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OPINIONS S and Q UERIES

20th October 1944
Page 35
Page 35, 20th October 1944 — OPINIONS S and Q UERIES
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

POST-WAR PREPARATIONS FOR HAULAGE 'MAY we bring to your notice details of an expansion "Id the capacity of this company, which now embraces over 100 haulage contractors in the district with approximately 1,000 vehicles?

Originally, in 1923, the intention of Direct Motor Service (Sheffield), Ltd., was to set up and maintain a central office, which would arrange for the transport of fairly large tonnages beyond the capacity of the ordinary haulage concern, and it was considered that a nucleus of 40 hauliers would be ample to deal with whatever traffic was offered.

However, with the march of time, the capacity of the company has been taxed severely, and the services of its constituent members have had to be greatly augmented from outside sources. Therefore, in order that we should be prepared in the post-war period for a greatly increased call on our services in many new directions, it was considered to be imperative that the capacity of the company should be enlarged. This has been done so thoroughly as to make it possible for us to deal with whatever tonnage is likely to be offered.

Each 4u1age contractor member has one share in this company and cannot acquire more—his individuality is preserved and his potentialities enhanced by the collective effort made possible through our activities.

On the other hand, trade and industry will find satisfaction in the reliability and efficiency of the services provided by probably the oldest exponents of co-opera tion in road transport. P. R. SPENCER.

(For Direct Motor Service (Sheffield), Ltd.) Sheffield, 3.

DO CONTROLLED UNDERTAKINGS APPRECIATE CONTROL?

WITH regard to the letter from "Small Haulier," of " Lancaster, alleging the, waste of mileage in the Ministry's Road Haulage Organization, which appeared in your issue dated September 22, the Government's policy is quite clear—the R.H.O. is not concerned so much with the expense, but with rhoving large blocks of traffic anywhere at any time to 'suit the national need.

To my mind, pointing out the failures of the R.H.O. will not get the road haulage industry anywhere, as, frankly, the general public and a great many of the small traders are not concerned so long as their goods arrive. It is only the large commercial concerns which realize into what chaos the haulage industry has been plunged. As I see it, only an efficient association (this is badly needed) powerful enough to make the Government realize its , error could effect any improvement. We all understand that the war effort must go on and vital material be moved first, but surely some more simple scheme could have been devised.

It probably does not occur to many that the jobs created in the Road Haulage Organization will not be so easily given up as one would imagine. As was pointed but at a recent haulage meeting, many of the large haulage companies which are controlled undertakings appear to be quite willing for the control to continue. We must awaken to these facts and see that the haulage industry is free to run on practical and economical lines, as was the case with many concerns prior to the activities of the R.H.O. F. Jots. Gorleston. THOUGHTS FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN WHILE writing to you in connection with the " C.M." vv League of Servicemen, I would like to take the opportunity of expressing my appreciation of the very instructive and illuminating articles which appear in your journal, of which I have been an ardent reader since 1935 and am still) when I can get hold of copies. At present the conditions sometimes hinder the regular supply.

'Reverting to the League, I think this is a most sound , idea, both in the ideological sense and in its practical aspect.

Judging from reports, it appears to me that the present Government-run haulage industry is facing grave problems, particularly as they concern the small man. State control—at least, of the major industries—seems to be the Utopian dream of the true socialist.

Looking at the problem of such control of road transport from a completely unbiased viewpoint, it might appear to be sound. Theoretically, the lot of the employee would be improved, and the employer assured an adequate " wage " for his special knowledge, but in these days things do not always work out according to plan. Failing the absolute assurance of adequate financial remuneration for services rendered being given by the Government in the event of State control, the whole industry—manufacturers, operators and those engaged in maintenance and repair work—should .get together and oppose such a drastic move. W. L. LINNETT. M.E.F.

ARE BIRMINGHAM'S JAY-WALKERS THE WORST!

WITH regard to the remarks made by the Chief Convv stable of Blackpool on the subject of jay-walkers, which were referred to in your issue dated October 6, be should visit.Birmingham. There it is not merely a question of holiday-time but all the year round. The way pedestrians risk their lives in the traffic "beats the band." "BROAD STREET." Birmingham, 1.

DO AWAY WITH ONE PEDAL

AMONGST the "Opinions and Queries" published by.you on October 6 was one entitled, ".Why Three Pedals for Two Feet?" by "Bristol Haulier." I suggest that a good method that could be used for reducing the number of pedals wbuld be to have the main or auxiliary carburetter operated by some form of direct governor, which could supply more fuel as the speed increases. The orthodox carburetter could be used for starting purposes and for hill-climbing when the speed dropped below the governed minimum.

Another way might be to use some vacuum device operated from the inlet manifold, which could be ° utilized in the same way as the vacuum control of ignition timing. Possibly a combination of the two methods could be successfully devised.

However, perhaps in the vehicle of the not too distant future there will be no pedals for any of us to worry about. R. W. SPAXNAN. Deraingham, Norfolk.


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