Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 Excerpt: ... different route could be taken, so as to put every doorstep in touch with the nearest market town and its main line railway station. A number of light road trucks would be left at any point of the journey, to be called for after they had been filled or emptied, so as not to keep the engine waiting. Such road engines are now helping the farmer, and working satisfactorily under the present fierce opposition and restrictions, doing such work as just described. Road locomotives are appreciated on the Continent and in the Colonies. Our military authorities have proved the advantages of the engines when running at four miles an hour, and would gladly avail themselves of a greater number of engines if they were allowed to travel at eight miles an hour. It may safely be predicted that if the hindrances were removed, and the road locomotive were given fair play, this cheap and efficient means of transport would not only convey goods as at present, but passengers would be conveyed also. Many road trains would spring into existence, and bring life and activity to many a remote hamlet and farm. Other advantages would accrue, that are not thought of. Many of our main roads are not suitable for tramways; to fedapt them for laying the rails would entail an enormous expenditure of money. No one would think of allowing light railways to run on any of the roads, and to use valuable land for such a scheme appears to be a wasteful procedure. Instead of laying tram lines, let a tithe of the amount be expended in making and keeping our highways in thorough repair. It appears to be so unreasonable to place every hindrance in the way of a simple system of communication which is ready to hand, and at the same time seek the means to build up an extravagant system that farmers canno...
