THE MOTORISTS’ “PERMANENT WAY”

THE recent article in our columns on “Roads,” has elicited many queries and comments of appreciation from our readers, who will shortly be able to see for themselves a very informative talkie film on the history of the motorists ” permanent way.” At the British Industries Fair at Birmingham the British Road Tar Associations stand will contain a comfortable little cinema theatre with tip-up seats, capable of accommodating 50 people at a time. Six times daily, lasting for 35 minutes, two films “The Highway” and ” From Coal Mine to Road” will be shown.

“The Highway” traces the history of the roads from the rough sandy track of prehistoric times to the broad arterial road of to-day. It opens with some attractive ” shots” of early transport— ancient British huntsmen returning with their ” kill ” on a sledge ; pillion riding in the days when roads were impassable to wheeled traffic ; and coaching scenes On the road to Bath. The introduction of the wheel by the Romans was the start of the “Great War” between wheel and road. With the advent of the motorcar the wheel launched its heaviest attack, and the film gives

glimpses of motoring as it used to be, over roads thick with dust or deep in mud, with potholes every few yards.

But when things are at their worst, the roads are saved by British tar. Dust and mud are banished, and for the fast time British roads are built strong enough to resist the ” onslaught ” of the wheel.

The film ends with excellent ” shots ” of arte,rial roads and by-passes, giving a vivid picture of the speed and weight of the traffic—cars, buses and heavy goods vehicles—which flows along them day and night in an unending stream.