The Scottish Show Banquet T HE annual banquet of the Scottish
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Motor Trade Association took place. in Glasgow last Monday, when Mr. Alexander Ross, the President, was in the chair. The function was attended by nearly 500 members and guests. After .the loyal toast, Mr. 0. I3oden 013.E., Vice-President of the S.M.M. and T., gave the toast of " The Scottish Motor Trade Association and Exhibition." He said that it was the duty of the trade to form itself into organizations to protect both trade and operators from restrictions affecting their interests. The industry was the third largest in Great Britain, yet it had had more legislation thrust upon it than any other, There was an enormous amount of work for . a trade organization. The industry, however, did not mind impartial legislation.
The Scottish Association was founded in 1905, and had done a great deal of excellent work.
In his reply, the President said that the Association had justified its existtruce, and had been the means foe safeguarding and protecting many important interests of the trade and of securing, through suceessful litigation; immunity from what threatened to be heavy annual 'taxation' for every agent and garage proprietor in Scotland.' This ruling was secured in the final Court and cannot be upset.
The trade' was overburdened with legislation, much of which is harmful and ineffective, For the road policy he was prepared to give those in authority say, 95 per cent, sincere gratitude. They could gain the remaining 55 per cent. if they would get on with the Forth and Tay road bridges. He reminded those present that, in addition to half of Scotland, fully three-quasters" of England lies east of these bridges.
He referred to the serious menace of the growing tendency in municipal legislation, not only to burden the trade with restrictions, but -to enter into competition with its legitimate business. In combating this, there is not a single Scottish Bill or Corporation Order which is not carefully scrutinized by the Association before it is presented to the House.; and points adversely affecting. the trade have been expunged. He paid a sincere tribute to the energetic secretary .of the Association, Mr. David_ Fairley., ana his staff.
.Mr. J. N.V. MacKillop, .Vice-preside# áf thb S.M.T.A., proposed the tbast of the S.M.M. and T. He referredto the close co-operation between the two associations over a period of 30 years-.
" Each could enter the house of the other without ringing the bell."
The industry had achieved its position as the third largest in Great Britain by well-considered policy, not by official encouragement.
The reply was made by Mr. J.. Albert Thomson, LL.D., _LP., president of the S.M.M. and T. He ;thanked the Minister of Transport for, what had been accomplished with regard to roads, both for the work undertaken and for that projected. He accepted the Five Years' Programme as an earnest of the Government's policy and intention, but still felt that it should be tackled on a more comprehensive scale, with an eye upon the needs of five to 10 years hence, rather than on immediate requirements. The Trunk Roads Bill, however, does not take powers to make new roads, except where these supersede those existing. The Minister would be well advised to include these while he had the opportunity.
The Minister certainly .consults the Society before bringing into operation new Regulations concerning the construction and use of vehicles, but he does not always take the advice given.
The Society does not dispute the Government's claim to a certain amount of the fuel tax for general purposes', but it maintains that the motorlug public has contributed a vast amount beyond the original estimate,.