700 People at A.R.O. London Dinner
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WHAT must have been one of the VY most successful functions ever staged by an association was ' the Coronation dinner and dance organized by A.R.O. Metropolitan Area, on Monday. Mr. J. F. E. Pye was -in the chair. Some 700 people were present, Col. J. Sandeman Allen, M.G., M.P., said that the attempted destruction of road transport was not co-ordination, and askedasked why redundancy should be considered only in connection with road operators. The haulier reminded him of a tennis player with his hands tied behind his back, wearing snow shoes and holding his racket in his teeth.
Railway rates were covered by statute, and exceptional rates were not fair and were unworkable. It was not right that because this legislation exists, the Government should attempt to keep the railways to it and restrict the road ; it should stop bullying the road-transport industry until the railways were put right, Major II. E. Crawfurcl, president of A.R.O., said that when he considered what road transport was like 10-12 years ago, it was a miracle that one area could produce such a gathering. He referred to the excellent work of Col. Sandeman Allen as chairman of the Parliamentary Road Group, and to that of Captain Strickland as the honorary secretary.
Lieut.-Comm. J. Havers, R.N., A.M.I.Mech.E., M.I.E.C., pointed out that in case of war, the railways could be put out of action in 48 hours.
Admiral the Earl of Cork and Orrery, G.C.B., G.C.V.O., referred to commercial-motor operators as public benefactors.
Major the Hon. Eric Long, T.D., Ati.P., said that there was greater unity than ever in the Association, and the Metropolitan Area membership had increased by 60. Road transport, he added, had been called in to help the Fenland, as in 1914 and 1926.