B.E.T. Celebrates Its Jubilee n N October 29 the British Electric
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14-, Traction Cu., Ltd., held a dinner in London in celebration of its jubilee. At this enjoyable function every guest received, with the compliments of the chairman and directors, the story of the company, in the form of an 84-page book, beautifully bound in black leather and written by Roger Fulford.
Following the loyal toast, given by the chairman, Mr. R. I. Howley, C.B.E., that of "The B.E.T." was proposed by Sir Robert Renwick, Bart., K.B.E., who paid homage to the great men of the City, who had built up a heritage, but it was, he said, with great misgivings that he gave the toast of "The Future of the Company "-an obvious reflection upon nationalization! He paid tribute to that great man, Emile Garcke, chairman from 1911 to 1920, and the man behind its formation in 1896. He had built up a wonderful organization, which had survived two world wars. The Government had said that it will nationalize transport, and our industrial leaders of to-day seem to be taking the path of least resistance. In one year it may take away 90 per cent. of all that the B.E.T. has built up in 50 years. Sir Robert referred to Mr. Howley as being largely responsible for the B.E.T. organization as it is to-day.
Replying, Mr. Howley expressed regrets from the B.E.T. chairman, Mr. H. C. Drayton, for his enforced absence. However, the speaker had been with the company many more years than the chairman and knew the men who, in the past, aided its growth. He drew a picture of its activities over 50 years. The company had never lacked a fighting spirit, and it will continue to produce men quite capable of holding their own. Despite the perfect service that had been organized, it was to be transferred to public ownership, and he could not believe that this would prove so effi
cleat; The company, registered on October 26, 1896, had been preceded a year earlier by another, the B.E.T. (Pioneer) Co., the interest of which it acquired. The first chairman was Sir Charles Rivers Wilson, G.C.M.G., C.B., who had other big interests, and remained until 1911. Other early directors Were Lord Rathmore, Sir Charles Fremantle and Mr. Arnold Forster, but it is no reflection on them to say that the strength of the board in the early days lay in its technical men, Messrs. Emile Garcke, J. B. Raworth, and W. L. Madgen. Mr. Howley himself had started as far back as 1899, whilst another stalwart was Mr. C. H. Dade, who became secretary in 1900 and, later, joint manager with the speaker, retiring this year after 50 years' service with the concern.
However, for other details we must refer our readers to this interesting book, which carries in a pocket a map showing bow the B.E.T. ramifications cover much of the country, including a large area in Edinburgh and electricity supply concerns in Antrim. We do not know whether additional copies be available, but those particularly interested could apply to the company at 88, Kingsway, London, W.C.
The toast of "Our Guests" was proposed by Mr. J. S. Wills, managing director, who said that in Roman days 'there were periods known as saturnalia, when the slaves were temporarily put into power-this was the case now, but if the industry had to go down, it must do so with its flags flying.
Sir Frederick Handley Page, C.B.E., responded in his usual humorous style. He asked for a more open mind and less of the dosed shop." Concerning restrictions on free enterprise, he remarked that remarkably few people who come from below" are really capable.