Open Letter to Mr. Henry T. Dutfield
Page 24
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At the First Meeting of the National Council of the New Road By.
Haulage Association Mr. Duffield was Elected to be its Chairman "Tantalus" THE office of chairman of the new Road Haulage Association is, indeed, an important one, and you have been accorded honour and distinction in that you have been elected to that position.
-On the one hand, the appointment marks• the successful termination of a long period of negotiations. These were carried out with tireless and patient effort which' was attended by some degree of anxiety as to the success er otherwise of the final issue. On the other hand, there is started a new chapter in road-transport history, the pages of which have yet to be written. In your position as chairman you will have much to do with the writing' of this chapter and all that is recorded therein.
The task confronting you is not an easy one, for, as the chosen leader, you have the responsibility of captaining a team which will have to be, guided along strange and unexplored paths. This because the R.H.A. is the greatest development in haulage circles yet attempted. The shaping of the members of the team—possessed of wide and varying temperaments—into an able and efficient whole will be, to a large extent, in your hands. Doubtless, the task will call upon your full resourCes of patience, tact and diplomacy.
Allay Anxiety of the Small Men .
It may be well, as you enter upon the threshold of your term of office, not to overlook the fact that to the large majority of hauliers in the provinces, the rural districts and the countryside, you were, until recently, a stranger. The time came, however, when there was a change overnight and when you entered into the limelight of publicity. The booklet entitled "The Carrying. Industry and the Future "—more commonly referred to as " The Book of the Eight "—caused your name, along with the names of your co-authors, to be -discussed wherever hauliers met. It is hardly likely that you have forgotten that certain of the proposals contained in that booklet aroused some resentment, and there is evidence that the impressions formed at that time— particularly by the small man—still remain. Suspicion and anxiety have become a part of the make-up of these men—and not without some justification. They, most certainly, will want to know in what direction your influence will be used as chairman of what may become one of the most powerful organizations ever known in the haulage industry. They will be anxious
to learn whether you still hold the same opinions as those expressed in the booklet, or whether such views have been buried for all time. In mentioning this matter it is not desired to cause you embarrassment, nor to revive unpleasant memories.
When assuming an office of -major importance the average individual is inclined to set before himself certain aims and ambitions which he hopes to achieve before the date of his retirement. It is possible you may cherish such ideals. If. so, do you not think that a statement regarding your 'plans and intentions would serve as a helpful measure in ensuring-that any existing and unnecessary prejudices ' might be removed? It would truly be a pity if your term of office were to be overshadowed and possibl§ handicapped by any failure in this respect. Any such frank statement would go a long way towards promoting good will and confidence amongst the general body of hauliers who are not in the big class but. whose support certainly cannot , be ignored.
The eyes of those engaged in the haulage industry will he upon ..you, watching alertly as to the direction in which your 'leadership takes, them. Will it be along the way to freedom, .future security and prosperity, or will it follow the tortuous way trod by bureaucracy, cartels or monopolies? A great deal is expected from the R.H.A. in the waif of achievement resulting directly from strenuous -effort and vigorous action. It is appreciated, naturally, that it will take some time for the new organization to settle down and get into its stride; but it is hoped that, in this direction, you will speed up matters to the fullest extent.
Opportunity of Rendering High Service You will agree, doubtless, that as chairman you are afforded the opportunity of rendering service of the highest order and merit, not to this or that section but to the haulage industry as a whole. It is earnestly hoped that you may 'succeed in elevating the standard of disinterested service for the common good, and in removing fear, anxiety and uncertainty as to the future. it is essential the industry should function without unnecessary restrictions, untrammelled by other forms of transport, and that it be ready to meet all competition by reason of an economical and efficient service. If you prove to be' able to-achieve this, Mr. Chairman, nothing but good can result from your stewardship.