More Comments. on the Caxton Hall Meeting Extracts From Some
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of the Many Letters Received by Mr. E. B. Howes AT tin conclusion of the commentary by S.T.R. on the hauliers' meeting at Caxton Hall, we gave some extracts from letters received by the chairman of that meeting. Mr. E. B. Howes. The following are extracts from others received:—
From London, N.W.I0.—At your meeting at Caxton Hall I was interested, in particular, in the speech made by the Labour M.P His statement, that one of the aims of the Government was to do away with unemployment and poverty, struck me as rather odd. It came to my mind that with some 60,000 separate haulage concerns there must be a great many people employed in outside establishments who do vehicle and tyre repairs, painting, etc., for the small men. How can it be claimed that more people would be employed if 'all the vehicles were owned and operated by the State? Presumably, State ownership would not stop there. The Nationalized Organization would no doubt undertake much of its own work, and in its very nature it would mean leis employment.
What we should have in the place of honest workers would . be hordes of drones in the Civil Service.
What will the manufacturers do if there be only one customer—the State?
I had thought that the war which we have just fought was for freedom, but I shudder to think of the time when, possibly, I may not be able to go for a walk without a Government permit.
We must press hard with this campaign and proceed with the proposed mass meeting at the Albert Hall.
From Croydon.—Having just read a report of your important meeting, I find it most heartening. All good wishes go with you in what may prove to be an historic defence of the right to own in spite of totalitarian efforts from the Government. We would all benefit from any success you achieve.
From Reigate.—Congratulations on the definite stand taken by you at the conference of protest held at the Caxton Hall. I am the secretary of an association representing all kinds of businesses conducted by individual traders in this borough, and although the majority may not be directly concerned with transport, it is in their interest that we fight against this growing menace of nationalization. We have realized, only too clearly, the threat to our freedom. The previous threat from outside has now been destroyed, and we will not tolerate the substitute which the Government is endeavouring to force upon us—a system which this old country has given so much to defeat.
From Beaconsfield.—With regard to the report of your recent meeting, I was gratified to note that your members are pressing vigorously to resist the Government's proposals to nationalize your industry. It is good to find a body of men prepared to stand up for their rights, although the proper champions of private enterprise in the House of Commons have hitherto done little to help.
I am the managing director of a small engineering company employing 100 hands, and I realize that if the Government be successful in its initial attempts at State ownership, it will be only a comparatively short time before all the means for production, distribution and exchange will be nationalized.
Apart from my own position, in that I have no desire or intention to become a civil servant, I am convinced that nationalization is the surest way of turning the country into a third-rate Power.
It strikes me forcibly that your industry, with its large number of employers, is in the strongest possible position to oppose the present plans, and with every chance of success. If you succeed it will constitute a rallying point for the opposition.
I suggest that you ask for donations from all those interested, and in the event of your adopting such a suggestion I shall be pleased to make a donation of ten guineas, and another friend of mine will do the same.
• From London S.E,5.—From the masses of arguments for and against the nationalization of road 'transport, there emerges the obvious predominant fact that an enormous amount of public money, for whickwe already have better uses, is ,Ito be spent for this purpose. The interesting point to me is that the intention is to purchase for the public something which it already possesses.
From Leicester.—The concern which I represent (which is in the motor industry) and•I myself are prepared to help in any way we possibly can to support the fight against the nationalization of road transport.
I have spoken to hundreds of drivers and, without exception, they are. all opposed to this scheme, and I firmly believe that they will support any protest. It is, however, impossible for them to do this through their Union, which is, apparently, all in favour of anything that the Government proposes. It has occurred to me that the Bedford Drivers' Club must have a big membership, and I wonder if it would be possible to approach the secretary, with a view to having a petition drawn up and signed by its members. From the motor trade point of view, I think we ought to realize that a large number of hauliers already has premises and equipment for maintenance and repair, and if the industry be nationalized, this might bring into that side of it a great influx of competition. Another thing I have in Mind is to approach John Gordon, of the "Sunday Express," and suggests that he writes a suitable article from the point of view of "every man and every woman." I am writing personally to the Incorporated Sales Managers' Association, asking its members to point out to their employers the adverse effect that nationalization would have on the manufacturing and marketing costs of their goods.
From Bristol.—Will you pardon a perfect stranger for writing to wish you every success in your protest against the nationalization of your industry.
How our people, as a whole, can be blind in this matter I cannot understand, unless it is the lack of education on the subject. Nationalization has been rushed on us, and we are told that it is the cure for every evil. Unfortunately, many people believe this without question.
From Westhoughton.—Enclosed is cheque for £2 2s., in some small appreciation as a member of your organization. and as a token that you can count on whatever moral and' physical assistance we can muster. We will certainly attend any rally arranged at the Royal Albert. Hall.