Earnest Move Towards Merging
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AN invitation to the leaders of all transport associations to meet and discuss plans for merging was issued by Mr. J. T. Brockhouse, J.P., when proposing the toast of "The Association " at the annual supper of the C.M.U.A. West Bromwich and District Area, last Friday. Mr. Brockhouse said they would he welcomed to lunch at the Brockhouse works, West Bromwich, at a time and date to suit all concerned and they could have the use of the board-room after the lunch, to discuss the proposition.
The outstanding feature of this supper was the way in which the fusion of the various associations was touched on by all speakers and greeted with enthusiasm by those present. For instance, Mr. E. J. ShopIand, Clerk to the West Midland Licensing Authority, said that he was speaking officially when he said that the Traffic Commissioners would welcome a fusion of the various Associations.
Mr. Brockhouse emphasized the need for unity amongst transport workers in the fight against "Public Enemy No. 1, the Railway." They were proud of the West Bromwich Area, and he did not think he would be-far wrong in saying that it was the most thriving area of the Association. Speaking to the transport workers he said:—" I do think it is up to your Association, and kindred associations, to see if it is possible to get one strong body to get the ' ear' of the Government. It is up to you to see that not only from our own standpoint you claim a voice in the trans
1140 port of the country. In peace time what a great help you can be. In times of emergency the country will need you, and if you are organized how much easier it would be."
Mr. W. A. Winson, immediate past president of the C.M.U.A., urged that the transport associations should merge and that they should work for the industry as a welded whole.
Remarking on the enthusiasm and hard work put in by members of the West Bromwich Area, Mr. Willson said: " The strength of an Association like this is in the areas and in the strength of the officers you elect. The West Bromwich area is the largest and most prosperous of the areas I have visited in the past two years."
Mr. W. J. Male, chairman of the A.R.O. West Midland Area, said that he thought if transport workers would agree to a fusion or amalgamation of all the associations to form one large powerful body, it would be most desirable.
Mr. D. E. Skelding, manager, Road Passenger and Transport Association, Ltd., said that road transport was meeting a tremendous amount of publicity from the other side of the fence, and it was about time that transport workers spoke with as loud a voice as that which the railway companies were using at the present time.
Other speakers to advocate amalgamation of associations were Mr. r. Marsters (Birmingham Horse and Vehicle Owners' Association), and Mr. R. Guest, vice-chairman of the West Bromwich Area of the C.M.U.A.