NEWS of the WEEK
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IMPORT AND EXPORT UPS AND DOWNS IN AUGUST.
The Board of Trade returns for August, 1938, show that the value of commercial vehicles, cars, chassis and accessories imported during that month was £147,045, which represents a big fall on the total for the comparable month of 1937 (£260,865).
There was a big increase in the number and value of commercial vehicles exported, those for "foreign countries" again being particularly good, In August last the total was 246, their value being £138,583, the latter figure showing a marked advance on that for August, 1937, i.e., £34,547, when 137 vehicles were exported.
Once again the exports of commercial chassis showed a considerable decrease. The drop was a general one, the only improvements being in the figures for South Africa and Australia. In August last, 923 commercial chassis were exported, their value being £203,078, the comparable figures for August, 1937, being 1,562 chassis and £273,238.
North-Eastern Co-op.---New Wages.
Some 3,000 transport workers will be covered by a wages agreement to come into operation from next Tuesday concerning all transport employees, except those on dairy work, of retail co-operative societies in the North-Eastern Section of the Co-operative Union, which includes Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. '
The principal weekly wage-rates provided for are: For drivers of one-horse vehicles, stablemen and assistants on motor vehicles, 57s.; for drivers of vehicles of over 1-ton and up to 2-tons carrying capacity, 60s. Gd.; for drivers of vehicles of over 2 tons and up to 3i-tons carrying capacity, 65s. Gd. Wages. rates for drivers of still larger vehicles and of electric vehicles will be negotiated between the parties, as necessary Railway Applications Succeed.
Two examples of railway operation of road transport were afforded by applications by the London and NorthEastern Railway Co., which were heard by Mr. J. Farndale, Yorkshire Licensing Authority, at York, on Monday. In one case it was stated that the railway company is building a garage at Leyburn for motor horseboxes, by which it transports racehorses to and from training stables in the Leyburn and Richmond areas. This application was for variations in the company's Leyburn-base licence, to permit the exchange of two vehicles between Leyburn and Loftus, the transfer of a maintenance vehicle from Middlesbrough to Leyburn, and the transfer of a motor horsebinc from Richmond
to Leyburn. . • With reference to the horsebox, Mr. B22 E. P. Merritt (for the railway cornpany) said it was formerly at Leyburn,
but as one of the trainers had transferred his stables to Richmond, the company got a variation and transferred the vehicle to Richmond. The railway had since found, nevertheless, that it was more convenient to base it on Leyburn, It had seven horseboxes at Leyburn, and it was more convenient to have the other box at that base also, especially as they were building• a garage at Leyburn designed to house horseboxes.
Mr. C. F. Abrahams, of Askrigg, said his objection was confined to the relief vehicle, which, he feared, might he used in competition in the milkcarrying business. The application was, however, granted.
The other case concerned an application by the railway company for the transfer of a vehicle from the Darlington-base licence to that for Castleford, for the transport of milk for the local co-operative society.. The whole of the collection and carriage of the milk traffic at Castleford, it was stated, was by road. This application also was granted.
Crisis Causes Postponement of Hearings.
Traffic Court hearings, arranged for the past week in the North-Western Area, were cancelled owing to the urgent demands upon the Chairman of the Commissioners, Mr, W. Chamberlain, in respect of the national emergency plans of the Minister of Transport.
Durban Calls for Double-deckers.
The City of Durban, General Stores Department, is calling for tenders (No. G.S.1,546) for the supply of a sixcylinder oil-engined forward-control four-wheeled double-deck bus. Tenders have to be addressed to the town clerk, Municipal Buildings, Durban, and will be received up to October 28. 1938. Fuller details may be obtained from the Department of Overseas Trade, 35, Old Queen Street, London, S.W.1. CAN RECORDERS CHECK RECORD SHEETS?
Can drivers' record sheets be properly checked by mechanical recorders? The question was raised before Mr. H. Trevor Morgan, West Midland Licensing Authority, last week, when he held an inquiry to consider the revocation or suspension of the A licence of Mr. Harry Joseph William Portlock, haulier, of Birmingham, for frequent failure to observe its conditions.
Mr. Portlock, whose licence covers four vehicles and three trailers, was alleged by Mr. A. L. Stallworthy, district enforcement officer, to have committed over 100 offences between January, 1937, and June, 1938, largely as the result of failure by his drivers to keep proper records. On Mr. Portlock's behalf, Mr. D. L. Finnemore said the licence-holder was having to pay for drivers' errors, although he had done everything to see that records were kept. He had put recorders on two vehicles, posted warning notices in the depot, and only one of the offending drivers remained in his employment. Decision was deferred.
A Ploughing Match at Banbury.
The Banbury Agricultural Association held its annual ploughing match on Tuesday at Great Bourton, There was a large attendance, and a demonstration of the latest Massey-Harris manure-spreader was followed with keen interest. This had been arranged by the local agents, Messrs, J. Mawle and Son, of Banbury. Entries_ in the tractor-ploughing classes were smail. and all the machines were Fordsons. Some neat and capable work was done despite the wetness of the ground. which produced a certain amount of wheel-spin.
Sunbeam Electrics for Milk Delivery.
At the Dairy Show, at Earls Court, which was open from Monday to Thursday this week, Sunbeam Commercial Vehicles, Ltd., Moorfield Works, Wolverhampton, exhibited two models of its Sunbeam battery-electric vehicles. Both were shown in a form expressly suited for milk delivery.
One of these, which is a repeat order from the Wolverhampton and District Co-operative Society, has a capacity of 15 Cwt. of pay-load, and a body with an 8-ft. platform, protected by a roof, fully enclosed at the rear but open sided. Behind the cab and easily accessible from the near side is a cabinet with two compartments for butter and eggs. A Britannia 22farnp.-hr. battery is installed. Resembling the above vehicle in the main, the other model has an open body and detachable cabinet, whilst an Exide-Ironclad 218-amp.-hr. battery is employed. REARMAMENT HELPS AN APPLICANT.
An application before Mr. Henry Riches, Northern Scotland Licensing Authority, last week, was that of Dayid Barrie, Ltd., a Dundee haulage company. It was for a variation to permit the substitution of a 7-tort eightwheeler (to carry gross weights up to 22 tons) for a vehicle of 4i tons unladen weight. Railway objections were lodged.
For applicant, Mr: R. W. Currie said the application was the direct result of the Government's armament programme, whereupon Mr. Riches said he would be failing in his duty as a public servant if he refused the application, having regard to the conditions prevailing at the present time and the desirability of giving the Government every facility to carry out the arrangements for the production of armaments. The application would be granted.
• Licensitig Exemption for A.R.P. Vehicles.
On September 24 the Minister Of Transport made the Road and Rail Traffic Act (Exemption) (Amendment) Provisional Regulations, 1938, which exempt from the licensing provisions of that Act the use, under the instructions of a local authority, of a vehicle for the carriage of air-raid equipment in the course of air-raid precaution training or exercises. The exemption does not, however, extend to the use of vehicles carrying articles for air-raid-precaution purposes in the course of a trade or business, Tilling-Stevens Pension Scheme.
At a staff dinner, given by TillingStevens, Ltd., at Maidstone, on Friday last, the chairman, Mr. H. E. Carter, who presided, announced the introduction of a staff pension and life-assurance scheme, which is to come into force as from October 7 next.
Sympathetic reference was made to the late director and general manager, Mr. R. F. Clayton, who had been responsible for a considerable amount of *work in connection with the pensions scheme.
High tribute was paid to the chairman by Mr. R. H. Hepburn, secretary and assistant to Mr. H. C. Mallett, the present general manager, for the manner in which he had piloted the company through a most difficult period.
Sixth International Congress of Surveyors.
,' The following delegation will represent His Majesty's Government at the Sixth International Congress of Stirveyors, to be held at Rome on October 9 and 10:—Ste CHARLES BRESSEY, C.B., C.B.E., Engineer-in-charge of the Highway Development Survey (Greater London), President of the Chartered Surveyors Institution (representing the Chartered Surveyors Institution); Lisor.-Coemrse R. Lt. BROWN, R.E., Ordnance Survey Department (representing thel'Ainistry of Agriculture and Fisheries); COLONEL H. C. COLE, C.B.E., Vice-President of the Chartered Surveyors Institution, Presideilt of the International Fedemlion of Surveyors (representing the Chartered Surveyors Institution); MAJOR ROBERTSON, P.A.S.I., R.E., Senior Surveyor of Works, Eastern Cornmand (representing the Army
Council). • T.G.W.U. Forges Well Ahead,
-At the biennial Scottish delegate conference of the Transport and General Workers' Union, which opened in the Empire Exhibition, Glasgow, lost week, Mr. H. 3. Edwards, the national chairman, said it had a total membership of 885,000, an increase of 185,000 since its liast conference, whilst the assets were £1,250,000. It was now the largest single trade-union in the world. Resolutions calling for equal pay for equal work, irrespective of sex, and for a 401-hours' working week, without wage Mductions, were unanimously approved.1
Allegation of Railwa4 Rate-cutting.
Allegations that the London and North Eastern Railway Co. had used information, given at an inquiry in a Traffic Court, to abstract traffic and to undercut rates, were strenuously denied at Dundee, last week, when Mr. T. Gibson, for the L.N.E.R., sought renewal of an A licence for vehicles at the base at Leven, Fife. An objection had been intimated by C. Adamson, Ltd.. haulier, Leven, and Mr. Riches, Northern Scotland Licensing Authority, intimated that he had received a telegram stating that the objection would he dropped.
Mr. Gibson said he wished to draw the attention of Mr. Riches to the objection. Mr. Riches said that the objector indicated that the railway company had been undercutting and that it had obtained traffic through using information given in connection with an inquiry in that part of the country.
Mr. Gibson said the railway company denied the allegation entirely. The objector stated that transport facilities provided by itself and others were in excess of requirements; he would remember that when Mr. Adamson made application for additional tonnage. The application was granted. COMPLAINT ON LATE SERVING OF SUMMONSES.
Over 30 summonses, relating to alleged non-compliance with conditions of licences, came before the magistrates at Shoreham Petty Sessions, last week. Ten of the summonses were against I3eves and Co., Ltd., of Brighton, in respect of keeping of records and of driving hours, the rest being preferred against various employees.
Pleas of not guilty were entered in respect of all the summonses, with the exception of two against the company and four against the employees. Subsequently, six summonses were withdrawn. After the South-Eastern Licensing Authority had given evidence relating to the complaints, Mr. Buckwell, defending, stated that owing to the length of time that. had elapsed before the summonses were brought to the company's notice, the defendants had been unable to investigate certain of the charges and, consequently, had to plead guilty to these. The magistrates imposed fines totalling £4 10s. on six summonses, whilst six cases were dismissed on payment of 4s. costs. All other cases were dismissed.
Heavy Fines for Ignoring Licence Conditions.
At Bexhill, last week, 26 summonses against the London and South Coast Transport Co., Ltd., and employees, came before the magistrates. It was stated that the summonses related to offences regarding hours of working and failure to keep records.
Mr. A. M. Elliott. defending, pleaded guilty to the offences and stated that he wished to stress the fact that it was impossible for uneducated men to be expected to keep records properly.
After retiring, the magistrates imposed fines totalling £29, with 30 guineas costs.
Police Praise for Commercial Drivers.
Commercial-vehicle drivers Were complimented by the Chief Constable of Birmingham (Mr. C. C. H. Moriarty) and Major Vernon Brook, secretary of Birmingham Safety First Council, at a dinner in Birmingham, last week, when 107 awards for freedom from accidents were presented to drivers employed by Midland Counties Dairy, Ltd. Mr. Moriarty referred to the decrease in accidents locally, and added: "Commercial driversare really good drivers. My own experience is that it requires a lorry driver to give the proper signalling code. Private drivers don't bother."
Shipping Guide for Hauliers.
The following is the 'number of ships arriving at the London docks, wharves and jetties named, from September 30 to October 7 inclusive:—Docxs: King George V. 5; Royal Albert, 6; Royal Victoria, 5; Surrey Commercial, 9; East India, 1; West India, 4; South West India, 3; Tilbury, 5; Tilbury Stage, 4; Millwall, 7; Royal, 1; London, 1. WHARVES: Hays, 6. Tilbury Jetty, 1..
IS A MOTORVAN A WAGON?
The opinion of the High Court at Edinburgh is to be sought, on a recent decision given at Stirling J.P. Court.. The Justices decided, on the ruling of the J.P. clerk, that a motorvan was not a wagon or cart, in the terms of the statutes, and that, accordingly, the owner did nut require to comply with the provisions of Section 108 of the Act 1 and 2, William IV, Cap. 43, by having his name and address painted on the vehicle.
The county clerk reported that the Justice of the Peace Procurator Fiscal dtsired the county council's approval of a stated case being asked, with a view to having the decision reviewed by the High Court of Justiciary. • In view of the principle involved, it was agreed that A stated case he asked.
Demonstrating the Equi-load • Principle.
A convoy of Morris-Commercial vehicles recently attracted much attention in London when on demonstration work. One of the vehicles—a Lutontype van—is built to carry some 6,000 trilby hats, whilst another—the largest of the convoy—can accommodate 14 complete three-piece suites of furniture, or as many as 12-14 bedroom or divan
suites. From the furniture-removal aspect, the entire contents of a house rather,. larger than average can be accommodated. Another of the seven vehicles comprises a ,farm and estate lorry, which can accommodate _ 30
The convoy is touring the country to give transport operators the opportunity of investigating the MorrisCommercial Equi-load:principle. The vehicles are .based at the headquarters of Stewart and -Ardem, Ltd., at Morris House, the Vale, London, W.3.. The fleet has already visited many of the principal centies in England and Northern Ireland:: '
The Latest from Wilmot Breeden.
Several intereiting new lines will be shown by Wilmot Breeden, Ltd., during the approaching Scottish Show, at Glasgow, from November 11-19. A new revolving ash-tray is of the type which fits into the seat-back. The face of the tray is relieved with mouldings, and colours can be arranged to match interior trimmings. The company has increased its range of parcel-rack brackets, and has introduced a pew and cheaper model suitable for the ordinary service vehicle. Other new lines are commode handles, door gears, and -rail fittings.
Battery.electrics at Olympia Dairy Show.
Four battery-electric machines will be exhibited by Associated Electric Vehicle Manufacturers, Ltd., 231-233, Grand Buildings, . Trafalgar Square, London, W.C.2, at the National Dairy and Ice. Cream Exhibition,. which will be held at Olympia, London, from October 11 to October 14. The exhibit will comprise two Morrison Electrics and two Electric.ars.
1324 Of the former make, there will be on view a 10-12-cwt. chassis and a milk float of the same capacity. Bolh have " Young batteries, Morrison aromatic delay-action foot controllers, 5-ft. 7-in. wheelbase and 5.25-16 tyres, One of the Electricars is a 40-cwt. platform vehicle and the other a 50cwt. machine, having a maximum body space 13 ft. I ins, long and an 8-ft, 9-in. wheelbase. On both, the same make of battery equipment as on the smaller vehicles is used, also the delayed-action controller.
Draughtsman Required.
A well-known Lancashire coachbuilding concern requires a leading draughtsman, experienced in doubledeck and trolleybus bodies of compo site and all-metal construction. We learn that there are good prospects for a suitable man. Letters addressed "Draughtsman,' care of the Editor, will be forwarded.
Puncture-warning Device.
. With 'reference to the article published in our issue for last week, dealing with a puncture-warning device, it Should be noted that, in the case of twin tyres, the device is fitted adjacent to the inside tyre. In the event of the outside tyre loSing pressure, the increased load on the second tyre would so deflect its walls as to operate the device.
MUNICIPAL PURCHASES AND PROPOSALS.
Harrogate Town Council is considering the provision of an ambulance. Croydon Corporation is to obtain tenders for the supply of 20 new refuse-collection vehicles.
B rownhills Urban District Council is inviting tenders for the supply of an ambulance, the closing date being October 5. Lowestoft Electricity Committee has accented Use tender of Mann Egerton and Co., Ltd., for the supply of an Austii 6-8-cwt. van.
Cleidit5rP4M Town Council has accepted the tender of Leyland Motors, Ltd., for the supply of an 800 g.p.m. 8re-engine and escape. Guildford Corporation recommends the acceptance of the tender of Shelvoke and Drewry, Ltd., for the supply of two refuse collectors.
Battersea Borough Council is to obtain tenders for the supply of two 15-cubic-yd. dustcollection vans and a Morris light van for general work. B anstead Urban District Council is inviting tenders for the supply of a 15-cubic-y& rearloading refuse collector with a moving floor; the closing date is October 4.
' Chester Electricity Committee has decided to purchase a Bedford 2-ton tipping lorry from the Chester Engineering Co., Ltd.., and a Morris lorry from the Anchor Motor Co.. Ltd. Sittinabourne and Milton Urban District Council is inviting tenders for the supply of a 2-ton lorry with a three-way tipping body operated hydraulically; the closing date is October 5.
PERSONAL PARS.
MR. W. E. BULLOCK, general manager of production of Guy Motors, Ltd., has been elected to the Board of the company, with which he has been asso ciated for the past 18 months. His connection with the motor industry started in 1920, and, until recently, he was associated with Singer and Co., Ltd., of which concern he was director and general manager of production. During this period he spent some time in America studying manufacturing methods, whilst he has also visited Australia and New Zealand.
MR. KENNETH IVOR MCCLEAN has resigned his position of commercial manager of Harold Goodwin and Co., Ltd., the Dennis distributor, Birmingham, to take up an appointment with Coventry Climax Engines, Ltd. Before joining the former concern, in 1933, Mr. McClean spent 13 years with White and Poppe. Ltd., of Coventry, with which company he served a'.seven-year apprenticeship covering all departments of Motor engineering. He takes up his new post on October 3.
Big Order for Searchlight Vehicles.
A contract for 300 searchlight vehicles has been placed by the War Department with Guy Motors, Ltd. The chassis are of the four-wheeled cross-country type and incorporate a patented arrangement of electrical generating equipment.
This order follows the recent. completion of a War Department contract for over 400 of the lighter-type of Guy Ant cross-country machines. The vehicles in both contractsare largely built with units standardized for -the wide range of Gay .-inachine:s for ordinary commercial operation.
Zenith Distributor Appointment.
Hamilton Motors (London), Ltd., advises us that it -has been appointed main distributor and service agent for London for the Zenith Carburetter Co., Ltd. Full stocks of parts and service carburetters are being held at the company's headquarters at 466-490, Edgware Road, London, W.2, and men have been specially trained for the servicing and tuning of commercialvehicle carburetters. A speciality is being made of converting vehicles already equipped with downdraught carburetters to the new type six-phase carburetter of Zenith make.
Equipment on Capetown's Trolleybuses.
Simms Motor Units, Ltd., Oak Lane, London, N.2, advises us that the 60 66-seater Sunbeam-B.T.H. trolleybuses built to the order of Capetown • Tramways authorities—which were described in our issue for last week— are fitted with low-voltage lighting equipment of the company's manufacture. The concern also tells us that 10-in. generators are used in conjunction with the B.T.H. motors and the necessary. Simms control gear, and switchboards.