cost of £102,000. Ground in the southern portion of the city is to be utilized for the purpose.

A World Vehicle Census.

According to an estimate compiled by the Department of Commerce of the United States, the number of motor vehicles registered in the world on January 1st totalled 25,973,928, of which 19,999,436, equivalent to 87 per cent., were registered in the ,United State.%% The totals include motorbuses, goods-carrying vehicles, passenger cars and motorcycles, and that for the commencement of this year represents an increase in registration of 10 per cent., as compared With the figure at theopening of 1924.

The number of trucks registered in the world last year is stated to be • 3,454.939, as compared with 2;877,221 in 1924, the hitter figure including buse, for which a total of 181,573 is recorded geparately for 1925.

The number of goods-carrying commercial vehicles registered in the 'United States last year was 2,446,579, and of buses 80,000. With the exception of America, the only other country in which the registration of motor vehicles exceeds a million is the United Kingdom.

Result of the German Safety Coupling Competition.

In our issue dated September 1st last we gave brief details of the competition organized by the Union, of German Employees' Protection Societies, of Berlin, for the best farm of safety coupling for use betwecn. motor wagons and trailers. The first and second prizes of £175 and 105 respectively have been awarded to the couplings entered by the well-known Krupp Co., of Essen. The third prize of £70 goes to the arrangement submitted by Walter Heinrich, of Leipzig, whilst one entered by the Carl Ahlborn firm, of Hamburg, is given honourable

• mention.

A Popular Albion Bus Model.

If one can judge from the many orders which have recently been 'received by the Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., for their new 30-60 hp. low loadline hits, this vehicle is likely to prove one of the Most popular passenger vehicles on the road during the coming season. -Amongst recent orders for this type of Albion vehicle is one from.

, Messrs. Bullock and Sons, of Featherstone, Yorkshire, who have ordered six 29-seaters. This order. -is no doubt the outcome of the excellent service which the company have obtained from a 24 h.p. Albion 20-seater which they have been running for some time past..

. .

Pay-out-of-income , Scheme. •

Automobiles M. Berliet, Richmond Bridge Works, Cambridge Road, Twielcenham; have instituted a scheme whereby :users buying this, make of vehicle can pay forrn their purchase out of income. The, payments can be extended, if required, over a period of 18 months for any of the range of the company's goods-carrying models, which extend from these built to del. with 10-Cwt. to 5-tonloads.. If the petynient be extended for a period of 12 'months a deposit of one-quarter of the Purchase price is asked for, whilst if the payment be extended for -a period of 1S months a sum representing one-third id the purchase price has to.be paid with the order.. The Scheme is outlined in

the February issue of the " Berliet Times," wherein a list 'showing its application to the various goods and passehger models built by the company is included.

America's 5,500Bus Companies. A recent survey shows that there are now 7,850 motorbus routes in the :United States, whilst the total number of companies operating vehicles • over these routes is 5,500. In the north-east corner of the republic 2,700 companies are operating .lines over 3,000 routes ; in the south-eastern corner 1,800 routes are covered by 1,600 different corn'panies.

Motor Ship Orders.

'During the past few weeks orders have been placed with British and Continental yards for thirty motor ships totalling about 250,000 tons deadweight. According to the current issue of The Motor Ship this is a larger number than has previously been recorded in one month, and as it repre

cents a substantially greater tonnage than that of steamers ordered during the same period, it would seem to indicate that improvement in the shipbuilding industry is likely to come mainly through a more general adoption of oil-engined craft.

A fully illustrated description of the new motor passenger liner " Asturias" forms an interesting leading feature of this informative number of Tie Motor

Skip. .

New By-pass on Great North . Road.

A. new by-pass road, two miles long and 20 ft. wide, 'has . just :been completed on the Great North Road at Colsterworth, between Grantham and Stamford, the route which gives users a run over 21 miles and 21 hills. This new by-pass road enables all traffic to avoid the narrow street of the village, and has cost about £33,000 to construct. The new road -is on the route of the old Roman Ermine Street. An Agritnotor Record.

What is said to be the world's tractor record is reported from a district in New South Wales. The owner of the machine which accomplished the performance had ofnecessity to complete a large amount of fallowing which he had undertaken to do. Ple engaged three drivers, and, working in eighthour shifts, the tractor, a Fiat, was kept working for thirty days and thirty nights without stopping. The ground was very hard and the work`arduous, and eventually had to be given up owing to blinding duststorms. Nevertheless, the achievement is one of which the owner and the makers may well be proud.

Derbyshire Traffic Increase.

The remarkable growth in the use of mechanically • propelled vehicles in Derbyshire and especially of those employed for commercial purposes is illustrated by some significant statistics which have just been presented to the countyauthorities. The official returns show that at the end of last year the number of vehicles on the " live" register was 24,014, as against 20,252 for the previous annual period and 10,335 for 1921. The income from road fund licences totalled £204,865 last year, this figure representing an increase of £23,161.

A New Dashboard Lamp.

Desmo, Ltd., Desmo House, 31, Stafford Street, Birmingham, have just introduced a new instrument board lamp which will probably interest those users who employ high-class vans on delivery service. The main feature of the lamp is its simplicity. The barrel containing a festoon bulb is revolved by means of a small knurled nut at one end, and on being turned the lamp is automatically switched on, thus throwing a light over the instruments and the indicators on the facia board. The lamp can also be used as a roof light ; its retail price is 10s. 6d.

Solex New Works.

Solex (Licensees), Ltd., 115, Southwark Street, London, S.E.1, advise us that, as a result of the rapidly increasing demand for Solex carburetters, they are building a new works at Maryiebone. The construction of the premises is well advanced and they will be ready for occupation at the end of June. The new works will be fully equipped on modern lines and will include a fitting and service department with accommodation for 100 vehicles.

Westinghouse Traffic Signals

TheWestinghouse Brake and Saxby Signal Co. Ltd., 82, York Road, London, Ni, have received an order from the Ministry of Transport for eight three-aspect colour light traffic signals for use in connection with the regulation of traffic along Piccadilly and also that entering from other thoroughfares north and south of this important traffic artery.

Electric Ignition Equipment.

A paper entitled "Electric Ignition Equipment" is being read to-night (Tuesday) et the London meeting of the Institution of Automobile Engineers, which is being held at the Royal Society of Arts, John Street, Adelphi, W.C.2. It will be read on March 16th, before the Wolverhampton centre of the Institution.

Leyland Vehicles in Course of Construction.

Amongst prominent companies who have recently placed orders with Leyland Motors, Ltd., Leyland, Lancashire, for various types of motorbus are the Ortomt Motor Co., of Cambridge, who are buying three 0117 chassis, to which they will fit double-deck bodies of their own design ; Wears. French's Motor Bus Co., of London, who have ordered two Lion models ; Messrs. Bullock and Sons, of Wakefield, who are buying four Licars and are well-known bus proprietors operating in the West Riding of Yorkshire ; and. the Torquay and Chelston Car Co., of Torquay, who are purchasing a Lion model.

The Leyland Lion is proving a most popular type, as is indicated by the increasing number of orders which is being received for it, prominent n24 amongst which is one for 20 machines from the Barnsley and District Motor Traction Co.

Important users who are purchasing goods-carrying Leylands are Hampton and Son, Ltd., the well-known furnishers and removers, of London, and Chivers and Sons, Ltd., of Cambridge, who are buying a 4-tonner. Amongst orders which the company have received from brewers during the past few months may be mentioned one from Messrs. Style and Winch, of Maidstone, for two 0112 4-ton chassis.

On the list of municipal authorities which have recently favoured Leyland Motors, Ltd., with orders we note the name of the Dartford Urban District Council, which -will shortly be taking delivery of a 300-400-gallon fire-engine.

• Guy's Running a Double Shift. As a result of the increasing demand for Guy vehicles, both for goods and passenger service, Guy Motors, Ltd.,

Failings Park, Wolverhampton, tell us that they have found it necessary to run a double shift in their machine shops, which, of course, hold the keynote to the situation as regards output. The illustrations which we reproduce on this page give some idea of the extent of the activity which is at present taking place in the company's chassiserecting bay and bus-body paint shop.

School Children and Traffic Dangers.

In view of the increase in the number of street accidents in which school children are involved the Caerphilly schools managers have decided to obtain from the London Geheral Omnibus Co., Ltd., the loan of a film showing street dangers and how to avoid them, which it intends to exhibit at all the schools in the area.

More Tractors for the G.W.R.

The Great Western Railway Co. have just added a further six Fordson tractors and trailers to their transport fleet.

Local Proceedings.

Morecambe Corporation has decided to purchase a motorcycle fire-engine outfit at a cost of £300.

The highways committee of the _ Shipley Urban District Council recommends the purchase of a Yorkshire gully emptier.

The cleansing committee of the Tynemouth Corporation has authorized the Purchase of a Servis recorder at a cost of £8 17s. 6d.

The health committee of the Hackney Borough Council recommends the purchase of two Ford. 1-ton lorries at a cost of £368.

Darwen Corporation is seeking Parliarrientary powers with regard to the establishment of motorbus and railless Vehicle services.

Newport (Mon.) Corporation proPoses the purchase of a combined motor sweeping and collecting machine at a cost of about £1,000.

Bexhill Corporation has decided to purchase another container vehiclefor refuse collection from Walker Bros., Ltd., at a cost of £130.

Ramsbottom Urban District Council is seeking further Parliamentary powers with regard to the provision and run,, ning of motorbuses and railless vehicles.

Willesden 'Urban District Council has contracted with the British Petroleum Co., Ltd., and, with Messrs. Gutless,. Cape]. and Leonard for the supply of petrol.

Morecambe Corporation has decided to purchase six 52-seater double-deck motorbuses and two 30-seater saloon buses at a total cost not exceeding £12,000.

Stoke Watch Committee has decided that a maximum number of buses be fixed for each route, and that no application for a licence be considered if the maximum number of vehicles is already in operation.

The Blaydon, Ryton and Wickham Joint Hospital Committee has just taken delivery of a Well-appointed Dennis motor ambulance. The body, which is very smart, was built by Messrs. Sanderson, Newcastle.

The works committee of the Croydon Corporation recommends acceptance of the tender of Mr. F. Ashwood for the supply of 5-ton tipping wagons at 50s. per vehicle per day, and that of Mr. John Bennett for 30-cwt. petrol vehicles at 38s. 6d. per vehicle per day.