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The Industry's Safety Valve

25th June 1943, Page 13
25th June 1943
Page 13
Page 13, 25th June 1943 — The Industry's Safety Valve
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

AWELL KNOWN transport manager in the field of the ancillary user has, while writing to us on another matter, included a paragraph which we much appreciate. He says : —" I hope that the confusion over associations, etc., will be solved in a good way—before we are nationalized! I must congratulate you on being such a safety valve and for broadcasting the pros and cons. So often people do not know what they are talking about unless they have had both sides of any question which is under discussion put before thera."

However, not all the people who reid this journal seeni to be quite so pleased, but, curiously enough, of the few who criticize us unfavourably, several do not appear to have the courage of their convictions because, in some cases, their names are not given. We have already referred, on two or three occasions, to the stigma which., must attach itself to those who write in this fashion, but that is, perhaps, not quite so unmoral as sending a communication from a false address and under another name, which has happened in two or three instances. In connection with such false communications we have asked the Police to make certain investigations, as some statements, referring to persons other than ourselves, may be considered as libellous.

Our Columns Open to AU " The Commercial Motor" always plays fair, its views are stated frankly, freely, and, where necessary, without Consideration of what may be termed the bigger interests. Whether our readers may regard this policy as right or wrong, we strongly favour giving the freedom of our columns to all points of view, and a communication from, say, a driver, receives just as much consideration as one from a managing director, or the chairman of an association. We must even admit to a slight partiality towards upholding the interests of the lesser lights in our industry.

Most of us have had to start in a small way, some hav,e reached high positions and control big businesses. In this connection we have in our files numerous letters in which the writers state definitely that at least part of their success has been due to the sound advice and authentic information which they have derived from our pages, whilst the, educational facilities given over a long period of years in relation to transport costing and the issue of comprehensive rates for carriage, have prevented thousands of hauliers from falling into financial straits, and possibly insolvency, or in the case of ancillary operators, from operating their road transport at a loss. , Personal Interest in Our Readers We like also to take a Personal interest in our readers, and our mail bag provides eloquent testimony to the success of this endeavour. Although we do not set out to be anything in the nature of an employment agency, except through our small advertisements, yet quite a number of people in the industry gratefully acknowledge the assistance which we have afforded them, in securing suitable positions. At the same time, we would point out that we cannot devote excessive time or space to this particular object, and naturally, we cannot vouch for-those of whom we have no personal knowledge. Likewise, we have no time to look for vacant appointments, although in their search for staff, particularly in the higher categories, employers sometimes appeal to us for help. By assisting both sides in this way we have cemented a relationship which f* exceeds that which normally exists between a trade journal and its readers.

The position of a journal covering such a huge industry as road transport, with its multifarious branches and, so often, somewhat conflicting interests, is not one which can be acceptpd lightly. The comments made may, at times, in order to help the industry as a whole, have to tread on a few tender toes. The journal must endeavour, in any particular connection, to sift the wheat from the chaff,. especially where internal politics are under consideration. It must be technically sound, and when it delves into legal matters affecting design, construction and operation, its conclusions must bear the stamp of authenticity.As to the success of these efforts, so far as "The Commercial Motor" is concerned, we will leave our readers to judge.

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