A.R.O. On Active Service
Page 25
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LAST Tuesday, at a conference with the Press at which the chairman (Lieut.-Commander J. Havers), the director (Mr. R. W. Sewill) and the assistant director (Mr. J. L. Kinder) were 'present, a t-surrie was given of the work. of Associated Road 'Operators since the commencement of the war.
It was emphasized that A.R.°. members could not be told previously Of certain scherries purely in preparation, and, even now, some must be treated with reserve ; also in several instances, the various road-transport organizations have worked together on such matters as those relating to the hiring of vehicles.
That the work has been appreciated is, however, proved by the fact that during the period under review there have been many new recruits to A.R.O., particularly in the Metropolitan Area, and subscriptions have been coming in very well.
In the first five weeks 42 circulars were sent to chairmen and secretaries dealing exclusively with matters arising out of the war. As a result of this some area secretaries sent out circular bulletins, • and expressed the opinion that the news from head of6ce had been Extremely useful. This, despite the fact that it has been working with a depleted staff and has been heavily engaged on urgent problems.
Mr. Kinder has been on a deputation to the Ministry of Transport on the question of proVisional driving licences, he has also been dealing with the'question of refunds on the unexpired portion of the Road Fund tax and on carriers' licences, A.R.P. by A.R.O.
Arising out of talks with the Board of Trade,,a statement has been issued regarding members' position in warrisk insurance, for which the customer must take liability; this does not affect the insurance of goods in transit.
Information has beer., sene out as to what motor-vehicle driversshould do in the event of air raids. Regarding the distribution of steel shelters, contact was made with the railways and the work shared, the arrangements being carried out by A.R.O. area officers.
A.R.O. appreciates the difficulties resulting from vehicle impressment. The legal department is advising members on this matter and is taking counsel's opinion.
Certain difficulties have 'arisen con
ceraing the transport of sugar beet, and A.R.O. has arranged for a consultative committee to be formed at each factory.
The grouping system appears to have failed in its main objective, and is used chiefly in connection with petrol rationing. A.R.O., therefore, has in mind using its own existing machinery as a complete system of pooling centres for transport in the various areas.
The Association has been approached in connection with the carrying of livestock, and is endeavouring to arrange a pool. of livestock c.arriers.
It was a party to a general confer. ence on the question of rates for hire.
Certain difficulties regarding wages for drivers of A.R.P, vehicles have been settled with the Ministry of Home Security by a subcommittee of the Central Wages Board, whereby men standing by will be paid at the following raths:—Metropolitan Area, .£3 17s. : Grade 1, 23 13s. ; the remainder of thc country, 23 10s. These are to cover standing by, overtime, etc. If, however, local authorities use them for any other work, the men must he paid a full day at the trade union rate, and one-seventh is deducted from the above sum payable at the end of the week,