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The Institute of Transport Dinner

17th March 1933, Page 97
17th March 1933
Page 97
Page 97, 17th March 1933 — The Institute of Transport Dinner
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TIIE annual dinner of the Institute of Transport was held at the Connaught Rooms, London, last Friday, some-400 members and guests being present. The chair was taken by the president of the Institute, Sir David J. Owen, general manager of the Port of London Authority. Other notabilities at the top table were Lord Ritchie of Dundee ; Sir Josiah Stamp; Sir Percy G. Mackinnon, chairman of Lloyd's ; Col. Sir Joseph Nall, M.P.; Mr. Frank Pick ; Mr. A. E. L. Chorlton, M.P.; Major C. G. .Nevatt, president of the I.A.E.; Lieut.-Col. F. 0. Shelmerdine, director of Civil Aviation; and Mr. F. Handley Page.

If only the quality of certain of the speeches had been up to the standard of the assembly, the evening would have been even more pleasant than it was, but, fortunately, at 10 p.m., the tables were cleared for a dance.

After the loyal toast, that of "The Institute of Trans port" was proposed by Lord Ritchie. Although 'the Institute represents all transport interests, he made something in the nature of an attack upon road transport, and said that there was such a deafening Road v. Rail hullabaloo that the public had not the time nor the inclination to study other transport interests. He had certain grievances against the railways, but felt sympathetic towards them. He thought that the Ministry of Transport reserved the warmest spot in its heart for the roads, and he was appalled by the vast expenditure of money on new arterial roads, by passes, etc. He hoped that the Road Traffic Act, 1930, would be enforced more strongly. There was, however, only one thing that could stop the present fight between road and rail, and that was expansion of trade, but he was afraid that that was not knocking at the door. Some remarks against the roads were received with obvious impatience.

The reply was made by Sir David J. Owen, who said that he had hoped that Lord Ritchie would make an optimistic speech, but as it was so pessimistic he would have to do what he could in the other direction. He referred to the need to look upon transport as a whole, and that was the task of the Institute. The Institute was an educational one, and this was the justification for its existence.

When Mr. Frank Pick rose to propose the toast of "The Guests," he received a long ovation. He said that Lord Ritchie appeared to be very fond of the railways, although he had certain grievances against them. In referring to Mr. A. J. Butler, the president of the Canal Association, he humorously asked why there should not be a Salter Report for the canals, with all the points as to the legacy of the past, community use, etc.

Sir Percy G. Mackinnon, who responded, referred to Mr. Frank Pick as being associated with one of the most efficient transport organizations in the world. He thought that, with all the complaints, we were living in very happy times, for which the transport industry has done so much.


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