A Step Towards True Representation
Page 31
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Great Interest in the Scheme for Co-operative Groups of Hauliers With Some Control Body is Being Displayed Throughout the Country
By "Tantalus "
DURING its lifetime the road haulage industry has witnessed a great number of changes and developments. The most outstanding of these in pre-war days was the creatirrn of a second national association concerned primarily with the haulier, and this achieved almost unprecedented success.
At that time, the general body of hauliers was completely dissatisfied with the tate of affairs obtaining in matters relating to representation and the like—as also with the evident lack of interest in the welfare of the industry—and so they became Willing converts and flocked in large numbers to join the new organization. Indeed, it was but a short time until the " new association" became a topic of conversation to be discussed in every town, village and hamlet. The spirits and hopes a hauliers rose accordingly; for it was felt that, ..t last, a new body existed which really meant business and would fight the cause of the haulage contractor. There was much to justify such hope; for evidence of militant action becaine manifest, whereas in the past all had been apathy and indifference..
In this connection it may be remarked, however, that militancy which is not tempered with tact and diplomacy is inclined to have a boomerang effect. This, in fact, occurred and brought in its train a measure of dissatisfaction and disillusionment. For some time past discontent has grown steadily stronger and stronger; and it was apparent to the experienced observer that ultimately something drastic must ensue. The result is the birth of the Luton Scheme. This may prove to be one of the most important developments of modern times in connection with the road haulage industry. The movement, having been launched, promises almost an unlimited field of useful service. So far, of course, onlythe initial stages have been reached. Nevertheless, the offers of support received have reached such proportions that already a large measure of success would seem to be assured. It is significant that the Metropolitan Area —the Mecca of associations—stands out in this respect. Of further significance is the fact that the interest displayed is not that associated with a sensation or "stunt." It is redolent rather of that attitude of mind which results from impatience and even dismay at the apathy and weakness of so-called leaders. It is evident that hauliers generally have the feeling that they have been let down.
A Body of Hauliers for Hauliers It is always safer to learn to walk before attempting to run, as also to bear in mind the injunction of the old adage to "make haste slowly." The new movement would appear to be progressing along these lines. There has been no fanfare of trumpets, no proclamation shouted from the housetops that the scheme would provide a panacea for every ill or create Utopia. It does promise, however, to stand as a representative body of hauliers for hauliers—an achievement which, if proved successful, must be regarded as unique, for the reason that no such ambition has been accomplished previously.
What, perhaps, appears most impressive to the anlooker is the evident determination to become entirely independent of all existing organizations in which .confidence has become badly shaken. The inception of the new movement and its undoubted initial success obviously will create jealousy and arouse apprehensions in the minds -of those most likely to be affected the greater the measure of the success attained. It can be expected, therefore, that—in certain quarters—every effort will be made to checkmate and retard the growth of the scheme. In time an alternate scheme may be submitted to the industry by those opposed to the plan which has emanated from Luton.
With regard to any such alternate scheme and to any other schemes which may be contemplated, attention should be drawn to the appointment recently created of -Financial Adviser to the S.J.C. Whilst, on the surface, this would appear to be unimportant and merely a routine matter, it may, nevertheless, be fraught with the utmost significance in the above connection. It may be Surmised that there is something afoot the nature and purpose of which time only can reveal, 'but this should not deter hauliers interested—and even those not 4irectly so—in the Luton Scheme from studying the details and giving exhaustive consideration to its pros and cons. The structure will be increased in strength if " shored-up " by the support of individuals who are sincere and honest in their convictions.
Other Attempts at Co-operation A step in the right direction was made in Leicester recently when there was held a meeting of four associations—two national and two local—in an attempt to formulate a plan for co-operative Working. Similar experiments have achieved some measure of success in the West Midlands and Yorkshire. The object of these efforts in the areas, doubtless, was to force the hands of the respective headquarters to take similar action on a national basis.
All these instances provide abundant evidence regarding the hopes and aspirations of hauliers; and if this be considered insufficient a perusal of the correpondence columns of recent issues of "The Commercial Motor" will suffice to afford ample corroboration.
Those hauliers who have reached the conclusion that their present leaders can be trusted no longer to map out their destiny would do well to give due thought and consideration to the Luton Scheme. The principles are sound and should not be departed from; for principles always should come before personalities and service before self. The desire to serve a common cause for the common good evidently will bring its reward.
Individuals and committees alike might adopt with appreciable advantage the precepts contained in the six maxims which hang on the walls of H.M. 'King George's study and which read as follow :—
(1) Teach me to be obedient to the rules of the-game.
(2) Teach me to distinguish between sentiment and sentimentality, admiring the one and despising the other.
(3) Teach me neither to proffer nor to receive cheap praise.
(4) If I am_ called upon to suffer, let me be like a well-bred beast that goes away to suffer in silence.
(5) Teach me to win, if I may; if I may not win, then, above all, teach me to be a good loser.
(6) Teach me neither to cry for the moon nor over spilt milk.