Important Decisions on the Merger
Page 37
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A.R.O. Council Will Endeavour to Consummate Merger at Earliest Moment. A Poll to be Taken
THE hitherto obscure and unsatisfactory position regarding the merger of the Commercial Motor Users, Association and Associated Road Operators is, to a certain extent, clarified by the decisions arrived at during the course of the extraordinary general meeting of the latter Association' held on Tuesday evening and referred to in our news columns.
The agenda included several matters of strong domestic and national interest, but after the ventilation of a great many opinions, the result was the passing of a. vote of confidence in the National Council; but a poIl was demanded, which will be taken on October 27 at the London offices.
The question of the injunction sought against the Association cannot, of course, be commented upon. It seems, however, that this last-moment decision, taken by a few members, may have the effect of holding up the negotiations for a considerable period. We understand that to reduce this delay to the minimum efforts will be made to expedite the procedure. On the other hand, it is possible that the results of the extraordinary general meeting may induce the dissatisfied elements to consider withdrawal of the writ, par tieularly in view of the • fact that at a meeting of the National Council of A.R.O., held prior to the general meeting, a resolution was passed by an overwhelming majority to continue the negotiations with the C.M.U.A., with a view to speedily completing the merger.
The committee appointed to deal with the matter was certainly given over-ruling powers, but this was only after other efforts had failed lamentably, and at a time when it appeared that a state of deadlock would ensue.
It is undoubtedly. the case that the majority of A.R.O. members is strongly in favour of the amalgamation of the two Associations, and it has become a question as to whether the whole policy is to be ruled by a minority.
There appear to be influences at work which, for some obscure reason, are doing their utmost to wreck the many months of hard work which have been given towards the building up of a really representative and powerful united body. Fortunately, however, there are many self-sacrificing and disinterested parties who, although. somewhat disheartened at the turn of events; are still determined to carry on the battle for unity.