A.R.O. Left Wing Renews Attack
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Warm Sallies Against " the Constitution" Contained in Anti-merger Appeal
A TRENCHANT statement issued I–% on Wednesday evening by certain left-wing members of Associated Road Operators adds further fuel to the fire of disruption which has occurred within that body concerning the proposed amalgamation with the Commercial Motor Users Association.
In a circular letter dated November 24 (printed in full in The Commercial Motor on November 27) various A.R.O. members, who are opposed to the merger on present terms, urged the general body of members to vote against it at the extraordinary general meetings on December 15. Later, additional signatures for the disclaimer were obtained and were announced in The Commercial Motor last week.
Legal Proceedings.
A copy of the letter was supplied to this paper by Cooke and Co., St. Austell, the solicitors who acted for the two members of A.R.O. who took legal proceedings against the Association to restrain it from merging with the C.M,U.A.
This week we publish on page 570 a strong reply by Major J. B. Elliott, chairman of A.R.O., to the left-wing attack. Major Elliott alleges that certain claims made by the rebellious section are misleading and untrue,
The following statement was handed to a representative of The Commercial Motor, on Wednesday, by Mr, Humphrey Cooke:—
" On the eve of the extraordinary general meetings of A.R.O., at which the members will be asked to record
their votes for or against the merger, we think the time is opportune briefly to restate the position of those opposed to a merger on the terms at present before the members. We have now had the opportunity of considering the statement, signed by certain members of A.R.O. National Council, and the letter circulated to the National Council and area chairmen and secretaries by Major Elliott.
" The general desire to which we strongly adhere is for national unity, but that unity must be attainable on such conditions as will be acceptable to the majority of A and B-licensees and will ensure that their interests will be protected in every vital respect.
" We can summarise our objections to the ways of Major Elliott and his friends thus:— " Secret Diplomacy."
" (1) Secret and autocratic diplomacy. The attempt of Major Elliott, Mr. Fowler and others to force the merger through on October 1 last on terms kept carefully secret, even from A.R.O. National Council, so late as September 29.
'(2) Their disregard of the general sentiments and wishes of A and B'licensees • and their high-handed methods of endeavouring to thwart and overcome all opposition. " (3) The determined attempt, following their failure to force such a merger, to get rid of or discredit Mr. Roger Sewill, the Association's national director.
We object to a merger which we are convinced will not achieve national unity, will not afford adequate protection of the A and B-licence holder, will enable London interests to outweigh provincial and will not give us a leader whom we are prepared to follow. The present merger terms, if accepted, can result only in the formation of a new association or a number of local associations—a most deplorable result.
Last-hour Attempt Failed.
"It is only to be regretted that the last-hour attempt to secure unanimity on our National Council has been destroyed by the subsequent tactics of the Association's chairman.
" On behalf of a large number of A and B-licensees throughout the country, we impress upon all concerned the absolute necessity of attending both the extraordinary general meetings on Tuesday next, December 15, and, in particular, the second one at 4.30 p.m., and voting against the merger."
The letter is signed by Mr. Anthony Todd, chairman, Hauliers' Sectional Board; Mr. H. J. Lloyd, chairman, Eastern Area; and Mr. D, Richardson, chairman, South-Eastern Area.
The Editor accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of any claim or personal reference made in this document.