Hawk Turns Cuckoo

2nd October 1959, Page 52

2nd October 1959

Page 52

Page 53

Page 52, 2nd October 1959 — Hawk Turns Cuckoo

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ACUCKOO in Hawk's clothing has invaded the " Passing Comments" nest. I have established myself permanently in these quarters and some of the items that have in the past appeared as "Passing Comments" will be found in a different form elsewhere in the journal. After 54 years, too, one grows hard of hearing and the snippets that have graced page three from time immemorial have been transferred to another position in the issue. Their place is taken by a vigorous new feature which examines the characters, thoughts and ambitions of the men who have made, and are making, road transport what it is today. Mr. John Spencer Wills opens the series.

Not Suited

XJ HEN Harold Champion, a special correspondent of The Y Commercial Motor, called to interview Mr. Wills on a very hot summer day, he wore his tropical suit. "I wish I could wear mine," said Mr. Wills, "but I have a lunch appointment." The remark led to a chat about the West Indies, where Mr. Wills has big bus and radio interests. They quickly discovered influential mutual acquaintances in that pleasant part of the Commonwealth—Senator Douglas Judah and Mr. Norman Manley, Prime Minister of Jamaica, in the political sphere, and, in the world of broadcasting, that well-known wartime B.B.C. broadcaster, Bill McClurg (now shining brightly in Radio Jamaica).

But Champion still wonders what was wrong with a tropical suit for lunch in sub-tropical London.

Fattening

THE celebrations that accompany a change in the editorial control of a journal of the standing of The Commercial Motor are bad for the figure and hard on the digestion, but s18 extremely enjoyable. The retiring (so to speak) and incoming editors of this newspaper have been doing some heavy dining in the past week or two, but are standing the strain. The Road Haulage Association fielded an impressive team of nine against G. Mackenzie Junner and A. E. Sherlock-Mesher at a private dinner in London last week. All tried, without success, to pierce the identity of Janus.

Good Old Days

REMINISCING was the order of the evening in tributes paid to Junkier by Mr. R. N. Ingram, national chairman, Mr. H. H. Crow, Mr. J. B. Mitchell, Mr. D. 0. Good, and Mr. N. T. O'Reilly, the four national vice-chairmen, Mr. R. Morton Mitchell, chief executive officer, and Mr. Frank F. Fowler, one of the past chairmen. Mr. Fowler was in characteristic belltolling form and looked extremely fit. He has compromised with his 72 years by having a month's, instead of a fortnight's, annual holiday under compulsion from his doctor.

Mr. Frank Lyon, public relations officer, and Mr. E. W. Russell, of the secretariat, were barred by time from saying their party pieces.

Absent Friends

UNHAPPILY, two popular past chairmen who led the Association during crucial years in the industry's affairs were unable to attend. Mr. R. G. Crowther, whom Mr. Ingram succeeded, is recuperating from a sudden illness and Mr. J. M. Barrie is still seriously ill. I wish both a speedy return to full health.

Deep Digging

THIS inspired piece of election propaganda on behalf of the

1 HIS comes from the October issue of the Transport and General Workers' Record: "Within living memory, goods transport workers worked 14 or 15 hours a day and stable on Sunday mornings, all for a. wage of about £1 a week lated into today's values that was worth about £6). Like her manual workers, when they were ill they got nothing the State or any other source. When they were past there was only the Workhouse for them."

: Labour Party is stated to stand for progress.

ous Trait

IE of the nasty little boys of Grimsby are said to have iscovered a new pastime. They ride on the new buses vatch for people to fall up the step that is not there. Igers have warmly received the new A.E.C. Bridgemasters, tnore the little boys.