Hauliers Saved the Day
Page 36
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WHEN there was an emergency in YV coal transport, the authoritieS had to ask free hauliers to do the job, said Major F. S. Eastwood, Yorkshire Licensing Authority, at the annual dinnet of the Road Haulage Association's South Yorkshire Area, in Chesterfield, last Friday.
He paid tribute to the assistance given by the R.H.A. at that time; 97 operators helped by providing 217 vehicles. At that time, it was necessary to employ even C-licence vehicles, but this was done only where the operator in question was recommended by the local office of the Ass6ciation.
As a result of revocations, 139 operators and 535 vehicles were "going over to the other side" in the Yorkshire Traffic Area, which meant that there would be more gaps in the Association's membership. Major Eastwood hoped that those who were interested in transport would maintain that interest despite nationalization; a strong association was needed, not only for the sake of the hauliers, but forrn the benefit of the country and the Licensing Authorities.
The Road Haulage Executive would do a good job, provided that it was not swamped by its other partners.
Mr. Frank F. Fowler, national chairman of the Road Haulage Association, described as un-British the putting into the hands of the haulier's greatest competitor the decision whether permission should be given to operate outside the 25-mile radius, Nationalintion had failed in every country and every age.
e2 The permit situation in Yorkshire had been dealt with more favourably than in any other part of the country, said Mr. Fowler.
Later he declared that he would never rest until workers' earnings were related to the prosperity of the industry, Mr. L. Matthews, area chairman, and the Duke of Devonshire, the guest of honour, were other speakers.
A presentation was made to air. T. O. Roberts in recognition of his work as chairman of the South Yorkshire area for three years.