FIRST-CLASS CASE OF RESTRICTION BY RAILWAYS.
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" If ever there was a case of the railway companies trying to restrict the activities of their competitors, this is a first-class instance," said Mr. Skelding, addressing the West Midland Deputy Licensing Authority (Dr. W. Dawson Sadler), before whom he appeared, last week, representing Mr. A. L. J. Lewis, a Wilncote haulier. The application was opposed by the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Co. on the ground of change of business on the part of the applicant, since his licence was last renewed. • Evidence was given by Mr. Francis George Birkin, transport supervisor for Doulton and Co., of Tamworth. Mr. Birkin, in cross-examination bY Mr. J. Else, for the railway company, said that considerations of superiority of service were what governed the decision as to whether hi.3 concern's goods were sent by road or by rail.
Rejecting Mr. Else's submission that substantial change of business was constituted by the fact that the applicant now. did the bulk of his work for Doulton and Co. in carrying pottery, whereas he was formerly mainly employed by two other concerns, Dr. Sadler granted the application.
L.N.E.R. and "Gentlemen's Agreement."
The London and North Eastern Railway Co. was granted A licences for 11 vehicles and two 5-ton trailers, in the face of opposition from 21 haulage contractors, at Carlisle Traffic Court, last week. The vehicles are to be operated from Silloth (West Cumberland) and used for conveying material to the R.A.F. site at Silloth and aerodrome sites at Kirkbride and Harker.
Mr. L. Meara, LINER. cartage superintendent, said that the licences asked for covered vehicles of 31 tons in all, including two mechanical horses. Material which had been pouring into Silloth by sea and rail since June would continue for an indefinite period, £16 and hauliers in the district, he claimed, could not cope with the work.
Suggesting that 13 vehicles was a " tall order," Mr. Hunter, for the road hauliers, said that if private haulage companies had asked for 13 vehicles it would have made the railway company's hair stand on end. The opposition accepted an assurance by the railway aompany that, as• railway lorries became redundant or were moved to other depots, the Licensing Authority would be informed.
The chairman (Mr. A. Henderson) called this a " gentlemen's agreement."
• Shear Legs Required.
One of our readers requires a set of four shear legs, at least 22 ft, long and to take a minimum Weight of 8 tons. A used set would meet his need.
Scottish Area Wages Board Established.
The Scottish Road Haulage Area Wages Board has been constituted and established by the Minister of Labour, and it is anticipated that the Board will shortly hold its first meeting.
Production of the new Austin goods vehicles is now getting into its stride. This view shows one of the assembly lines. ft is anticipated that over 3,000 people will be employed in this separate branch of the Austin company's activities. The concern's commercial-vehicle plans were outlined in
a recent article in this paper.