"A Leopard Cannot Change Its Spots"
Page 34
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Arthur, Charlie and Jim Meet Again and Exchange Some More Trenchant Conunents on Association Activities.
By "Tantalus"
THE night was bitterly cold with a, piercing east wind, but inside "The Axe and Cleaver" a cheerful atmosphere prevailed and, in the comparative privacy of the " snuggery," our old friends Arthur and Charlie sat dis-cussing the most recent developments concerning the roadhaulage industry. After an interchange of ' greetings, Charlie opened out with, "Well, have you heard of the latest move to reorganize the industry? "
" I've read and heard so much in one way and another,". replied Arthur, "about what's going to be done—after which nothing whatever has happened—that I'm becoming sceptical. Anyway, what do you refer to in particular? "
" It's very evident that you're not keeping up to date with things," rejoined Charlie, " and 'in that case it's up to me to let you have the latest news. You may remember —although it's a long time ago—a scheme put forward by the S.J.C. for the reorganization of the industry."
" As a matter of fact, I think I do," ruminated Arthur. " but after so long my mind is not at all clear regarding the details. If I remember. rightly; the scheme—to put it in a nutshell—was• that there should be separate associations for the haulier, the C licensee and the p.s.v. operator.. I also remember that at the time you and I thought there was a gleam of hope in the proposals. That, in fact, the long-expected day was in sight when the haulier would have his own association."
" Yes, that's right," responded Charlie, "we agreed it was just what the doctor ordered. At the time there was a good dea,1 of enthusiastic comment which was followed by.complete silence and nothing further transpired. It was just as if the censor had placed a ban on things. Truth to tell, I asked one or two Of the leading lights for some information, but I. was told that the whole affair was very hush-hush and they were unable to say anything about it."
Backbone of the Association "Would you believe it? " mused Arthur, "you and I —and that means hundreds of other haulage men like us— cannot be ,told anything. We, mind you, who are the backbone of not only the industry but of the associations also, are ignored. If I'm considered of so little importance in a Matter in which I've so big a stake, I said to myself, then I'm packing up my association. As you know, that's what I have done and I shall„never pay another subscription. I'm sorry if I've let my feelings run away with me, but I think you'll agree there's sufficient cause."
"You needn't apologize," replied Charlie, "I have a fellow-feeling. Blit there's the news I was going to tell you.' It's in connection with the S.J.C. scheme and a new committee has been formed."
"What, another one," interrupted Arthur.
" Yes, still another," was the retort.
" Well." inquired Arthur, " and what is this one supposed to do? " " You're asking me," answered Charlie, " all I know is that it has something to do with what is called the organization of road transport. But if the new committee is as long in doing anything as the S.J.C. was after the announcement of the scheme—and if it keeps everything dark in the same way—it will be like a delayed-action bomb that never explodes. All the time you're waiting for it, and then you find it's a dud." " I must say," remarked Arthur laughingly. " that you've a happy knack of expressing yourself, and no mistake."
" Maybe I have," _smiled Charlie. " All I know is that when I first read of the new committee, I was hoping it would contain some new names. But I soon discovered it was composed of practically the same old gang. That being the case, what hope is there? I must say in all fairness that there is a neutral chairman who has not before been connected with any road-haulage association. He is a big industrialisl with wide experience and is connected with the motor trade. Whether he will be successful in performing a miracle where others have failed remains to be seen. What do you think about it, Arthur? "
" My candid view," replied Arthur, "is that a leopard cannot change its spots. They may be painted over but, sooner or later, they'll show through. Moreover, when I remember the bitter feeling and jealousy which have always existed between the associations I cannot say that I'm either attracted or optimistic about the results. If I can size up the position, I'd say that committee 'meetings will be held in galore. There'll be any amount of talk and nobody will get anywhere. What's more, if the so-called leaders had really been out to help the. haulier; and not merely to protect their own position and interests, there would never have been this muddle. What the new committee is now trying to do should have been done years ago or, at any rate, soon after war broke out. Don't you think so, Charlie? "
"Why So Many Have Decided to Resign" " Yes, I do, and that's why so many have decided to resign—if they have not already done so—and to support the new Mutual Federation." " Halt a minute, Charlie, isn't that Jim who has just come in? "
" Yes, it is," And Jim walked over exclaiming, " Hello you fellows! What are you hatching? " " As a mattk of fact," replied Arthur, " we were discussing this new scheme for the reorganization of the industry, and of associations in particular." " Don't talk to me about associations,'.' retorted Jim With some vehemence.
" Why not?" asked Charlie, "I've always regarded you as one of the leading lights in this district."
"So I was for quite a time," responded Jim. "Didn't I persuade both of you and many others to join? I put in many hours night after night when getting this area going. Although I say it myself, I worked like a Trojan, because I regarded association membership as the means to an end. But what good has. it done and •where has it landed me—and you jellows,.I should like to'know? I'm a darn Sight worse off now than ever I have been and you're jarobably in the same boat." " You're telling us," remarked Charlie and Arthur in unison. " Bul," continued Charlie, "we should like to know what you think of the S.J.C. scheme and the new Mutual Federation."
Sorry, I haven't time to stay now," said Jim, " but I'll see you over the week-end for a chat."