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Duke of Kent Congratulates Road Transport

8th May 1942, Page 21
8th May 1942
Page 21
Page 21, 8th May 1942 — Duke of Kent Congratulates Road Transport
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DESPITE the cancellation of the C.M,U.A, luncheon which would have marked the 3Sth anniversary of this body, the annual general meeting, which took its place on April 30, was remarkably well attended, one great attraction being the presence of H.R.H. the Duke of Kent, K.G., K.T„ who was welcomed by the president, Major R. A. B. Smith. The latter alluded also to the receipt of a telegram from His Majesty thanking the members for their loyal greetings.

The Duke referred to his attendance at the Association's luncheon in 1938, and expressed his regret at being deprived of the pleasure of meeting a great number of its members, but he was glad that the Association had decided not to hold the luncheon. It was obvious to him that the members were seizing every opportunity of getting on with the job without unnecessary fuss or wasted energy.

Distribution, he stated, is one of the biggest problems. It is no use pro-• clueing vast quantities of war materials if they be left at the factories ; they must be transported rapidly, and with certainty, to their destinations. We have seen many examples during the war of the need for having the right material in the right place at the right moment, and in sufficient quantities. In this all-important matter road transport bears its full share, Amongst modern-transport Means it is the most versatile, and, therefore, subject 'to a greater strain in times of emergency.

He paid a wholehearted tribute to the operators for the way they had adapted their methods to war-time requirements. There were still, however, many problems requiring just as much adaptability, goodtill and co-operative spirit as any that had been met so far.

He recalled his statement of four years ago—that in his experience as a motorist he had always found the professional lorry driver courteous, and far more capable, than many drivers of private cars. His R.A.F. duties obliged him to be on the road a great deal these days, and from personal experience he endorsed most sincerely what he had then said. Despite far more severe conditions, the very high standard of driving had been maintamed.

All. those connected with road transport had done a wonderful job, one of which they and their country may feel justly proud, and the C.M.U.A. had played a large part in achieving this. His final words were : " The country will count on you, and will I know, not be disappointed."

Mr. P. J. Noel-Baker responded for Lord Leathers, who had been summoned to a meeting of the War Cabinet. Ile said that those connected with the M. of W.T. were veryagrateful to His Royal Highness for his encouraging words. It was now necessary to take extra care in preserving tyres and saving fuel.

On the passenger side, there was a great and growing task, there being a 50-80 per cent, increase last year over pre-war days, whilst next winter's demand would be heavier still, so preparations should be pushed forward. On the goods-transport side, the task was also heavy, and the Road Haulage Scheme was a particularly good example of co-operation between the industry and the Ministry. He referred to the rationalization of retail deliveries, and this, with •a similar principle applied to wholesale distribution, would result in important economies.

The co-operation of every user was asked in connection with the care of tyres.

The observations of users of the new gas producers would be welcome, and the number of plants might, later, be increased.

Every expedient possible must be employed to obtain the best use of man power Men must be tra:nsferred to the heavier vehicles, their places on the lighter machines being taken by women.

Major R. A. B. Smith, in his presidential address, expressed his thanks to the general secretary (Mr. F. G. Bristow) and his staff, also to the staffs of the other divisions.

He said the efficiency of the roadtransport industry would be attained, not only in respect of vehicles, but in general control, by all the bodies concerned getting together. He visualized an organized future for road transport, with a group of leaders having close liaison with the manufacturers, etc., and with the power of thousands of men behind them, thus being able to keep level .with the huge interests of other means for transport. He paid a tribute to the Technical Press, which was a tremendous help and often made useful suggestions.

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Organisations: War Cabinet

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