What the Associations are Doing
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A.R.O. Replies to Restriction Suggestion
THE interpretation of the word co-ordination,' as used in the circular of the Association of British Chambers of Commerce, would appeal to bear a taint of railway mentality," says Mr. R. W. Sewill, national director of A.R.O., in a reply to the
memorandum of the proposing the further restriction of road transport.
Mr. Sewill maintains that the circular suggests that, as the railways once had a monopoly, they should continue to enjoy it, despite their inability to fill the requirements of 20th-century transport. There are, he points out, certain classes of traffic for which road transport is eminently suitable, notably the carriage of perishable goods. Moreover, England, from a geographical and topographical point of view, is particularly suited to the conveyance of goods by road.
In reply to the accusation that the haulier is not obliged to accept traffic in large or small quantities, Mr. Sewill argues that the weight restrictions imposed upon road transport make it impossible for the heavier classes of goods to be handled. Moreover, through the Derating Act, the railways are subsidized by a levy of 4d. per gallon on petrol, to carry certain traffic.
Although the railways are regulated by Stature and are obliged to carry goods when these are tendered, they are no longer compelled to carry them at fixed rates on a classification basis, for if they desire particular traffic they are now able to quote an agreed rate.
" Looked at from the public's point of view, the railway conception of coordination and division of function does not spell the efficiency which modern transport demands," continues the reply. Mr. Sewill disputes the hint of the A.B.C.C. that the railways are in danger of bankruptcy unless users of transport make concessions that would relieve them of the advantages which road transport has brought them.
It is suggested that the A.B.C.C. should consider, before inviting further restrictions, whether the road-transport industry is not alteady too severely handicapped by the 1933 Act. In any case, the A.R.O. declares that the question of co-ordination should be debated in Parliament, rather than that power to give effect to this object should he vested in the Minister.
S.T.R. on Yorkshire Tour.
As foreshadowed in last week's issue, S.T.R., The Ccimmercial Motor costs expert, is to lecture in Yorkshlre, next week, under the auspices of the C.M.U.A. He will visit Halifax,. Huddersfield, Leeds and Barnsley. No operator should miss this opportunity of securing expert advice on costing and the computation of fair charges.
Y.S.C.O.A.-C.M.U.A. Merger The Yorkshire Stage Carriage Operators Association has notified the C.M.U.A. of its withdrawal from the negotiations which have been proceeding on the question of amalgamation between the two bodies. This intimation that the amalgamation pro ject is off " was decided upon at a meeting of the executive committee of the Y.S.C.O.A., last week.
Consolidating C.M.U.A. Progress.
With the object of consolidating the progress which has been made by the C.M.U.A. in South-west Lancashire, during the past few months, arrangements are in hand for a. big open meeting of commercial-motor users to be held at Liverpool, on February 6. The principal speakers will include Major R. A. B. Smith (president, C.M.U.A.), Earl Howe (chairman, British Road Federation), and Mr. E. G. Bristow (general secretor: ).
Meeting for Ancillary Users.
On January 13 the Metropolitan Area of A.R.O. will hold a meeting for ancillary users at River Plate House, Finsbury Circus, E.C.2, at 5.30 p.m. Mr, R. Hall, of J. Sainsbury; Ltd., will take the chair, and the speakers will be Mr. T. R. Sanders and Mr. H. Norman Letts.
A.R.O. Hull Committee Resigns?
Despite an official denial from headquarters, the rumour, current for some weeks in usually well-informed circles, that the Hull committee of A.R.O. has resigned en bloc, persists.
Portsmouth Link with A.R.O.
Portsmouth and District Coach Owners Association has decided to join up with A.R.O. The local chairman is Mr. J. B. Chevallier, and the secretary, Mr. E. H. Wood.
C.M.U.A. Active in North-West.
Meetings of the C.M.U.A. will be held on January 6, at the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Warrington, when Mr. S. Preece (area organizer) will speak on wages, and at the Fleece Hotel, St. Helens, where the speaker will be Mr. J. Austin Baker (transport manager of Pilkington Bros., Ltd.). Mr. Broadbent (Warrington) will a,ddresS a gathering at the Wheatsheaf Hotel, Wigan, on January 7, and Mr. Preece will speak at the Queen's Head Hotel, Chester, on January 8, and at the Crown Hotel, Matlock, on January 9.