New Representative Body for Hauliers
Page 18
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HE movement towards the formation of a new representative body, entirely confined in its membership to professional hauliers—carriers of goods for haulage by road for hire and reward— is accelerating." What was at first deemed to be, the faint and probably abortive stirring of a few malcontents, is showing itself as being the surface indication of a sikift and powerful undercurrent which seems likely to develop into a good which m ill sweep away all obstacles. We ourselves, in the beginning, when our attention was at first drawn to the movement and our advice sought, endeavoured to persuade the prime movers that their policy was a mistaken one, that it would be entirely wrong to add yet another association to the multiplicity of such with which the industry already is burdened. We now have to admit that, regrettable as such a course seems, it is probably the only way in which the urgent necessities of the situation, now arising within the industry, will be met. Alternative suggestions : remodelling of one association, acceptance of the policy of another, exchange of members from association to association, so as to reconstitute the existing ones, although most carefully examined, were all shown to be impracticable and to fall far short of the requirements of the situation.
Not in London only but throughout the Provinces has this determination to strike out independently of all existing associations become evident. By the time these words appear in print it is anticipated that confirmation of the belief that the desire for reform is country-wide will have taken concrete form.
Apart from that, however, indications that hauliers in every county are impatient and tired of the apathy of their so-called leaders, must have been apparent to everyone who has perused our news columns during the past month or so. In every area meetings have been held, each of them independent, yet all imbued with the same feeling of exasperation and, what is more important, a determination to do something for the betterment of the position of the general body of hauliers, as distinct from the few. It is clear, too, that the basic idea in every case has been that which was foreshadowed by several articles in this journal and by a leader which appeared on page 240 of the issue of "The Commercial Motor" dated November 6. This is the co-operative grouping of operators in particular areas, effected in such a way as first to benefit the members of each individual group and later, by a logical linking of all these groups to form a combination which, besides furthering the initial objectives.of each group, shall establish a body truly representative of the majority of operators in the country and those qualified to deal with the major problems, the political needs of the industry as a whole.
As we have already stated, we, in the initial stages of the movement, urged caution and questioned the wisdom of a development of this character. We are now convinced that, as it is now constituted, and given the qualities of sincerity, honesty and good faith on the part, not only of those who are now actively engaged in promoting the new association, but also amongst the rank and file, the outcome should be not merely beneficial but possibly the one thing the industry has needed throughout its existence and has so patently lacked throughout the past three or four years—possibly longer.
For our part, our attitude to-day is the same as it has always been. Our concern is for the good of the transport industry as a. whole, and we have no bi'as towards any particular group or body, save that Which comes of a belief that those we favour will really benefit the industry. We, therefore, are watching this development with the keenest interest and with an eye to that one aspect, as to whether, by its growth to the all-powerful association which it aims at being, it will really and truly weld the haulage industry together and confer upon it that unity which, in this case. is even more than usually essential to strength.