An Industry Different—and Better O UR industry offers services differing in
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kind from anything which has been given before. It can do so, because it has no fear of the future,
no fear whatever. We look to the Minister for safeguards, not for privileges." The words were Major Crawford's, on the occasion of the annual dinner of the Luton section of A.R.O., held on Monday last at the George Hotel, Luton, under the chairmanship of Councillor P. R. Williams, chairman of the section.
Major Crawford had previously referred to the increasingly successful work which was being done in the Luton section, a constituency which has, as its Member of Parliament, the Minister of Transport. Of operators having A and B licences in Luton, no fewer than 98 per cent, were members of A.R.O.; he considered that to be an outstanding sign of intelligence.
Mr. Burgin, the Minister of Transport, who was the principal guest, said it appeared to him that Major Crawford implied that he (the Minister) could be depended upon to hold the scales of justice evenly provided Major Crawfurd put a prop under one side! He dealt at some length with the international situation, coming naturally from that subject to a discussion of the plans in connection with the emergency scheme, with reference to which he acknowledged the effective help rendered by A.R.O.
Major Eric Long, in proposing the toast of the guests, suggested that the Government should spend some of the sum set aside for A.R.P. work, on poster advertising, so as to impress the people of this country with the real importance of the matter. He referred to Mr. Gleeson E. Robinson, also present as a guest, and to his distinguished war service. His experiences there would serve us in good stead in the important part he was taking in connection with the emergency_ scheme.
Mr. J. K. Newsom Davis, managing director of the Davis Gas Stove Co., Ltd., said his reactions to the ' square deal "were those of a user of a good deal of transport. One thing which had struck him in the controversy between road and rail, was the fairness of the replies made by the road industry.
Mr. J. F. E. Pye had the pleasureable duty of making a presentation, on behalf of the members of the Association, to the hon., secretary, Mr. F. Lucas.