A National Conference
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AT last the entire road-transport industry is to be afforded an opportunity of placing its views and grievances before the public and Government authorities with a minimum of expense and a high degree of effect. The Commercial Motor Users Association is arranging to hold, in the near future, a National Conference representative of every section of the motoring movement, and it is the duty of every member to offer his support.
The Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association has given a lead to the industry in staging a national conference of passenger-vehicle operators, the success of which exceeded expectations and marked the awakening of the independent coach and bus owner to a full realization of the dangers of his position. This conference has set a high standard upon which the C.M.U.A. will, no doubt, endeavour to improve. The co-operation of the manufacturers and suppliers of vehicles, components and equipment of all types should be sought, for they are vitally affected.
Whilst nothing should be done to detract from the truly national nature of the event, it would be opportune to set aside a session for each section of the industry to discuss its particular problems. It would be unwise to endeavour to sensationalize road transport, but bright, forceful speeches are necessary to titillate the palate of the popular Press and capture the public imagination. Furthermore, speeches by capable orators preserve an element of anticipation that is absent in published papers, and they probably have a more favourable effect upon attendances at sessions.
It is likely that a prominent subject of discussion at the Conference will be the amalgamation of the associations, for, confirming -the view long held by The Commercial Motor, many members of the industry, are now realizing that there are too many unco-ordinated bodies. Nothing has been heard, for some time, of the progress of the negotiations between the C.M.U.A. and the Road Haulage Association, but we hope that some definite announcement of a successful conclusion will be made before the National Conference is held. Such a merger would undoubtedly enhance the national character of the event and,, if the M.H.C.S.A. and other organizations were identified with this unification of interests, would place the entire industry in a position of strength undreamed of three years ago.
Publicity is at present the most pressing need of the road-transport industry, and the Conference would constitute an appropriate introduction to a great campaign to counteract the powerful propaganda of the railway companies and to gain public sympathy for a department of commerce that contributes about 10 per cent, of the national revenue.