Farewell,. But Not Good-bye!
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• The Metropolitan Area of A.R.O. and the London and Home. Counties Division, C.M.U.A., Celebrate New Unityat Luncheons in London
LAST week we referred briefly to the farewell luncheon held by the Metropolitan Area of A.R.O. on December 28. The London and liorni Counties Division of the C.M.U.A. held a similar function on January 2. and we deal with them in this order. ' " The A.R.O. toast was rather a novelty. It was given by the chairman, Mr. Eric R. Taylor, and was to " the past, present and future," a large number of responses being made.
• Mr. Taylor said that the motif behind the theme of the song, " The more we are together, etc.," has a lot to commend it. and he was convinced that it was a good idea to hold a function of this kind, although what kind to call it he was at a loss to determine. It was not a " stand down," or-one with any finality, and was, perhaps, more a recognition of the close of an exciting chapter in a serial 4tory, an episode which hail been enjoyed and which will be continued.
A.R.O. Made Rapid Progress Anyone comparing the position and recognition of road-transport associations to-day with those that existed in 1930-1934 must be impressed by the far-reaching strides which had been made. With all 'respect to the organizers, they will be the first to acknowledge that their professional results have been rendered possible on:y by the individual efforts of the ordinary hauliers, those who have made op the area and sib-area committees throughout the country, who increased the membership of the original R.H.A. from a few hundred in 1932 to nearly 9,000 in 1944.
His injunction was, look to the future, work for the future, and base your calculations upon only your individual experiences of the past. The great hope is in 'a powerful and representative National Road Transport Federation and a very united R.II.A., which will adequately represent the views of road transport and be able to demand conditions to enable it to exploit its immense possibilities for the benefit of the Nation, industry, the
-community . and the individuals employed in it.
The merger is the most important thing that has happened in years. They must, however, regard themselves as disciples. They had to double their membership at least. Their job is only just beginning.
The chairman then referred to many personalities in association matters, ' and was generous with his congrarnlat ions.
The first response was made by Mr. D. Richardson, chairman of A.R.O., who looked back on the progress of road transport and A.R.O. with great satisfaction. He referred to the initiative taken by " The Commercial Motor " in bringing the hauliers together in the first instance. The • Government had considerably improved • its attitude to the industry. lie, however, deprecated excessive control. There was seed for some reguIa tion, but not in favour'of other forms of transport; all that was required was a just deal.
Mr. R. W. Sewill referred mainly to -the impresSive functions held annually by the MetroPolitan Area at Grosvenor House, and to the truly representative meetings at other centres in the area. Mr.. II. N. Letts, O.B.E. compared A.R.O. and its successor to an everincreasing ' snowball, which should eventually, absorb all road hauliers.
Mr. J. Janes said suspicion had Faded out in farvOur of good will.
Mr. H. C. Goozee suggested inviting to their meetings other members of tub-area committees and welcoming any ideas they put forward.
Mr. F. E. Partington appealed for less secrecy and the true merging of interests.
Mr. L. V. Ward said there would be no regret at the passing of A.R.O., as what was wanted was a strong association to stand up to the Government. The industry had had to knuckle under since 1933.
.Mr. W. Dallas intimated that those concerns which are controlled feel that nationalization would be a tragedy.
The final response was made by Mr. Frank F. Fowler, chairman of the new Metropolitan Area, R.H.A. He said that members must, be fearless and powerful, and not merely shelter from dangers. Only in this way would the difficulties of the future be overcome. No one should be looked upon as an enemy. Compromise must be reached with other forms of transport and the
Government.
At the C.M.U.A. gathering, the chairman Of the Division, Mr. Frank F. Fowler, took the chair. There was the staggering number of 17 people down to speak, and, therefore, we can refer only to their principal remarks.
Great IG.M.U.A., Division
The toast of the Division was given by Mr. Eric R. Taylor, chairman, Metropolitan Hanlier Board. A.R.O. He gave a brief history of what he referred to as "this great Division," Which, he said, 'owed much to Mr. Fowler. Collaboration between A.R.O. and C:M.U.A. was no new thing in many parts of the country, but the first aveziue of service to industry in the fUturewas only just opening. Mr. Fowler would have to face many difficulties, and he wished him success.
In reply, Mr. Fowler said that they • a11had to face 'a sad break. He had followed the first chairman, Mr. Winson. 'At. that time the finances were in a poor state; now, there is £6,000 in hand. He paid credit to Mr. F. J. Speight for his trojan work and sound advice, and gave high tribute to Mr. FitzGerald. to whom Much of the success of the Home Counties Division was due.
Mr. Chris. Smith. M.Inst.T., also replied and asked for some Government guidance as to the future of the industry. Road transport, he said, must always be the servant of trade and industry. It should ask what service they want, but there should be no 'nationalization in any form nor a transport monopoly Some would like to " cartelize " the haulage industry. Traders should retain the right to operate their own transport. If hauliers want business they should give such service that traders would be tired of running theit own vehicles.
The opportunity was then taken of making a presentation of a silver cigar box to Mr. Fowler.
In the absence, through illness, of Major R. A B. Smith, MC., Mr. Fowler gave the toast of the National Road Transport Federation. After recounting the steps that led up to this unity, he said that service, security and progress, coupled with good organization, would result. in the public having little wish to fall for the glamour of nationalization. In future, it would be found impossible to force wedges between sections of ' the industry.
"Power Polities" Warning
Mr. D. Richardson, chairman, A.R.O., responding, said that he had been asked to speak of a new-born babe. lie issued a warning against using power in the wrong *ay, and asked that family differences between various classes of operator Should be .settled in the council chamber, also that association work should be dig. tributed more widely amongst council members. Road transport, he suggested, should advertise much more widely, and controlled undertakings should be allowed to treat this is part of their business expenditure.
Colonel A. Jerrett, M.Inst.T , said that they must have an objective and a 0-Day to attack apathy and suspicion. Traders should be given a better understanding of the haulier, and vice versa. The haulier could not exist without the trader, and the latter must have freedom of choice.
Mr. F. J. Speight appealed for closer unity and larger membership. He referred to collaboration with municipal and other representative bodies, and said that there was now a Car Hire Functional Group. Mr. J. F. E. Pye gave the toast of the guests. Responding, Mr. B. G. Turner, M. Inst :T. , chairman, R.I1 A. Planning Committee, said thar no other Division was being broken up more completely, but the haulier members from the C.M.U.A.' could choose their. sub-areas, and wherever they went they would rtweive a hearty welcome.
Mr. Isaac Barry paid • tribute to the executive officers in bringing the Federation to fruition.