The Merger—Our Attitude W E seem to have aroused a storm
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in a teacup. No one has done more than this journal to further the promotion of unity in the whole industry. At a time when both large and small hauliers were at a loss for suitable representation we took a leading part in the founding of one of the associations now having, we believe, the largest membership of any. We also did our best— and successfully—to encourage the linking of other bodies. Now, however, the president of one association suggests that We are not helping in the slightest degree to bring the merger to fruition.
On the other hand, we are accused by some of being unduly zealous in our pleas for more general co-operation. Other critics consider that it is quite wrong to try to encourage the fusion of such widely differing interests as those represented by the haulage, passenger-carrying and ancillary branches.
So far as this wrangling is concerned, we can, we think, be considered as impartial observers. We will continue to do our utmost to work for the general interest of the industry, and not champion any particular section of it against others. We are not prepared, by divulging sources of information, to cause further internal friction.
Our stop-press news on November 20 stated that the merger was off. We were also informed that there could be no negotiations based on all the fundamental principles originally agreed by the joint committee of construction, and, to the best of our belief, this is the present position. If there be any doubt regarding it, we suggest that the C.M.U.A. should come into the open and state frankly whether it is or is not prepared to abide by the full decision of the joint committee, and whether any decision reached by the A.R.O. at its meeting on December 15 can have any real effect upon the merger, unless the existing conditions be modified.
We certainly hope that either a merger or a friendly working arrangement can eventually be generally achieved, as is already the case in some parts of the country ; otherwise the result may be regrettable competition for new members or for those already in one or other of the associations.
Some important operators adhere to the opinion that it would be better for all engaged in the respective branches to get together, so that hauliers would always be represented by hauliers, and so on. It is quite possible that even in the event of such an occurrence there could be some form of welding under a common c'ouncil, but it is extremely doubtful whether any association would be prepared willingly to hand over part of its membership to another.
It is certain that many prominent members on each side are keenly desirous of unity, and if this is to come into being it must be arranged on a fair basis which will not create internal discord, as this would result in the merger doing more harm than good.