Save the Small Haulier THE haulage business of this country
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was virtu1 ally built up by the little man, who had, in the majority of cases, gained his experience with goods transport while serving in the war of 1914-18. This individuality of the industry has been largely retained until the present time, much to the regret of the railway magnates and certain bureaucrats whose experience in other directions has shown that it is easier to exercise restrictive control over larger organizations. Perhaps it was this very difficulty that has enabled the haulage side of the industry to maintain a; reasonable degree of freedom, despite the many attempts that have been made to stunt its growth and to curtail its activities.
The war, however, is being made an excuse for stronger efforts in this direction, and news reaches us of suggestions which may, sooner or later, have the effect of putting smaller hauliers out of business. Already, many of those whose age brings them within the purview of the National Service Authorities are finding that deferments are not being granted, altlwugh their drivers are receiving more consideration.
There are, moreover, other moves which may indicate the use of force majeure to obtain the absorption of the smaller businesses by the larger. If this were to be truly in the interests of the war effort, there would be little, if any, cause for complaint, but if the war is being made merely an excuse for totalitarian methods, then we strongly condemn . any contemplated procedure of this nature.
Efficiency, and particularly attention to important detail, does not always result from the formation of unwieldy enterprises. The business of haulage is admitted by all who know what they are talking about to be far more complicated than might appear on the surface. The transport requirements of different trades vary in no small degree, and it is in the knowledge of these differences tha4 the personal element is so valuable. Therefore, we say, unless it be essential, hands off the small man.