HULL FIRM 'WELCOMES' MAINTENANCE PROBE
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EN Hunters of Hull Ltd., was called before the Yorkshire LA at Leeds at a Al/teflon 178 inquiry, Mr. R. E. Paterson, for the firm, said it welcomed the inquiry. It would put the staff on their toes and have a salutary effect.
The LA, Mr, H. E. Robson, said it had been admitted there were good grounds for the inquiry, particularly in respect of 16 prohibition notices issued since March 1966. Although a LA could not accept excuses, in this case he had some sympathy and was very satisfied with the efforts being made towards a high standard of efficiency.
The present management had taken steps to effect an improvement—a new maintenance system had been introduced and the replacement programme speeded up—and in exercising his discretion he did not propose to make any direction. He did propose to call for an examination of the fleet in about six months' time.
Outlining the history of Hunter, founded in 1874, Mr. Paterson spoke of the prominent part played by Mr. Harold Hunter in the affairs of the RHA. The business and fleet of 54 vehicles and some 50 trailers was taken over by Lovell in March 1966, before which it had been undercapitalized and money for repairs had not been available. Since that date the picture had been very different: 11 vehicles had been replaced in 1966, with eight scheduled for 1967.
Mr. Paterson stressed that he was not implying that Hunters had not done their best within their means, but the present management was faced with difficulties. Some vehicles "long in the tooth" were being replaced, the maintenance system was being revised and a foreman and three fitters were now employed.