Operating Aspects of
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PASSENGER TRANSPORT
MORE CHEERFUL SPEECHES AT THIS YEAR'S M.H.C.S.A. DINNER
Traffic Commissioners Em ha size Improved Security of Independent Operators and the Value of the Association's National Work THE annual dinner of the Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association, Ltd., which was followed by a dance, was held at the Connaught Rooms, London, on Friday, February 12th, and vvas an even greater success than the function organized a year ago. The president, Mr. H. T. Rickards, who, of course, was-largely responsible for the formation of the association some 10 years ago, took the chair.
The toast of " The.Association " was proposed by Lt.-Col. D. C. McLagan, D.S.O., of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the gist of whoss speech was the importance of the Ministry endeavouring to simplify construction and use regulations for public-service vehicles and other commercial vehicles, so as to permit the development of an imperial type of vehicle in each class. This, he said, would enable manufacturers to supply for the home market vehicles that were suited to overseas conditions. The toast was responded to by Major J. B. Elliott, chairman of the management committee (and managing director of Redear Services, Ltd., Tunbridge Wells), who thanked Colonel McLagan's society for its interest in the national work of the M.H.C.S.A.
Mr. F. A. Flin proposed the toast of "The Visitors" and, whilst not unduly restraining his much-appreciated sense of humour, managed, nevertheless, to drive home some important facts concerning , public-service-vehicle operation. With regard to the recent statements by railway representatives to the Minister of Transport, concerning the proportion of road. costs borne by owners of commercial vehicles; he suggested that they would not object to meeting the remainder of the total cost of the roads, provided, in return, they were given a monopoly of the use of the roads similar to that enjoyed by the railways in respect of their tracks. For the visitors Mr. Gleason E. Robinson, M.C., LL.D., the Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner, and Mr. Rowand Harker, K.C., chairman of the South Eastern Commissioners, replied. Mr. Robinson emphasized the fact that the administration of the Road Traffic Act would enable operators to hold what they at present possess. He went so far as to say that whilst it was no doubt trying for the smaller operators to prepare the statistical returns and records demanded by the Ministry and the Commissioners, these must be provided so that attempted intrusions upon well-established routes could be detected and prevented.
Mr. Harker emphasized the need for national representation of operators by an association like the M.H.C.S.A., especially for unanimity of members on all major points. With regard to a remark that had been made concerning the difficulties of Commissioners taking up their duties last year witIniut previous experience, he said that he had hoped that his experience with local transport Bills would be of service.
One of the most active members of the management committee, Mr. M. Logette, proposed the health of the president ; then Mr. H. T. Rickards replied to both speeches, in which reference to the high taxation of road vehicles was made.
Generally speaking, the function was marked by a more hopeful frame of mind towards the future and a feeling amongst members and guests present
that the constitutional attitude of the association, to which reference has frequently been made in this journal, WAN what was needed from all points of view. There is no doubt that it is this attitude which is building up the national position of the association.