Arizona republican., 1919-01-26
NORWAY AND SWEDEN
 IN NEED IF TRUCKS

Americans who think they have felt the pinch of war times, and have suf- fered previously at the hands of the late departed Mars should chat with Edwin Holton of Chrstiania, Norway. MT Hoton. who is the representative of the Republic Motor Truck company, inc. Alma, Michigan in the Scandina- vian Peninsula, is now in this coun- try completing arrangements Tor the export of Republic trucks in great numbers to both Norway and Sweden. As one of the leading business men of Christiania, and son of a very prom inent manufacturer. he is thoroughly conversant with business conditions in his own and adjacent countries.
 Although we remained neutral throughout the great world war We have felt the heavy burden of conflict nevertheless" says MT. Holton. Tn Norway and Sweden a team of horses sells for $500 to 5000 and labor costs 1 from five tA seven dollars a day for unskilled ywofkmen. Provender for work animals sells at such prohibitive l prices that it is practically impossible for a big industry to accomplish their ] hauling with any degree of efficiency.
 The value of every kind of pro- duct is in practically the same ratio
 
 l tie prices for instance are way out of sight and shoes sell for from s20 to s25 per pair. Gasoline, however, is req sonaby low in price. Under a special arrangement made some years ago with the Standard Oil company, it is impossible for a retailer to charge more than thirty cents per gallon for gaso- line. There has been a scarcity of this commodity throughout the war, but, with the signing of the armistice, relief is promised.
 The first importations of gasoline are to be restricted to commercial uses, which will permit the operation of trucks at a very low cost compared with the cost of using horse drawn vehicles. Passenger car users must wait, however, until commercial ve- hicles are supplied before they will be permitted to purchase gas.
 T have given considerable study to the hauling needs of Scandinavian manufacturers and business houses and do not hesitate to predict brilliant future for the motor truck in my country and Sweden. Several com panies are now being projected for the operation of motor transport lines modelled after the rural express and intercity motor hauling that is being done Tn America. Since coming to the United States 1 have given much ot my time to an inspection of these transportation lines The information have gathered here will prove in valuable to me when l return home. Before making definite arrange ments for the representation of any truck manufacturer. I looked the American field' over thoroughly wanted to make sure that I picked the right truck and the right makers 1 am satisfied that in associating my self with the Republic people, 1 have taken the first steps toward the build ing of a big and permanent bushes l have seen Republic trucks built anc know their world reputation for per feet performance and continued serv- ice. When 1 sail for home this montf l shall take with me. by special per mission of the owners of the steamshi. line, model F Republic truck fol demonStration purposes. 1 have ar ranged with MT. Harris, sales manage of the Republic Motor Truck company Inc, to send me a shipment of Re. public trucks that will include one O each model. This, of course, canuo be accomplished until export permit. are issued, which I hope will be in tn. l very near future