WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.
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"The wheels. of wealth will be slowed by all difficulties of transport at whatever points a7.ising, as a carriage is by the roughness of the roads over which it runs,"—john Beattie Crozier. _ Underground Officials' Transatlantic Trip.
Four officials of the Underground group have recently paid a visit to the United States and Canada, extending over nine weeks, for the purpose of studying passenger transport conditions, the developmente of 'recent years and the prospects,. and anticipations and projects of the future. They were Mr. J. C.' MitChelli the secretary of the company, Col. Ivor Fraser, Chief of the publiCity department, Mr. Rosier, an assistant to Mr. -Shaye,• :and. Mr;-Bois, who is terested in administration. They visited Neviyork, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Washington;' Boston, Atlantic_ City, .Philadelphia, Montre.al, Toronto, and Albany. They looked into traffic control, traffic in relation to town:planning; schemes, 'road developments, passenger transport •systems and their administration, and many other phases of the vast industry With which they are connected. Needless to say, the visit has been instructive, informative, and illuminating, and that. it will certainly bear results which will operate towards continual improvement of the passenger transport system of the Metropolis may be taken for granted. •
• London's Traffic Problem.
Col. Wilfrid Ashley, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport. arid Sir Henry 3Eaybury, -DirectorGeneralof Roads, met the Labour members at the House of Commons some days aao, when the scheme proposed by the Ministry for dealing with London's traffic problems was explained. The Parliamentary Labour Party has not definitely decided upon its attitude .towards the proposals, although it is-, expected that it will *fall into line with that taken by the Labour members on the London County Council, who maintain that the proposed advisrary committee representing'the various -interests 'concerned would not be effective, and that it would be better to confer wide powers on some municipal body, prefer • ably the London County Connell.
Road Tests for London Taxicabs.
We have already referred to the new conditions of • taxicab' licensing that come into force in the Metropolis. on September 10th next. We have been
asked to give fuller details. • . • • The Commissioner of Police 'notifies that, after consultation with the Secretary of State and the Minister of Transport-, it has been decided that the following conditions with respect to road tests of all vehicles submitted for licensing as motorcabs withint the limits of the Metropolitan Public Carriage Act, 1860, will be put. in operation:— 1. Every -motoreah presented . for licensing will be required to undergo a test as to the capacity of its engine to do the work required of a public carriage within the Metropolitan' and City Police districts.
2. The testa will normally be made in conjunction with the taximeter road test B20 in order to avoid loss of time and, waste of mileage.
3. The engine capacity will be judged by its capacity (a) to propel and maintain a car speed of 20 miles an hour upon level roads, and (b) to propel the. vehicle up selected gradients at a speed of not less than six miles per hour. As the vehicle when under test will be running under a very light load, these speeds must be attained and main
tained without undue acceleration of the engine or causing the engine to "labour."
• 4, If a vehicle fails to pass the test the proprietor is at liberty to alter, repair, adjust, or "tune up " his engine, and submit the vehicle to the district inspector for further test. 5. A . proprietor has the riaht to appeal to New Scotland Yard against or 'refusal to license; but in the case of an appeal no alteration of any kind should be made before the vehicle is inspected at New Scotland Yard.
Electric Vehicles in America.
. As a, result of an exhibition of electric vehicles which was held in the showrooms of -the' New York Edison Co., seven small orders were booked, but the n-umber of inquiries showed a large in-. crease over the total. reeeivedlea. year. One exhibitor said that he received 183, and another said that he had obtained sufficient inquiries to keep his outdoor staff busy for at least three months.
The directors of the New York EdisonCo. were so favourably impressed -with the results that they decided to devote 10,000 eq, ft. of space in their new building in Canal Street, New York City, for the purposeaaf maintaining a permanent exhibit of electric vehicles.
Front Entrances Favoured on Buses. Nearly all the hack-entrance bus bodies have been discarded by the Bir • mingham and Midland Omnibus Co.; Ltd. "This company's huge 'fleet of vehicles haire front entrances both on the saloon and double-deck types, with the exception of two models, one of which
will be altered soon. •• ' • Officials 'of the company think that one of the most importarit advantages .0 the front-entrance althicle is that it affords facilities for greater co-operation between driver and conductor. Fines for Unequal Load Distribution. • Thecounty authorities of Cheshire are exhibiting great keenness in prosecuting owners and drivers of heavy vehicles in eases where the axle weights are in excess of those‘ registered. At a recent sitting of the county_ magistrates' ,at Macclesfield, no fewer than twenty .cases . were down-for hearing, and fines were imposed even in those cases where the total weight of the load waswell within the limits, although the distantion of 'the load was at fault. One wagon contained -'10 cVvt. leas than the load allowed,. but -• whilst the -front axle weight was light, the rear-axle-weight was excessive. The solicitor who.prosecuted on behalf of the county Surveyor pointed out that this improper loading -was -the•e905.0 of' great damage to the roads, and was-,a practice which the authorities intended to take every possible measure to stop. The averagefine inflicted was £2 Upon the owners and 10s, upon the drivers of vehicles.
Developing Kegresse-Hinstin Attachment_ The performance of the Citroan liegresse vehicle in crossing the Sahara Desert, is too fresh in the minds of our readers to need reiteration,_ and the construction of the machine has already been dealt:with in 'the columns of this journal. A point in connection with the vehicle which has not yet been very widely cornnaented upon, but one which should make special appeal to lorry manufacturers, especially those interested in overseas markets, is the fact that the R:earesse-Hinstin attachment, which had much hearing on the success of the expedition, can be attached without difficulty to almost any make of vehicle.
• The possibilities of this. attachment when fitted to a lorry which is intended for service over rough country or Colonial roads are extensive, particularly_ as any lorry .maker who is _interested' in it can. manufacture . the attachment in his own •WorkS under . . . . The: Citroan-Kegresse .organization, which is now established at 22, Bucking. ham-Gate, Ieondon, S.W., will, we underetand, be. pleasedto discuss the new form of transport with any manufacturer who is interested in the subject, and to make arrahaements for the production of the attachment.
Motor Fuel from Coal.
Au announcement was recently made by the president of the-Ford Motor -Co.', of Canada. that, backed by Mr. Henry Ford, a plant for the 1 ow-temperature 'distillation of coal is 'under construction at the Ford factorea at Walkerville, On tario. Ph-e factory will -cost. approximately 500,000 dollars, and will distill about 400 tons of coal daily.
It is estimated thata yield of 10 gal• Ions of motor fuel will be -obtained as a by-product, from each ton of coal, and this without affecting the fuel value of the residue.
'Ware Prohibited Roads.
The fact that a large number of charsk-barics make their rendezvous at Tenby during the summer, the drivers of which are ignorant of local road regulations, had led to a number of men being fined for using roads prohibited to heavy traffic.
The roads which are closed to heavy vehicles, and in respect of which the majority of offences are committed, are the Norton and Upper Park Roads.
In former seasons an A.A. patrol was stationed at Lion Corner to direct traffic, but the convenience is not available this season.
The closing of five roads to motor traffic will shortly be considered by the Tenby Council.
A Tyre Experiment.
The Health Committee of the Willesden Urban District Council reports that it has considered a report of the medical officer of health with regard to. the contracts at present in force in respect of the motor service.
In connection with the supply of tyres, it has had an offer from the Avon India Rubber Co., Ltd., to supply tyres at special prices.
Before recommending the acceptance of such offer, the committee has authorized the purchase of a set of cord tyres for experimental use, and proposes considering the report thereon when tenders for he six months ending March 31st, 1924,
'rre before it. .
New v. Reconditioned Vehicles.
The Southport Gas Committee has had under favourable consideration the pureliase of a 2-ton motor lorry from the Vulcan motor works for £560 10s., but the expenditure is not approved by the finance committee, which apparently is under the impression that the requirements of the gas committee can be met at much less expenditure than £560 10s.
Some time ago one of the Southport Corporation committees purchased motor lorries at £400 each, • which have answered satistfactorily. These were second-hand 4-ton lorries which had been reconditioned. Some members of the finance committee have asked: "Why pay £560 10s. for a 2-ton motor lorry if a 4-ton lorry at £400 can be made to suit the object in view! "
National Beam& into Line.
Coming into line with the latest seductions as the price of petrol, the National Benzok Co., Ltd., announce a fall in the price of National Benzoic) mixture AO IS. 13Ld per gallon. National Benzoic is now retailed at 2s. ld. per gallon.
Albions for Overseas Service.
The Albion Motor Car Co., Ltd., inform us that orders have recently been placed with them for Albion vehicles by the New South Wales Tramways; the New South Wales Railway; Cadbury, Fry and Pascall, Ltd., Sydneyi; and W. D. and H. 0. Wills (Australia), Ltd., Sydney, two of which are repeat orders resulting from the satisfactory performance 'of Albion vehicles already in service.
Linking-up in South Wales.
A new daily service of buses has been instituted by Messrs. Green's Motors, Haverfordwest, to link up Tenby, Haverfordwest, Narberth, and Saundersfoot.
Mr. J. T. Butler, Treorchy, Rhondda Valley, is to institute new bus services between Llantrisant and Treherbert. It is proposed to put three buses on the route at the outset, and to add to the fleet as occasion demands.
Bradford's Licences.
According to a report presented by the Bradford city treasurer to the local taxation committee, the total payment in respect of licences for motor and other road vehicles for the year ended March last was £101,326. Compared with the preceding year, the revenue has advanced by 21,156. The total number of vehicles licensed during the year was 12,119, which figure represents an increase of 3,870 on that for the previous year, whilst drivers licensed numbered 9,237, an increase of 1,601.
Tower Bridge 'Traffic.
The Tower Bridge approach on the south side of the River Thames is now closed for repairs between Tooley Street and Queen Elizabeth Street and partially closed between Queen Aizabeth Street Ind the bridge. The work of reconstruction is expected to occupy about three weeks. The diversion of traffic consequent on the execution of this work will, obviously, cause a certain amount of congestion and delay, and the Commissioner of Police accordingly asks employers to instruct their drivers to avoid this route until the repairs have been completed.
Traffic Growth in Glamorgan.
The _Glamorgan county surveyor, Mr. G. A. Phillips, has submitted a report to the main roads committee showing the difference in ishe • volume of traffic over the roads in 1923-1924 as compared' with 1913-1914. This states that the average increase in weight of mechanically propelled traffic using billy main roads was415 per cent., and at some points 800-900 per cent. The cost per mile of the roads in the current estimate is shown at .£1,061 as against £281 in 1913-1914. Cardiff's Big Road Schemes.
The Cardiff City Council is to put in hand immediately ,road widening and improvement schemes estimated to incur an expenditure of 2138,280, of which, approximately, one halfis represented by .grants from the Ministry of Transport. The northern and western routes to and from the city will be much, improved, and North Road i used by vehicles running, to the mining areas, will be converted from a narrew thoroughfare to a first-class traffic vay.
• The main expenditure on arterial roads, according to estimates, will be,North Road; £39,500,and Cow bridge Road £34,280. The bulk of the remaining expenditure will be on the district roads within the' city.
• One important scheme, estimated to cost £16,048, is the widening of Duke Street-Castle Street, which, when completed, will_ provide vehicles with a .direct road from east to west of the city, avoiding the detour which is now necessary owing to the bottle-neck in Duke Street.
Midland Traffic Improvements. .
Almost daily improvements or extensions are taking place on the Midland Red bus routes. The latest 'serviceimprovement is on the WolverhamptonStourbridge route, where on Saturdays an extra bus leaves Wolverhampton for Kingswinford at 10.30 p.m., returning from the latter place at 11.15 p.m. An extra bus now leaves Stourhridge each week-day at 7.55 p.m. for Wolverhampton, returning from Wolverhampton for Stourbridge at 9 p.m. Another new service' and a most. 'welcome one, has been inaugurated to run between Stoke Prior, Banbury, Droitwich, and Worcester.
The Report of Benzole and By-products,
Some interesting statements were made at the general meeting of shareholders of Berizole and By-products, Ltd., held recently in ,London. There was a considerable loss clue to strikes and depression in t'he industry, but this was reduced to £29,292 18s, by writing back the amount of £8,000 out of income -tax reserve and £7,201 Os. 9d. brought for
ward from the previous profit. and loss account.
The stock-in-trade, at. £14,572 15s. ld., shows a reduction -of £35,746 6s. 7d., as compared with the previous account, the difference .:being due to the non-production during strike periods and falls in market prices. Cash and Treasury Bills were 237,818 fis. 4d.' as compared with £42:085 4s. 9d.'' but the mortgage has been discharged by a final payment of £20,000.
The future of the company was stated tosbe bright-. A long-term contract has been entered into which has a. direct bearing upon the raw-material supplies. At present the Company have a 15-year contract to light the neighbouring town
of Ossett, and they are now negotiatingfor a:•20-year contract to light another
and. more important town 'with' their coke-oven gas, An Unusual Licensing Condition.
_ In granting licence,s• to the Autssear Co. the 'Banbridge Urban District Council' has made it. a condition 'that :the engines must be stopped when the buses are waiting.
Lighting Petrol-pumps.
The Pembrokeshire County Council has just discussed the qUestion Of the in-, crease in the number of street petrol pumps., and has decided that, in future, the condition that the pumps be illuminated at night be insisted upon, some laxity having been permitted in this, respect in the past.: The Range of Atkinson Steamers.
We have recently received a very attractive new catalogue from Atkinson and Co., Frenchwood Works, Preston. This deals with the Atkinson Uniflow steam wagon in its various sizes; and includes single vehiclea ranging in load capicity from 2& tons to 8 tons, and wagons and trailers to carry 10 tons to 12 tons, and a' steam tractor-lorry for 124on loads. , The catalogue is replete with reproductions of drawings and photographs of complete vehicles and chassis details and is well worthy of perusal.
A Warning from Worcester.
-Mr. John Howell, hon. secretary of the Worcestershire Motor •Club, Worcaster. and District Motor Cycle Club, Coinmercial Motor Users Association, and Auto-Cyele Union Loeal Consul, warns all road users passing-through the city of Worcester that there is at -present particular activity on the part of the police, especially at week-ends, over the question of speed.
Mr. Howell ha-s interviewed the new chief constable regarding the matter, and is led to understand that there is no desire to institute a general. persecution of road users, and at present constables are merely giving-warning. The object 'is to make the•cengested streets of the city as safe and free from acci dents as possible. _ - It is fully intended if the present police methods prove unsuccessful that offenders
shall be proceeded against. It therefore behoves every -user, to travel cautiously through Worcester.
Birkenhead Grants Licences.
Birkenhead Watch Committee has granted licences to Mr. J. C. Richardson for a char-a-banes to ply 'for hire between Elmswood Road and the borough boundary; to Messrs. E. and J. Johnson fortwo motorbuses and two chars-a-hence to ply for hire from their garage to the borough boundaiy; to Mr. Frank Houldin for a char-it-bancs to ply for 'hire between Well Lane and the borough boundary; and to Messrs. Macdonald and Co. for a char-à-basics to ply for hire from Woodside Ferry.
,A Quaint Request.
At a meeting • of the Chester Watch Committee, the town clerk reported receipt of a complaint from Lady Hall with regard to the excessive motor traffic on 'Toole Road, and that she had suggestedthat the committee shouldconsider the question of motor chars-iibanes being required to leave the city before six o'clockin the evening.
The committee decided to inform Lady Hall that the committee regrets that, as there is so Much traffic through the cipy, it cannot see its way to take any action in the matter.
New Southend Services.
Southend Watch Committee, in reply to an application of the Westcliff Motor Services, Ltd., for sanction to the running of motor omnibuses from Victoria Corner to Prittlewell Railway Station via Southchurch Read and Sutton Road with a penny stage at North Avenue and 'a charge of twopence for the whole journey, has intimated that it would be prepared to licence motor omnibuses for, this purpose.
The, committee has also agreed to licence motor omnibuses for a proposed service by the same company on a circular route from Victoria Corner via Victoria Avenue, Eastwood Road, 'Woodcutters Arms, Turnpike Corner, Chalkwell Schools, and London Road and vice versa, on the understanding that it will be open to the committee not to renew such licence.
St. Helens Come South.
. The St. Helens Cable and Rubber -Co., Ltd.; advise us that., as from this week, their staff will now be accommodated at their new works at Slough, and that in future all communications . should be sent to them at that address. The whole of the company's plant has -not vet been removed from Warrington, RIthonah they have sufficient equipment in working order to, enable them to make a start on the manufacture of their products early in August., and as matters progress at Slough so the. plant. at Warrington will be removed to the new site. Every endeavour is being made to minimize inconvenience . to customers in connection with the changeover.
If You Seek Fuel Economy.
Many of our readers will probably be interested in the somewhat original free offer which Mann. Egerton and CO., Ltd., 5,• Prince of Wales Road, Norwich, are making in connection with the M.E atomizing air valve. This device, invented by one of the company's own staff, has achieved remarkable results by way of securing petrol economy, flexibility, and increased power, on many users' vehicles, as -well as reducing
carbonization. • •
The offer which the company now make is that any user can bring his vehicle into one of their depots, after giving two days' notice, when they will carry out certain petrol consumption tests with and without the M.E. atomizing valve... If the user is not. satisfied that economy in petrol and improved
running result; the company will remove the valve and charge nothing for the experiment.
This offer does not alter or supersede the company's standing offer of a month's trial of the valve' supplied either direct or through a trader.
Underground Posters. The latest posters to emanate from the Underground authorities give an idea of the numlizr of bus services -which touch such busy points as Victoria, Finsbury Park, and Regent Street. To cover the network of 21 services which touch Victoria, 720 buses are required, 250 vehicles being necessary to satisfy the needs ofthe public on the. 11 services touching Finsbury Park, and 660 buses on the sheaf of 19 services which pass through Regent Street.
The latest additions to the series of pictorial posters issued by the Underground authorities are two which draw attention to Caterham and Harewood Downs, both of which are adequately served by General buses.
Various alterations and additions to the road motor services in the time-table issued by the Great Western Railway Co. took effect in the early part of this month. Those who have occasion to use these iervices will be well advised to secure details of thenew times .and services.
Licence Issue Delays.
The Public Control Committee of tlle London County Council reports that it has had under review the procedure adopted with 'regard to road fund licences with the object of determining
(1) whether any steps could be taken to facilitate the issue of licences and to reduceto a minimum the time taken in making personal application; and
whether it would be possible to arrange for the issue of licences renewable on different dates with a view to the prevention of congestion at certain periods of the year.
After full consideration, the committee is of opinion that the present sys• tern is the best that can be devised in existing circumstances. It is hoped, however, that when section D of the County Hall is ccmpleted, it will be possible for the whole of the work of licensing and registration to be carried on in a continuous series of rooms. This concentration should, prove a great convenience tti the members of the public concerned.
(2)
The Sign of the Triangle.
James Bartle and Co., Ltd., have adopted a novel trade-mark or sign for their well-known ." Bartle Built" trailers, which can be hung outside the premises of their ,agents all over the Country. The pattern used is that of the familiar red danger sign, within whieh is a seal carrying the words "Bartle Built." On the sides of the triangle are the words " All-steel trailers."
We suppose that,in adopting this sign, they are implying that it is dangerous not to use their trailers.
The Midland Motor Radiator Co., Aston Road, Birmingham, inform us that as they are unable to deal with the numerous orders received for their cast. radiator for Ford vehicles, they have appointed as their sole concessionnaire Mr. J. W. Pickavant (Himself), 548, Chester Road, Erdington' Birmingham, so that they can concentrate on mass production.
Avoiding the Main Road.
The Highways Committee of the Marylebone Borough Council has considered a communication from Messrs. h'arebrother, Ellis and CO., on behalf of the Harrow Read Trust .Estate, calling attention to a practice which is increasing with drivers of heavy mot otr vehicles using at all hours of the day and night. the open road of •Upper Hamilton and Hamilton Terraces (generally the latter) instead of using .Maids Vale, and complaining of the considerable annoyance to residents. caused thereby, and the effect of the vibration on the structure
of the houses. The complainants asked that active Steps might be taken to abate the annoyance. The committee has informed the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that it sympathizes with the complaint of the residents, and asked him to give the matter his consideration with a view to all possible steps being taken to bring about an abatenient ol the annoyance.
-Abandonment of Tramway Schemes.
The Wakefield and District Light Railway Co. is seeking an order to be excused from the construction of authorized tramways, and the West Riding County Council is asking the Ministry of Transport., if it agrees to the alien donment of the tramway schemes, to insert a clause to the effect; that the company shall start motorbus services instead.
Care in South Wales.
Motor drivers should note that great activity is being shown by the Carmartbenshire and Pembrokeshire police in the matter of supervision of motor. vehicles. Breaches of the speed limit are particularly regarded with disfavour, whilst every possible. means of omission to conform with regulations
• are scrutinized. Registration numbers, licences, and details relating to weights
are subject to careful examination. At Tenby recently 26 cases against motor drivers were heard in one day; and at Haverfordwest 29.
The I.A.E. Move.
On and after August lit the address of the Institution of Automobile Engineers will be Watergate House, York Buildings, Adelphi, W.G.2.
The new offices, which, are in every way better suited to the growing needs of the institution, occupy the whole of the second floor of Watergate House, overlooking Victoria Enibankment Gardens, and are within two minutes' walk of Charing Cross Stations
Local Proceedings.
Chichester City Council proposes to purchase a motor fire-engine. . • East. Ham Corporation has purchased an Austin ambulance, at a_cost of £690.
Tyriemouth Corporation is considering the question of purchasing a motor ambu
lance. ,
Great Harwood Urban District Council is raising fonds for the purchase of a motor ambulance. '
.Southend Watch Committee is considering the question of providing a police ambulance for the town.
Winchester Corporation has applied for sanction to a loan of £1,700 for vehicles for refuse collection.
Birkenhead Watch Corrintittee has permitted the Crosville Motor Co., Ltd., to establish bus services in the borough.
Pi•eston Corporation has decided to start new services, and invites tenders for the supply, of • five additional motorbuses.
Brighton Corporation Tramways Committee has authorized the purchase of a motor lorry at a cost not exceeding £300.
-Stalybridge Town Council is asking tim Ministry of Health to Sanction a loan of £1,037 for the purchase of a motor ambulance.
• Bradford Corporation is to discuss with the Clayton Urban DiStrict Council a suggestion:for a passenger transport service between the towns.
PrestonCorporation Tramways Committee-proposes to accept the tender Of Mr. A. J. Duckworth for the erection of a garage • for ten motorbuses in Holm rook Road; for the Sum of £3,816. • Willesden Urban District Council now proposes to purchase a new Motor ambulance. .•The',present fleet has been in service, for the, past 10 years, and breakdowns at times diSorganize the service.. The Newport (Men.) Board of Guardians invites tenders for the supply of a Motor -ambulance. Specifieations and tenders Must be 'delivered to Mr. William Howler; clerk to the Guardians, Queen's Hill, Newport, before August 20th. • • • :
Cheadle Rural District Council is seeking tenders for • anew '.motor ambulance for its is,olation hospital. The body. inuSt be 'capable of accoinmodating two stretcher patients . and of aeating two 'others. Tenders are also invited for the fitting of an old ambulance body to a Ford Con chassis. Both tenders have to be delivered not later than August 2nd.