Bird's Eye View

26th September 1958, Page 126

26th September 1958

Page 126

Page 126, 26th September 1958 — Bird's Eye View

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Out for Blood

• By The Hawk

THE railway intelligence system is bucking up. I have heard of several instances recently in which the railways have got wind of schemes by traders to introduce or extend their own fleets, and have jumped in with such low, rate quotations that road transport was made completely uneconomic. But in one case they were too late—the die had been cast and, although the rail rate offered was far below the cost of road transport, the trader was committed to the purchase of extremely expensive specialized vehicles, which he still feels justified in running • because of their high publicity value.

Solomon at Work

QEVERAL leading manufacturers have recently called con ferences of operators to discuss their requirements in vehicles. Naturally, each user wanted something a little different from the others. It was impossible to satisfy them all completely, and the fun came when they were asked to reconcile their differences and present art agreed specification. The results of these discussions are likely to be seen at the Show of 1960.

Opportunity Missed

WHAT a pity the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders were not represented at the final of the Lorry Driver of the Year Competition last Sunday. They could have learnt a good deal about drivers—their contribution to safety, their importance to the industry and their needs in manceuvring large vehicles in confined spaces. The S.M.M.T. might also have realized the stupidity of forbidding members to lend vehicles for use in a competition recognized by the Ministry of Transport. Or is that asking too much?

Where Will It End ?

ALTHOUGH Sir John Elliot survived the busmen's efforts to have him removed at the end of the London bus strike, the idea of "getting rid of the boss" has not died. At West Bromwich, 60 British Road Services drivers staged a 24-hour stoppage last week because they wanted to see the back of the Black Lake depot superintendent.

Mr. H. Horton had made their lives a misery in the past two years, they complained, through having their movements traced and then accusing them of slacking. They hoped a token strike would prompt the Transport and General Workers' Union to see that he left. Insult was added to injury, however, when the unpopular Mr. Horton diagnosed that the men had stopped work merely because they wanted a day's rest. More power to his elbow—or foot.

Indomitable

THE gusty laughter of Mr. John Birch is Likely to be heard in Kentish Town again next week. He has made an excellent recovery from multiple injuries received in a car accident. He is taking a holiday, but he has lost none of his rumbustious energy. I am not sure whether Finchley Memorial Hospital was glad or sorry to see him go.,

Professor on Wheels

L-‘ VERY employer tries to encourage his workers to take an J—+ interest in the job, but to expect a driver to become an associate member of the Institute of Transport is, perhaps, asking a little too much. At West Hartlepool, however, one of the corporation's bus drivers now has this distinction.

He is Prof. R. Wason, an admiral's son, who took his B.A.(Honours) degree and then his M.A. to become a classics professor at Edinburgh University. He later held a similar post in Canada. But because he wanted to do "something practical," Prof. Wason became a bus conductor at West Hartlepool before qualifying as a driver. He passed the Institute's intermediate examination two years ago. The transport committee have sent him £5 5s. and a letter of congratulation.