COMERCIAL TRACTION

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14592, 16 February 1921, Page 7

COMERCIAL TRACTION

USE OF ACCUMULATOR BATTERIES

TESTIMONY FROM CHRISTCHURCH

A correspondent recently approached us with an inquiry regarding Hie util Isa I ion of electricity for transportation. pointing out that it was probable that wilh Hie general adoption nf accumulator batteries an immense saving could he effected in Hie consumption of motor fuel. Our.representative who was recently in Christchurch, made a few inquiries concerning Hie mailer, and ascertained that the number of electrically-driven j vehicles was gradually increasing in I|iut city, that they were giving great salisfaciion, and Hint there is every probability 'that Hie use of such | transport will he greatly extended, even if it does not become general, in Hie immediate future. It was pointed out that the one disability of Hie system is the problem of Hie to iring car which traverses long distances and is I frequently out of touch with means of getting its batteries recharged, but in Hie case of cars and other vehicles, Hie work of which is practically confined within a proscribed area, there can be no question that electric accumulator batteries will be an invaluable boon. The Christchurch Municipality is fully alive to Hie importance of Hie matter, and has erected a speciaT garage for Hie accommodation of electrically-driven cormcrcial vehicles. This has a floor space of 11.070 square feet, and can accommodate nearly 50 vehicles . The rates for garaging and eleclricity|for charging range from £7O per annum for a halflion vehicle to £l4O for a live-ton one —figures which will appeal strongly to proprietors of commercial motors. That. Hie municipal garage is fully appreciated by Christchurch business men is shown by the fact Hint it has iO vehicles on its list, nf which 20 are used for delivery, cream collodion, coal cartage, etc.; 12 others are used by public and municipal departments, whilst one taxi and three runabouts make up the balance. Mr Hitchcock the manager of Hie electrical department, assured our representative that there need be no misgiving concerning the success of accumulator batteries for commercial traction.