Milestones of the Past Year
Page 21
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A Short Resume of the Major Events which Occurred in 1943, Many of Which Exercised aConsiderable. Influence on the Position of the Haulage Industry in Particular
. A T this time it is possible to review the eVents of the past year as they affect the road-haulage industry. It is a period which has marked many significant changes in the lives of numerous hauliers. Doubtless, numbers of these entered upon 1943 fortified with high hopes of enjoying a prosperous year, despite the uncertain conditions then prevailing. Some of them have realized the fulfilment of their lopes, whilst others have been less fortunate. Not all set out in a spirit of optimism; there were those for whom the future loomed dark in their imagination and, as the year progressed, their fears and doubts regarding the future may have been justified.
The section of the industry which has been affected so adversely is that occupied by the small operator who, because of the very fact that he is small, is rendered an easy victim to bureaucratic control. It is the big operating units which, mainly, are interested in this particular form of control and which appea.r to exercise considerable influence and power.
It seems opportune that, before reviewing he events of importance to the industry during 1943, mention should be made of the part which "The Commercial Motor" has played in the affairs of those engaged in read haulage either as employers or employed. Throughout that period and with unfaltering courage these columnS have been devoted to exposing injustices, in an endeaveur to have wrongs put right. The claims of the small haulier have received constant attention and any innovation which has appeared to be prejudicial to the cause of the haulier has been criticized, and even condemned. Never in the history of the journal have its power and influence been more widely manifested.
In January last, it will be remembered, the Editor organized a function known as the " Get-Together Luncheon,-Le which, born of an original idea, proved an outstanding success. The speakers were diverseand ranged from a member of the Peerage to a heavy lorry driver. As the chairman, Mr. Roland E. Dangerfield, very aptly put it, " This is something of a unique Occasion which should find its place in the annals of the industry."
A "Crusade" for Ex-Servicemen
One of the features of this publication which has proved of immense value to vehicle owners and drivers, as well as being much appreciated by the authorities, is the series of articles relating to the care of tyres. The instructional hints on how to safeguard rubber and to get the longest possible life out of tyres have proved a war-winning factor.
The outstanding crusade, however, undertaken by " The Commercial Motor," for crusade it most certainly is, concerns the launching of the campaign in support of ex-Servicemen who may desire either to re-enter or enter the industry at the end of the war. Prior to the inaugurating of the " C.M." League of Servicemen none of the representative bodies nor, indeed, any other agency had initiated or suggested any such move which, truly, is a noble conception.
Amongst other subjects dealt with in this journal must be included " Design of Vehicles," " Leaded' Fuel Troubles " and " Justice for the Ex-Servicemen," all of which concern matters of supreme national importance.
. The pages have been alive with problems directly affecting the haulier and have contained also suggesnons and advice. " The Commercial Motor" has been well and truly described as the hauliers' friend.
As to the induStry itSelf, the year commenced with the
announcement of a number of interesting items. For instance, there was the news Concerning -the formation of a new associaticM, viz—the Hauliers' " Mutual Federation. Paradoxically two prominent association figures addressed a joint meeting at which it was stated " Never has the
industry been so united "; this in spite of the fact that the II.M.F. came into being as a direct result of dissatisfaction with the associations already existing.
Then the decision of the Government to set up a new Road Haulage Scheme to deal with long-distance work was made known.
The National Director of A.R.O., when addressing meetings, made an appeal to, the small operators, and emphasized the point that the strength of the road-haulage industry is merged in the small operators, who must be safeguarded if the industry is to play its proper part in the war effort and in the post-war period.
In February there was a " scene " in the House of Commons which centred around the M.O.W.T Members expressed resentment and raised strong objections to an Order which formed an addition to Regulation 70 of the Defence (General) Regulations 1939. This particular Regulation is concerned with the power of the Minister, by which he can, by Order, assume dictatorial powers over any form of transport.
Reorganization of the Industry • The voluminous report prepared by the Road Transport Organization Joint Conference regarding the re-organization of the industry, was issued during February. At this time also there were heard expressions of dissatisfaction regarding the Government Haulage Scheme, on the grounds that the Scheme would not achieve its objects and would reduce the efficiency of the industry.
' March was punctuated by the formation of local groups of the new Hauliers' Mutual Federation. In the Press and
elsewhere there was considerable discussion on the controversial subject of national control as opposed to private enterprise. This became-a leading subject prompted by.a speech of the 'Secretary of State Jor Home Affair's.
During May the Conditions of Carriage, as applied to all controlled undertakings, were made known. There were also warnings as to the possibility of further control of the industry by way of the reduction to below 60 miles of the limit for uncontrolled long-distance traffic. The warnings were based on the instructions issued to unit controllers.
June witnessed the formation of a new organization connected with passenger transport and bearing the title of -the Public Transport Association Incorporated. The bodies concerned were the OmnibusOwners' Association and the Public Service Transport Association. During June also there was issued by the M.O.W.T. an instruction book relating to gas-producers.
In response to a question as to when a statement might be expected regarding the policy of the 11/1.0.W.T. in relation to the organization of post-war transport, Mr.
Noel-Baker, Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry, said " Lord Leathers is actively considering the many complex problems involved, but he has not yet reached the stage at which he can submit definite proposals to his colleagues in the Government."
Slightly amended conditions of carriage, as applied to all traffic carried by the M.O.W.T. Road Haulage Organiza. lion, whether for long or short distances, were announced in July.
Then in August the President of A.R.O., Major Crawfurd, speaking at the A.G.M. of the Association, detailed the 19 points of a haulier's decalogue.
In the autumn there was an important debate in the House of Lords on the post-war development and co-ordination of a national system of transport. From this hauliers derived little comfort.
-k call for the withdrawal of the Government Haulage Scheme for. long_ distance traffic came from the East Midlands, Dissatisfaction and criticism in other parts of the country were increasing in volume.