Two Small Hauliers Discuss Representation
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By ".Tantalus "
Arthur and Charlie Give Their Views on Co-operative Grouping and the Body Being Formed to Encourage This Move
TIIE telephone bell rang. Arthur—poring over his: accounts—felt none too pleased at the interruption as he picked up the receiver. " Hello! Who's that spealcing? " The caller rZplied "It's me, Charlie." " What's your trouble? "asked Arthur.
" You remember our recent talk about the industry and the leadership," inquired Charlie, " when I promised to find out what I could about this new Federatioh? By the way, it originated at Harpenden and not at Luton, as I thought. -Now, I've got quite a lot to tell you about it; so, when can we meet? " " That's fine," said Arthur.
As a matter of fact I've not been idle, either; so we can
share our information. Let me see now. Will next Wednesday at 8 o'clock; at 'The George ' suit you? " agieed Charlie. " I'll he there."
End so Arthur and Charlie met as arranged to continue their conversation. When they had settled down Arthur .apologized for any seeming gruffness when he answered Charlie's telephone call a few nights previously; explaining that he was busy with his books at the time and was, in fact, none too pleased with the results: " Oh, that's all right, old man. I've got a fellow feeling and I understand. So you needn't apologize. I guess there's many more in the same boat, puzzling how to make ends meet, let alone tie. However, what's yobs news, Arthur? "
" Well, the ,first point that's impressed me about this business is that all inquiries have to be made to Scott Hall. You' know, the costs expert of 'The Commercial Motor' who writes under 'the initials ' S.T.R.' You remember that lecture of his we attended some time back on costs and rates, and how instructive it was? . As a matter of fact. I adopted some of his suggestions, and I'm convinced that my figures would have been much worse if I'd continued in' the old slipshod way. But, as I was saying, the fact that Scott Hall is interested in the new Federation at once aroused my interest. For if any man has the confidence and respect of the average haulage contractor it is ' S.T.R.' " • , "You're right," replied Charlie. "I know I've learnt a lot from his articles and lectures, and I've often said that he's the hauliers' best friend. You 'see, he has no personal axe to grind; and I;ve always had the feeling that his only concern is-for the good of the industry and not for any particular individual." -..
Scheme Has a Good Foundation.
" Exactly," said Arthur. "He's. like The Commercial Motor.' Both have the courage of th?ir convictions and say what they believe to be right, even if it means unpopularity. Then there's another point that I'm pleased about. It's evident that Scott Hall is one of the architects of this new scheme, so you can depend. upon it that the base will be rock and not sand. I always say that if the foundation be wrong the whole structure must collapse sooner or later. Speaking for myself, I've a feeling of confidence ' in this set-up. But I seem to be doing all the talking. What have you got to say, Charlie?"
"Well, it's like thiem Arthur. It seems to. me that— apart from Scott Hall the new Federation is to be run and controlled by hauliers for hauliers, as only haulage contractors will be allowed to join.And how many times have we said that's what the hauliers ought to have—their own association? You remember the tussle we had with our representative on the National Council on this very point? " " Do I remember it? " replied Arthur. " I should think I do. Particularly when he fold us. that ' headquarters' wouldn't consider the idea. And I haven't for
gotten either what you said at the time, Charlie. You repeated what the Prime Minister said in one of his famous troadcasts—' What sort of people do they think we are? ' —and it went down line with the fellows there." " Aye! you're plumb right, Arthur, the idea of an association solely for hauliers is fine, and should catch on like wildfire. There's another point, too. The annual subscription is only 21, irrespective of the number of vehicles. So there'll be no excuse for any haulier not joining on the ground of expense. I know I shall be over £7 a year better, off with the prospect of a sounder investment-in addition."
" Another point that strikes me very forcibly," said Arthur, "is that the Federation will not be in the hands of a clique, but will be controlled by the rank and file— like you and me—who have never had a chance to air our views previously, as neither of us has been on any committee either locally or otherwise."
" I entirely agree with you," remarked Charlie. " I've always had the impression. that the big shots at headquarters regarded us smaller fry as having few brains and little intelligence. But when it comes to the practical side of things I reckon we can stand our corner with the next man. On this grouping business," continued Charlie, " it seems that the Council of the Federation is not going to interfere; but it will be there to give advice and assistance when needed. A kind of shepherthlooking after the flock, so to speak." " So that means," said Arthur, " that we shall manage our own affairs in our respective grynips and regions." "..That's as I understand it," replied Charlie, " and that, to my way of thinking, is real democracy."
Every Member Promises to Assist " There is one very important point, Charlie, that we must not forget" ' And what's that? " asked Charlie. " It's this." replied Arthur, seriously. " When a haulier becomes a memberof this new Federation he undertakes to form a group or becomes a member of a group already formed. The idea is one for all and all for one."
" It means, then," said Charlie, "that each individual has to do his bit; that there'll be no passing the buck." " Absolutely. As I've always said," stated Arthur. " You can take out only what you put into any venture. And, after -all, that's only common sense. Don't you agree? " " Yes, I do, Arthur. What's more, every haulage contractor—particularly those who've, groused so much—will have a chance to do .something really . worth while for himself as well as helping the other fellow."
Arthur—scratching his head—remarked, " Of course, I don't expect the big noises in the old association will be attracted. At least, I hope not. What do you say? "
" If I thought for 'one moment," replied Charlie, " that the Federation is in any danger of being run by the same fellows as have controlled our present associations I should' turn the whole thing down flat Make no mistake about it; I know that goes for others as well. Looking at the scheme as a whole, it strikes me as being a sort of Beyeridge's report for the haulage industry, with the exception that this Federation can get going at once. You see, it isn't necessary for a committee to spend hours examining the points. It's been started by men who know---Ethe hauliers themselves.
" Hear hear," responded Arthur. " I'm with you -all the way. You realize, of course, that the information we are pooling is concerned with the main principles of the scheme which—after all—are the most important items."
" That's just how I feel, Arthur, 'and I believe that thousands of others are thinking the same. You know, otd man, we've often argued on things like politics and religion, and not always agreed. But ,there's one thing certain; over this new Federation we are of one mind."
"Absolutely," said Arthur. " I'll tell you what I'm going to do, Charlie, and, somehow, I think you'll do the • same. First, I'm applying to, Scott Hall for membership; and then I'm going all out to form a group' and I'll get' as many fellows as possible to join." " That goes for me, too," was Charlie's reply. " I'll do my best."