A Memorial to the Unknown Haulier
Page 34
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By Major E. H. B. Palmer, O.B.E.
IN the opinion of the Socialists and some of the less optimistic in the industry, a chapter in the history of road transport is about to be concluded. Would it not, therefore, be a .graceful act to erect in Berkeley Square a memorial to the Unknown Haulier, to represent those who built up the industry to its present position of eminence?
He would be typical, for instance, of the men, demobilized after the 1914-18 war, who established their fortunes in road transport. Entry into the industry was simple in those days, for all that had to be done was to obtain a driving licence, which was given for the asking, then' buy a vehicle and tax it.
Since the recent war, however, the position of ex-Service newcomers has been different, for licensing and all that goes with it have placed an obstacle in the path of the aspirant haulier. But let me assure those who seek to strengthen their case by the claim that they are ex-Servicetten, that there is sufficient weight in this to tip the balance in their favour in border-line cases. Sympathy cannot, however, be accepted as a substitute for evidence of need.
Unaware of this fact, many a young ex-Serviceman leaves the courtroom, after the hearing of his application, disgruntled at his failure.
To put it in a nutshell, if you be an applicant, decide exactly the kind of haulage work you wish to undertake, find out whether a demand exists for your services, and make certain that those who say that they need your services will support your application with determination.
One method resorted to in an Omniscient.
Such inquiries, however, do not constitute proof of need to the satisfaction of the Licensing Authority. He knows that there are many indiyiduals in the district who would welcome a newcomer, because they are always seeking better terms. The Licensing Authority is aware of these matters—in fact, he knows far more than an applicant may think—and he has them all in mind when a case is being argued.
Remember that many prospective hirers are ready to put pen to paper and state their offer of business, but are not so anxious to attend an inquiry and face cross-examination.
A feature of post-war inquiries is that, whereas the railway companies in about 75 per cent. of applications for A and B licences, used to appear alone as objectors, they are now often supported by hauliers themselves. I claim that this division within the road-haulage industry is one of the causes of its likely fall.
So let us again consider the erection in Berkeley Square of a memorial to the Unknown Haulier, if only to remind those who obtain rank and recognition through nationalization, of what they owe to him.