PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
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C.O.885
21 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
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Lubricating oil consumption per mile.
For the steam tractor I have adopted the same as the Blue Book, but for petrol engines-from the experience we have had-I have slightly raised the figure.
Annual cost of fuel allowing return journey empty-ride footnote.
I have taken an average cost of Indian coal at Rs. 15 per ton, but I wish to point out that if coal has to be taken to outlying districts the price of coal may be considerably higher.
Annual cost of lubricating oil.
Worked out on our present prices; in case of transport to an outlying district this figure may be increased. Wages, annual.
Driver (skilled).
Steersman.
Brakesman or Assistant.
In case of steam tractors Rs. 75 per mensem is allowed, as I think we have native firemen who will be competent and ready for this work; as regards petrol lorries, I have allowed the same money as for the mail service from Anuradhapura to Trincomalie, viz., Rs. 3 per diem.
Brakesmen on steam lorries.
Rs. 30 per mensem has been allowed for men as brakesmen and checkers on petrol lorries; where checkers only are wanted Rs. 20 per mensem is allowed.
Annual cost of small stores, including lamp-oil, cotton-waste, firewood, &c. Figures same as Blue Book, but taken at the value of 1s. to equal a rupee, as we find this is a fair estimate for small stores in Ceylon. Capital outlay.
Capital outlay in Blue Book appears to represent cost of vehicle only. I have made allowance for delivery in Ceylon. Depreciation, interest on capital outlay, repairs, housing, &c.
As per footnote, depreciation has been taken at 25 per cent. for tractors and 35 per cent. for lorries; it appears this means capital outlay on vehicles only, nothing being allowed for housing, &c., which in our case may be a heavy item-take motor mail service between Anuradhapura and Trincomalie as an example.
Total annual cost.
This is the addition or sum of the annual cost of fuel, lubricating oil, wages, small stores.
Depreciation.
As per Blue Book.
Allow 10 per cent, for contingencies.
This has been done.
Grand total annual cost.
This is the addition or sum of the total annual cost and contin- gencies as per Blue Book.
Maximum cost per nett ton mile.
Book.
+
Grand total annual cost divided by nett ton mileage, as per Blue
With regard to the remaining items which refer only to this design of vehicles no reference is made, as such details would be dealt with in the ordinary course when considering a particular service.
Remarks.
As the Blue Book figures refer to average metalled English roads, our Ceylon figures, which are based on these figures, naturally refer only to low-country roads- which are of a like undulating nature. Up-country roads would have to be con- sidered on their merits and special estimates made for them, as such items as fuel consumption, speed, amount hauled, &c., will vary in each case.
If rubber tyres are used 12 cents per mile must be added to the maximum for nett ton mile, as per Blue Book; it is a question if this would be sufficient in our case owing to climatic conditions.
+
15
I cannot see that any allowance has been made in the Blue Book figures for establishment charges, but if motor traction is inaugurated this item would naturally be incurred.
*
Further, to the question of depreciation, interest on capital outlay, repairs. housing, establishment charges, &c., as already pointed out the Blue Book does not appear to allow for housing, establishment charges, &c., but for depreciation on cost of vehicle only, as we have to find suitable accommodation for drivers and garages, &c. I now instance the Anuradhapura and Trincomalie mail service, from which you will see that our actual cost is 76 cents, but worked out as per Blue Book it works at 59 cents per nett ton mile. I point this out specially as the figures in the Blue Book may not be always applicable to Ceylon; in this particular case. if we had not found free quarters at Trincomalie the cost would have been more.
The water question should not be overlooked, as it may rule where steam tractors can be used, the water not always being suitable for boiler purposes.
The question of carriage of goods to outlying districts should not be overlooked, as in some cases it might increase the estimates as given. Nothing has been allowed in the estimates for carriage of such items as coal, petrol, oil, &c.
You will no doubt note that the cost per nett ton mile of working tractors (either steam or petrol) increases very rapidly as the weight of the tractor or lorry decreases, in other words, as the useful or paying load decreases.
N. J. PRICE,
A.L.C.S.
COLONIAL SECRETARY,.
H. G. UNSWORTH,
Locomotive Carriage and Wagon Superintendent.
Enclosure 3 in No. 11.
As stated in His Excellency's address to Legislative Council, page 6, if width over all of motor lorries, motor tractors, and trailers should not exceed 5 feet 6 inches, the axle loads must not in any case exceed 4 tons per axle, and as
a general rule should not exceed 3 tons per axle.
2. It is not only the bridges that suffer from heavy axle loads but the roads also: 3 tons per axle is the limit that should be put on to a macadam road if exces- sive wear is to be avoided.
3. The speeds given in the table should be considered as maxima, not only for the security of the road but also to avoid excessive wear and tear of machinery. In the absence of further experience I doubt the prudence of exceeding a rate of
8 miles per hour on some of the hilly roads; as I recently reported, the speed over portions should not exceed the rate of 3 miles per hour.
4. I think the item wages of drivers is rather low. It will pay to obtain highly skilled drivers, even at higher rates, if they are obtainable.
15 November, 1909.
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•
No. 12. CYPRUS.
FRANCIS A. COOPER.
THE HIGH COMMISSIONER to THE SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 21 May, 1910.)
(No. 97.)
MY LORD,
Government House, Nicosia, 13th May, 1910. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Lordship's despatch, "Miscellaneous," of the 29th of April,* in which I am reminded that I have not
yet replied to your Lordship's circular despatch of the 28th of May, 1909,† on the subject of mechanical transport.
2. I hasten to inform your Lordship that my reason for not having furnished the information asked for in the circular despatch of the 28th of May, 1909, is that
Reminder: not printed.
† No. 41 in [Cd. 4589].