What the Associations are Doing
Page 37
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WITHDRAWAL OF RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTED TRACTORS.
The Tractor Users' Association has been in communication with the Commissioners of Customs and Excise respecting imported agricultural tracto7S and is now informed that the requirement of undertakings as to the use of imported agricultural tractors (other than track-laying tractors) has been discontinued, and that, as regards sun tractors for which undertakings have already been given, the restrictions on use consequent on their admission at a reduced rate of Customs import duty have been withdrawn. This withdrawal, the Commissioners point out, does not, of course, affect the question of licence duty.
Demand for Vehicles Reveals Serious Shortage.
Difficulty which has been experienced in Yorkshire recently, in securing lorries required on hire by the military authorities for use at Army manceuvres, points to a serious shortage of vehicles in good condition Notwithstanding the fact that no goods licences are needed for vehicles so employed, practically the whole of Yorkshire had to be scoured in order to find about 70 vehicles for the work.
Commenting on this state of affairs, Mr. W. J. Lowe, secretary of the Yorkshire Area of A.R.O., remarked to our Yorkshire correspondent that it illustrated the unwisdom of the present legislative restrictions on road haulage from the standpoint of national defence, apart from other considera tions. " When will the authorities realize the necessity of relaxing these onerous restrictions?" he added. As illustrating the strain which the vehicle' shortageis placing upon those in operation, Mr. Lowe said that one haulier, who takes great pride in the condition of his vehicles, had pointed out that one of his lorries, which was only 10 months old, had already run 52,000 miles. The contract for the provision, on hire, to the military authorities of the 70 or so lorries previously mentioned, was handled by Mr. R. E. Britton, chairman of the Hull Sub-area of A.R.O., sub-contracts being let to other operators who helped to make up the number of vehicles. A certain proportion of the vehicles was obtained through the assistance which the Yorkshire Area office of A.R.O. gave in finding operators with lorries available for the work.
Owners providing vehicles were required to adapt them for use, as covered vehicles, by fitting stays to support tarpaulins, but no personnel was needed with the exception of one driver-mechanic to keep an eye on the care and maintenance of every five vehicles.
Railway transport, with which A.R.O. has co-operated in the delivery of steel A.R.P. shelters for householders, reciprocated by placing a special train at Mr. Britton's disposal for delivery of 17 of the lorries to Salis bury Plain. The rest of the lorries were sent by road. AN IMPORTANT A.R.O. AMALGAMATION.
The Scunthorpe and District Transport Association has amalgamated completely with the Associated Road Operators, East Midland Area, and since the amalgamation took place 12 new members have been enrolled, bringing the representation of A.R.O. in the Scunthorpe district to a high and progressive level.
Mr. Clugston is continuing in office as chairman of the sub-area and Mr. C. H. Jefferson is continuing in his capacity as secretary. With the national venues of the association now available to members, coupled with the services of Mr. Jefferson and Mr. L. W. Thurman, the Area secretary of Associated Road Operators, it is anticipated that the new arrangement will prove to be to the mutual advantage of all.
Annual Outing of Hull Sub-area A.R.O.
Mr. J. J. Granter, of Upton, chairman of the Yorkshire Passenger Sectional Board of A.R.O., provided a coach for the second annual outing of the Hull Sub-area of A.R.O. After crossing the Humber by ferry from Hull to New Holland a party numbering over 30 travelled by coach to Skegness. Here lunch was followed by a pleasant programme which included various competitions, including an impromptu shooting contest. During the return journey the party stopped for dinner at Market Rasen, and Mr. W. J. Lowe, secretary of the Yorkshire Area of A.R.O., thanked Mr. W. J. 'Britton, chairman of the Hull Sub-area, for his kindly gesture in inviting the guests from Area headquarters. These included Mr. Lowe, Mr. F. G. Bibbings, Licensing Officer, Mr. J. R. Rogers, Goods and Passenger Organizer, and Mr. A. M. IIaddon, Yorkshire representative of Nugent. Linaker and Co., insurance brokers to A.R.O.