Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 4.pdf/36

 asking too much of the reader's faith in progress to assume that so far as the coming of a light powerful engine, comparatively noiseless, smooth-running, not obnoxious to sensitive nostrils, and altogether suitable for high road traffic, the problem will very speedily be solved. And given that assumption, in what direction are these new motor vehicles likely to develop? How will they react upon the railways? And where finally will they take us?

At present they seem to promise developments upon three distinct and definite lines.

There will first of all be the motor truck for heavy traffic. Already such trucks are in evidence distributing goods and parcels of various sorts. And sooner or later, no doubt, the numerous advantages of such an arrangement will lead to the organisation of large carrier companies, using such motor trucks to carry goods in bulk or parcels on the high roads. Such companies will be in an exceptionally favourable position to organise storage and repair for the motors of the general public on profitable terms, and