"We Want' or "May We Have?"
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AMONGST individuals a condition of mind known as an inferiority complex is by no means rare, but it is seldom that one finds the symptoms prevalent in an industry. Such, however, is what we feel about the road-transport business, and that it is suffering acutely must be apparent from the restrictive legislation under which it makes a brave effort to function.
On two occasions recently, members of His Majesty's Government, having no connection with any form of road-transport interest, have stated from public platforms that if the industry would only organize itself so as to be able to state its case with one voice and with determination, the injustices to which it considers it is subjected would undoubtedly be adjusted.
It was patent to them that the industry is composed of numerous groups, the views of which, whilst not necessarily divergent, are at least not collated for presentation in a form suggestive of complete unity.
Within the next 12 months or so recommendations contained in the Baillie and T.A.C. Reports will pass into law, and whether the industry is to benefit thereby, or has further to draw in its belt, will depend very largely upon the efforts it is prepared to make during the next six months.
The "May we have?" attitude may be polite in certain circumstances, but the services of the road-transport industry to-day are so vital to all other industries that it should be in a position to say, "We want."
The quickest way to become fully organized is for every operator to join an association, not as a sleeping member, but as one who is actively interested in its proceedings.
It is our opinion that, whilst the formation of local bodies is to be encouraged, it is bad policy for such bodies to remain aloof from the larger and more representative associations. They should, at least, become affiliated.
If an operator he a member of an association he should work for it; if he be not, it will be in his own interest and that of the industry as a whole for him to link up with those who are putting up a brave fight on his behalf.