R.H.A. Leaders Confident
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It/IANY guests attended the annual IVI dinner and dance of the Metropolitan Eastern Sub-area of the 12.H.A.,.at Buckhurst Hill, last Monday. Mr. N. D. Crafford; the chairman, presided. Many of the speeches had to be impromptu because the "big Wigs" from the central office were engaged with Transport Bill matters.
Mr. K. C. Green dealt mainly with the progress in the Association during 10 years. It was due to the faith and energy of the organizers that the R.H.A. was the only hauliers' body with which the authorities would deal, and it had brought about a better understanding with the railways. It was gaining strength every day, but he urged individual members to speak up; the leaders must respect the wishes of the members, and could thus truly represent all of them, Mr. E. R. Taylor, vice-chairman, Metropolitan Area, mentioned that in connection with the merger, the Eastern Sub-area had, insisted on certain clauses which has resulted in great improvements. There was a terrific job ahead, but he was now more confident than at any time during the past 15 months that the threat of nationalization would be removed. As regards the work of the Association, "never in the history of an industry had so much been left to so few."
Mr. L. V. Ward claimed that the fight against nationalization could be won in three days if all would pull together. The general public was with the hauliers, and if there were a general stoppage of road transport, it would put up with the inconvenience.
Mr. Crafford said the members of his area should not be looked upon as "reds," but as the Wise Men of the East. They discussed matters from every angle. This made his-task difficult, but the results were better.
Mr. A. E. Doe and Mr. R. J. Elmes also spoke.