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Hauliers Must Think for Themselves

5th February 1943
Page 28
Page 28, 5th February 1943 — Hauliers Must Think for Themselves
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

A Record of Another Conversation Between Arthur and Charlie and a Third Haulier Who Says a Mouthful Concerning the Industry's Problems and its Leadership

By " Tantalus "

COMFORTABLY seated in the ingle-nook at " The Axe and Cleaver" were Arthur and Charlie, deep in conversation. " I'm really looking forward to seeing ' Jim," remarked Arthur, "for I've always valued his opinion and the soundness of his judgment—which have earned him the nickname of 'The Philosopher.' He never takes things for granted and is slow to accept' any. statement until lie has tested its accuracy. As a matter of fact, it is only after he has made investigations and obtained reliable information for himself that he retail)/ makes u2 his mind on any matter. And that brings me to another point," Arthur continued " You know, one thing that has always been wrong with us hauliers is that we haven't taken the trouble to think for ourselves. We've, accepted all we've been told with a sort of blind trust. Also, we have been far too inclined to leave matters to the so-called leaders. So we have only ourselves to blame if it comes to the point for their poor leadership."

"Aye! but it's a long lane that has no turning," commented Charlie, " and it's no use trying to live on regrets, for they'll get us nowhere. The only thing for hauliers to do now is to work and build for the fatnre,On the right

lines." . " Well," replied Arthur, "to do that we must have .a sound' foundation with equally sound leaders who think' as, we do and who are prepared to fight our, cause Without fear or favour."

At this stage Jim arrived upon the scene. " Hello, you fellows!" was his greeting. "Good evening, ',Jim," responded the two friends, who were very glad to see him. "Ws not often we get a chance to talk to you these days," Arthur remarked, "so now you've come alone we hope .you'll give us the benefit of your better knowledge and widgr experience." " Sure!" replied Jim, "that's why I arranged to meet you. But in what way can I be of assistance? " .

." One of the questions—in fact, itts three ill one—which we wish to ask you is your opinion of the road-transport industry, associations and the so-called leaders; not as they were before the war but as they are now, after three and a half. years of war," said Arthur. . .

Will Control be Relaxed?

After a thoughtful pause Jim replied as follows: " Well! I suppose that having been an active member for a number of years I can claim to speak with some authbrity; and I may say that I've been through the hard school of experiepee which, at times, can be very cruel. But I alwaysN think that if a man is made of the right stuff, he becomes a better and finer man as a result of the knocks he receives. But I'm wandering front the subject. My view regarding the industry is that it is so controlled—not only by regulation but also by officialdom—that there is little, one can do about it. We have, in fact, to accept a position which has been forced upon us and aided to a large extent by war-time conditions."

" That's all right for now," interpolated Charlie, " but what about after the war? What do you think the position of the industry will be then? " " Frankly," replied Jim, " I don't know and I don't think anybody really knows. Some, of course, have their own ideasand ambitions; but that doesn't mean they will come to pass. You see, there

are so many things to consider. For instance, if the M.O.W.T. Scheme should prove a success after being tried out, that may become permanent after the war. And then there are the railway companies in the background all the time. You can depend uptu it they'll have a big say as 'to what the position of road-transport will be. So you see, apart from any other factor, these two unknown quantities render a forecast impossible. I will say this, though, that I am certain pre-war conditions of transport have gone for good."

V That seems to me a fair summing-up, but what about the associations?' asked Charlie. " Now that's a topic I do know something about," responded Jim, warming to his subject. " Before I go any farther, there's one point I want • to make clea:t and that without any mistake. IA have always ,been a supporter of associations and Ustill am. For whether it he employers or workers, they must be organized efficiently; for only in this way can protection and progress be assured:" Leaders Have Chased Shadows " If that he .so," said Arthur, " how do you account for the present state of affafrs? As you know, we have not gained but lost.. I admit we have not been so badly lift as some; Nit, all the same, we have been hit," " I think," replied Jim, " that the answer is fairly simple. Take our own a..ssOciation—about that I can speak. Had it confined itself to looking after the members' interests instead of chasing first one scheme and then another—and sp causing ;great deal of discussion and hostility—it would, no doubt, have been of more real service to us. It seems to me that our leaders have been chasing shadows. If the association to which we belong had been the real.advotate and protector bf our interests (for which we paid our subscriptions regularly), I, for one, would lia*Ve nothing to say and no complaints to make. Because it has not done this many otheri as well, have decided to try my luck in other quarters.

" There's another point that's worried me," continued

"You remember when the railway companies opened their square-deal campaign and we all three' gave a donation for the purpose of fighting the railways?" ." Very well, indeed," was the simultaneous reply. "Then you'll also remember that, some time later, our leaders began a flirtation with the railways and—so far as I know—that is still going on; but I haven't heard of any results so far. The point I. want to make is that the policy did not teflect the views of a large section of the members. There you've one of the causes of dissatisfaction. The leaders make' a decision and expect the rank and 'file meekly to follow without asking the reason why. But—so far as I'm concerned—those days are finished. My stake in the industry is as important to me as that of. the-largest operator is to him, and I shall fight to keep it. In fact, as things are to-day—and having regard to the future—the best hope seem; to be in the mutual federation idea. Fot if the principle of one-for-all and ail-for-one be carried on—we shall benefit and, so far as I can see, be better off in every way."

" Now for the last part of the question," prompted Arthur. " What have you to say about leadership? " The reply came immediately. " My opinion is that the so-called leaders have failed to represent the average haulier; they seem. to have been out of touch with the rank and file. That, to my mind, is vitally important in any organization. Then there is a widespread feeling that these same leaders are so, implicated and involved in the Government Scheme and control that it will be very difficult for them ever to shake off the effects. So, putting two and two together, you can form a good idea why there is so much criticism and dissatisfaction and why support is steadily growing for' the mutualfederation plan

"Well thanks, Jim. I've enjoyed this talk and I appreciate your point of view," was Arthur's answering remark. " And that goes for me as well," added Charlie with a final shot '

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People: Charlie, Arthur

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