More Lams Hauliers Hear S.T.R.
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costs expert's third Lancashire TIE '1.-/week of the season commenced well at Rawtenstall where, on the Monday evening (March 27), an audience of 24 local members of the C.M.U.A. heard S.T.R.'s address on "A Practical
Basis for a Rates Structure." Mr, G. Barnes, chairman of this subdiyision, presided and was supported by Mr. W. Patton, chairman of the division, and Mr. J. S. Howarth.
The opening question of the discussion went unanswered: those present appeared to consider it was not to be taken seriously. The speaker was asked if income tax was not an item which ought to be included in the schedule of establishment costs. In point of fact, there is some justification for raising the point, always provided, of course, that income tax is payable, if only for the reason that whilst the tax has to be paid when profits are made, there is no refund in the years when operations are conducted at a loss. Other questions turned on the operating costs and fair charges for eight-wheeled oilers, for coaches and mechanical-horse type of equipment.
At Altrincham Mr. Hubs (of Northern Motor Utilities) presided and was supported by Messrs. Once, Lister, Bamford, Geldard and the assistant secretary for the C,M.U.A. division, Mr. Harrison. The discussion, on this occasion, turned principally on the proper procedure to adopt in calcu lating the item " interest " in " The Cammereial Motor Tables of Operating Costs." It was urged that it ought to be calculated on a descending scale as the vehicles were depreciated. S.T.R. did not agree: he said that those who took that view were trying to reconcile two unrelated items, " depreciation " and " interest." He accepted the suggestion that, where a sinking fund was instituted on account of depreciation, the interest on that fund might reasonably be set against the debit for interest
on capital outlay. In view of the rarity of that procedure he preferred to regard the interest as a fixed charge.
Questions were asked about costs and fair rates for a variety of sizes of vehicle and this interesting point arose: that many haulage businesses had arisen from small beginnings, having their origin in the owner-driver type of operator who cuts his costs by devoting his week-ends and spare time to maintenance, etc., thus being able to save sufficient to buy new vehicles and extend his scope. That door to expansion is almost dosed now.
At Crewe, Mr. J. Jackson was in the chair, supported by Mr. S. Preece, the local honorary secretary. There were present, in an audience of 20, Messrs. Dean and Snow, of Fodens, Ltd., and Messrs. Wadsworth and Lea. Most of the discussion turned on the respective merits of inexpensive and expensive types of chassis.
TRIBUTE TO MR. PYE, OF A.R.O.
At a meeting of A.R.O.'s Main Metropolitan Area • Committee, last week, Mr. J. F. E. Pye was unanimously re-elected chairman for the eighth year in succession. Tribute was paid to the work done by Mr. Pye for the area, and the Association as a whole. Other members of the committee are as follow;—Lt. Comdr. J. Havers (vice-chairman) and Messrs. H. G. Bissell, F. Blencowe, W. G. Brigham, J. Crossley, A. J. Goddard, T. Hewstone, H. Hotham, J. Janes, F. Lucas, A. T. Robson and A. F. Shaw. The sub-area chairmen are :—Eastern, Mr. H. G. Bissell; North-London, Mr. A. J. Goddard; Northern (Luton), Mr. P. R. Williams; Southern, Mr. T. A, McDowall; Southern Sub-subarea, Mr. G. Ward; Western, Mr. C. W. Beckett.
An Association's Disclaimer.
It is announced by A.R.0, that Mr. C. J. Wyatt, formerly secretary in the South Wales Area, is no longer connected with the Association in any way and has no longer any authority to act on its behalf,
M.o.T. to Attend A.R.O. Luncheon.
The Minister of Transport has accepted A.R.O.'s invitation to the annual luncheon to be held at Grosvenor House on May 15. About 200 acceptances have been received up to date, and include those from members of the Select Committee of the House of Lords and members of the Road Group in the House of Commons.