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77
of disinfected clothing. It is suggested a new one should be provided for
verminous clothing, &c. The approximate cost of these vans is £55 each.
As we have now arrived at a period when there is every likelihood of
there being an extension of this work, it will be well to consider the
advisability of doing away with horse drawn vehicles for this purpose
and substituting motor traction.
For work of this class, motor traction will have many advantages.
The journeys would be much more quickly made, and would thus enable
the existing disinfecting plant to be used to a greater extent. The cost of
collecting and distribution would be less per mile than at present, but
would vary according to the amount of work carried out, and would
not, as at present, be a standing charge whether any work was carried
out or not.
The cost of a 15 cwt. Chassis (14 H.P.) with platform and Driver's
Seat and Hood, with one moveable Van Body, would be from £350 to
£400. The two existing vans could be taken off their carriages and
adapted as movable bodies for about £5 each. The cost of running
exclusive of wages and depreciation of machinery would be as follows:—
Tyres 2d. per mile
Petrol 0.¾ „
Lubrication, &c. 0¼. ,,
Total 3d.
In February the Council decided to purchase a motor of Messrs.
Straker and Squire under the following specification:—
(a) 14 H.P. 2 cylinder, 3 speed and reverse. Length 14 feet.
Width 5 feet 5 inches. Weight 1 ton 10 cwts. Standard type (same
type as supplied largely elsewhere). Cost £425.
(b) To undertake to keep the Motor Van in running order for a
period of 12 months at a cost of £120.
The motor was duly delivered, and has been running for more than
six months.