NEWS of the WEEK
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CONFERENCE TACKLING ROAD AND RAIL RATES EIROM the Road and Rail Central Conference comes a letter on road and rail rates in connection with our leading article, " The Real Position of Haulage," which we published last week.
In this letter, which is signed by Mr. R. W. Sewill, Chairman of the Road Panel, and Mr. A. E. Sewell, Chairman of the Rail Panel, is quoted our remark: " The coming of the war has deferred, for an unknown period, the inquiries into the possibilities of fixing rates, either for the haulage industry purely as such, or with some relation to railway charges."
The letter continues that it is fek that our readers will be interested to learn that, despite the heavy calls upon the time of its members, the Road arid Rail Central Conference is tackling the question of road and rail rates. Both sides of the Conference are impressed by the necessity of planning for the future.
We are glad to have this assurance that the Conference is already dealing with problems, which are of vital importance now, and will be even more so after the war.
Distributing Producer-gas Fuels Nationally WJE learn that A.R.O. is co-operating VV with the Producer Gas Fuels Committee of the Mining Association of Great Britain', in the Committee's endeavour to obtain a volume of information from operators all over the country, with a view primarily to perfecting a national system of distribution of 'producer-gas fuels. The Committee has prepared a complete questionnaire, and A.R.O. has arranged to issue this to every member of the Association and to draw its members' attention to the importance of giving all the help they can in connection with this piece of national organization.
Battery-electric Exhibition at Cardiff
ON Wednesday and Thursday of this week, an exhibition of batteryelectric vehicles was held, at Castle Garage, Cardiff, when a representative array of machines by five manufacturers was on view. The exhibits ranged from _a lightweight combined passenger and goods vehicle to a 5-ton goods chassis.
Concerns which displayed machines were Associated Electric Vehicle Manufacturers, Ltd. (Electrioar and Morrison chassis); Metropolitan-Vickers Electrical Co., Ltd.; Midland Vehicles, Ltd.; Murphy Cars and Trucks, Ltd.; Partridge, Wilson and Co., Ltd.
In addition, battery exhibits were staged by the Chloride, D.P., Tudor and Young concerns, whilst a Westinghouse vehicle charger was on view. KINEMA VANS SET OUT ON BIG PROPAGANDA TOUR
r-IN April 1, a fleet of daylight kinerna %--/vans set out on a tour of England and Wales to undertake propaganda on behalf of the National Savings Committee. It is expected that, by the end of June, the 15 vehicles will have covered 50,000 miles. An operatordriver is in charge of each van. Twelve areas, which have been mapped out by regional supervisors, will be visited.
Sir Robert Kindersley, chairman of the National Savings Committee, inspected the fleet before it set out on tour.
Experienced Transport Man Available AMAN, aged 40, who has held executive positions in various parts of the country and been responsible for large fleets of petrol, oil, steam and electric vehicles, is open to offers of a position either on the mechanical or traffic side of the transport business, or would be willing to take a post abroad at short notice. Letters should be addressed " A," care of the Editor.
Unifying Stores Transport J)IFFICULTIES that have been experienced by all its members, in effecting the quick delivery of parcels purchased at local emporia, have been examined by Liverpool Stores War Problems Committee. Mr. Duncan Norman, chairman of Owen Owen, Ltd., Liverpool, stated last week that it seemed the work of the committee would lead to developments in the rationalization of stores transport in the area.
Pioneering in Gas-bag Development
WE have received from the Allen Neil W Fabric Gas Container Co., Ltd., Ludgate House, Ludgate Circus, London, E.C.4, a letter referring to various photographs and paragraphs in our issue of March 30, dealing with the conversion of vehicles to gas fuel.
It is pointed out that the gas bags illustrated are this company's products, containing exclusive features which are protetted by patents. It is also pointed out that the company is maintaining a skilled staff, which is producing further improvements particularly suitable for the many and varied types of vehicle on the road.
The company is a pioneer concern which has spent many months of labour and experiment, at considerable cost, in association with leading concerns in the gas and motor industries.
Differences on Film-transport Charges
MEGOTIATIONS are still in progress 1 N between the film road-transport concerns and the picture-theatre proprietors of south and east Lancashire for increased rates.
It was reported at the recent meeting of the South and East Lancashire 'branch of the Cinematograph Exhibitors Association that the carriers wanted a new flat rate, which would result in a general and considerable increase. This was not acceptable to exhibitors who, however, indicated their willingness to pay a percentage increase on present rates.
As agreement could not be reached,
the position now is that the carriers will have to approach film exhibitors in the various districts and try to come to sectional agreements.
Death of Foden's Chairman I T is with much regret that we learn of the death of Mr. F. J. Poole, chairman of Fodens, Ltd., of Sandbach. He was elected a director of the company in 1911, being appointed chairman in 1917 and serving in that position until 1935. He relinquished the chair, voluntarily, to the late Sir Edwin Stockton in 1936, and the latter held
the position • until his decease in October, 1939. Mr. Poole was then re-elected chairman at the beginning of this year, and continued to occupy this position up to the time of his death. He was vice-chairman of Cheshire County Council.
The company has also suffered a further loss, in the death, in his "82nd year. of Mr. Joseph Stubbs, who was a director from August, 1931, until March, 1940. He was a capable engineer and had been an active member of the company's Board. WHAT THE WAR HAS DONE TO NEW REGISTRATIONS
NO better idea of the war's effect on
new registrations of road vehicles could be forthcoming than that provided by the statistics covering the month of February, which have just been issued by the Ministry of Transport. In that month, the total number of motor vehicles registered for the first time was 9,090, contrasted with 33,907 in February, 1939.
Quite naturally. the biggest fallingoff was in private cars, although, in our own sphere, the number of hackneys fell from 430 to 176. In the case of goods vehicles, other than agricultural vans and lorries, the number of machines licensed was 2,206, compared with 4.547 in February, 1939. The biggest falling-off was in the classes embraced by the limits of 12 cwt. and 2/ tons, this year's total of 1,522 having to be set against 3,429 for the previous year. •
With agrictiltural matters so flinch in the public eye, it is not surprising to find that the number of agricultural engines licensed (5s. class) was 1,578, which shows an advance of over 900 on last year's corresponding total. •
Automobile Engineering for Students FROM Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd., has come a new semi-technical book, "Elements of Automobile Engineering," by the "well-known engineer, Mr. Maurice Platt, who was formerly technical Editor of The Motor. It is published at 5s. net.
The intention of the author is to give a general introduction to automobile engineering for students, and to bridge a gap between the simple manuals and more advanced text books.
A.E.C. at New Zealand Exhibition
AT the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition, the Army Authorities exhibited on their stand a fine model of the A.E.C. Marshal three-ton general-purpose lorry, as built for the British Army.
The New Zealand agent for the A.E.C., Cory, Wright and Salmon, Ltd., also had on show an A.E.C. fourcylindered oil engine sectioned and • driven to indicate its construction and working.
A Useful Wheel-nut " Persuader " WHEEL-NUT tightening and its IN importance are matters with which all commercial-vehicle drivers are fully acquainted. Less general, however, is the possession of tools for the operation which are really adequate.
Specially made for this purpose is a powerful box-spanner and tommy bar, the former being 14 ins, long and the latter 2 ft. Both are of chrome steel and are practically unbendable and unbreakable. This tool is a product of Messrs. Trianon Automobile Service, 15, Prather° Gardens, London, N.W.9, and its price is £1.
The length of the tube-spanner is sufficient to give mudguard clearance, and the dimensions of the bar, which is in. in diameter, give ample leverage and strength. Double and single-ended types, are available for . most heavy chassis. COURT RIGHTS OF TRANSPORT UNION OFFICI" • S
A TEMPTS to exclude officials of tithe 'Scottish Horse and Motormen's Association from the Paisley Police Court and the Perth Sheriff Court, when they appeared for the defence of members charged with driving offences, have been the subject of a ptotest by the Association executive to Mr. T. M. Cooper, K.C., Lord Advocate for Scotland.
Mr. R. Taylor, general secretary of the Association, complains of the decision by the sheriff at Perth and the magistrate at Paisley that cases should be adjourned to permit of legal representatives being engaged rather than Union officials. He points out that Union officials have appeared in courts, on behalf of members, for two years without protest. More than 3,000 members are serving with the armed forces, and the organizers are, therefore, more free to assist other members charged with motoring offences.
The Union is also asking the Scottish T.U.C. General Council to support its representations.
The "Not Guilty" plea by a trade union official on behalf of one of his members, which was refused at Perth Sheriff Court, was accepted on March 23, when Mr. D. Johnstone, Central Scotland organizer of the Scottish Horse and Motormen's Association, was recognized by the Court, and the trial fixed for April 11. Mr. Johnstone is appearing on behalf of a driver charged with driving a commercial vehicle without due care.
Western Sub-area A.R.O. Holds Successful Function
THU Western Sub-area of Associated Road Operators held its annual supper and dance at the Star and Garter Hotel, Kew Bridge, London, on March 29, There were some 220 acceptances and 100 applications had to be refused; in fact, the secretary, Mr. W. R. Hughes, thought that there would have been no difficulty-in having 500 present if the accommodation had been adequate.
The toast of "The Association " was proposed by the chairman, Mr. C. W. Beckett, who referred to the excellent co-operation between the branch and headquarters, where such matters as fuel difficulties were receiving every attention. He was somewhat caustic regarding references in the Press to the crowds on the roads at Easter being nearly up to pre-war level, and thought that the fuel used thus might have been better employed.
The response was made by Mr. R. W. Sewill, National Director, A.R.O., who commented upon the loyalty to the Association of all its members, He expressly congratulated Messrs. Pye and Jardine on the organization of the Metropolitan Area. One of the good things the Association had accomplished was fellowship. Referring to the fuel question, he remarked that hauliers are living on hope rather than on petrol.
Mr. T. M. Bourke referred to the visitors and gave a special appreciation of the work of Mr. Jardine. Replying, Lt.-Comradr. J. Havers, chairman, A.R.O., mentioned that the Metropolitan Area was the second biggest' in the country.
Finally, the chairman heartily congratulated Mr. W. R. Hughes on the success of the function and on his work for the Sub-area.
Further Cuts in Fuel for Medium-capacity Vehicles?
CONCERN is felt by operators of %.-ovehicles up to 2i tons unladen weight, in the Liverpool district, of the effect of further cuts in the supplementary fuel ration for such vehicles. Motor users associations are co-operating with a view to ascertaining the true position with regard to the available supplies of fuel and future rationing policy.
Pre-entry System Causing Delays in Export
A T Liverpool the chamber of com
merce is asking to be furnished with instances of delays in the shipment of goods for export, as the result of the pre-entry system imposed by the Customs Department. Motor owners who can furnish recent details of any such delay are asked to notify the secretary of the Liverpool Cart and Motor Owners Association, giving the name of the ship, date of shipment, port of embarkation, extent of delay and extra cost incurred.
Waiting Places on Trunk Road
NOT long ago the Ministry of Transport asked Warwickshire Roads Committee for proposals covering the construction of 10 waiting places at various points along the trunk road between Birmingham and Coventry. A request having been received from the divisional road engineer to put the work in hand, this has been done and consitlerable progress made. When all these waiting places have been completed the danger existing on this road due to vehicles standing on the carriageway at night should be largely overcome.
TO SOLVE MANUFACTURING AND RETAIL DIFFICULTIES
TOLLOWING the strenuous efforts 1made on behalf of the retail motor industry by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders since the commencement of the war, Mr. W. E. Rootes, the President, has determined to endeavour to meet the trade's accumulating difficulties by a new form of consultation.
Under his chairmanship, a joint committee has been formed of representatives of the 'retailers' section and the vehicle manufacturers. The following have accepted invitations to join it :— Manufacturers: Captain A. C. It Waite. 51.0..vice-president of the Society (Austin)•, Messrs. C. n. Filson (Humber); A. Hall (Ford); E. W. Martin (Standard); A. F. Palmer Phillips (Vauxhall); W. M. W. Thomas (Morris); and Leonard Williams (Leonard Williams)—importer interests. Retailers: Messrs. C. J. Aliday. chairman. Retailers' Section of the Society (Weybridge Automobiles); A. E. Johnson (Bristol Motor Co.); James C. Lamb (Lamb's Garage)' G. W. Lucas (Perrin'e Motor Garages); A. .j. Rayment (Car Mart); Stuart Tolkien (Shaw and Kilburn); and J. Cl. VaughanHarbour= (Vaughan-Harbourne).
Nearly /4,000 for Comforts Funds
WEreferred last week to the total of nearly £4,000 which had been received up to March 30 by the R.A.S.C, and R.A.O.C. Comforts Funds in response to the special appeal made by Mr. W. E. Rootes, President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. We then gave a short list of the larger donations not included previously, and here are additions to that list:—
£15 15s.—Henry Meadows, Ltd.
£10 10s—Messrs. A. Schrader's Son. A/O.—Douglas Holt (Est. 1919), Ltd. £7—Messrs. A. Schrader and Son's employees, £5 5s.—Mrs. F. B. Sharp; Cecil Kay, Ltd.; New-Hudson, Ltd.; Renault, Ltd.; Weybridge Automobiles, Ltd. £5—Eric Perry's (Torquay), Ltd. £2 2L—Mr. Shankland; Joseph Bradbury and Sons, Ltd.; George and Jailing, Ltd.; Grose, Ltd.,• G. Kingsbury and Son, Ltd.; North Central Wagon Co., Ltd.; George spencer; Moulton and Co., Ltd. £2.—Mr. J. Roper; staff and employees, Hands (Letchworth, Ltd. 41 le.—Mr. A. II. Dawson; Kingston Hill Motor Works, Ltd. 41.—Mr. L. L. Dyer, 10...—"' W.11.," Norwich; J. A. Gordon and Co.
5s.—Miss P. Ashford. 2s, 6d.—Pte. William Paterson, R.A.O.C.
Many gifts in kind are also being received, but both cash and other gifts are still urgently required to meet the many pressing demands now being made on them. We would remind donors that money should be sent to the Honorary Treasurer, Lieut.-Colonel D. C. McLagan, D.S.0.; at Hobart House, Wilton Street, London, S.W.1, whilst parcels should be addressed to him, care of Comforts Funds, Kensington Palace Barracks, London, W.8.
Employers' Wages Action Approved
THE recent annual meeting of the Sheffield District Horse and Motor Owners' Association expressed approval of the action of the employers' representatives in tendering their resignations from the Yorkshire Road Haulage Area Wages Board. This action was a protest against the procedure adopted in connection with the trade unions' application for an increase in wages on top of the scales laid down in the Road Haulage Wages Order operating
from January 29 last. • More than 100 members attended the meeting, which re-elected Mr. J. II. Coldwell for another year as president.
PREPARING A B.S.S. FOR PRODUCER-GAS
WE are advised that the British VV Standards Institution has requested A.R.O. to nominate a representative to serve on a technical committee, which the Solid Fuel Industry Committee of the Institution has set up, at the request of the Mining Association of Great Britain.
The purpose of the committee is to deal with the preparation of a British Standard Specification for producer-gas fuels for transport vehicles.
In view of the importance of this matter, Lt. Comm. J. Havers, A.M.I.Mech.E., M.I.E.C., chairman of the National Council of A.R.0, has been invited by the Executive Committee of the Association to serve as the A.R.O. representative on this technical committee, and we learn that he has consented to do so.
Darlington Meeting of Hauliers
ON Monday next, April 8, a meeting arranged under the auspices of A,R.O. is to be held at the Imperial Hotel, Darlington, at 7 p.m., at which Mr. J. L. Kinder, the Association's deputy director, will speak. All hauliers in the district are cordially invited to attend.
Oiler Toilers' Hearty Party
RELAXAtION, even in war-time, is necessary to the welfare of all. Workers on the home front need a little brightening up occasionally just as much as those in the armed Forces.
As expert at enjoying themselves and giving enjoyment to others as they are at building oil engines, members of the personnel of F. Perkins, Ltd., Peterborough, held a dance on Friday of last week, tb which many of the company's friends in the trade were invited. The proceeds, amounting to a substantial sum, went to charity.
The function was as cheerful as such Perkins events usually are. Restric tions were eased, hours of rest were disregarded, r.p.m. were high, and fuel consumption was reasonable, but no cases of overloading were apparent.
Index to Volume 70 Available THE index to Volume 70 of The 1 Commercial Motor, covering the issues from August 11, 1939, to February 3, 1940, is now ready and a copy, pricu 6d., may be obtained from Temple Press Ltd., Bowling Green Lane, London, E.C.1.
Trade Obituaries
MR. GEORGE YOUNG, of the haulage firm of Messrs. R. and W. Young, North Northumberland, has died at Kirk Xetholm at the age of 72 years.
Me. RICHARD THORPE, Of Ripon, Yorkshire, who carried on business as a haulage and removal contractor, has died at Ripon. He was Mayor of Ripon from 1932 to 1934.
TRANSPORT'S TASK IF AIR RAIDS COME QPEAKING at Exeter on Saturday 1...11ast, Mr. Ernest Bevin, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, said that if air attacks and Naval interference by the enemy prevented the East Coast ports from working, so that the whole of the country had to be fed from the west, the task of feeding the country and of moving the men to do the job had been entrusted by the State to the Union. Every man had, he said, entered into a bargain with his Union that, if the call came, he would go where he was sent and do his job.
Mr. Bevin said that he was more than ever convinced of the vital need for a really co-ordinated transport system. They of the Transport Advisory Council had been called on to deal with the matter in a limited way because the Government took the view that, notwithstanding the needs of the nation as a whole, private interests must not be touched. If the best possible war effort was to be made, he concluded, prejudices and preconceptions must be put on one side, Transport Function Benefits Red Cross
THE group organizers of the Leeds transport organization recently held a successful whist drive and dance, which resulted in a useful sum being raised and sent to the Lord Mayor of Leeds for the Red Cross Fund. Major Eastwood, the North-Eastern Regianal Commissioner, presented the prizes.
Exports During February
THE return showing the value of exports of the following products applies to those registered during the month of February. The figures are Crown copyright reserved:—New commercial vehicles (including buses, fireengines and ambulances, but not tractors), 283,618; tractors (not agricultural)", £2,750; commercial-vehicle chassis, parts and accessories, 268,878.