OPINIONS
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QUERIES
WHAT WAS THE RESULT OF A.R.O. POLL?
[49251 In the issue of The Commercial Motor dated November 6, under the heading, "A.R.O. Poll Result," it is stated that there was a big majority in support of the decisions of the National Council. I understand, however, that the " big majority" vote was somewhere in the region of 70 for, and 41 against, and some 1,800 proxies, the majority of which was "against," were nullified by the use of a legal quibble.
London, S. W . 17. A. T. ROBSON.
[4926] I have read with considerable amusement the statement in the issue dated November 6, referring to the result of the A.R.O. poll. I am given to understand that the actual result was : 70 votes, confidence ; 41 votes, no confidence, also that something like 1,800 proxy votes, the large majority of which registered "no confidence," were rejected on various " legal " grounds. What a splendid vote of confidence !
A. F. SHAW, Director, Feltham. Merton Engineering Co., Ltd.
[The paragraph referred to was based on information supplied by the Association, which, however, declined to divulge actual figures. If the statistics given by these two correspondents be correct, the A.R.O. reticence is selfexplanatory.—En.] THIRTY YEARS OF BRIBERY FIGHTING.
[4927] On October 30, 1906, the Bribery and Secret Commissions Prevention League was founded. Its record of public service is one of which any organization might be proud, and particulars are available on application. It is admitted that the hopes of the founders, few of whom now survive, have not been fully realized ; for private prosecutions are comparatively few and bribery still remains to curse the country with its consequences.
There can be no doubt whatever that the League remains indispensable ; but it is not easy to enirisage much progress unless it secures a greater measure of support from those who value honesty in every-day life in its efforts to combat a degrading evil.
The League's work has been described by the highest authorities as of national importance.
THE SECRETARY, Bribery and Secret Commissions Prevention League. London, S.W.1.
B24 SHOULD CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO ANONYMOUS LETTERS?
[4928] A short article published in your issue dated October 2, under the heading, "Heed Paid to Anony mous Letters," referred to our application for an increase of 2f tons under our A licence. It was men tioned that the Deputy Licensing Authority decided to reserve his judgment for the production of certain figures, and said that he could not altogether ignore anonymous communications. The letter or letters received appear to have prompted a deeper scrutiny of the manner in which we conduct our business, both in respect of compliance with the law and financially.
We would like to take this opportunity of pointing out that the licence has now been granted.
We have ourselves suffered greatly from rate-cutting by other–s, and have lost business solely through trying
to maintain our economic prices, others having succeeded in obtaining some of our customers by resorting to this detestable practice. W. SPENCER AND SON. COW1OW, Dove Holes, THE VALUE OF A HAULAGE BUSINESS.
[4929] We are thinking of commencing in the motor haulage business, and would be glad if you will give us the approximate value of such a business with an A licence. A.E. Birmingham.
[The value of a haulage business is comprised broacity in two items: its tangible assets, namely, vehicles, equipment and buildings, and its goodwill. The latter is, of course, enhanced by the fact that the operator is in possession of an A licence, but the extent to which the value of the goodwill is increased by that possession varies in each individual case and could be determined only by actual investigation of the conditions.—S.T.R.] UTILIZING "THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR" OPERATING COSTS RECORD.
[4930] I have just purchased a copy of your " Oper, ating Costs Record," with which I am delighted, and which I intend having put into operation in the garage at which I am the accountant.
One little point, however, puzzles me in your method of assessing operating costs. Perhaps you will kindly enlighten me. Why is the cost per hour doubled? Why not assess it merely on the actual cost per hour?
At the same time may I ask whether you would be good enough to forward me a copy of The Commercial Motor Tables of Operating Costs? Or are these only available to actual subscribers?
Aberfeldy. JOHN MACLEOD.
[You have, I am afraid, misread the introduction to the " Operating Costs Record." The cost per hour is doubled only in arriving at a fair charge for the hire of the vehicle, It is doubled so as to provide for two important matters. First, the establishment costs for the business, for which no provision is made in the cost of operating the vehicle, and, secondly, a reasonable minimum profit. If you be, as I gather, concerned only with the operating cost of the vehicle and not with hire, then you should take no notice of that recommendation to double the cost per hour. The Commercial Motor Tables of Operating Costs are available at 7d. per copy, including postage.— S.T.R.]
THE STATUS OF A MOTOR HEARSE.
[4931] As a regular reader of Your valuable journal I would like to receive your remarks pi?. the. folloOogincident.
The writer was in charge of a motor hearse proceed ing homewards through Somerset; while near Chard it was stopped by two mobile police officers who informed me that they had timed me at an average speed of 36.2 m.p.h. and that I would be reported
This vehicle, they say, is classed as a goods vehicle and is, therefore, subject to a 30 m.p.h. limit. I pointed out to them that it was not fitted or ever used for goods of any nature, but used solely for funeral purposes.
Would you kindly inform me if, in the evsnt of my being prosecuted, they are likely to succeed, or would it be in my interest to contest the case? The 'alleged oflence took place outside a built-Up area.
Newquay. j013 MASTER.
[The First Schedule to the Road Traffic Act, 1934, which deals with rates of speed of motor vehicles, classifies passenger vehicles " as being " vehicles constructed solely for the carriage of passengers and their effects," and " goods vehicles " as being "vehicles constructed or adapted for use for the conveyance of goods or burden of any description." From this it is clear ...that a motor hearse must be regarded as being a " goods vehicle," the body or coffin which is carried coming within the words "burden of any description." Under these circumstances we consider that your only course is to plead guilty to the summons. You should attend at the court and explain that you were under the impression that your vehicle did not come under the classification of a " goods vehicle," and was therefore not limited as to speed outside a built-up area, but that you have since been advised to the contrary, and in future you will take care not to exceed:the limit allowed for a goods vehicle. If you should not be able to attend the court, you should write to the Clerk to the Magistrates at the court, giving the above explanation and stating that you wish to plead guilty. It is possible that if you attend the court and your explanation is 'accepted the magistrates will be prepared to dismiss the summons on payment of the costs, which would prevent a conviction being recorded.–.-En.]