A.R.O. Management on Resignations
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Areas in Most Cases Behind' Management Committee, Says Statement Issued on Wednesday
ON Wednesday evening, an important statement explaining its position was issued by A.R.O. committee of management. The memorandum declares that, with the exception of a few members, the areas are solidly behind the committee. The following is the text of the statement :— " In 1934, representatives of the Road Haulage Association and, the Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association agreed the principle of amalgamation with the Commercial Motor Users Association. 'Agreement was formed upon the details of such a merger, with the exception of two or three measures, but the C.M.U.A. was insistent with regard to the terms of employment of one of its officers, which the other negotiating parties were unable to agree. In consequence, the negotiations terminated, but the R.H.A, 'and the M.H.C.S.A. combined to form Associated Road Operators. " Shortly after the formation of A,R.O., negotiations for amalgamation with the C.M.U.A. reopened and, in due course, each Association appointed certain members of its National Council to act as a joint committee of construction, which delegated to one member of each Association the negotiation of the principal details of the amalgamation, " The reports of these gentlemen were made to the joint committee of construction and, in July last, certain of A.R.O. representatives on the com mittee of construction thought that the reports had been rendered at such a time and in such a manner as to preclude a careful consideration of their terms, as affecting each Association. " On December 15 last, extraordinary general meetings of A.R.O. were held, when, notwithstanding a circular letter addressed to all members and signed by certain members of the National Council, recommending the approval of the merger, it was clear that a very large majority of the votes . . would be against the merger on the broad outlines proposed. " The meeting, however, decided mat to veto the possibility of a merger with the C.M.U.A., but to support unanimously the recommendation of the National Council of A.R.O. (suggested by certain independent members) that. pending the election of a new National. Council, a committee of management, consisting of four members of the National Council opposed to, and four members of the National Council in favour of, the merger, should be aypointed to deal with the 'affairs of the Association and the merger. " In spite of the unanimity of views thus expressed, certain members of the National Council have resigned from A.R.O., and some have accepted the invitation of the C.M.U.A. to join its National Council. Inquiries show that, with the exception of very few members, the areas are solidly supporting A.R.O. and its committee of management. "That committee wishes to make known its desire to co-operate with the C.M.U.A., or any representative organization, in its efforts to protect and advance the interests of the road-trans
port industry. . ."