MANCHESTER, LIVERPOOL AND COUNTIES C.M.U.A.
Page 16
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RECENT AND PROSPECTIVE ACTIVITIES.
We reported in our last issue the holding of the Annual Meeting of the Manchester, Liverpool and Counties C.M.U.A. At the same time we referred briefly (page 454 ante) to sonic of the useful work which was accomplished by that Association in the year 1915. We now discharge our promise to refer again to the proceedings at the annual meeting.
The Chairman of the Association, Mr. R,. C. Reynolds (Bleachers Association, Ltd.), presided, and moved the adoption of the annual report. He summarized certain of its contents, and supplemented others. He stated that the Committee of the Association attached considerable importance to the modification of the legal-defence scheme, in which scheme they had •succeeded in arranging changes to suit their requirements with the incorporated C.M.U.A. This defence scheme was now in their own hands, and their own solicitors were able to concentrate upon cases which arose in the experience of their members. Remarkable success had been achieved in dealing with summonses—in fact, quite beyond their expectations. He understood that the 'arrangement was equally acceptable to headquarters, so everybody appeared to be satisfied.
Roadside Water Supplies.
The matter of facilitating the roadside supply of water to steam-wagoe drivers, in different localities, had occupied the ati, —ion of the Association. The scheme was now in an experimental stage, but they looked forward to developing it on a considerable scale, and they believed it would be of incalculable benefit to users of steam-wagons. They had acted in this matter in conjunction with the North and East Lanes. C.M.U.A., and in consultation with the water engineers of Bury, Oldham and Rochdale. Automatic pillar fountains, with the water delivery controlled by a disc-in-slot arrangement, had been adopted.
Why Drivers Use Weak Roads.
Mr. Reynolds next made reference to the position of drives of military age and fitness. He explained the effect of the success of the C.M.U.A. in having the7t men placed upon the list of "Reserved Occupations." He then proceeded to deal with the arguments favour of using only the best and strongest roads when such, roads were available as a route, but pointed out that the opposition and hostility of certain local authorities had undoubtedly hindered the best use of the best roads. Although he admitted B50 that the increased use of heavy motors had resulted in an increased cost of upkeep of roads, this was clearly because the commercial needs of the county dictated such use.
Mr. Leo. Swain (George Spencer, Moulton and Co., Ltd.), Vice-Chairman of the Association, seconded the motion. He pointed out that the membership had now risen to very little short of 200, and that it was representative of close upon 1009 commercial motors.
The report was adopted unanimously. The Honorary Treasurer, Mr. John t'auIkner, then submitted the, accounts for the year. The Association had been working on a basic subscription of one guinea per annum, out of which it remitted a small capitation fee to the parent 0.M.U.A. This subscription had proved insufficient (by the small amount of £7 7s. 11c1.) to balance the expenditure, but the Association would certainly be in a strong position, at the end of 1916, having regard to the fact that the basic annual subscription, as from the 1st January last, went up to £1 Hs. 6d.
The accounts were received and adopted.
The meeting was successful in persuading Mr. Reynolds to consent to his nomination as Chairman for another year. This acctuiescence on the part Of Mr. Reynolds has undoubtedly given general satiSfaction throughout the membership. Mr. 'Leo Swain was re-elected Vice-Chairman, and Mr. John Faulkner Honorary Treasurer: The Committee was re-eleCted, as for 1915, with the substitution of Mr. S. L. Gill, of the Calico Printers Association, for Mr.H. A. Prenderga,st, of that company, now serving with His Majesty's Forces.
The Legality of Hurricane Lamps..
A vote of thanks was accorded to the Association's solicitors, Messrs. F. 0. S. Leak and Pratt, of Manchester, in appreciation of the manner in which they had handled eases on behalf of members during the year. Mr. Pratt, in addressing the meeting, mentioned the particular success of obtainino-n the dismissal of a certain summons, at the St. Helens Court, on the payment of costs only; in respect of carrying a hurricane lamp. He was sure that it was never intended to include hurricane lamps in the same category as lamps which could be moved independently of the vehicle, such as pwivelling headlamps.
Mr. Ellis Green, thSecretary (Cromwell Buildings, Blackfriars, MancheAer), was also thanked for his unremitting services.