Licensing Officials Honoured
Page 41
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
A LUNCHEON in honour of Mr.
Gleeson E. Robinson, C.B., M.C.. LL.D.. who has been appointed chairman of the Appeal Tribunal after vacating his position as Metropolitan R.T.C., and Sir Henry Piggott, C.B.. C.B.E., the incoming Metropolitan R.T.C., was given on July 31 by the Metropolitan Area of the Road Haulage Association.
A Distinguished Career The chairman of that area, Mr. Frank F. Fowler, explained that the purpose of the function was to welcome these two gentlemen. As regards Mr. Gleeson Robinson, he brought forensic skill and knowledge to the many problems placed before him. He was a solicitor in 1904, and in 1915 was in the Royal Horse Artillery, being mentioned in despatches and winning the M.C. with bar. He was called as a barrister to the Middle Temple in 1920. Now he was elevated to the Appeal Tribunal, where law alone rules, but integrity is the most important thing. He would be dealing with operators in every area, and he (the speaker) felt that the task would be in capable hands.
In 1930-31 Mr. Gleeson Robinson had had to deal with the public service vehicle people, and the poor hauliers hoped that he would not have to deal with them, but it came in 1933. Now the shadow of State ownership was over the industry, and this would not be in the interests of the British public. In 1933, if there were one man in London who was feared, it was Mr. Gleeson Robinson, but as the years went on and all London hauliers passed through his court, he became highly appreciated and earned respect by his fair dealing. Mr. Fowler also referred to the excellent work of Mr. Gibson.
Replying. Mr. Gleeson Robinson said that he had had 16 years of wonderful assistance from the industry and his staff, and he appreciated the reference to Mr. Gibson. He could not acknowledge too gratefully the help received from him. He thought, personally, that haulage had been strength ened by the controls. It was really controlled competition and those who deserved to progress did so.
One great duty of the Licensing Court is to ensure that every individual has justice. This country, in its competition with others, depends upon transport, and we must have the greatest advantage in this. All forms must be allowed to develop.
Confidence in Mr. Robinson
Mr. Eric R. Taylor, vice-chairman of the area, referred to the need of the industry speaking with one voice. As regards Sir Henry, if he proved to be half as fine an R.T.C. as his predecessor he would be satisfactory to hauliers. They looked forward to a continuance of the wonderful confidence which they had in Mr. Gleeson Robinson.
Sir Henry Piggott said that the Minister had decided that there must be a return, as soon as possible, to procedure under the Acts of 1930 and 1933, and no one could more appropriately fill the post of chairman of the Appeal Tribunal than Mr. Gleeson Robinson. He had been asked to take charge of the Metropolitan Area "for the time being." and he was glad to meet his London friends.
He regarded the credit paid to Mr.
• Gibson as being to a representative of all the chief assistants throughout the country. We should be thankful to the Civil Service. The wheels may grind slowly, but the honesty of purpose cannot be denied. It must be remembered. however, that if transport fails, everything fails. Whatever happens, the country will depend upon the transport industry.