The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-03-06

automobile rather than the pleasure. While there are number of improve ments and modern adaptations of auto motive construction seen in several of the exhibits. there are not any changes of a radical nature.
 OPTIMISM PREVAILS
 Both among the dealers and general public there seems to be real spirit of optimism which made itself apparent at the show yesterday. While some sales were reported and orders booked, the real buying is not expected to take place until the show is further along. How ever, there is every evidence that this show will experience a buying stimu- lus never before evident in any other show held in the south. Both dealers 1 and prospective buyers seem to sense the apparent shortage of automobiles which has been forecast for the coming season. Reports from all sides are most favorable for a bright future of the in dustry in the south As to the show itself, nothing but glowing tributes Of praise are heard. There seems to be no criticism offered in any way whatso- ever of the show, or the manner in which it has been staged; in fact, It would be hard matter for one to find anything to criticise in this connection.
 Many factory representatives are pres ent and more are expected during the coming week. Dealers from all over the southeast are here, as well as large num- bers of motor enthusiasts Luncheons, banquets, sales conventions and get-to- gether meetings will be a feature of the week for many local distributors.
 AUTOMOTIVE EQUIPMENT
 In the equipment section, there is a truly remarkable display of accessories being shown. Hers one finds everything that the notorist can possibly need, and many innovations and novelties are dis played Unusual interest seems to center around this particular division of the show. Here, too, are found many fac tory representatives.
 TRUCK DIVISION
 It has always been a rather difficult matter to assemble an automobile exhi- bition which would include a creditable showing of both passenger cars and freightage vehicles However, the dis play of motor trucks, tractors, etc, at this show proves the exception. com prehensive display of motor vehicles is shown in the basement of the great au- ditoriun, and few people who viewed the show in the main auditorium failed to go through the truck division. It is believed that the natural prejudice Of tho motor truck dealers toward the show idea will be largely overcome by the re- ception accorded their exhibits at this show.
 AN ANNUAL EVENT
 Great credit is due to the Atlanta Au- tomobile association and it's executive committees. as we'll as MT. Virgil Shep- ard who has managed the show for their enterprise and progress in staging this event. A considerable sum of money was invested in the idea without any guarantee of returns, and at a time when the outlook for business was rather dark. However members of the associa- tion took hold of the proposition in a whole-hearteA way, giving both effort and money lavishly. and the wisdom of their judgment has most certainly been demonstrated.
 It is the hope and purpose of the At lanta Automobile association to make the Great Southern automobile show an annual event. and even now plans are being discussed for next year.
 Mrs. Cayley-Robinson, an English woman, is the inventor of semi-gas furnace which it is claimed will reduce the expenditure on fuel one-sixth by consuming all the waste products, such