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Charles

11th December 1959
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R. Hodgson

Men Who Make Transport-11

HEN one has a positive liking for people, as has Mr. Charles R. Hodgson, chairman of the East Midland Traffic Commissioners and Licensing Authority, life presents many compensations denied to those of more cynical outlook. It is, perhaps, apt to be a crowded life, but it is as rewarding as it is entertaining.

A man who has spent the greater part . of 30 years practising or administering the Jaw tends to see his fellows with the penetrating clarity of an X-ray apparatus. It is an indication of his innate sympathy, for want of a better word, that Mr. Hodgson likes what he sees—on the whole.

His understanding of human nature is a thing which is obvious in his court. He is a helpful chairman and his assistance is available'as much to the uncertain advocate as to the diffident witness. He personifies the. dignity and courtesy of English legal practice. He is equally capable of the devastating: remark from the bench tharstops tedious proceedings in gales of laughter.

Not, you maybe: sure, that he is a man to suffer fools with any gladness. He is blessed with an abundance of nervous energy and a zest tot Work—but he likes to see results. He does not appreciate in •an . advocate, a prolix and pedestrian approach to a point of law, nor does he require verbbse amplification once the point is made.

In-his many years as Traffic Commissioner and Licensing Authority, both in South Wales and the East Midlands, Mr. Hodgson has never had a decision on the,hanage side taken to appeal, and only one passenger matter (and that was rejected). It is an enviable record and one that is due rather to a 'common-sense interpretation of the law than to the law of chance.

Charles Hodgson was born (in 1905) the son of a London stockbroker. In spite of his City background, bull, bear and contango meant less in his life than an enthusiasm for railways, engendered in him by his uncle, H. L. Thornhill. Thus it was that between 1923 and 1928 he learned to be a railway solicitor at Euston in the service of the L.M.S. He was then moved to Manchester, in time to take part in the first exchanges between road and rail under the Road Traffic Act, 1930.

In 1934 he returned to London, this time to King's Cross, although much of his professional work concerned Lancashire and Yorkshire. It was during this period—in 1936, in fact—that he founded the rather remarkable and exclusive Liver Club. The qualifications included a worthy connection with Liverpool and the personal invitation of the founder-honorary secretary. It is a club of kindred spirits from the professions and commerce and its president is Lord Russell of Liverpool. From time to time the club meets for dinner, occasionally at the House of Lords, but equally in some foreign capital where a quorum of members find themselves together. There are 163 members and you may tell them by their tie, which is royal blue with a silver liver bird emblazoned on it.

In 1939, Mr. Hodgson was nearly 35 years of age and on that account slightly scorned by regiments, most of which were well up to strength in stripling officers. However, he was introduced, by Lord Russell of Liverpool, to the Judge Advocate General's Department, then numbering about a dozen lawyers. Posted to 1st Corps in France, Mr. Hodgson abandoned the thoughtful calm of court and chambers and in no time at all found himself directing the evacuation of 5,000 assorted troops from Calais.

A Soldier Lawyer Followed the usual round of Army life, maddening postings, courses, tours in African stations that had, until then, blissfully existed without a J.A.G., opposed landings in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, and an appointment as legal adviser to the commanders of the Eighth Army, Generals Bernard Montgomery and Oliver Leese. Finally, back to Northern Command and the award of a welldeserved 0.B.E., which arrived, not with the rations, but the post.

On his release, Mr. Hodgson returned to King's Cross, but a year later he was appointed the first legal adviser to the newly created National Coal Board in the northwestern division. This post he occupied for seven years and then, in 1953, he became chairman of the South Wales

Traffic Commissioners and Licensing Authority. He moved to his present court at Nottingham in 1958.

He no longer drives, finding that public transport serves him well enough in his large area. He has always been an active sportsman, particularly on the Rugby field, but today he spends what little leisure time he has on the golf course (handicap 12) or shooting.

Much of his day out of the office or court is taken up by committee-work. By reason of his appointment he takes no active part in local council or political affairs, and his interests are entirely in the humanities. They include the international Save the Children Fund, the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association, the Officers' Association (devoted to resettlement and employment) and the Army Cadet Force in Nottinghamshire.

Charles Hodgson has all the attributes of the good lawyer, a shrewd, incisive, inquiring mind and a stimulating command of language. His public speeches sparkle with dry wit and hilarious irreverence for our more tedious institutions. But, concealed by a certain elegant flippancy of expression, he harbours a warmth and an understanding

that are increasingly rare. T.W.


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