• Home
• Used vehicles
• Product news
• Dealer news
• Compliance
• Buying advice
• Archive

WHEELS OF INDUSTRY.

Taking London by Night.

Considerable interest is being aroused, particularly in the West End of London, by the taking of cinematograph pictures of the most interesting quarters and buildings at about 11 p.m., when the crowds are beginning to leave the theatres.

The originators of the scheme are Pathe Freres, Ltd., and for their work they use a number of lorries fitted up with tank engines driving powerful dynamos. Leads from the dynamos convey the current to other lorries, on each of which are mounted three sunlight arc projectors. The camera operator, together with a number of actors who take part in some of the sceries, are provided with a 14-seater motor coach. When filming in large spaces, such as Leicester Square, two batteries of sunlight arcs are stationed at opposite sides of the space, the beams from both sets of projectors being directed on to the particular objects which are being taken.

Standing Passengers for K and S Type Buses.

The London General Omnibus Co. announce that, in response to the general public demand, approval has now been obtained for the carrying of five standing passengers in K and S type buses, and the company has persuaded the police to sanction the concession for a period of three months. The experiment is being made now with a view to the convenience of Christmas shoppers.

It is also pointed out by the company that the new motorbus schedules, made possible under the spread-over arrangement, will bring into operation 150 extra buses at, the rush hours before the end of the year' thus providing 6,600 additional seats during the peak hours at any given moment. There are 1,200 motorbuses of the K and S types in service, and the new rule permitting the standing of five passengers will thus provide accommodation for another 6,000 persons.

Aircraft Safety Tank Competition.

Tests of fuel tanks entered for the Air Ministry competition for safety tanks for aircraft commenced at the Royal Aircraft Establishment., Farnborough, yesterday (Monday), and will continue on alternate days until the tests have been completed.

The object of the competition for which prizes amounting to 82,006 are Eeing offered, is to obtain, if possible, a tank which will withstand the shock to which it may be subjected in an aeroplane crash without either bursting or leaking, and thus eliminate almost entirely the possibility of fire in such circumstances, and which will also withstand the effects of enemy action by machine gun and shell fire. Already improvements in design and inspection have practically removed the danger of fire from internal causes during flight, and the satisfactory solution of the present problems will mean further subatantial progress. The competition, which, •owing to its 08 importance, was thrown open to all the world, has brought in 26 entries, 19 from Britain, three from France, and one each from America, Belgium, Italy and Japan. Three prizes e-ill be awarded: the first being 81,400, the second 8400, and the third 8200.

There will be an interval of at least eight weeks between the preliminary and final tests. They will be watched with considerable interest by all those who possess a. firm belief in the future of commercial aviation.

Holland's Lorry Imports.

During October 54 motor lorries were imported .into Holland, 49 of these coming from Germany, 3 from the United States, and 1 from France, whilst 3 lorry chassis were imported from Germany, 6 from the United States, and 2 from France. Since the beginning of the year only five British vehicles have been imported into 'Tolland.

• Notts Steam Wagon Costs.

The annual report of the county surv■eyor of Netts chews that there are' 426.43 miles of nieei 'seeds and 1304.75 miles of district roads in the county, and that 161 miles of the rural main roads were surface-tarred at, a cost. of 3s. 9d. per super yard. The council owns four steam wagons, and the repine states that the cost of working these vehicles per day was 83 9s. 3d., the cost per mile being 7s. 4d., and per ton-mile Is. id., these figures includmg 12i per cent, for depreciation.

Inst. of T. Papers.

The second ordinary meeting of the ciurrent session of the Institute of Transport will be held at, the Institution of Civil Engineers, Great George Street, Westminster, London, S.W., at 5.30 p.m. on December 12th, when a paper will be read, entitled " The Future of British Railways," by Sir George Paish, The chair will be occupied by Sir Henry Maybury, K.C.M.G., C.B., the president.

On December 16th, at 5 p.m., Mr. J. Paterson (member) will deliver a lecture, entitled "The Operation of a Road Distributing Agency," at the Royal Society of Arts, Adelphi Street, London, W.C.

Splashguard Trial on Salford.

The Salford Corporation is testing on one of its buses a new anti-mud splashing device, and if, after the experiment is complete, it finds time it fulfils its purpose satisfactorily, its use may become general on the vehicles run by the corporation. The device is manufactured by B. Mends and Co., 'of Manchester, the firm who hold the patents, and it consists of an aluminium bracket carrying a length of rubber strips, and fastened to an iron bracket attached, in the case of the front wheels, to the steering arm, and in the case of the back wheels to the axle. Advantages claimed for the device are simplicity, reliability, cheapness, and the fact that it does not interfere with the easy removal of the wheels.

Short-period Licences.

As a result of negotiations which have been conducted with the Ministry of Trs,n_sport by the Motor Legislation Committee, acting on behalf of the Automobile-Association, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, and its other constituent bodies, a scheme for short-period licences will come into operation at the beginning of next year.

It will be recalled that, following upon discussions between the Committee and Sir Eric Geddes a clause, moved in Committee stage of the Finance Bill by Sir W. Joynson-Hicks and others, was accepted, enabling the Minister of Transport within certain limits to issue motor vehicle licences for any period at rates not less than proportionate to the yearly payments.

Representations • were subsequently made on behalf of the Committee and also the, Royal Automobile Club, advocating that effect should be given to these powers from January 1st, 1922, and that the necessary regulations should authorize the issue of licences from any date to thesend of any month at rates proportionate to the number of complete or partially complete months for which. the licence was available.

It was realized that such a proposal would render the present system of distinctive coloured licence cards no longer useful, but it was hoped that it would he practicable to arrange for 1922 two distinctive types of cards on one of which registration authorities might enter the date of expiry of the licence. The Ministry, however, did not think it practicable to bring into operation this change in the fixed quarterly system as early as January 1st, 1922, but it is hoped that the whole question will be discussed during the next twelve-months in order that sonic of the difficulties and anomalies may be met'.

Meanwhile the Motor Legislation Committee consider that the short period licence Scheme which is set, out below, and which they understand will operate from January 1st; 1922, will be from many points of view a considerable inlprovement on the inelastic procedure which has been in operation this year. They still, however, consider the curcharges excessive, and the whole question will be reviewed in connection with representations which are likely to be made in the neer future to the departments concerned as to the method, incidence, and yield of motor taxation.

Particulars of the new scheme are as 'follow ;—

Month ist Pereeota,ge of full duty .

Sheffield's Electrics.

The annual report of the Cleansing Department of the Sheffield Corporation mentions that during the year 14 new electric vehicles were added to the fleet. These vehicles continue to 'show satisfactory worecing results and economy as compared with horse labour, notwith. standing the fact that the electrics are working on the longer journeys and performing the must, expensive of the work, whilst the horse costs are reduced year by year owing to their being confined mere and more to the nearer journeys aed consequently cheaper work.

During the year 59,417 tons of refuse were collected by electric vehicles, at a cost of 9s. 8.7d. per ton, and 68,350 tone by horses, at a cost of 10s. 6.2d. per ton—both figures including all capital and maintenance charges.

A German Motor Vehicle Census.

A census of motor vehicles in use in Germany was taken on July let last, and figures which have recently been issued contain some interesting information. There were on that, date 59,588 cars and chars-hebancs, with a seating capacity up to eight, inclusive of driver, whilst there were 1,378 vehicles with greater seating capaCities. Of the total number of passenger vehicles, 60,135 were propelled he internal-combristion engines, 763 were electrically driven, and 68 were steam driven.

So far as heavy lorries are concerned, the figures for the various weights of vehicles were as follow :-2,378 of 1,000 kg. weight and less; 3,796 of 1,0002.000 kg.; 3,258 1:1 f 2,000-3,000 kg. ; 7,737 of 3,000-4,000 kg. ; 13,255 of 4,000 kg.• and ever, making a total of 30,424, of which 858 were electrically driven and 30 steam driven.

There were 540 motel' fire-4ngmes in use hr the country and 264 street-cleaning machines, as well as 292 tractors ; 114 with a weight of less than 5,000 kg., and 178 with a weight above this amount. It is interesting to observe • that 73 tractors were electrically driven and 84 steam driven.

Petroleum Deposits in Brazil.;

Very few investigations have been carried out in Brazil of petroleum deposits, but it is supposed that such deposits exist in various states.

Examinations and borings are, however, says a Department of Overseas Trade report, being carried out at the most likely spots, e.g., in the State of Alagoas (Riacho Duce); in the State Of Bahia. (at Ccrurupe); and in the • State of Parang. Other investigations are to be begun in Sao Paulo and if possible in the basin of the Amazonas. It is, however, principally in Sao Paulo and in Paraul that the Geological Service state that there is greatest probability of the existence of petroleum.

• Investigations into the matter appear to be afoot on the part. of various foreign concerns. A British syndicate has recently contracted a property in Rio Grande do Sul for the development of shale or crude oil, and it anticipates that within two years 1,0C10 tons of shale will be retorted daily. The location of this property is at Bella Vista on the Cane..

quay to Bage railway line. It is expected that 400 men will be employed.

Water Supplies for Steamers.

The inadequacy of the facilities by which steam vehicles can obtain water supplies in the Wirral Peniezula, and especially on the Chester road, has repeatedly engaged the attention of transport men. After an interview with one of the Merseyside transport associatione, however, the West Cheshire Water Board has promised to provide and fix two new hydrants on the Gayton-Chester road—one at the Four Cross Roads and the other at the Clegg Arms.

Inst. A.E. Meeting.

The fourth ordinary general meeting of the session of the Institution of Automobile Engineers will be held at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers,

Storey's Gate, St. James's Park, London, S.W., on Wednesday, December 14th, at 8 p.m., when Mr. Ii. F. L. Orreitt will read a paper entitled "Motor Car Gearboxes." Cards of invitation to admit visitors may be obtained on application to the secretary of the Institution, 28, Victoria Street, Lon-den, S.W.1.

The first new Shell kerbside pump has recently been installed at the pDeinihes of the Northern Automobile Co., of Hale.

A meeting of the Bombay Board of Agriculture, held recently at Pu,sa, has considered Measures for the introduction of motor tractor cultivation.

The Capac Co., Ltd., inform us that they have now moved into new offices at 18, Bruton Place, New Bond Street, London, W., where the Bin-Aural—an instrument for detection, location, and comparison by sound—can now be demonstrated.

. G.N. Motors, Ltd., inform us that they have opened a showroom at 222, Great Portland Street, London, W.1, under the management of Mr. Clifford Pinch, at which address examples of the company's 1922 models can be seen, including the vehicle which is built for commercial servEree.

Nigerian Cotton Transport.

In February last Sir Hector Duff sailed from Liverpool for Nigeria on a special mission to investigate and reportupon the outlook for cotton growing in that country. The conclusions at which lie• has arrived are contained in a report, "Cotton Growing in Nigeria," which has been issued by the. Empire Cotton Growing Corporation. Dealing with the question of road transport, be says that the roads have chiefly "dry weather "surfaces and need to . be remade more or less after each wet season. For animal transport during the dry season, when cotton is marketed, these earth roads are quite suitable. Pack animals, used largely in the Northern Provinces, are the cheapest and most efficient means of convoying produce to the railways. Pack transport Is so •cheap that motors cannot be employed against it, and survive, on a commercial basis. An attempt was made to run a lorry at a charge for cotton loads of 1s. per ton-mile—much below cost— from a point only 30 miles from the railway ; the attempt was a failure. Animal transport killed it,-and the lorry had to be withdrawn for lack of patronage. In the south the position is different, for there animal transport does not exist. The two means by which cotton may be conveyed in the south from farm to railway, Me road transport and human per terage. Human porterage is very wasteful and unpopular with the natevles, arid is gradually giving wayto mechanical transport. Although it is less expensive to run and maintain motors in the south than in the north, the cost requires serious consideration.

The Government has been carrying cotton by lorry in the south at is. per ton-mile, but is considering a 50 per cent. increa.se. Sir Hector Duff fears lest this increase in transport charges, however economically necessary it may be, may hit the southern cotton industry too hard. The southern industry. is handicapped in several ways. There Is DO animal transport and the cotton produced is almost entirely indigenous stuff of low value, which cannot stand much expense in

transport charges. In the north the crop is largely of American cotton, and the auxiliary transport by pack Animals is cheap. Macadamized roads in the south are suggested as a means of lowering the costs of mechanical haulage.

As a result of staff reorganization due to the eetting up of a brands factory Si 134, West George Lane, Glasgow, Mr. Cl. E. Frost has been appointed deputy manager of Barimar, Ltd., with whom he has been associated for several years. During the war Mr. Frost served with the Inland Water Transport Section of the Reyal Engineers, and subset-ineptly with the Department of Waterways end Ducks.

• Petroleum in India.

Although the figures showing the quantity and value of petroleum produced in India during the years 1918 and 1919, which are included in a recently issued Department of Overseas Trade report, are somewhat belated, they afford a reliable indication of the magnitude of the petroleum industry in that country.. During 1918 the total production was 286,585,011 gallons, valued at 169,78,559 rupees, or B1,131,904, the value of the rupee then being is.. 4d. During 1919 ..1-,651,816 gallons were produced, at a value of 183,43078 rupees, or .£1,834,307.8, the value of the rupee being reckoned at 2s.

From these figures it will be seen that there was an increase in production of 19 million gallons during the year 1919, as compared with the previous 12 months. The chief increases were over 321 million gallons from the Singu field, over half-million from the Upper Chindwin field (both in Burma), and one million from the Badarpur field, in Assam. The Yenangyaung field was responsible for the principal decrease in production, its output having fallen by about 13-1 million gallons. There were also reductions in the outputs of Yenangyat, Minbu, Digbui, and Attock.

Notwithstanding the fact that India produced within her borders nearly 306 million gallons of petroleum, the imports of mineral oils were enormous, and aggregated in 1918-19 over 60 million gallons, and in 1919-20 over 144 million gallons. The exports of paraffin wax from India continued to expand, the total quantities shipped being 532,479 owl., valued at £1,216,232. The principal destinations were England, Japan, and Australia..

• Hull Bus Losses.

At a meeting of the Hull Tramways Committee the manager stated that the receipts on the Stoneferry bus service for six days since the reduction in fares took place, as compared with the six days previous at old fares, showed a reduction of £5 lls. 6d. The receipts averaged £12 Be. a day, and the vthoie cost of running the buses was approximately £16 lBs. per day, so that for the year, at the present rate, there would be a loss of between £1,400 and £1,5:10.

At a meeting of the Commercial Motor Users Asseciation (Northern Division), to be held at the County Hotel, Newcastle, on December 6th, Mr. E. S. ShrapnelSmith, ClB.E., will deliver an address an " Roads, Road Transport, and Railways."

Derbyshire Traffic.

In Derbyshire districts a great development of motorbus and tram traffic has been witnessed in recent years, the Trent Motor and Bus Co., which has its headquarters in the county town, having been mainly instrumental in elaborating arrai.'r,ereents whereby the greater part of the Peak territory is now covered by an admirable service of buses, some of which extend their running into the southern parts of Nottinghamshire. Tramways in many of the Derbyshire centres have hitherto proved far from an unequivocal success, but faith in the future of this form of traction is now being demonstrated by the Notts.. and Derby 'Tramway Co., which proposes to apply for Parliamentary powers to construct a line between Fleenor and Ilkeston to connect up with the rails which it at present owns at those places.

Ilkeston tramways have never represented a remunerative proposition, and there are those who hold that much hatter results might have been secured following upon their inauguration 18 years ago had provision been then made for the connecting link with the neighbouring town, which the company now proposes to lay. Meanwhile the increasing popularity of mutorbeses is being demonstrated in all parts of the county.

Publicity Value of Shaped Bodies.

One of the most attractive forms of motervan publicity is that wherein the body is shOped to represent a Gargantuan example of the goods sold. This style of mobile advertising is undoubtedly one to recommend, in view of the vast number of Vans now on the road possessing a striking similarity to one another, and, although in many instances this type of body involves heavy initial outlay, this is only a small matter as compared with its increased advertising value.

One of the neatest and most unusual vans of this description which is in use is• that which we illustrate on this page', showing a body modelled to resemble a shoe mounted on a standard Ford chas.sis. The body is an excellent example of of the class of work turned out by the Riverside Coach and Motor Works, of Barnes, London, S.W., and is a replica of a style of shoe sold by Daniel Neal and Sons, Ltd. No detail has been overlooked in its design, • as is evidenced by the marking on the welt, the stitching, and the strap and button.

Two interesting details in the body design call for Special attention. One is the manner in which the hood is concealed below the strap, so that it does not detract from the appearance of the van, and the ether is the means provided to enSure that sufficient cool air currents reach the engine. It will be seen that the toe-piece, which is of aluminium, takes the place ef the ordinary -bonnet, and, covering, the radiator as it does, it prevents this component from functioning properly. To assist the cooling of the engine, therefore, a special scoop which collects the air has been fitted at the front of the vehicle. Thelatter is built on • very graceful lines, and, although it has been running for some months past it stiff catches the eye of the man in the street. Original design such as this possesses an inesti mable value. , •

British Trade in .India.

According to a general review of the conditions and prospects of British trade in India, -issued by the Department of Overseas Trade, the imparts of motor lorries show a considerable increase from 1,228, valued at £483,509, in 1919-20 to 2,947, valued at 22,234,318, in 192121. In the former year the United Kingdom supplied only 197 lorries, of a value of 2158,424, to India., whereas the United States shipped 936 lorries, valued at 2269,534. As the average value of the British lorry was 2842, compared with 2287 in the case of the American, it is probable that the bulk of American imports consisted of Ford 1 ton trucks. It Is regrettable that the detailed figures for 1920-21 are not yet available, as it is certain that they will show an enormous increase in the British share of the trade. One of the leading British menufactuners has a large organization in India, with assembling and repair shops, etc., and a widespread selling organization, and at one time during the past year was advertising 100 lorries from stock in Calcutta. Others are strongly represented by merchant agents, some of whom are also connected with local transport companies, which is a valuable adjunct.

Packing Vehicles for Overseas.

When shipping vehicles for use overseas it is necessary, in order to conserve space, to reduce the size of the packing case as much RS possible, and the manner in which this was done in the case of a 2-ton Commer Car van previous to shipment is shown in the illustrations reproduced below.

The complete vehicle is shown in the first picture, in which it will also be seen that the body and cab are made in sections for easy dismantling and reassembling. The body, as shown in No. 2, is dismantled at the works and conveyed to the docks .on the chassis itself ; a box of spares can be seen at the

rear. The complete body, cab and LOX of spares are all compactly fitted into one case, as shewn in the third picture, whilst the fourth depicts the final stage .--the packing of the chassis—in which the radiator, dashboard, steering column, brake lever, front and rear axles and wheels are all dismantled and packed into the one case. The fact that the wheels do net occupy a separate case considerably reduces the cost of freightage. All these parts are, of course, "made secure before the packing is completed..

Provincial Busmen Dine.

The directors c)f the Eastern Counties Road Car Co., Ltd., •Ientertained their employees at a dinner some days agoMr.. 1', L. Bland was in the chair, and in the course of the evening made 60/110 eulogistic remarks regarding the good name which the driv.ere and conductors of the company's vehicles had earned for themselves. It was a matter of some difficulty to arrange such a function as that which was:held, owing to the need for part of the staff being on duty, but the difficulty was overcome by arranging two parties, the first of which met under similar circumstances during a previous week. Altogether 150 members of the staff were entertained, including representatives of the company's branches in Wisbech and Bury St. Edmund's.

At. a meeting of the directors of Sykes and SugdeneLtd., of Huddersfield. hold a few days ago, the new price of the

• L.S.D. van was fixed at 2165.

The Dunlop Rubber Co.", Ltd., have appointed. Mr. H. S. Carter as their representative inthose parts of Essex, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire lately covered by Mr. Hall, who has left the company. Mr. Carter has had a lengthy experience in the trade, having been with the company in Ireland and India for some years.

Motor Vehicle Headlights.

At a largely attended meeting of the General Committee of the Royal Scottish Automobile Club a few days ago the following resolution' was unanimously passed :.—" That the practice of switch-. mg off electric headlights on meeting ether traffic on the open road is fraught with danger, and. motorists are urged to discontinue it."

The committee are satisfied that this practice—which, they think, has had a fair trial, and which has been adopted by a very considerable number of motor drivers—intensifies rather than lessens road risks, and that the risks of accident through the sudden switching off of head lights is greater than when powerful lamps which create dazzle are used. The committee, at the same time, suggest that the judicious use of one of the numerous and inexpensive dimming devices Which are now on the market provides an exeellent solution of the trouble, as by these the glare can he reduced to such an extent as to obviate inconvenience to other road users, and at the same time leave ample light for safe driving. They further suggest that in urban areas lighted by street lamps undimmed headlights should be very sparingly used.

Fares According to Height.

Until quite recently it did not pay the high school children living within the area covered by the Barnsley.Meter Omnibus Co. to grow up. Age did not settle the question as to whether they should pay full face or half fare, but height did. All children above 4 ft. 6 ins. were charged fell faro, these below that height travelling half-price. Such a method naturally led to anomalies, and on the Ackworth Education Committee pointing out. that small, fat boys of 15 or over were "half fares," and tall, thin girls of 12 or 13 were "adults," the company decided to carry all echool chil.rkezt at half-fare on school days.

Lucas Report.

The report of the directors of Joseph Lucas, Ltd., for the year ended August 31st, shows a net profit, including that made by the Lucas Electrical Co., Ltd., after making due tarovision for depreciation and all taxation, of £66,587, which, added to the £65,946 brought forward from the previous year, leaves a balance of £132,533. Out of this sum interim dividends on -A preference shares, B preference shares, and ordinary shares have been paid amounting to £11,162, leaving a disposable balance of £121,571. This amount is to be apportioned as follows :—By the payment of a final dividend on A preference shares of 5 per cent, per annum, by the payment of a dividend on the B preference shares of 6 per cent, per annum, by a. final dividend on the ordinary shares at 15 per cent, per annum, and by the payment of

dividend and bonus on new Ordinary shares. These dividends will absorb £40,795, and after £10,000. has been placed to reserve (snaking this account £140,000 in all), £70,575 will remain to be carried forward.

A Question ot Speed.

With regard to speed limits, the Bedford Watch Committee reports that it has had under consideration a report from the chief 'constable, and is not satisfied that it is desirable to take steps for the limitation of the speed of motor vehicles in the borough. The committee' reminds the council that under the Motor Car Act, 1903, it is an offence to drive a motorcar on a, public highway recklessly or negligently, or at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the nature, condition and use of the highway, and to the amount of traffic which actually is at, the time or which might reasonably be expected to be on the highway.

The police are exercising special care in the matter and report all such Offences, and, in the circumstances,

FROM time to time rumours of extraordinary new engines gain circulation, and, as nothing more is generally heard of them, the public is apt to regard them with suspicion. Yet few manufacturers or users of motor vehicles look upon the petrol engine as we know it to-day as representing finality so far as prime-movers are concerned.

As a type of engine the four-stroke petrol motor has, undoubtedly, reached a high state of perfection, and it is even questionable whether, as a type, its efficiency is likely to he greatly increased in the future, though the-limit' of development may not yet have been reached.

The inherent drawback is the comparatively low thermal efficiency, which means that only about 22 per cent, of the heat units in the fuel are actually transformed into usable power, the rest being wasted through the reeling system, by radiation-, and down the exhaust pipe. The thermal efficiency of the Diesel type of internal-combustion engine is much higher. and there is a wider choice of much cheaper fuel. This type of e.ngine has, however, disadvantages of weight and of speed range, which, hitherto,

c12. especially having regard to the fact that it is understood that the question Of regulating motor traffic is under consideration by the Ministry of Transport, the committee recommends that no actionhe taken at present. It has, however, given instructions for prominent signs to be affixed at the borough boundary at the principal entrances to the borough.

Warland Rims for Ford.

Complaints have been heard from every quarter as to the great difficulty experienced by steers in removing tyres • from, or fitting them on to, the so-called detachable rims of Ford ton trucks. The Warland Dual Rim Co., Ltd., 111, Great Portland Street:, London, W., have

taken this matter in hand, and have overcome the difficulty by -converting the original Ford rims to the well-known Warland principle. . In order to save expense, they are marketing a complete outfit, with instructions, which will enable the average man to convert Ford rims in about an hour, with no tools other. than a hacksaw, drill or file. The price of the complete outfit, carriage paid; is £3 15s

have have prejudiced its employment on Motor vehicles..

There is known., however, to be on test in the works of a well-known French manufacturer an engine operating on the two-stroke Diesel principle—that is to say, a two-stroke m which the fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinder and ignited by the highly--compressed air therein. This engine, which has been designed Especially for motor vehicle work, is said to pos.sess.none of the disadvantages which have previously prevented such application, andis said to possess many advantages, of which not the least is very high thermal efficiency and an ability to run OA almost any fuel. Its constructional features are understood to be novel in many respects, and a. peculiarly-shaped piston and cylinder head ensures a great state Of " turbulence " in the combustion chamber.

•

No particulars as to comparative weight are available, but it is-probable that, on amount of the high pressures involved, it would be—Capacity for capacity—a good deal heavier than an ordinary petrol engine. This may, perhaps, be counterbalanced by the decrease in cylinder capacity for a given power.

Local Proceedings.

Walthamstow Urban District. Council has prepared a scheme for a new fire station.

Bridlington Watch Committee has asked the surveyor to ascertain if there is any suitable vacant land available for the parking of charsal-bancs.

Tynemouth Corporation has received sanction to borrow £3,293 for the purchase of a petrol road roller and a steam motor wagon and four trailers.

Chelsea Borough Council has authorized the borough surveyor to obtain estimates for one or two small petrol or electric vehicles for street, refuse collection.

Hull Corperation Health Committee has purchased an Atlas chassis and body of an ambulance, 'Le be built to specification, for £585 from the Central Motor Mart, Ltd., Hull.

The Health Ministry has held an inquiry relative to the proposal of the Andenshaw Urban District Council to purchase a motor wagon fitted with a tipping body for the collection and removal of house refuse.

Merthyr Tydfil Corporation has had a. letter from Mr J. A. Jenkins, Navigation. Stores, Treharris, protesting against the corporation's proposal to provide a service of omnibuses between Merthyr and Troeclyrhiw.

Newcastle Corporation Tramways Committee have decided to install the dissolved acetylene lighting system of Allen-Liversidge, Ltd., on those of their buses which have previously been using generators.

Hull Corporation Works Committee prop4ses the purchase of an additional steam wagon for haulage purposes; and to. claim ,a grant of one-third of the cost from the Roads Department of the Ministry of Transport, which has a limited sum available from Which assistance may be given to local authorities to enable them to purchase approved road plant.

We are led to believe that this engine has passed the 'experimental stage and gives' promise of great success. If such proves to be the case, it may presage the advent of a new era in motor Vehicle construction and in the cost of road transport. Fuel is one of the greatest factors in transport costs, and the ability to use crude oil—or, indeed, elmost any grade of oil—as fuel, would be a great advantage economically. Moreover, the use of this fuel in an engine which would utilize a high percentage of the heat Units it contained would further contribute towards economy.

Any extensive adoption of an entirely new type of engine on motor vehicles would of necessity be slow, partly owing to the powerful vested interests in existing methods of conatruction and to the conservatism of the buying public. It is not, however, by any mean e certain that, in the next few years, considerable changes will not be seen. The engine referred to above is of Continental design, but there are several interesting engines under. test in this country at the present time, of other types, from Which really astonishing results are being obtained.