Points from A.R.O. Director Report
Page 20
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THE report of the director of A.R.O., Mr. R. W. Sewill, M.A., M.Inst.T., was submitted at the annual general meeting of that body, held last Wednesday.
Mr. Sewill referred to the closer working amongst the elements which go to make up the industry, this consolidation being, to some extent, the 'result of pressure from outside. However, the organization of road transport appears to be fair game to every writer of an econ6mic treatise. Some of them seem to forget the great part which has already been played by road transport in keeping moving the war-time traffic of the country, despite unparalleled difficulties. This has been done without nationalization and without a corporation, and has succeeded largely because of the unremitting personal attention paid to their businesses by thousands of operators.
A.R.O. is working constantly •to anticipate difficulties, which may arise and, if possible, to formulate plans to meet future needs; as part of this work, a post-war planning committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Mr. J. A. M. Bright.
He referred especially to the outstanding achievement for which the Association had been responsible during the past year. That was the securing of a concession from the income tax authorities by which an additional 6 per cent, is permitted on wear and tear allowances for vehicles operating under A licences. or defence permits.
There were many advantages to operators in being members of an association such as A.R.O. For ". example, the recent scheme for the distribution of tyres came into• force almost over-night. In this case, and others similar, an association is needed
to explain the new arrangements to its members and to seek, on their behalf. any necessary modifications. In connection with the Tyre Control, a number of suggestions was actually put forward and many were acted upon. Without the Association it would have been difficult for individual members to air their views.