A.R.O. Rates Pact Breach Alleged A DECISION by members of the
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Western Area of A.R.O. not to work for the county council at the rates offered, was referred to when W. F. Simmons Hodge and Co., Truro, applied to Mr. A. F. Nicholson, Western Licensing Authority, for renewal of licences and for two additional vehicles.
Mr. A. Fallon, giving evidence, explained that, following the passing of a resolution by A.R.O., of which Mr. Simmons Hodge was a member, he later saw the applicant's lorries engaged on council work. Mr. Simmons Hodge said that the suggested rates were compiled by all A.R.O. members present at the meeting referred to, and they were based on ton-mileage. He assented to the figures, but did not say that his firm would tender on that basis. He had been a member of a deputation from the operators to the county surveyor with the object of securing better rates, but it was unsuccessful. Mr. Humphrey Cooke, for the objecting operators, suggested that percentage of profit per vehicle was not only extraordinarily low, but, in his opinion, it was obtained in breach of an understanding with his fellowoperators.
In granting the renewal of the licences applied for, the Licensing Authority pointed out that he did not accept the suggestion that the A.R.O. sub-committee, or the applicant, intended to mislead the operators present at the meeting, although no doubt they were misled.
Respecting the application for the licensing of a vehicle for the collection and delivery of goods in Plymouth, Mr. R. L. Frank, for the applicant, pointed oat that the trunk services in conjunction with which the collection and delivery service was required, had been running for some time, and it was desired to establish a regular baae in the city.
The application was granted.