What the Associations are Doing
Page 36
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C.M.U.A. Silent
on Merger Issue
LANCS HAULIERS SUPPORT A.R.O.
It is understood that haulier members of A.R.O. East Lancashire Area are standing by the Association. At a Manchester meeting last week, at which about 100 persons were present, " a body of hauliers in East Lancashire" pledged themselves to " support wholeheartedly our leaders, in whom we have every confidence,' and agreed "to stand firm and support A.R.O. in all its future activities."
Non-members had been invited to the meeting, hut those connected only with the C.M.U.A., as well as Press representatives, were refused admission. Speakers included Mr. R. W. Sewill. Mr. R. Hindley, and Mr. B. Winter. bottom.
Big C.M.U.A. Functions Next Month.
The annual dinner of the C.M.U.A. North-Eastern Division will be held on February 25, at the Griffin Hotel, Leeds. It is anticipated that Col. A. jerrett, president of the C.M.U.A., and Mr. F. G. Bristow, general secretary, will be present.
The second annual hot-pot supper for drivers employed by members of the North-Eastern Division will take place on February 13, in the crypt at Leeds Town Hall.
Concentrated Membership Drive.
Mr. S. Preece, who, in September, 1935, was appointed joint organizer for the C.M.U.A. Manchester and Liverpool Areas, is in future to concentrate on the recently formed Liverpool and North Wales Division. A big membership drive is contemplated.
B26
ALTHOUGH it was announced at a C.M.U.A. meeting at Croydon, three weeks ago, that the reasons for the merger breakdown would be given at the meeting of the Metropolitan Division held in London, last week, nearly 100 members of the C.M.U.A. and A.R.O. who attended that meeting, expecting the full story to be revealed, were disappointed. In view of the fact that he was speaking as a C.M.U.A member, Mr. F. F. Fowler decided not to deal with the subject of the merger.
The speakers were careful to avoid any mention of the events of the past few mouths, and confined themselves to an appeal for support for the Association's revised policy. Despite this move, however, question-time showed that the difficulties in connection with the merger were the main subject on which those present desired details.
A statement was demanded from Mr. Fowler, and it was made clear that operators felt they were entitled to hear both sides of the question. In reply, Mr. Fowler said that he would be willing, if invited, to address any A.R.O. meeting on the subject of the merger.
'A number of leading questions was put to Mr. Fowler, but, despite the dissatisfaction that was expressed by A.R.O. members, who almost monopolized the discussion, he refused to be drawn.
In his opening remarks, Mr. W. A. Winson, chairman, said that the C.M.U.A. had marked time for two years in an effort to gain unity. The present problems confronting the industry were, however, too great and vital to allow of further delay, and the Association was now going ahead with a vigorous policy. The industry was clearly awaiting a strong lead, he said, and the C.M.U.A. programme was framed to cover all matters most urgently in need of attention.
Later in the proceedings Mr. Winson announced the Associaition's decision not to reveal the full story of the Frier, ger breakdown, but, in view of the announcement that thede details would be given at the meetirig, he read the official statement of the C.M.U.A. the subject. This was Published in full in the issue of The Coinmercial Motoi dated November 27 lint.
Mr. F. F. Fowler pdinted out that in any association it was necessary for the National Council to have autocratic power. Although, in the case of the C.M.U.A„ the control was " ultrademocratic," the policy jot the National Council must be accepted by every area and backed by every member. Majority rule was essential to the success of any association, he said, and, where this rule failed, no sdch body could hope to carry on.
Greater use should be made of Chambers of Trade and Commerce, suggested Mr, F. G. 'Bristow, and operators would do welt to harry their local Members of Parliament.
A strong appeal for action was made by Mr. J. L. Kinder, national organizer, who said that the new programme was based on experience.