Farewell to Tribunal Chairman
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AFAREWELL luncheon to Mr. 6leeson E. Robinson, CM., MC., LL.D., chairman of the Appeal Tribunal, was given last week by the Road, Haulage Association (Metropolitan Area). Mr. C. W. H. Sparrow presided. .
Proposing the toast of the guest of honour, Mr. Frank F. Fowler said that he had known Mr. Gleeson Robinson for nearly 20 years, mostly as " Mr. Commissioner." and he had learnt both to like and respect him. Mr. Gleeson Robinson had at first been engaged in regulating public passenger transport under the 1930 Act, and then under the 1933 Act, he became Metropolitan Licensing Authority. It was in that capacity that most hauliers would remember him.
Many counsel had hesitated before him and marvelled at his knowledge. During the war he bore a heavy burden; being responsible for the supply Of vehicles to cope with the results of bombing. In whatever he did he was just and honest. Britain would lose him soon and South Africa would be the gainer. Mr. H. Norman Letts, 0.B.E., said that Mr. Gleeson Robinson would go down in history as a great public figure. All the legal people who appeared before him were forced into a friendly circle by his example. Many of his decisions had become case law.
Replying, Mr. Gleeson Robinson said that he had always tried to be constructive, and sometimes this necessitated saying "No." He had been most fortunate in his friends and colleagues. , He had always believed in placing the full facts ort the table, and liked to invite criticism and suggestions.
Brig_ R. J. 0. Dowse, C.B.E., M.I.Mech.E., M.Inst.T., the present Metropolitan Licensing Authority, said that he had been able to observe the wisdom of Mr. Gleeson Robinson in the area, and this had helped him to do justice to his task.
Sir Henry Piggott, C.B., C.B.E., referred to Mr. Gleeson Robinson's resignation as a grievous loss, particularly at this difficult juncture. His great attribute was his integrity of mind and character.