Is it Cricket ?
Page 48
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Asks E. H. B. Palmer, O.B.E.
cult, troublesome and costly. I have had metal shelters, strong enough for normal service, wrecked after apparent use as citadels in youthful warfare. In coastal towns, corrosion of ferrous metals makes annual repainting essential. This can be countered by. galvanizing, and although the initial cost is increased, it is a wise investment.
In discussions with the Equipment and Engineering Co., Ltd., I have mentioned the possibility of replacing steel-framed windows by light-alloy units. The company thought, however, that although this would solve the corrosion problem, the increased cost could not be justified to most purchasers, as 'little difficulty is found in maintenance in most districts..
Good Foundation Paint
A suitable foundation paint is important if flaking and scratchings are to be minimized, and it has been found that self-etching primer achieves this object. A preparation of the type is made by Drynarnels, Ltd., Hall Green, Birmingham; this has proved useful both for protection and for securing base adhesion.
Any extension of the use and lowering of the price of permanent finishes for high-quality alloys may make it possible for these finishes to be applied to shelters employing alloy in their construction. The cost would certainly be higher than that • of ordinary painting, but would be justified if annual expenditure and defacement could be reduced. Concrete shelters may easily be constructed so as to require little or no attention, other than windowcleaning. Another advantage of concrete is that defacement is difficult.
• Simple Maintenance
Blakeley units have such a fine finish that some users may not choose to colour them, but if a pleasing appearance be desired, such as in seaside towns, a cement paint can be employed. Glass panes are cemented into the shelters after, erection. Should they need to be removed, no great difficulty is caused, as the adhesion between the frame and the fixing compound is not perfect. Absence of ledges, supporting members or pockets ensures that the shelters will not retain litter.
Shelters create problems, each new type bringing its own difficulties. Thc. ekperience gained in one town Or by one operator can be only a general guide to others.
n14
IT has been possible to regard the licensing of commercial vehicles, and even the inequalities that appear to attend the issue of permits, with a certain degree of equanimity. Occasionally there has been a departure from what you and I might term "cricket," but now a point has been reached on which it is impossible to avoid an 1.;sue.
Recently, the very general terms adopted by the Road . Haulage_ Executive to express its reasons fort objecting to applications was brought to my notice. I have a case in mind, the case of an applicant, established in the same district for many years, who is seeking die continuation of his licence without modification.
The R.H.E. Attacks From the R.H.E., and from no one else, has come notice of objection on the ground that suitable transport facilities (namely, the services of the objectors and all other forms of transport in the area) are already in excess of requirements. This action is being taken against an established haulier who is asking for nothing more than to continue with his present authorized vehicles and withi,n the existing con:: ditions of his licence. ' There is no indication of the line of attack.
The R.H.E., having lodged the objection, the next step, in all probability, will be to invite the applicant to a meeting of the roadrail negotiating committee with a view to discovering more about his business than has been possible hitherto.
Such tactics in military, or even political circles, may be commendable and necessary. There is an opponent to be misled with a view to destroying him before he destroys you. To employ them in order to reduce the competitive value of an established haulier is, to my mind, the lowest interpretation that can be credited to the relative Act.
The adoption of such measures against . a newcomer matters little. In any event, he has everything to gain and nothing to lose. Proof of need of his services has to be established whether or not there be opposition. • The treatment of an established haulier in similar terms either conceals a vicious intent towards his extermination or it exposes a system that allows him to suffer inconveniences and the possible disruption of his business at the happy-go-lucky will of a junior official who has been entrusted with a responsibility far above his discretionary level.
Little Thought The submitting of an objection should demand more than a passing thought and, by the way the R.H.E. sets about the business, even this seems to be lacking.
I claim that the wording of all notices of objections should be adequate, if only as a matter of simple courtesy. In this respect, the Executive might well follow the policy of the independent haulier who is called upon to oppose others in the same industry or aspiring to it. To pursue its present course affords the impression that the R.H.E. has but one object in view— to create a dictatorship.
No industry that has relied on the services of the independent haulier has ever complained of their quality. It has now been given to the Executive to demonstrate just what can be done in the other direction.
Uneven Odds
A fight is a fight and is enjoyed as such when the odds are even. When they are not, we question the times and the country in which we live.
In the bad old days of unlicensed operation, dog certainly ate dog. Where now is the difference, except that one unfortunate animal is at the end of a chain?
When war came to this country nearly 12 years ago, the haulage industry without undue delay became a co-ordinated effort without loss of individuality. Experience at its best was at the disposal of the Government. How do we ttand today?